CHLOROFORM

(Yunanca köken — orijinale bakınız.) A compound represented by the formula Cg H CI3, and obtained by distilling a mixture of chloride of lime with diluted alcohol. It is a heavy liquid, its sp. gr, being 1-48; it boils at 140°. Its name has reference to the constitution oi formic acid, which is represented by C2 H O3, and is therefore the teroxide of a hydrocarbon = C2 H, to which the term formyle has been applied; so that, in reference to this view of Its composition, chloroform has also been denominated terchloride of formyle. When the vapour of pure chloroform is respired it soon induces insensibility, in the same way as ether vapour; and hence has been similarly used, in the performance of surgical operations and in child-birth. Much prudence and caution are requisite in its administration. [s. 1374]