Methaqualone, a non-barbiturate hypnotic, was used as the sole anaesthetic for short surgical procedures in 27 patients. In a further 13 it was, in addition, injected intermittently during nitrous oxide anaesthesia for longer operations. Rapid loss of consciousness followed intravenous injection of adequate doses. Transient generalized muscle spasm followed theonset of sleep, after which there was muscle relaxation. Recovery was uneventful and after a single dose consciousness began to return in 10–15 minutes.