Chloroform

is formed by the ac tion of the sun’s rays on a mixture of chlorine and marsh gas; also by the action of caustic potash on chloral o1 chloracetic acid, or by the action of nascent hydrogen on tetra chi or ide of carbon. It is prepared on a large scale by distilling water and alcohs: with bleaching powder. Chloroform is 4 colorle , mobile, heavy, ethereal liquid The vapor of chloroform, when in. haled for some time, produces a tem: porary insensibility to pain. Inhaled n small doses it produces pleasurable inebriation, followed by drowsine ; ir larger doses it causes lo of voluntary motion, suspension of mental faculties with slight contraction of the muscle: and rigidity of the limbs; then if the inhalation is continued a complete relaxation of the voluntary muscle: takes place, but if carried too far it causes dangerous symptoms of apnea or of syncope, and the patient must be restored by artificial respiration.