Steroids of the androstane series are described which possess a 3.alpha.-hydroxy group, a 5.alpha.- or 5.beta.- hydrogen atom, a 10- methyl group, an 11.alpha.- substituted amino group. The 17-position may be unsubstituted or substituted by a methyl or ethyl group in the .beta.-configuration or by an oxo group, or there may be a 16.beta., 17.beta.-epoxide group. A 2.beta.-alkoxy group may optionally be present. The compounds, particularly their salts, have anaesthetic activity.