Chloroform consists of 99 per cent. by weight of absolute chloroform and 1 per cent. of alcohol.

It is irritant to the skin and mucous membranes, and, vaporizing when exposed to the air at ordinary temperatures, is administered by inhalation- It stupefies the brain and so produces complete anesthesia. It depresses the heart and finally causes paralysis of the respiratory center.

It is largely excreted in the breath, though some of it is probably burned in the system.