RESEARCH IV.

RESEARCH IV.

RELATING TO THE EFFECTS PRODUCED BYTHE RESPIRATION OF NITROUS OXIDE.

HISTORY of the DISCOVERY.—Effects produced by the RESPIRATION of different GASES.

A shorttime after I began the study of Chemistry, in March 1798, my attention was directed to the dephlogisticated nitrous gas of Priestley, by Dr. Mitchill’s Theory of Contagion.[204]

The fallacy of this Theory was soon demonstrated, by a few coarse experiments made on small quantities of the gas procured from zinc anddiluted nitrous acid. Wounds were exposed to its action, the bodies of animals were immersed in it without injury; and I breathed it mingled in small quantities with common air, without remarkable effects. An inability to procure it in sufficient quantities, prevented me at this time, from pursuing the experiments to any greater extent. I communicated an account of them to Dr. Beddoes.

In 1799, my situation in the Medical Pneumatic Institution, made it my duty to investigate the physiological effects of the aëriform fluids, the properties of which presented a chance of useful agency. At this period I recommenced the investigation.

A considerable time elapsed before I was able to procure the gas in a state of purity, and my first experiments were made on the mixtures of nitrous oxide, nitrogene and nitrous gas, which are produced during metallic solutions.

In the beginning of March, I prepared a large quantity of impure nitrous oxide from the nitrous solution of zinc. Of this I oftenbreathed the quantities of a quart and two quarts generally mingled with more than equal parts of oxygene or common air. In the most decisive of those trials, its effects appeared to be depressing, and I imagined that it produced a tendency to fainting: the pulse was certainly rendered slower under its operation.

At this time, Mr. Southey respired it in an highly diluted state; it occasioned a slight degree of giddiness, and considerably diminished the quickness of his pulse.

Mr. C. Coates likewise respired it highly diluted, with similar effects.

In April, I obtained nitrous oxide in a state of purity, and ascertained many of its chemical properties. Reflections upon these properties and upon the former trials, made me resolve to endeavour to inspire it in its pure form, for I saw no other way in which its respirability, or powers could be determined.[205]

I was aware of the danger of this experiment. It certainly would never have been made if the hypothesis of Dr. Mitchill had in the least influenced my mind. I thought that the effects might be possibly depressing and painful, but there were many reasons which induced me to believe that a single inspiration of a gas apparently possessing no immediate action on the irritable fibre, could neither destroy or materially injure the powers of life.

On April 11th, I made the first inspiration of pure nitrous oxide; it passed through the bronchia without stimulating the glottis, and produced no uneasy feeling in the lungs.

The result of this experiment, proved that the gas was respirable, and induced me to believe that a farther trial of its effects might be made without danger.

On April 16th, Dr. Kinglake being accidentally present, I breathed three quarts of nitrous oxide from and into a silk bag for more than half a minute, without previously closing my nose or exhausting my lungs.

The first inspirations occasioned a slight degree of giddiness. This was succeeded by an uncommon sense of fulness of the head, accompanied with loss of distinct sensation and voluntary power, a feeling analogous to that produced in the first stage of intoxication; but unattended by pleasurable sensation. Dr. Kinglake, who felt my pulse, informed me that it was rendered quicker and fuller.

This trial did not satisfy me with regard to its powers; comparing it with the former ones I was unable to determine whether the operation was stimulant or depressing.

I communicated the result to Dr. Beddoes, and on April the 17th, he was present, when the following experiment was made.

Having previously closed my nostrils and exhausted my lungs, I breathed four quarts of nitrous oxide from and into a silk bag. The first feelings were similar to those produced in the last experiment; but in less than half a minute, the respiration being continued, theydiminished gradually, and were succeeded by a sensation analogous to gentle pressure on all the muscles, attended by an highly pleasurable thrilling, particularly in the chest and the extremities. The objects around me became dazzling and my hearing more acute. Towards the last inspirations, the thrilling increased, the sense of muscular power became greater, and at last an irresistible propensity to action was indulged in; I recollect but indistinctly what followed; I know that my motions were various and violent.

These effects very soon ceased after respiration. In ten minutes, I had recovered my natural state of mind. The thrilling in the extremities, continued longer than the other sensations.[206]

This experiment was made in the morning; no languor or exhaustion was consequent, my feelings throughout the day were as usual, and I passed the night in undisturbed repose.

The next morning the recollections of the effects of the gas were very indistinct, and had not remarks written immediately after the experiment recalled them to my mind, I should have even doubted of their reality. I was willing indeed to attribute some of the strong emotion to the enthusiasm, which I supposed must have been necessarily connected with the perception of agreeable feelings, when I was prepared to experience painful sensations. Two experiments however, made in the course of this day, with sceptism, convinced me that the effects were solely owing to the specific operation of the gas.

In each of them I breathed five quarts of nitrous oxide for rather a longer time than before. The sensations produced were similar, perhaps not quite so pleasurable; the muscular motions were much less violent.

Having thus ascertained the powers of the gas, I made many experiments to ascertain the length of time for which it might be breathed withsafety, its effects on the pulse, and its general effects on the health when often respired.

I found that I could breathe nine quarts of nitrous oxide for three minutes, and twelve quarts for rather more than four. I could never breathe it in any quantity, so long as five minutes. Whenever its operation was carried to the highest extent, the pleasurable thrilling at its height about the middle of the experiment, gradually diminished, the sense of pressure on the muscles was lost; impressions ceased to be perceived; vivid ideas passed rapidly through the mind, and voluntary power was altogether destroyed, so that the mouth-piece generally dropt from my unclosed lips.

Whenever the gas was in a high state of purity, it tasted distinctly sweet to the tongue and palate, and had an agreeable odor. I often thought that it produced a feeling somewhat analogous to taste, in its application to my lungs. In one or two experiments, I perceived a distinct sense of warmth in my chest.

I never felt from it any thing like oppressive respiration: my inspirations became deep in proportion as I breathed it longer; but this phænomenon arose from increased energy of the muscles of respiration, and from a desire of increasing the pleasurable feelings.

Generally when I breathed from six to seven quarts, muscular motions were produced to a certain extent; sometimes I manifested my pleasure by stamping or laughing only; at other times, by dancing round the room and vociferating.

After the respiration of small doses, the exhilaration generally lasted for five or six minutes only. In one or two experiments when ten quarts had been breathed for near four minutes, an exhilaration and a sense of slight intoxication lasted for two or three hours.

On May 3d. To ascertain whether the gas would accelerate or retard the progress of sleep, I breathed at about 8 o’clock in the evening, 25 quarts of nitrous oxide, in quantities of six at a time, allowing but short intervals between each dose. The feelings were much lesspleasurable than usual, and during the consumption of the two last doses, almost indifferent; indeed the gas was breathed rather too soon after its production and contained some suspended acid vapour which stimulated the lungs so as to induce coughing.

After the experiments, for the first time I was somewhat depressed and debilitated; my propensity to sleep however, came on at the usual hour, and as usual was indulged in, my repose was sound and unbroken.

Between May and July, I habitually breathed the gas, occasionally three or four times a day for a week together; at other periods, four or five times a week only.

The doses were generally from six to nine quarts; their effects appeared undiminished by habit, and were hardly ever exactly similar. Sometimes I had the feelings of intense intoxication, attended with but little pleasure; at other times, sublime emotions connected with highly vivid ideas; my pulse was generally increased in fulness, but rarely in velocity.

The general effects of its operation upon my health and state of mind, are extremely difficult of description; nor can I well discriminate between its agency and that of other physical and moral causes.

I slept much less than usual, and previous to sleep, my mind was long occupied by visible imagery. I had a constant desire of action, a restlessness, and an uneasy feeling about the præcordia analogous to the sickness of hope.

But perhaps these phænomena in some measure depended on the interest and labour connected with the experimental investigation relating to the production of nitrous oxide, by which I was at this time incessantly occupied.

My appetite was as usual, and my pulse not materially altered. Sometimes for an hour after the inspiration of the gas, I experienced a species of mental indolence[207]pleasing rather than otherwise, and never ending in listlessness.

During the last week in which I breathed it uniformly, I imagined that I had increased sensibility of touch: my fingers were pained by any thing rough, and the tooth edge produced from slighter causes than usual. I was certainly more irritable, and felt more acutely from trifling circumstances. My bodily strength was rather diminished than increased.

At the end of July, I left off my habitual course of respiration; but I continued occasionally to breathe the gas, either for the sake of enjoyment, or with a view of ascertaining its operation under particular circumstances.

In one instance, when I had head-ache from indigestion, it was immediately removed by the effects of a large dose of gas; though it afterwards returned, but with much less violence. In a second instance, a slighter degree of head-ache was wholly removed by two doses of gas.

The power of the immediate operation of the gas in removing intense physical pain, I had a very good opportunity of ascertaining.

In cutting one of the unlucky teeth called dentes sapientiæ, I experienced an extensive inflammation of the gum, accompanied with great pain, which equally destroyed the power of repose, and of consistent action.

