DEATH under the administration of chloroform as an anæsthetic is an accident which, although fortunately rare, is well known to all; but the occurrence of a late poisoning, sometimes manifesting itself several days after the administration of the drug, is less well recognised. This too is rare, but its occurrence indicates the very profound effect which such a drug may exercise upon living tissues.

A very large amount of work has been done upon the immediate influence of chloroform upon the nervous system and upon the circulatory and respiratory mechanisms, but few observations on its more lasting effects upon the general metabolism have been recorded.