Two boxes of 5 x 6cc Trilene ampoules for inhalation, by I.C.I. Ltd.,England, 1961-1970

First described in 1864, trichlorethylene, was a subject of study by researchers as a potential anaesthetic in the 1920s. They were searching for a non-flammable substance that would be safer to use. Already used as a wound cleaner and in industry, anaesthetist, Christopher Langton Hewer began trials with trichlorethylene in 1940 at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. At his suggestion, the makers ICI, added a blue dye to it to prevent it becoming confused with other colourless, liquid anaesthetics such as chloroform.