On the day when the inflammation was most troublesome, I breathed three large doses of nitrous oxide. The pain always diminished after the first four or five inspirations; the thrilling came on as usual, and uneasiness was for a few minutes, swallowed up in pleasure. As the former state of mind however returned, the state of organ returned with it; and I once imagined that the pain was more severe after the experiment than before.

In August, I made many experiments with a view of ascertaining whether any analogy existed between the sensible effects of the different gases which are sooner or later fatal to life when respired, and those of nitrous oxide.

I respired four quarts of Hydrogene[208]nearly pure produced from zinc and muriatic acid, for near a minute, my lungs being previously exhausted and my nostrils carefully closed. The first six or seven inspirations produced no sensations whatever; in half a minute, I perceived a disagreeable oppression of the chest, which obliged me to respire very quickly; this oppression gradually increased, till at last the pain of suffocation compelled me to leave off breathing. I felt no giddiness during or after the experiment; my pulse was rendered feebler and quicker; and a by-stander informed me that towards the last, my cheeks became purple.

In a second experiment, when the hydrogene was procured from iron and diluted sulphuric acid, I was unable to respire it for so long as three quarters of a minute; a transient giddiness and muscular debility were produced, the pulse was rendered very feeble, and the pain of suffocation was greater than before.

I breathed three quarts of Nitrogene mingled with a very small portion of carbonic acid, for near a minute. It produced no alteration in mysensations for the first twenty seconds; then the painful sense of suffocation gradually came on, and increased rapidly in the last quarter of the minute, so as to oblige me to desist from the experiment. My pulse was rendered feebler and quicker. I felt no affection whatever in the head.

Mr. Watt’s observations on the respiration of diluted Hydrocarbonate by men, and Dr. Beddoes’s experiments on the destruction of animals by pure hydrocarbonate, proved that its effects were highly deleterious.

As it destroyed life apparently by rendering the muscular fibre inirritable without producing any previous excitement, I was anxious to compare its sensible effects with those of nitrous oxide, which at this time I believed to destroy life by producing the highest possible excitement, ending in læsion of organisation.

In the first experiment, I breathed for near a minute, three quarts of hydrocarbonate mingled with nearly two quarts of atmospheric air.[209]It produced a slight giddiness and pain in the head, and a momentary lossof voluntary power: my pulse was rendered much quicker and feebler. These effects however, went off in five minutes, and I had no return of giddiness.

Emboldened by this trial, in which the feelings were not unlike those I experienced in the first experiments on nitrous oxide, I resolved to breathe pure hydrocarbonate.

For this purpose, I introduced into a silk bag, four quarts of gas nearly pure, which was carefully produced from the decomposition of water by charcoal an hour before, and which had a very strong and disagreeable smell.

My friend, Mr. James Tobin, Junr. being present, after a forced exhaustion of my lungs, the nose being accurately closed, I made three inspirations and expirations of the hydrocarbonate. The first inspiration produced a sort of numbness and loss of feeling in the chest and about the pectoral muscles. After the second inspiration, I lost all power of perceiving external things, and had no distinctsensation except a terrible oppression on the chest. During the third expiration, this feeling disappeared, I seemed sinking into annihilation, and had just power enough to drop the mouth-piece from my unclosed lips. A short interval must have passed during which I respired common air, before the objects about me were distinguishable. On recollecting myself, I faintly articulated, “I do not think I shall die.” Putting my finger on the wrist, I found my pulse thread-like and beating with excessive quickness.

In less than a minute, I was able to walk, and the painful oppression on the chest directed me to the open air.

After making a few steps which carried me to the garden, my head became giddy, my knees trembled, and I had just sufficient voluntary power to throw myself on the grass. Here the painful feeling of the chest increased with such violence as to threaten suffocation. At this moment, I asked for some nitrous oxide. Mr. Dwyer brought me a mixture of oxygene and nitrous oxide. I breathed this for a minute, andbelievedmyself relieved. In five minutes, the painful feelings began gradually to diminish. In an hour they had nearly disappeared, and I felt only excessive weakness and a slight swimming of the head. My voice was very feeble and indistinct. This was at two o’clock in the afternoon.

I afterwards walked slowly for about half an hour, with Mr. Tobin, Junr. and on my return, was so much stronger and better, as to believe that the effects of the gas had disappeared; though my pulse was 120 and very feeble. I continued without pain for near three quarters of an hour; when the giddiness returned with such violence as to oblige me to lie on the bed; it was accompanied with nausea, loss of memory, and deficient sensation. In about an hour and half, the giddiness went off, and was succeeded by an excruciating pain in the forehead and between the eyes, with transient pains in the chest and extremities.Towards night these affections gradually diminished. At ten,[210]no disagreeable feeling except weakness remained. I slept sound, and awoke in the morning very feeble and very hungry. No recurrence of the symptoms took place, and I had nearly recovered my strength by the evening.

I have been minute in the account of this experiment because it proves, that hydrocarbonate acts as a sedative, i. e. that it produces diminution of vital action, and debility, without previously exciting. There is every reason to believe, that if I had taken four or five inspirations instead of three, they would have destroyed life immediately without producing any painful sensation. Perhaps most of the uneasy feelings after the experiment, were connected with the return of the healthy condition of organs.[211]

About a week after this experiment, I attempted to respire Carbonic acid, not being at the time acquainted with the experiments of Rosier.

I introduced into a silk bag four quarts of well washed carbonic acid produced from carbonate of ammoniac[212]by heat, and after a compleat voluntary exhaustion of my lungs, attempted to inspire it. It tasted strongly acid in the mouth and fauces, and produced a sense of burning at the top of the uvula. In vain I made powerful voluntary efforts to draw it into the windpipe; at the moment that the epiglottis was raised a little, a painful stimulation was induced, so as to close it spasmodically on the glottis; and thus in repeated trials I was prevented from taking a single particle of carbonic acid into my lungs.

I tried to breathe a mixture of two quarts of common air and three of carbonic acid, without success; it stimulated the epiglottis nearly in the same manner as pure carbonic acid, and was perfectly non-respirable.

I found that a mixture of three quarts of carbonic acid with seven of common air was respirable, I breathed it for near a minute. At the time, it produced a slight degree of giddiness, and an inclination to sleep. These effects however, very rapidly disappeared after I had ceased to breathe,[213]and no other affections followed.

During the course of experiments on nitrous oxide, I several times breathed Oxygene procured from manganese by heat, for from three to five minutes.

In respiring eight or ten quarts; for the first two or three minutes I could perceive no effects. Towards the end, even when I breathed very slowly, my respiration became oppressed, and I felt a sensation analogous to that produced by the want of fresh air; though but little of the oxygene had been consumed.

In one experiment when I breathed from and into a bag containing 20 quarts of oxygene for near six minutes; Dr. Kinglake felt my pulse, and found it not altered in velocity, but rather harder than before. I perceived no effects but those of oppression on the chest[214].

Having observed in my experiments upon venous blood, that Nitrous gas rendered that fluid of a purple tinge, very like the color generated in it by nitrous oxide; and finding no painful effects produced by the application of nitrous gas to the bare muscular fibre, I began to imagine that this gas might be breathed with impunity, provided it were possible in any way to free the lungs of common air before inspiration, so as to prevent the formation of nitrous acid.

On this supposition, during a fit of enthusiasm produced by the respiration of nitrous oxide, I resolved to endeavour to breathe Nitrous gas.

114 cubic inches of nitrous gas were introduced into the largemercurial airholder; two small silk bags of the capacity of seven quarts were filled with nitrous oxide.

After a forced exhaustion of my lungs, my nose being accurately closed, I made three inspirations and expirations of nitrous oxide in one of the bags, to free my lungs as much as possible from atmospheric oxygene; then, after a full expiration of the nitrous oxide, I transferred my mouth from the mouth-piece of the bag to that of the airholder, and turning the stop-cock, attempted to inspire the nitrous gas.—In passing through my mouth and fauces, it tasted astringent and highly disagreeable; it occasioned a sense of burning in the throat, and produced a spasm of the epiglottis so painful as to oblige me to desist instantly from attempts to inspire it. After moving my lips from the mouth-piece, when I opened them to inspire common air, aëriform nitrous acid was instantly formed in my mouth, which burnt the tongue and palate, injured the teeth, and produced an inflammation of the mucous membrane which lasted for some hours.

As after the respiration of nitrous oxide in the experiments in the last Research, a small portion of the residual atmospheric air remained in the lungs, mingled with the gas, after forced expiration; it is most probable that a minute portion of nitrous acid was formed in this experiment, when the nitrous gas was taken into the mouth and fauces, which might produce its stimulating properties. If so, perhaps I owe my life to the circumstance; for supposing I had taken an inspiration of nitrous gas, and even that it had produced no positive effects, it is highly improbable, that by breathing nitrous oxide, I should have freed my lungs from it, so as to have prevented the formation of nitrous acid when I again inspired common air. I never design again to attempt so rash an experiment.

