Chloroform or Ether?

The question of which is the best and safest general anaesthetic continues to be constantly brought under the notice of the profession by the frequent occurrence of deaths during anaesthesia. The fact that opinions are still so divided shows that a good deal can be said in favour of both chloroform and ether; but one thing stands out pre-eminently, and that is, that when deaths do occur they are nearly always when chloroform has been used.