ETHYL CHLORID (aelhylis chloridum) is a colorless, extremely volatile liquid, with aromatic odor and sweetish taste. It boils at 12.5 C (55°F.) and so must be kept in sealed containers. The anesthetizing power of ethyl chlorid was reported by Flourens, in 1841, and the drug was first administered as a general anesthetic by Heyielder, in 1848. As an anesthetic it may be administered by either the 1 pen. or the closed method.