In the beginning of September I often respired nitrous oxide mingled with different proportions of common air or oxygene. The effects produced by the diluted gas were much less violent than those producedby pure nitrous oxide. They were generally pleasant: the thrilling was not often perceived, but a sense of exhilaration was almost constant.

Between September and the end of October, I made but few experiments on respiration, almost the whole of my time being devoted to chemical experiments on the production and analysis of nitrous oxide.

At this period my health being somewhat injured by the constant labour of experimenting, and the perpetual inhalation of the acid vapours of the laboratory, I went into Cornwall; where new associations of ideas and feelings, common exercise, a pure atmosphere, luxurious diet and moderate indulgence in wine, in a month restored me to health and vigor.

Nov. 27th. Immediately after my return, being fatigued by a long journey, I respired nine quarts of nitrous oxide, having been precisely thirty-three days without breathing any. The feelings were different from those I had experienced in former experiments. After the first sixor seven inspirations, I gradually began to lose the perception of external things, and a vivid and intense recollection of some former experiments passed through my mind, so that I called out “what an amazing concatenation of ideas!” I had no pleasurable feeling whatever, I used no muscular motion, nor did I feel any disposition to it; after a minute, when I made the note of the experiment, all the uncommon sensations had vanished; they were succeeded by a slight soreness in one of the arms and in the leg: in three minutes these affections likewise disappeared.

From this experiment I was inclined to suppose that my newly acquired health had diminished my susceptibility to the effects of the gas. About ten days after, however, I had an opportunity of proving the fallacy of this supposition.

Immediately after a journey of 126 miles, in which I had no sleep the preceding night, being much exhausted, I respired seven quarts of gas for near three minutes. It produced the usual pleasurable effects, andslight muscular motion. I continued exhilarated for some minutes afterwards: but in half an hour found myself neither more or less exhausted than before the experiment. I had a great propensity to sleep.

I repeated the experiment four or five times in the following week, with similar effects. My susceptibility was certainly not diminished. I even thought that I was more affected than formerly by equal doses.

Though, except in one instance, when indeed the gas was impure, I had experienced no decisive exhaustion after the excitement from nitrous oxide, yet still I was far from being satisfied that it was unanalogous to stimulants in general.—No experiment had been made in which the excitement from nitrous oxide had been kept up for so great a length of time and carried to so great an extent as that in which it is uniformly succeeded by excessive debility under the agency of other powers.

It occurred to me, that supposing nitrous oxide to be a stimulant of the common class, it would follow that the debility produced inconsequence of excessive stimulation by a known agent, ought to beincreasedafter excitement from nitrous oxide.[215]

To ascertain whether this was the case, I made on December 23d, at four P. M. the following experiment. I drank a bottle of wine in large draughts in less than eight minutes. Whilst I was drinking, I perceived a sense of fulness in the head, and throbbing of the arteries, not unanalogous to that produced in the first stage of nitrous oxide excitement. After I had finished the bottle, this fulness increased, the objects around me became dazzling, the power of distinct articulation was lost, and I was unable to walk steadily. At this moment the sensations were rather pleasurable than otherwise, the sense of fulness in the head soon however increased so as to become painful,and in less than an hour I sunk into a state of insensibility.[216]

In this situation I must have remained for two hours or two hours and half.

I was awakened by head-ache and painful nausea. The nausea continued even after the contents of the stomach had been ejected. The pain in the head every minute increased; I was neither feverish or thirsty; my bodily and mental debility were excessive, and the pulse feeble and quick.

In this state I breathed for near a minute and half five quarts of gas, which was brought to me by the operator for nitrous oxide; but as it produced no sensations whatever, and apparently rather increased my debility, I am almost convinced that it was from some accident, either common air, or very impure nitrous oxide.

Immediately after this trial, I respired 12 quarts of oxygene for near four minutes. It produced no alteration in my sensations at the time; but immediately after I imagined that I was a little exhilarated.

The head-ache and debility still however continuing with violence, I examined some nitrous oxide which had been prepared in the morning, and finding it very pure, respired seven quarts of it for two minutes and half.

I was unconscious of head-ache after the third inspiration; the usual pleasurable thrilling was produced, voluntary power was destroyed, and vivid ideas rapidly passed through my mind; I made strides across the room, and continued for some minutes much exhilarated. Immediately after the exhilaration had disappeared, I felt a slight return of the head-ache; it was connected with transient nausea. After two minutes, when a small quantity of acidified wine had been thrown from the stomach, both the nausea and head-ache disappeared; but languor and depression not very different in degree from those existing before theexperiment, succeeded. They however, gradually went off before bed time. I slept sound the whole of the night except for a few minutes, during which I was kept awake by a trifling head-ache. In the morning, I had no longer any debility. No head-ache or giddiness came on after I had arisen, and my appetite was very great.

This experiment proved, that debility from intoxication was not increased by excitement from nitrous oxide. The head-ache and depression, it is probable, would have continued longer if it had not been administered. Is it not likely that the slight nausea following the effects of the gas was produced by new excitability given to the stomach?

To ascertain with certainty, whether the most extensive action of nitrous oxide compatible with life, was capable of producing debility, I resolved to breathe the gas for such a time and in such quantities, as to produce excitement equal in duration and superior in intensity to that occasioned by high intoxication from opium or alcohol.

To habituate myself to the excitement, and to carry it on gradually.

On December 26th, I was inclosed in an air-tight breathing-box,[217]of the capacity of about 9 cubic feet and half, in the presence of Dr. Kinglake.

After I had taken a situation in which I could by means of a curved thermometer inserted under the arm, and a stop-watch, ascertain the alterations in my pulse and animal heat, 20 quarts of nitrous oxide were thrown into the box.

For three minutes I experienced no alteration in my sensations, though immediately after the introduction of the nitrous oxide the smell and taste of it were very evident.[218]

In four minutes I began to feel a slight glow in the cheeks, and a generally diffused warmth over the chest, though the temperature of the box was not quite 50°. I had neglected to feel my pulse before I went in; at this time it was 104 and hard, the animal heat was 98°. In ten minutes the animal heat was near 99°, in a quarter of an hour 99.5°, when the pulse was 102, and fuller than before.

At this period 20 quarts more of nitrous oxide were thrown into the box, and well-mingled with the mass of air by agitation.

In 25 minutes the animal heat was 100°, pulse 124. In 30 minutes, 20 quarts more of gas were introduced.

My sensations were now pleasant; I had a generally diffused warmth without the slightest moisture of the skin, a sense of exhilaration similar to that produced by a small dose of wine, and a disposition to muscular motion and to merriment.

In three quarters of an hour the pulse was 104, and animal heat not99,5°, the temperature of the chamber was 64°. The pleasurable feelings continued to increase, the pulse became fuller and slower, till in about an hour it was 88, when the animal heat was 99°.

20 quarts more of air were admitted. I had now a great disposition to laugh, luminous points seemed frequently to pass before my eyes, my hearing was certainly more acute and I felt a pleasant lightness and power of exertion in my muscles. In a short time the symptoms became stationary; breathing was rather oppressed, and on account of the great desire of action, rest was painful.

I now came out of the box, having been in precisely an hour and quarter.

The moment after, I began to respire 20 quarts of unmingled nitrous oxide. A thrilling extending from the chest to the extremities was almost immediately produced. I felt a sense of tangible extension highly pleasurable in every limb; my visible impressions were dazzling and apparently magnified, I heard distinctly every sound in the roomof my situation.[219]By degrees as the pleasurable and was perfectly aware sensations increased, I lost all connection with external things; trains of vivid visible images rapidly passed through my mind and were connected with words in such a manner, as to produce perceptions perfectly novel. I existed in a world of newly connected and newly modified ideas. I theorised; I imagined that I made discoveries. When I was awakened from this semi-delirious trance by Dr. Kinglake, who took the bag from my mouth, Indignation and pride were the first feelings produced by the sight of the persons about me. My emotions were enthusiastic and sublime; and for a minute I walked round the room perfectly regardless of what was said to me. As I recovered my former state of mind, I felt an inclination to communicate the discoveries I had made during the experiment. I endeavoured to recall the ideas, they were feeble and indistinct; one collection of terms, however, presenteditself: and with the most intense belief and prophetic manner, I exclaimed to Dr. Kinglake, “Nothing exists but thoughts!—the universe is composed of impressions, ideas, pleasures and pains!”

About three minutes and half only, had elapsed during this experiment, though the time as measured by the relative vividness of the recollected ideas, appeared to me much longer.

Not more than half of the nitrous oxide was consumed. After a minute, before the thrilling of the extremities had disappeared, I breathed the remainder. Similar sensations were again produced; I was quickly thrown into the pleasurable trance, and continued in it longer than before. For many minutes after the experiment, I experienced the thrilling in the extremities, the exhilaration continued nearly two hours. For a much longer time I experienced the mild enjoyment before described connected with indolence; no depression or feebleness followed. I ate my dinner with great appetite and found myself lively and disposed to action immediately after. I passed the evening in executing experiments.At night I found myself unusually cheerful and active; and the hours between eleven and two, were spent in copying the foregoing detail from the common-place book and in arranging the experiments. In bed I enjoyed profound repose. When I awoke in the morning, it was with consciousness of pleasurable existence, and this consciousness more or less, continued through the day.

