[Gk. chloros, light-green, and/or-myl. A heavy, colorless volatile liquid, possessing an agreeable odor, like ether; it has a sweet though acid taste ; it is only slightly soluble in water ; it dissolves sulphur, phosphorus, guttapercha, iodine, and fatty and resinous substances. It was discovered in 1831 by Guthrie in America, and attention was first called to its anaesthetic properties by Flourens in 1847, regarding its effects on animals ; and soon after this Simpson of Edinburgh introduced it as an anaesthetic in - medical practice. Its effect on the nervous system is to cause a suspension of voluntary motion and of sensation, while respiration and the action of the heart are continued.