Compound spirit of ether, also called Hoffmann's anodyne, Hoffmann's drops, or aetheris spiritus compositus, is a solution of one part

diethyl ether Diethyl ether, or simply ether, is an organic compound in the ether class with the formula , sometimes abbreviated as (see Pseudoelement symbols). It is a colourless, highly volatile, sweet-smelling ("ethereal odour"), extremely flammable li ...

in three parts alcohol. It is used traditionally as an

anodyne An anodyne is a drug used to lessen pain through reducing the sensitivity of the brain or nervous system. The term was common in medicine before the 20th century, but such drugs are now more often known as analgesics or painkillers. The term '' ...

or as a hypnotic. Its use as a drug was introduced by

Friedrich Hoffmann Friedrich Hoffmann or Hofmann (19 February 1660 – 12 November 1742) was a German physician and chemist. He is also sometimes known in English as Frederick Hoffmann. Life His family had been connected with medicine for 200 years before him. Bo ...

.T. Kleij: ''Zur Entwicklungs- und Herstellungsgeschichte der "Hoffmannstropfen" und ihrer Darstellung und Interpretation in den medizinischen Werken des 19. und 20. Jahrhunderts''. Dresden, 2003.

References

Traditional medicine {{nervous-system-drug-stub