Since December, I have very often breathed nitrous oxide. My susceptibility to its power is rather increased than diminished. I find six quarts a full dose, and I am rarely able to respire it in any quantity for more than two minutes and half.

The mode of its operation is somewhat altered. It is indeed very different at different times.

I am scarcely ever excited into violent muscular action, the emotions are generally much less intense and sublime than in the former experiments, and not often connected with thrilling in the extremities.

When troubled with indigestion, I have been two or three times unpleasantly affected after the excitement of the gas. Cardialgia, eructations and unpleasant fulness of the head were produced.

I have often felt very great pleasure when breathing it alone, in darkness and silence, occupied only by ideal existence. In two or three instances when I have breathed it amidst noise, the sense of hearing has been painfully affected even by moderate intensity of sound. The light of the sun has sometimes been disagreeably dazzling. I have once or twice felt an uneasy sense of tension in the cheeks and transient pains in the teeth.

Whenever I have breathed the gas after excitement from moral or physical causes, the delight has been often intense and sublime.

On May 5th, at night, after walking for an hour amidst the scenery of the Avon, at this period rendered exquisitely beautiful by brightmoonshine; my mind being in a state of agreeable feeling, I respired six quarts of newly prepared nitrous oxide.

The thrilling was very rapidly produced. The objects around me were perfectly distinct, and the light of the candle not as usual dazzling. The pleasurable sensation was at first local and perceived in the lips and about the cheeks. It gradually however, diffused itself over the whole body, and in the middle of the experiment was for a moment so intense and pure as to absorb existence. At this moment, and not before, I lost consciousness; it was however, quickly restored, and I endeavoured to make a by-stander acquainted with the pleasure I experienced by laughing and stamping. I had no vivid ideas. The thrilling and the pleasurable feeling continued for many minutes; I felt two hours afterwards, a slight recurrence of them, in the intermediate state between sleeping and waking; and I had during the whole of the night, vivid and agreeable dreams. I awoke in the morning with the feeling of restless energy, or that desire of action connectedwith no definite object, which I had often experienced in the course of experiments in 1799.

I have two or three times since respired nitrous oxide under similar circumstances; but never with equal pleasure.

During the last fortnight, I have breathed it very often; the effects have been powerful and the sensations uncommon; but pleasurable only in a slight degree.

I ought to have observed that a desire to breathe the gas is always awakened in me by the sight of a person breathing, or even by that of an air-bag or an airholder.

I have this day, June 5th, respired four large doses of gas. The first two taken in the morning acted very powerfully; but produced no thrilling or other pleasurable feelings. The effects of the third breathed immediately after a hearty dinner were pleasant, but neither intense or intoxicating. The fourth was respired at night in darkness and silence after the occurrence of a circumstance which had producedsome anxiety. This dose affected me powerfully and pleasantly; a slight thrilling in the extremities was produced; an exhiliration continued for some time, and I have had but little return of uneasiness. 11 P. M.

From the nature of the language of feeling, the preceding detail contains many imperfections; I have endeavoured to give as accurate an account as possible of the strange effects of nitrous oxide, by making use of terms standing for the most similar common feelings.

We are incapable of recollecting pleasures and pains of sense.[220]It is impossible to reason concerning them, except by means of terms which have been associated with them at the moment of their existence, and which are afterwards called up amidst trains of concomitant ideas.

When pleasures and pains are new or connected with new ideas, they can never be intelligibly detailed unless associated during their existence with terms standing for analogous feelings.

I have sometimes experienced from nitrous oxide, sensations similar to no others, and they have consequently been indescribable. This has been likewise often the case with other persons. Of two paralytic patientswho were asked what they felt after breathing nitrous oxide, the first answered, “I do not know how, but very queer.” The second said, “I felt like the sound of a harp.” Probably in the one case, no analogous feelings had ever occurred. In the other, the pleasurable thrillings were similar to the sensations produced by music; and hence, they were connected with terms formerly applied to music.

DETAILS of the EFFECTS produced by the RESPIRATION of NITROUS OXIDE upon different INDIVIDUALS furnished by THEMSELVES.

Theexperiments related in the following details, were made in the Medical Pneumatic Institution.

Abstracts from many of them have been published by Dr. Beddoes.[221]

