Ether

in the ordinary use of the word, a light, colorless liquid having a refreshing odor and a sweetish, burning taste. It evaporates rapidly. It is so inflammable that it is classed as an explosive. It is a union of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It is prepared by distilling a mixture of five parts of alcohol with nine parts of sulphuric acid. When a little of it is poured out in the palm of the hand it evaporates quickly, leaving a cold sensation. During evaporation it absorbs heat so rapidly that a fine spray of ether may be used to freeze, that is to say, harden, the tissues for the dissector's knife. The fumes of ether are used by surgeons to produce unconsciousness. See Cholroform; Surgery