The Schimmelbusch mask is used; this fits the face and is large enough to include the bridge of the nose and prominence of the chin. It is covered with a piece of thin flannel, and, over this, impermeable cloth in the center of which a lozenge-shaped fenestra (1½”×1”) has been cut. In the upper half of this little window with the flannel pane, on the inside of the mask, a small wad of gauze is fastened. The mask is then complete and _can be used for administering any anesthetic by the drop method—chloroform, anaesthol or ether._ In giving ether one makes use of the upper half of the fenestra with its separate ether pad; while chloroform and anaesthol are given to advantage through the lower portion. The chin, cheek and bridge of the nose are anointed with a little white vaseline at the line of contact with the mask, and then the latter is allowed to rest lightly on the face of the patient for a few moments, until he can reconcile himself to the strange procedure, and resumes his normal breathing. There must be absolute quiet. The anesthetist alone may speak when he deems fit. [Sidenote: The Induction] [Sidenote: Primary Anesthesia] The beginning is made with anaesthol or chloroform drop by drop. The slightest objection on the part of the patient that the vapors are too strong must be considered; irritation of the throat, slight coughing, all merely emphasize that the introduction must be very gradual. If the patient is solicitous about the efficacy of the anesthetic he should be assured that there is no hurry, and he should be enjoined to take deeper breaths, if he breathes too lightly. As long as the patient is conscious he will respond to the injunction to take a deep breath; if he does not respond to this request he has reached the _stage of unconsciousness—the state of primary anesthesia_. Sometimes a remarkable calm, a period of relative apnea, _precedes_ the stage of excitement. At other times, this stage ushers the patient _directly_ into the state of complete anesthesia. There need be no stage of excitement at all. This is especially true if morphine has been administered hypodermatically before narcosis, and if the induction of the anesthetic is cautious and gradual. [Sidenote: Surgical Degree] _The surgical degree, the state of complete anesthesia_, is announced by the respiration when it assumes the more or less well marked snoring character of one who is fast asleep.