I.Detail ofMr. J. W. Tobin.Having seen the remarkable effects produced on Mr. Davy, by breathing nitrous oxide, the 18th of April; I became desirous of taking some.A day or two after I breathed 2 quarts of this gas, returning it back again into the same bag, after two or three in inspirations, breathing became difficult, and I occasionally admitted common air into my lungs. While the respiration was continued, my sensations became more pleasant. On taking the bag from my mouth, I staggered a little, but felt no other effect.On the second time of making the experiment, I took nearly four quarts, but still found it difficult to continue breathing long, though the air which was left in the bag was far from being impure.The effects however, in this case, were more striking than in the former. Increased muscular action was accompanied by very pleasurable feelings, and a strong desire to continue the inspiration. On removing the bag from my mouth, I laughed, staggered, and attempted to speak, but stammered exceedingly, and was utterly unable to pronounce some words. My usual state of mind, however, soon returned.On the 29th, I again breathed four quarts. The pleasant feelingsproduced at first, urged me to continue the inspiration with great eagerness. These feelings however, went off towards the end of the experiment, and no other effects followed. The gas had probably been breathed too long, as it would not support flame. I then proposed to Mr. Davy, to inhale the air by the mouth from one bag, and to expire it from the nose into another. This method was pursued with less than three quarts, but the effects were so powerful as to oblige me to take in a little common air occasionally. I soon found my nervous system agitated by the highest sensations of pleasure, which are difficult of description; my muscular powers were very much increased, and I went on breathing with great vehemence, not from a difficulty of inspiration, but from an eager avidity for more air. When the bags were exhausted and taken from me, I continued breathing with the same violence, then suddenly starting from the chair, and vociferating with pleasure, I made towards those that were present, as I wished they shouldparticipate in my feelings. I struck gently at Mr. Davy and a stranger entering the room at the moment, I made towards him, and gave him several blows, but more in the spirit of good humour than of anger. I then ran through different rooms in the house, and at last returned to the laboratory somewhat more composed; my spirits continued much elevated for some hours after the experiment, and I felt no consequent depression either in the evening or the day following, but slept as soundly as usual.On the 5th of May, I again attempted to breathe nitrous oxide, but it happened to contain suspended nitrous vapour which rendered it non-respirable.On the 7th, I inspired 7 quarts of pure gas mingled with an equal quantity of common air, the sensations were pleasant, and my muscular power much increased.On the 8th, I inspired five quarts without any mixture of common air, but the effects were not equal to those produced the day before; Indeed there were reasons for supposing that the gas was impure.On the 18th, I breathed nearly six quarts of the pure nitrous oxide. It is not easy to describe my sensations; they were superior to any thing I ever before experienced. My step was firm, and all my muscular powers increased. My senses were more alive to every surrounding impression; I threw myself into several theatrical attitudes, and traversed the laboratory with a quick step; my mind was elevated to a most sublime height. It is giving but a faint idea of the feelings to say, that they resembled those produced by a representation of an heroic scene on the stage, or by reading a sublime passage in poetry when circumstances contribute to awaken the finest sympathies of the soul. In a few minutes the usual state of mind returned. I continued in good spirits for the rest of the day, and slept soundly.Since the 18th of May, I have very often breathed nitrous oxide. In the first experiments when pure, its effects were generally similar to those just described.Lately I have seldom experienced vivid sensations. The pleasure produced by it is slight and tranquil, I rarely feel sublime emotions or increased muscular power.J. W. Tobin.October, 1799.II.Detail ofMr. Wm. Clayfield.The first time that I breathed the nitrous oxide, it produced feelings analogous to those of intoxication. I was for some time unconscious of existence, but at no period of the experiment experienced agreeable sensations, a momentary nausea followed it; but unconnected with languor or head-ache.After this I several times respired the gas, but on account of the fulness in the head and apparent throbbing of the arteries in the brain,[222]always desisted to breathe before the full effects were produced. In two experiments however, when by powerful voluntary efforts I succeeded in breathing a large quantity of gas for someminutes, I had highly pleasurable thrillings in the extremities, and such increase of muscular power, as to be obliged to exert my limbs with violence. After these experiments, no languor or depression followed.William Clayfield.III.Letter fromDr. Kinglake.In compliance with your desire, I will endeavour to give you a faithful detail of the effects produced on my sensations by the inhalation of nitrous oxide.My first inspiration of it was limited to four quarts, diluted with an equal quantity of atmospheric air. After a few inspirations, a sense of additional freedom and power (call it energy if you please) agreeably pervaded the region of the lungs; this was quickly succeeded by an almost delirious but highly pleasurable sensation in the brain, which was soon diffused over the whole frame, imparting to the muscular power at once an encreased disposition and tone for action; but the mentaleffect of the excitement was such as to absorb in a sort of intoxicating placidity, and delight, volition, or rather the power of voluntary motion. These effects were in a greater or less degree protracted during about five minutes, when the former state returned, with the difference however of feeling more cheerful and alert, for several hours after.It seemed also to have had the further effect of reviving rheumatic irritations in the shoulder and knee-joints, which had not been previously felt for many months. No perceptible change was induced in the pulse either at or subsequent to the time of inhaling the gas.The effects produced by a second trial of its powers, were more extensive, and concentrated on the brain. In this instance, nearly six quarts undiluted, were accurately and fully inhaled. As on the former occasion, it immediately proved agreeably respirable, but before the whole quantity was quite exhausted, its agency was exerted so strongly on the brain, as progressively to suspend the senses of seeing, hearing, feeling, and ultimately the power of volition itself. At thisperiod, the pulse was much augmented both in force and frequency; slight convulsive twitches of the muscles of the arms were also induced; no painful sensation, nausea, or languor, however, either preceded, accompanied, or followed this state, nor did a minute elapse before the brain rallied, and resumed its wonted faculties, when a sense of glowing warmth extending over the system, was speedily succeeded by a re-instatement of the equilibrium of health.The more permanent effects were (as in the first experiment) an invigorated feel of vital power, improved spirits, transient irritations in different parts, but not so characteristically rheumatic as in the former instance.Among the circumstances most worthy of regard in considering the properties and administration of this powerful aërial agent, may be ranked, the fact of its being (contrary to the prevailing opinion[223]) both highly respirable, and salutary, that it impresses the brainand system at large with a more or less strong and durable degree of pleasurable sensation, that unlike the effect of other violently exciting agents, no sensible exhaustion or diminution of vital power accrues from the exertions of its stimulant property, that its most excessive operation even, is neither permanently nor transiently debilitating; and finally, that it fairly promises under judicious application, to prove an extremely efficient remedy, as well in the vast tribe of diseases originating from deficient irritability and sensibility, as in those proceeding from morbid associations, and modifications, of those vital principles.If you should deem any thing contained in this cursory narrative capable of subserving in any degree the practical advantages likely to result from your scientific and valuable investigation of the genuine properties of the nitrous oxide, it is perfectly at your disposal.I amYour sincere friend,Robert Kinglake.Bristol, June 14th, 1799.ToMr. Davy.IV.Detail ofMr. Southey.In breathing the nitrous oxide, I could not distinguish between the first feelings it occasioned and an apprehension of which I was unable to divest myself. My first definite sensation was a dizziness, a fulness in the head, such as to induce a fear of falling. This was momentary. When I took the bag from my mouth, I immediately laughed.The laugh was involuntary but highly pleasurable, accompanied by a thrill all through me; and a tingling in my toes and fingers, a sensation perfectly new and delightful. I felt a fulness in my chest afterwards; and during the remainder of the day, imagined that my taste and hearing were more than commonly quick. Certain I am that I felt myself more than usually strong and chearful.In a second trial, by continuing the inhalation longer, I felt a thrill in my teeth; and breathing still longer the third time, became so full of strength as to be compelled to exercise my arms and feet.Now after an interval of some months, during which my health has been materially impaired, the nitrous oxide produces an effect upon me totally different. Half the quantity affects me, and its operation is more violent; a slight laughter is first induced,[224]and a desire to continue the inhalation, which is counteracted by fear fromthe rapidity of respiration; indeed my breath becomes so short and quick, that I have no doubt but the quantity which I formerly breathed, would now destroy me. The sensation is not painful, neither is it in the slightest degree pleasurable.Robert Southey.V.Letter fromDr. Roget.The effect of the first inspirations of the nitrous oxide was that of making me vertiginous, and producing a tingling sensation in my hands and feet: as these feelings increased, I seemed to lose the sense of my own weight, and imagined I was sinking into the ground. I then felt a drowsiness gradually steal upon me, and a disinclination to motion; even the actions of inspiring and expiring were not performed without effort: and it also required some attention of mind to keep my nostrilsclosed with my fingers. I was gradually roused from this torpor by a kind of delirium, which came on so rapidly that the air-bag dropt from my hands. This sensation increased for about a minute after I had ceased to breathe, to a much greater degree than before, and I suddenly lost sight of all the objects around me, they being apparently obscured by clouds, in which were many luminous points, similar to what is often experienced on rising suddenly and stretching out the arms, after sitting long in one position.I felt myself totally incapable of speaking, and for some time lost all consciousness of where I was, or who was near me. My whole frame felt as if violently agitated: I thought I panted violently: my heart seemed to palpitate, and every artery to throb with violence; I felt a singing in my ears; all the vital motions seemed to be irresistibly hurried on, as if their equilibrium had been destroyed, and every thing was running headlong into confusion. My ideas succeeded one another with extreme rapidity, thoughts rushed like a torrent through my mind, as if theirvelocity had been suddenly accelerated by the bursting of a barrier which had before retained them in their natural and equable course. This state of extreme hurry, agitation, and tumult, was but transient. Every unnatural sensation gradually subsided; and in about a quarter of an hour after I had ceased to breathe the gas, I was nearly in the same state in which I had been at the commencement of the experiment.I cannot remember that I experienced the least pleasure from any of these sensations. I can however, easily conceive, that by frequent repetition I might reconcile myself to them, and possibly even receive pleasure from the same sensations which were then unpleasant.I am sensible that the account I have been able to give of my feelings is very imperfect. For however calculated their violence and novelty were to leave a lasting impression on the memory, these circumstances were for that very reason unfavourable to accuracy of comparison with sensations already familiar.The nature of the sensations themselves, which bore greater resemblance to a half delirious dream than to any distinct state of mind capable of being accurately remembered, contributes very much to increase the difficulty. And as it is above two months since I made the experiment, many of the minuter circumstances have probably escaped me.I remain,Yours, &c.P. Roget.ToMr. Davy.VI.Letter fromMr. James Thomson.The first time I respired nitrous oxide, the experiment was made under a strong impression of fear, and the quantity I breathed not sufficient, as you informed me, to produce the usual effect. I did not note very accurately my sensations. I remember I experienced a slight degree of vertigo after the third or fourth inspiration; and breathed with increased vigor, my inspirations being much deeper and morevehement than ordinary. I was enabled the next time I made the experiment, to attend more accurately to my sensations, and you have the observations I made on them at the time.After the fourth inspiration, I experienced the same increased action of the lungs, as in the former case. My inspirations became uncommonly full and strong, attended with a thrilling sensation about the chest, highly pleasurable, which increased to such a degree as to induce a fit of involuntary laughter, which I in vain endeavoured to repress. I felt a slight giddiness which lasted for a few moments only. My inspirations now became more vehement and frequent; and I inhaled the air with an avidity strongly indicative of the pleasure I received. That peculiar thrill which I had at first experienced at the chest, now pervaded my whole frame; and during the two or three last inspirations, was attended with a remarkable tingling in my fingers and toes. My feelings at this moment are not to be described: I felt a high, an extraordinarydegree of pleasure, different from that produced by wine, being divested of all its gross accompaniments, and yet approaching nearer to it than to any other sensation I am acquainted with.I am certain that my muscular strength was for a time much increased. My disposition to exert it was such as I could not repress, and the satisfaction I felt in any violent exertion of my legs and arms is hardly to be conceived. These vivid sensations were not of long duration; they diminished insensibly, and in little more than a quarter of an hour I could perceive no difference between the state I was then in, and that previous to the respiration of the air.The observations I made on repeating the experiment, do not differ from the