# Hoffmann's anodyne, how was it used?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoffmanns-anodyne-how-was-it-used/731534>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 17, 2015, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoffmanns-anodyne-how-was-it-used/731534 "2015-09-17T04:47:50Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\
**Post date:** [September 17, 2015, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoffmanns-anodyne-how-was-it-used/731534/1 "2015-09-17T04:47:50Z")

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> **[Compound spirit of ether](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compound_spirit_of_ether)**
>
> Compound spirit of ether, also called Hoffmann's anodyne, Hoffmann's drops, or aetheris spiritus compositus, is a solution of one part diethyl ether in three parts alcohol. It is used traditionally as an anodyne or as a hypnotic. Its use as a drug was introduced by Friedrich Hoffmann.
>  
> This drug article relating to the nervous system is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Full text:

> [@](#):
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> Compound spirit of ether, also called Hoffmann’s anodyne or aetheris spiritus compositus, is a solution of one part diethyl ether in three parts alcohol.[1] It is used traditionally as an anodyne or as a hypnotic. Its use as a drug was introduced by Friedrich Hoffmann.[2]

Are you supposed to breathe in the fumes, or consume it orally?

Years ago I tried a couple mls orally, nothing felt. Drank an ounce, felt like a shot of strong liquor nothing else really. Didn’t have the desire to try consuming more.

What is this stuff supposed to do?

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**Author:** ![Nametag](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nametag/32/406_2.png) [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\
**Post date:** [September 17, 2015, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoffmanns-anodyne-how-was-it-used/731534/2 "2015-09-17T05:38:33Z")

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You drink it. It’s classified as a carminative (anti-gas), anti-colic, and “stomachic” (not a modern category, but basically for indigestion). I wouldn’t touch it.