Halothane is a volatile anesthetic commonly used in surgeries to induce general anesthesia. It is a colorless liquid that evaporates easily, allowing it to be inhaled by patients. Halothane works by depressing the central nervous system, leading to a loss of consciousness and sensation during medical procedures. First introduced in the 1950s, halothane was widely used due to its effectiveness and rapid onset. However, its use has declined in favor of newer anesthetics that have fewer side effects, such as isoflurane and sevoflurane. Despite this, halothane remains an important part of the history of anesthesia.