preceding, except in the circumstance of the involuntary laughter, which I never afterwards experienced, though I breathed the air several times; and in the following curious fact, which, as it was dependent on circumstances, did not always occur.Having respired the same quantity of air as usual, and with preciselythe same effects, I was surprised to find myself affected a few minutes afterwards with the recurrence of a pain in my back and knees, which I had experienced the preceding day from fatigue in walking. I was rather inclined to deem this an accidental coincidence than an effect of the air; but the same thing constantly occurring whenever I breathed the air, shortly after suffering pain either from fatigue, or any other accidental cause, left no doubt on my mind as to the accuracy of the observation.I have now given you the substance of the notes I made whilst the impressions were strong on my mind. I cannot add any thing from recollection that will at all add to the accuracy of this account, or assist those who have not respired this air, in forming a clearer idea of its extraordinary effects. It is extremely difficult to convey to others by means of words, any idea of particular sensations, of which they have had no experience. It can only be done by making use of such terms as are expressive of sensations that resemble them, and in theseour vocabulary is very defective. To be able at all to comprehend the effects of nitrous oxide, it is necessary to respire it, and after that, we must either invent new terms to express these new and particular sensations, or attach new ideas to old ones, before we can communicate intelligibly with each other on the operation of this extraordinary gas.I am &c.James Thomson.London, Sept. 21, 1799.ToMr. Davy.VII.Detail ofMr. Coleridge.The first time I inspired the nitrous oxide, I felt an highly pleasurable sensation of warmth over my whole frame, resembling that which I remember once to have experienced after returning from a walk in the snow into a warm room. The only motion which I felt inclined to make, was that of laughing at those who were looking at me. My eyesfelt distended, and towards the last, my heart beat as if it were leaping up and down. On removing the mouth-piece the whole sensation went off almost instantly.The second time, I felt the same pleasurable sensation of warmth, but not I think, in quite so great a degree. I wished to know what effect it would have on my impressions; I fixed my eye on some trees in the distance, but I did not find any other effect except that they became dimmer and dimmer, and looked at last as if I had seen them through tears. My heart beat more violently than the first time. This was after a hearty dinner.The third time I was more violently acted on than in the two former. Towards the last, I could not avoid, nor indeed felt any wish to avoid, beating the ground with my feet; and after the mouth-piece was removed, I remained for a few seconds motionless, in great extacy.The fourth time was immediately after breakfast. The few first inspirations affected me so little that I thought Mr. Davy had given meatmospheric air: but soon felt the warmth beginning about my chest, and spreading upward and downward, so that I could feel its progress over my whole frame. My heart did not beat so violently; my sensations were highly pleasurable, not so intense or apparently local, but of more unmingled pleasure than I had ever before experienced.[225]S. T. Coleridge.VIII.Detail ofMr. Wedgwood.July 23, I called on Mr. Davy at the Medical Institution, who asked me to breathe some of the nitrous oxide, to which I consented, being rather a sceptic as to its effects, never having seen any person affected. I first breathed about six quarts of air which proved to be only common atmospheric air, and which consequently produced no effect.I then had 6 quarts of the oxide given me in a bag undiluted, and as soon as I had breathed three or four respirations, I felt myself affected and my respiration hurried, which effect increased rapidly until I became as it were entranced, when I threw the bag from me and kept breathing on furiously with an open mouth and holding my nose with my left hand, having no power to take it away though aware of the ridiculousness of my situation. Though apparently deprived of all voluntary motion, I was sensible of all that passed, and heard every thing that was said; but the most singular sensation I had, I feel it impossible accurately to describe. It was as if all the muscles of the body were put into a violent vibratory motion; I had a very strong inclination to make odd antic motions with my hands and feet. When the first strong sensations went off, I felt as if I were lighter than the atmosphere, and as if I was going to mount to the top of the room. I had a metallic taste left in my mouth, which soon went off.Before I breathed the air, I felt a good deal fatigued from a very longride I had had the day before, but after breathing, I lost all sense of fatigue.IX.Detail ofMr. George Burnet.I had never heard of the effects of the nitrous oxide, when I breathed six quarts of it. I felt a delicious tremor of nerve, which was rapidly propagated over the whole nervous system. As the action of inhaling proceeds, an irresistibleappetiteto repeat it is excited. There is now a general swell of sensations, vivid, strong, and inconceivably pleasurable. They still become more vigorous and glowing till they are communicated to the brain, when an ardent flush overspreads the face. At this moment the tube inserted in the air-bag was taken from my mouth, or I must have fainted in extacy.The operation being over, the strength and turbulence of my sensations subsided. To this succeeded a state of feeling uncommonly serene andtranquil. Every nerve being gently agitated with a lively enjoyment. It was natural to expect that the effect of this experiment, would eventually prove debilitating. So far from this I continued in a state of high excitement the remainder of the day after two o’clock, the time of the experiment, and experienced a flow of spirits not merely chearful, but unusually joyous.George Burnet.X.Detail ofMr. T. Pople.A disagreeable sensation as if breaking out into a profuse perspiration, tension of the tympanum, cheeks and forehead; almost total loss of muscular power; afterwards increased powers both of body and mind, very vivid sensations and highly pleasurable. Those pleasant feelings were not new, they were felt, but in a less degree, on ascending some high mountains in Glamorganshire.On taking it the second time, there was a disagreeable feeling aboutthe face. In a fewseconds, the feelings became pleasurable; all the faculties absorbed by the fine pleasing feelings of existence without consciousness; an involuntary burst of laughter.Thomas Pople.XI.Detail ofMr. Hammick.Having never heard any thing of the mode of operation of nitrous oxide, I breathed gas in a silk bag for some time, and found no effects, but oppression of respiration. Afterwards Mr. Davy told me that I had been breathing atmospheric air.In a second experiment made without knowing what gas was in the bag, I had not breathed half a minute, when from the extreme pleasure I felt, I unconciously removed the bag from my mouth; but when Mr. Davy offered to take it from me, I refused to let him have it, and said eagerly, “let me breathe it again, it is highly pleasant! it is the strongeststimulant I ever felt!“ I was cold when I began to respire, but had immediately a pleasant glow extending to my toes and fingers. I experienced from the air a pleasant taste which I can only call sweetly astringent; it continued for some time: the sense of exhilaration was lasting. This air Mr. Davy told me was nitrous oxide.In another experiment, when I breathed a small dose of nitrous oxide, the effects were slight, and sometime afterwards I felt an unusual yawning and languor.The last time that I breathed the gas, the feelings were the most pleasurable I ever experienced; my head appeared light, there was a great warmth in the back and a general unusual glow; the taste was distinguishable for some time as in the former experiment. My ideas were more vivid, and followed the natural order of association. I could not refrain from muscular action.Stephen Hammick, Junr.Sept. 15th.XII.Detail ofDr. Blake.Dr. Blake inhaled about six quarts of the air, was affected during the process of respiring it with a slight degree of vertigo, which was almost immediately succeeded by a thrilling sensation extending even to the extremities, accompanied by a most happy state of mind and highly pleasurable ideas. He felt a great propensity to laugh, and his behaviour in some measure appeared ludicrous to those around him. Muscular power seemed agreeably increased, the pulse acquired strength and firmness, but its frequency was somewhat diminished. He perceived rather an unpleasant taste in the mouth and about the fauces for some hours afterwards, but in every other respect, his feelings were comfortable during the remainder of the day.December, 30th.ToMr. Davy.XIII.Detail ofMr. Wansey.I breathed the gas out of a silk bag, believing it to be nitrous oxide, and was much surprised to find that it produced no sensations. After the experiment, Mr. Davy told me it was common air.I then breathed a mixture of common air and nitrous oxide. I felt a kind of intoxication in the middle of the experiment, and stopping to express this, destroyed any farther effects.I now breathed pure nitrous oxide; the effect was gradual, and I at first experienced fulness in the head, and afterwards sensations so delightful, that I can compare them to no others, except those which I felt (being a lover of music) about five years since in Westminster Abbey, in some of the grand choruses in the Messiah, from the unitedpowers of 700 instruments of music. I continued exhilarated throughout the day, slept at night remarkably sound, and experienced when I awoke in the morning, a recurrence of pleasing sensation.In another experiment, the effects was still greater, the pulse was rendered fuller and quicker, I felt a sense of throbbing in the head with highly pleasurable thrillings all over the frame. The new feelings were at last so powerful as to absorb all perception. I distinguished during and after the experiment, a taste on the tongue, like that produced by the contact of zinc and silver.Henry Wansey.XIV.Detail ofMr. Rickman.On inhaling about six quarts, the first altered feeling was a tingling in the elbows not unlike the effect of a slight electric shock. Soon afterwards, an involuntary and provoking dizziness as in drunkenness. Towards the close of the inhalation, this symptom decreased; though thenose was still involuntary held fast after the air-bag was removed. The dose was probably an undercharge, as no extraordinary sensation was felt more than half a minute after the inhalation.J. Rickman.XV.Detail ofMr. Lovell Edgworth.My first sensation was an universal and considerable tremor. I then perceived some giddiness in my head, and a violent dizziness in my sight; those sensations by degrees subsided, and I felt a great propensity to bite through the wooden mouth-piece, or the tube of the bag through which I inspired the air. After I had breathed all the air that was in the bag, I eagerly wished for more. I then felt a strong propensity to laugh, and did burst into a violent fit of laughter, and capered about the room without having the power of restraining myself. By degrees these feelings subsided, except the tremor which lasted for an hour after I had breathed the air, and I felt a weakness in my knees. The principal feeling through the whole of the time, or what Ishould call the characteristical part of the effect, was a total difficulty of restraining my feelings, both corporeal and mental, or in other words, not having any command of one’self.XVI.Detail ofMr. G. Bedford.I inhaled 6 quarts. Experienced a sensation of fulness in the extremities and in the face, with a desire and power of expansion of the lungs very pleasurable. Feelings similar to intoxication were produced, without being disagreeable. When the bag was taken away, an involuntary though agreeable laughter took place, and the extremities were warm.In about a quarter of an hour after the above experiment, I inhaled 8 quarts. The warmth and fulness of the face and extremities were sooner produced during the inspiration. The candle and the persons about me, assumed the same appearances as took place during the effect producedby wine, and I could perceive no determinate outline. The desire and power to expand the lungs was increased beyond that in the former experiment, and the whole body and limbs seemed dilated without the sense of tension, it was as if the bulk was increased without any addition to the specific gravity of the body, which was highly pleasant. The provocation to laughter was not so great as in the former experiment, and when the bag was removed, the warmth almost suddenly gave place to a coldness of the extremities, particularly of the hands which were the first to become warm during the inspiration. A slight sensation of fulness not amounting to pain in the head, has continued for some minutes. After the first experiment, a sensation in the wrists and elbows took place, similar to that produced by the electric shock.G. C. Bedford.March 30th, 1800.XVII.Detail ofMiss Ryland.After having breathed five quarts of gas, I experienced for a short time a quickness and difficulty of breathing, which was succeeded by extreme languor, resembling fainting, without the very unpleasant sensation with which it is usually attended. It entirely deprived me of the power of speaking, but not of recollection, for I heard every thing that was said in the room during the time; and Mr. Davy’s remark “that my pulse was very quick and full.“ When the languor began to subside, it was succeeded by restlessness, accompanied by involuntary muscular motions. I was warmer than usual, and very sleepy for several hours.XVIII.Letter fromMr. M. M. Coates.I will, as you request, endeavour to describe to you the effect produced on me last Sunday fe’nnight by the nitrous oxide, and will atthe same time tell you what was the previous state of my mind on the subject.When I sat down to breathe the gas, I believed that it owed much of its effect to the predisposing agency of the imagination, and had no expectation of its sensible influence on myself. Having ignorantly breathed a bag of common air without any effect, my doubts then arose to positive unbelief.After a few inspirations of the nitrous oxide, I felt a fulness in my head, which increased with each inhalation, until, experiencing symptoms which I thought indicated approaching fainting, I ceased to breathe it, and was then confirmed in my belief of its inability to produce in me any pleasurable sensation.But after a few seconds, I felt an immoderate flow of spirits, and an irresistible propensity to violent laughter and dancing, which, being fully conscious of the violence of my feelings, and of their irrational exhibition, I made great but ineffectual efforts to restrain; this wasmy state for several minutes. During the rest of the day, I experienced a degree of hilarity altogether new to me. For six or seven days afterwards, I seemed to feel most exquisitely at every nerve, and was much indisposed to my sedentary pursuits; this acute sensibility has been gradually diminishing; but I still feel somewhat of the effects of this novel agent.Your’s truly,M. M. Coates.To Mr.Davy.June 11th, 1800.

