Anæsthesia. Convulsions. Ecstasy. Laughter.

The effects of Kerosol. have been observed on workmen, and also experiments have been made with it for the purpose of testing its anæsthetic properties. It causes a pleasurable kind of intoxication, but too much muscular rigidity, asphyxia, and intermittent pulse to render it a safe anæsthetic. Laughter was noticed in two cases, and this should prove an indication in some kinds of delirium and insanity. The symptoms are > in open air.

Compare: Petrol., Paraff., Benzin.

On breathing the vapour one seems to float away into a wavy maze with a sense of complete loneliness; there seems but one object in the universe, oneself; on recovery, the first object seen seems the only other object.─Laughed (after tooth extraction) and only felt he had had a pleasant dream.─Lost himself, but was inclined to laugh and would not keep still.

Peculiar lightness of head.─Slight headache.

Eyes a little unnaturally open and staring.

Momentary dusky redness of face at each convulsion (as in epilepsy).

During the convulsions breathing somewhat checked by rigid contraction of chest muscles.

Pulse: accelerated; intermittent; volume diminished during insensibility.

Weakness of the limbs.

Moderate convulsions.─More muscular rigor than usual in favourable anæsthesia.─Partially or wholly insensible, but rapidly recovers when brought into open air.─Insensibility complete, though eyes not closed.

Some sweating.