This term has been applied to a condition often seen in children, and occasionally in adults. It is almost limited to chloroform: the author has never seen a genuine case when ether has been in use. It appears very quickly after inhalation has begun: the muscles are relaxed, the respirations quiet and regular, the conjunctival reflex sluggish. A very marked feature is the excessive smallness of the pupil. Obviously then, the condition much resembles a true third stage, but if the operation be begun, the mistake will very rapidly be made evident, for the patient will at once move and cry out. In essence, the condition is simply one of ordinary sleep. It can be recognised by its appearance after a period of inhalation too brief for the induction of true anæsthesia, by the very small pupils and the lightness of the respiration. It will be a waste of time to permit the condition to continue, as the lightness of the respiration delays the taking in of a dose of the anæsthetic sufficient to induce a proper third stage. The remedy is simple,--rub the lips and face smartly with a towel or the hand, when respiration will at once deepen and the pupil dilate. Thereafter, the induction should proceed normally. CHAPTER VI. PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT. For all but short anæsthesias conducted chiefly by nitrous oxide, the intestinal tract of the patient must receive careful preparation. In doing this, one must avoid excessive starvation and purgation, both of which tend to increase shock. We will suppose that the operation is timed for 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning. On Monday morning the patient receives an aperient which may be varied a little to suit his taste and habits. If he has no preference, there is nothing better than an ounce of castor oil. During the rest of Monday, he has a light diet: fish and milk pudding in the middle of the day, a little soup at night. The aperient should operate before 9 p.m. When that is over, the patient retires to bed. During the day he may be allowed to move about his room a little, but should not undertake any exertion. If there be excessive nervousness, or a natural tendency to insomnia, sulphonal gr. 15 or veronal gr. 8 may be given early in the evening, to ensure a night’s rest. About 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, a large soap and water enema is given, and when this has operated, a cup of tea or a little soup or Bovril may be taken. Thereafter nothing should be given by mouth. The early forenoon is the time of choice for any operation, but if an afternoon time be of necessity chosen, the patient should not be starved throughout the forenoon. A repetition of the early morning meal may be allowed about 11 a.m.