A new theory of chloroform syncope : showing how the anaesthetic ought to be administered.

  • Kirk, Robert, 1867-1907.
Date:
1890
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A new theory of chloroform syncope : showing how the anaesthetic ought to be administered. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University Libraries/Information Services, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University.

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    the full importance in the case of chloroform. Dr. Snow does not notice this subject, and neither the London Chloroform Committee of 1864, nor Claude Bernard, admit any action of the kind, except an irritating and asphyxiating effect from concentrated atmospheres. The latter must have been wrong, however, if it should be found that the supposed anomalies of chloroform can be explained by the hypothesis that the vapour produces an action and reaction of sufficient intensity here. It is at once evident that if, besides the action of the chloroform dissolved in the blood, there is a further effect due to the vapour in the pulmonary cells, one half of the field of inquiry has hitherto lain hidden from view, and no wonder the action of the anaesthetic has re- mained a mystery. If there be this action on the pulmonary mucous membrane the agent must be re- garded as two forces, acting at two several points, one without and the other within the circulation^ and the resulting phenomena are to be ascribed to the action and reaction of these two forces, and to the varying degrees of intensity with which they operate at different stages of the inhalation. In considering these forces it must be evident that the first, the external one, will soon reach its maximum of intensity, and at a period when that of the second is so slight that for the sake of simplicity it may be left out of account. We have next to consider the probable reaction of such a force, that is, the effect likely