THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANÆSTHETICS

The second edition' of the manual of surgical aneesthesta, written by Mr. Bellamy Gardner, has been enlarged by the addition of chapters dealing with the methods of producing spinal analgesia, with the Induction of anresthesla by the Infusion or by the Insufflation of ether and with the system of anocl-assoclatlon. The cardinal objects of the original edition are preserved. It still emphasizes the Importance of maintaining the free passage of air along the atrways as the basis of successful administration. The principles, upon which the art of giving anresthetlcs are founded, are discussed. and complete accounts are given of the methods by which the art Is developed. Thll!l book deals almost exclusively with the practical side of the subject. The openIng chapters treat of the duties of the anresthetlst, the preparation of the patient, the choice of the anresthetlc, the signs of anrcsthesta and the effects of pathological conditions on the Induction. The author gives clear directions on these matters, He gives some details about the uses of nitric oxide, ether, chloroform and ethyl chloride. Special chapters describe the use of anresthesia for operattons ~or adenoids, for intranasal surgery, for abdominal operations, for rectal sur-gery, for the examination and treatment of affections of the bladder and for operative proceedings through the vagina. Some useful Information appears under the heading of the treatment of emergencies. The duties of the nurse during after-treatment are discussed In detail. In his account of general anresthesla, the author takes the position that the corneal retlex should not be abolished In safe amesthesla. Whatever may be the conditions In London, the third stage of anresthesla Is not reached In Australia until this reflex Is abolished. It has been universally taught In this country that the absence of the corneal reflex Indicates the onset of surgical anresthesla. Many surgeons expect a further degree of anresthesla, with complete muscular relaxation. With care, such deep anresthesla can be safely produced. The book contains a number of plates which Illustrate the proper position of the patient in regard to adequate ventilation of the lungs. Many tlgures of useful types or apparatus are Inserted Into the text. Medical students and medical practitioners will find few works which give a better account of this branch of the art of medicine.