I.Detail ofMr. J. W. Tobin.

Having seen the remarkable effects produced on Mr. Davy, by breathing nitrous oxide, the 18th of April; I became desirous of taking some.

A day or two after I breathed 2 quarts of this gas, returning it back again into the same bag, after two or three in inspirations, breathing became difficult, and I occasionally admitted common air into my lungs. While the respiration was continued, my sensations became more pleasant. On taking the bag from my mouth, I staggered a little, but felt no other effect.

On the second time of making the experiment, I took nearly four quarts, but still found it difficult to continue breathing long, though the air which was left in the bag was far from being impure.

The effects however, in this case, were more striking than in the former. Increased muscular action was accompanied by very pleasurable feelings, and a strong desire to continue the inspiration. On removing the bag from my mouth, I laughed, staggered, and attempted to speak, but stammered exceedingly, and was utterly unable to pronounce some words. My usual state of mind, however, soon returned.

On the 29th, I again breathed four quarts. The pleasant feelingsproduced at first, urged me to continue the inspiration with great eagerness. These feelings however, went off towards the end of the experiment, and no other effects followed. The gas had probably been breathed too long, as it would not support flame. I then proposed to Mr. Davy, to inhale the air by the mouth from one bag, and to expire it from the nose into another. This method was pursued with less than three quarts, but the effects were so powerful as to oblige me to take in a little common air occasionally. I soon found my nervous system agitated by the highest sensations of pleasure, which are difficult of description; my muscular powers were very much increased, and I went on breathing with great vehemence, not from a difficulty of inspiration, but from an eager avidity for more air. When the bags were exhausted and taken from me, I continued breathing with the same violence, then suddenly starting from the chair, and vociferating with pleasure, I made towards those that were present, as I wished they shouldparticipate in my feelings. I struck gently at Mr. Davy and a stranger entering the room at the moment, I made towards him, and gave him several blows, but more in the spirit of good humour than of anger. I then ran through different rooms in the house, and at last returned to the laboratory somewhat more composed; my spirits continued much elevated for some hours after the experiment, and I felt no consequent depression either in the evening or the day following, but slept as soundly as usual.

On the 5th of May, I again attempted to breathe nitrous oxide, but it happened to contain suspended nitrous vapour which rendered it non-respirable.

On the 7th, I inspired 7 quarts of pure gas mingled with an equal quantity of common air, the sensations were pleasant, and my muscular power much increased.

On the 8th, I inspired five quarts without any mixture of common air, but the effects were not equal to those produced the day before; Indeed there were reasons for supposing that the gas was impure.

On the 18th, I breathed nearly six quarts of the pure nitrous oxide. It is not easy to describe my sensations; they were superior to any thing I ever before experienced. My step was firm, and all my muscular powers increased. My senses were more alive to every surrounding impression; I threw myself into several theatrical attitudes, and traversed the laboratory with a quick step; my mind was elevated to a most sublime height. It is giving but a faint idea of the feelings to say, that they resembled those produced by a representation of an heroic scene on the stage, or by reading a sublime passage in poetry when circumstances contribute to awaken the finest sympathies of the soul. In a few minutes the usual state of mind returned. I continued in good spirits for the rest of the day, and slept soundly.

Since the 18th of May, I have very often breathed nitrous oxide. In the first experiments when pure, its effects were generally similar to those just described.

Lately I have seldom experienced vivid sensations. The pleasure produced by it is slight and tranquil, I rarely feel sublime emotions or increased muscular power.

J. W. Tobin.

October, 1799.

II.Detail ofMr. Wm. Clayfield.

The first time that I breathed the nitrous oxide, it produced feelings analogous to those of intoxication. I was for some time unconscious of existence, but at no period of the experiment experienced agreeable sensations, a momentary nausea followed it; but unconnected with languor or head-ache.

After this I several times respired the gas, but on account of the fulness in the head and apparent throbbing of the arteries in the brain,[222]always desisted to breathe before the full effects were produced. In two experiments however, when by powerful voluntary efforts I succeeded in breathing a large quantity of gas for someminutes, I had highly pleasurable thrillings in the extremities, and such increase of muscular power, as to be obliged to exert my limbs with violence. After these experiments, no languor or depression followed.

William Clayfield.

III.Letter fromDr. Kinglake.

In compliance with your desire, I will endeavour to give you a faithful detail of the effects produced on my sensations by the inhalation of nitrous oxide.

My first inspiration of it was limited to four quarts, diluted with an equal quantity of atmospheric air. After a few inspirations, a sense of additional freedom and power (call it energy if you please) agreeably pervaded the region of the lungs; this was quickly succeeded by an almost delirious but highly pleasurable sensation in the brain, which was soon diffused over the whole frame, imparting to the muscular power at once an encreased disposition and tone for action; but the mentaleffect of the excitement was such as to absorb in a sort of intoxicating placidity, and delight, volition, or rather the power of voluntary motion. These effects were in a greater or less degree protracted during about five minutes, when the former state returned, with the difference however of feeling more cheerful and alert, for several hours after.

It seemed also to have had the further effect of reviving rheumatic irritations in the shoulder and knee-joints, which had not been previously felt for many months. No perceptible change was induced in the pulse either at or subsequent to the time of inhaling the gas.

The effects produced by a second trial of its powers, were more extensive, and concentrated on the brain. In this instance, nearly six quarts undiluted, were accurately and fully inhaled. As on the former occasion, it immediately proved agreeably respirable, but before the whole quantity was quite exhausted, its agency was exerted so strongly on the brain, as progressively to suspend the senses of seeing, hearing, feeling, and ultimately the power of volition itself. At thisperiod, the pulse was much augmented both in force and frequency; slight convulsive twitches of the muscles of the arms were also induced; no painful sensation, nausea, or languor, however, either preceded, accompanied, or followed this state, nor did a minute elapse before the brain rallied, and resumed its wonted faculties, when a sense of glowing warmth extending over the system, was speedily succeeded by a re-instatement of the equilibrium of health.

The more permanent effects were (as in the first experiment) an invigorated feel of vital power, improved spirits, transient irritations in different parts, but not so characteristically rheumatic as in the former instance.

Among the circumstances most worthy of regard in considering the properties and administration of this powerful aërial agent, may be ranked, the fact of its being (contrary to the prevailing opinion[223]) both highly respirable, and salutary, that it impresses the brainand system at large with a more or less strong and durable degree of pleasurable sensation, that unlike the effect of other violently exciting agents, no sensible exhaustion or diminution of vital power accrues from the exertions of its stimulant property, that its most excessive operation even, is neither permanently nor transiently debilitating; and finally, that it fairly promises under judicious application, to prove an extremely efficient remedy, as well in the vast tribe of diseases originating from deficient irritability and sensibility, as in those proceeding from morbid associations, and modifications, of those vital principles.

