Cardiac collapse is fortunately uncommon. It usually occurs during the induction of anesthesia. Suddenly there is a marked pallor of the face and the pulse becomes weak. It happens in chloroform, and occasionally in anaesthol narcosis. When such a tendency is discovered ether should be given by the drop method.

Gradual induction of anesthesia until the patient’s tolerance to chloroform is ascertained, is of cardinal importance.