: Beyond human medicine, it became a standard anesthetic in veterinary practice. The Science of "Slowing Down"
Barbital was the first pharmacologically active agent in the barbiturate class. It was synthesized by and Josef von Mering , who supposedly named it after the Italian city of Verona because they believed it was the most peaceful place on Earth. Unlike the harsh sedatives of the 19th century, Barbital offered: barbital
: Unlike modern alternatives, Barbital has a very narrow "safety window." Higher doses can depress the respiratory centers of the brainstem, leading to fatal respiratory failure. : Beyond human medicine, it became a standard
Despite its early praise, the "gentlest of poisons" revealed a dark side as it became more widely used throughout the 20th century: : Beyond human medicine