Rectal induction of anaesthesia using ten per cent methohexitone is a safe and effective method for young children. It is particularly applicable to the child three months to four years of age. Twenty-five mg.kg-1 of methohexitone should be given and the child should be observed continuously by the anaesthetist until he falls asleep. Equipment to establish an artificial airway and to ventilate the lungs should be immediately at hand. The use of rectal methohexitone does not significantly delay immediate or late recovery after short (30-minute) surgical procedures.