reached the uppermost of his four fingers,’ all of them being placed over the course of the artery. It gradually became more distinct and firmer, and at the same time, the lividity of the face decidedly lessened. In another minute, the man made a slight inspiratory effort. I ceased directly the artificial respiration, and merely assisted the expiration by pressure upon the ribs. Another and another inspiration followed, and in a short time he breathed freely without assistance. The countenance became natural, and he appeared as if in a sound sleep. In half an hour, he spoke when roused; then he vomited, and complained of giddiness. In an hour afterwards, he had recovered sufficiently to walk home. “Moments of intense anxiety appear much longer than they really are; but even allowing this, I am quite sure that, at the very least, five minutes elapsed from the time when the man ceased breathing before the first inspiratory effort took place, and that for not less than one minute the pulse was imperceptible, and the heart’s action almost, if not altogether, inaudible.” “_Case 4._ A few weeks after the occurrence just described, I was assisting Mr. Syme in removing the breast of a lady. A gentleman, my superior in the hospital, was conducting the inhalation of chloroform. Anæsthesia was complete, and the breathing good, when the operation commenced. The chloroform was allowed to remain over the face during the whole time of its performance. Before it was over, I noticed the respiration become very quick and incomplete, and suggested, in consequence, the propriety of removing the handkerchief. My remark was neglected for eight or ten seconds, and then, just as it was taken away, the breathing ceased suddenly. The face became deadly pale; the eyes vacant; the lips livid. Instant dissolution appeared inevitable (the pulse was not felt). Artificial respiration was immediately commenced, but the air not entering the lungs freely, the tongue was pulled forwards, and retained so by the artery forceps. The chest then expanded freely with each inflation, the air escaping with a cooing sound. In rather less than a minute, the respiratory movements recommenced, but at first so slowly and imperfectly that it was necessary to assist expiration. When recovery was a little more established, the operation was completed. Before the putting in of the sutures, sensation had partially returned, and in a short time the lady had perfectly recovered.” Mr. Bickersteth very properly adds: “There can be no doubt, that in the foregoing cases, a grievous error was committed by continuing the inhalation after anæsthesia was produced, and that it was in consequence of this, the accidents, so nearly fatal, occurred.”