Then unconsciousness came on, and Simpson, who was the first to recover, found Duncan under the table, eyes staring, and snoring vigorously, while Keith was kicking at the supper table. The experiment was repeated a few evenings later, and this time a niece of Simpson was induced to take a turn. After inhaling the vapour she fell asleep, murmuring “I’m an angel; I’m an angel.” Simpson at once began the use of chloroform in his practice, and his great reputation and powerful advocacy soon caused its general adoption. [Illustration: SIR JAMES YOUNG SIMPSON, M.D. (From a drawing by T. M. Pape, lent by the publishers of the _Century Magazine_.)] A MYSTERIOUS ANÆSTHETIC. A strange and little known story is told by Professor Franck. Van Swieten was a Dutch physician, a pupil of Boerhaave. He did not succeed in his native land so well as he ought to have done, for he was a devout Catholic. He went to Vienna, where he attained the highest medical position and the utmost esteem from his patroness, the Empress Maria Theresa. On May 1, 1771, three young gentlemen called on Van Swieten and were shown into his study. The professor was then an old man, 71 years of age. “What do you desire, my children?” he asked, as he fingered his beads. “We come to teach Van Swieten what he knows not,” answered one of the young men. “That is not difficult,” replied the veteran. Then they told him they wished to show him a medicine new to the world, and as the doctor smiled incredulously, one of his visitors added: “Like the philosopher of old, we will say to Pain:--Thou art but an idle word.” Van Swieten was doubtful, but after further explanation he invited them to come to his hospital the next morning and demonstrate their secret. When they were gone he went to Maria Theresa and told her of the interview. The Empress declared her intention of being present at the experiment. The next day when the three young men appeared at the hospital they found Van Swieten and a veiled lady awaiting them. Certain chemicals had previously been placed in retorts by them, and a mastiff was made to inhale the product. The animal exhibited symptoms of inebriation, and soon fell on the floor unconscious. One of the strangers made a deep incision into the dog’s chest and covered the wound with a surgical dressing. The animal showed no sign of pain, and shortly afterwards recovered consciousness, got on his feet, and walked about as if nothing had happened. “This is indeed a miracle,” said the Empress. “Would you dare to operate thus on a patient?” asked Van Swieten. “Willingly, Master,” was the reply. “Then operate on me,” said the Professor.