On chloroform and other anæsthetics: their action and administration

Presented as the final work of a pioneering physician, this volume gathers years of observation and experiment into a single, systematic guide to the use of chloroform and related anesthetics. The editor's heartfelt memoir frames the scientific material with personal tribute, reminding listeners of the human story behind the data. Readers are led through the early history of inhalation anesthesia, the chemistry of the gases, and the practical challenges faced by 19th‑century surgeons.

The text details how temperature, patient condition, and dosage influence the depth of narcotism, and it catalogues signs of insensibility, risks of fatal syncope, and methods for safe recovery. Extensive case notes illustrate successes and tragic accidents, while comparative chapters on ether and newer agents highlight evolving standards of safety. Though rooted in its own time, the work offers a fascinating glimpse into the birth of modern anesthesia and remains a reference for anyone interested in medical history.