Althesin, the new steroid anaesthetic, has been given to patients having minor gynaecological operations after six different premedicant combinations. Atropine, which had been studied previously, was a satisfactory premedicant in terms of both induction and recovery and diazepam 10 nag was not very different. Hyoscine, given before Althesin 50 μl/kg, increased the incidence of involuntary muscle movements and the combination was quite unacceptable for induction of anaesthesia. Three opiate combinations reduced slightly the incidence of induction side effects but, like the other sedatives, delayed recovery and, overall, had little to recommend them. Postoperative sickness is rare after this drug so that anti-emetics are of little benefit; the emetic action of opiates is a disadvantage.