If you should deem any thing contained in this cursory narrative capable of subserving in any degree the practical advantages likely to result from your scientific and valuable investigation of the genuine properties of the nitrous oxide, it is perfectly at your disposal.

I amYour sincere friend,Robert Kinglake.

Bristol, June 14th, 1799.ToMr. Davy.

IV.Detail ofMr. Southey.

In breathing the nitrous oxide, I could not distinguish between the first feelings it occasioned and an apprehension of which I was unable to divest myself. My first definite sensation was a dizziness, a fulness in the head, such as to induce a fear of falling. This was momentary. When I took the bag from my mouth, I immediately laughed.The laugh was involuntary but highly pleasurable, accompanied by a thrill all through me; and a tingling in my toes and fingers, a sensation perfectly new and delightful. I felt a fulness in my chest afterwards; and during the remainder of the day, imagined that my taste and hearing were more than commonly quick. Certain I am that I felt myself more than usually strong and chearful.

In a second trial, by continuing the inhalation longer, I felt a thrill in my teeth; and breathing still longer the third time, became so full of strength as to be compelled to exercise my arms and feet.

Now after an interval of some months, during which my health has been materially impaired, the nitrous oxide produces an effect upon me totally different. Half the quantity affects me, and its operation is more violent; a slight laughter is first induced,[224]and a desire to continue the inhalation, which is counteracted by fear fromthe rapidity of respiration; indeed my breath becomes so short and quick, that I have no doubt but the quantity which I formerly breathed, would now destroy me. The sensation is not painful, neither is it in the slightest degree pleasurable.

Robert Southey.

V.Letter fromDr. Roget.

The effect of the first inspirations of the nitrous oxide was that of making me vertiginous, and producing a tingling sensation in my hands and feet: as these feelings increased, I seemed to lose the sense of my own weight, and imagined I was sinking into the ground. I then felt a drowsiness gradually steal upon me, and a disinclination to motion; even the actions of inspiring and expiring were not performed without effort: and it also required some attention of mind to keep my nostrilsclosed with my fingers. I was gradually roused from this torpor by a kind of delirium, which came on so rapidly that the air-bag dropt from my hands. This sensation increased for about a minute after I had ceased to breathe, to a much greater degree than before, and I suddenly lost sight of all the objects around me, they being apparently obscured by clouds, in which were many luminous points, similar to what is often experienced on rising suddenly and stretching out the arms, after sitting long in one position.

I felt myself totally incapable of speaking, and for some time lost all consciousness of where I was, or who was near me. My whole frame felt as if violently agitated: I thought I panted violently: my heart seemed to palpitate, and every artery to throb with violence; I felt a singing in my ears; all the vital motions seemed to be irresistibly hurried on, as if their equilibrium had been destroyed, and every thing was running headlong into confusion. My ideas succeeded one another with extreme rapidity, thoughts rushed like a torrent through my mind, as if theirvelocity had been suddenly accelerated by the bursting of a barrier which had before retained them in their natural and equable course. This state of extreme hurry, agitation, and tumult, was but transient. Every unnatural sensation gradually subsided; and in about a quarter of an hour after I had ceased to breathe the gas, I was nearly in the same state in which I had been at the commencement of the experiment.

I cannot remember that I experienced the least pleasure from any of these sensations. I can however, easily conceive, that by frequent repetition I might reconcile myself to them, and possibly even receive pleasure from the same sensations which were then unpleasant.

I am sensible that the account I have been able to give of my feelings is very imperfect. For however calculated their violence and novelty were to leave a lasting impression on the memory, these circumstances were for that very reason unfavourable to accuracy of comparison with sensations already familiar.

The nature of the sensations themselves, which bore greater resemblance to a half delirious dream than to any distinct state of mind capable of being accurately remembered, contributes very much to increase the difficulty. And as it is above two months since I made the experiment, many of the minuter circumstances have probably escaped me.

I remain,Yours, &c.P. Roget.

ToMr. Davy.

VI.Letter fromMr. James Thomson.

The first time I respired nitrous oxide, the experiment was made under a strong impression of fear, and the quantity I breathed not sufficient, as you informed me, to produce the usual effect. I did not note very accurately my sensations. I remember I experienced a slight degree of vertigo after the third or fourth inspiration; and breathed with increased vigor, my inspirations being much deeper and morevehement than ordinary. I was enabled the next time I made the experiment, to attend more accurately to my sensations, and you have the observations I made on them at the time.

After the fourth inspiration, I experienced the same increased action of the lungs, as in the former case. My inspirations became uncommonly full and strong, attended with a thrilling sensation about the chest, highly pleasurable, which increased to such a degree as to induce a fit of involuntary laughter, which I in vain endeavoured to repress. I felt a slight giddiness which lasted for a few moments only. My inspirations now became more vehement and frequent; and I inhaled the air with an avidity strongly indicative of the pleasure I received. That peculiar thrill which I had at first experienced at the chest, now pervaded my whole frame; and during the two or three last inspirations, was attended with a remarkable tingling in my fingers and toes. My feelings at this moment are not to be described: I felt a high, an extraordinarydegree of pleasure, different from that produced by wine, being divested of all its gross accompaniments, and yet approaching nearer to it than to any other sensation I am acquainted with.

I am certain that my muscular strength was for a time much increased. My disposition to exert it was such as I could not repress, and the satisfaction I felt in any violent exertion of my legs and arms is hardly to be conceived. These vivid sensations were not of long duration; they diminished insensibly, and in little more than a quarter of an hour I could perceive no difference between the state I was then in, and that previous to the respiration of the air.

The observations I made on repeating the experiment, do not differ from the preceding, except in the circumstance of the involuntary laughter, which I never afterwards experienced, though I breathed the air several times; and in the following curious fact, which, as it was dependent on circumstances, did not always occur.

Having respired the same quantity of air as usual, and with preciselythe same effects, I was surprised to find myself affected a few minutes afterwards with the recurrence of a pain in my back and knees, which I had experienced the preceding day from fatigue in walking. I was rather inclined to deem this an accidental coincidence than an effect of the air; but the same thing constantly occurring whenever I breathed the air, shortly after suffering pain either from fatigue, or any other accidental cause, left no doubt on my mind as to the accuracy of the observation.

I have now given you the substance of the notes I made whilst the impressions were strong on my mind. I cannot add any thing from recollection that will at all add to the accuracy of this account, or assist those who have not respired this air, in forming a clearer idea of its extraordinary effects. It is extremely difficult to convey to others by means of words, any idea of particular sensations, of which they have had no experience. It can only be done by making use of such terms as are expressive of sensations that resemble them, and in theseour vocabulary is very defective. To be able at all to comprehend the effects of nitrous oxide, it is necessary to respire it, and after that, we must either invent new terms to express these new and particular sensations, or attach new ideas to old ones, before we can communicate intelligibly with each other on the operation of this extraordinary gas.

I am &c.James Thomson.

London, Sept. 21, 1799.

ToMr. Davy.

VII.Detail ofMr. Coleridge.

The first time I inspired the nitrous oxide, I felt an highly pleasurable sensation of warmth over my whole frame, resembling that which I remember once to have experienced after returning from a walk in the snow into a warm room. The only motion which I felt inclined to make, was that of laughing at those who were looking at me. My eyesfelt distended, and towards the last, my heart beat as if it were leaping up and down. On removing the mouth-piece the whole sensation went off almost instantly.

The second time, I felt the same pleasurable sensation of warmth, but not I think, in quite so great a degree. I wished to know what effect it would have on my impressions; I fixed my eye on some trees in the distance, but I did not find any other effect except that they became dimmer and dimmer, and looked at last as if I had seen them through tears. My heart beat more violently than the first time. This was after a hearty dinner.

The third time I was more violently acted on than in the two former. Towards the last, I could not avoid, nor indeed felt any wish to avoid, beating the ground with my feet; and after the mouth-piece was removed, I remained for a few seconds motionless, in great extacy.

The fourth time was immediately after breakfast. The few first inspirations affected me so little that I thought Mr. Davy had given meatmospheric air: but soon felt the warmth beginning about my chest, and spreading upward and downward, so that I could feel its progress over my whole frame. My heart did not beat so violently; my sensations were highly pleasurable, not so intense or apparently local, but of more unmingled pleasure than I had ever before experienced.[225]

S. T. Coleridge.

VIII.Detail ofMr. Wedgwood.

July 23, I called on Mr. Davy at the Medical Institution, who asked me to breathe some of the nitrous oxide, to which I consented, being rather a sceptic as to its effects, never having seen any person affected. I first breathed about six quarts of air which proved to be only common atmospheric air, and which consequently produced no effect.

I then had 6 quarts of the oxide given me in a bag undiluted, and as soon as I had breathed three or four respirations, I felt myself affected and my respiration hurried, which effect increased rapidly until I became as it were entranced, when I threw the bag from me and kept breathing on furiously with an open mouth and holding my nose with my left hand, having no power to take it away though aware of the ridiculousness of my situation. Though apparently deprived of all voluntary motion, I was sensible of all that passed, and heard every thing that was said; but the most singular sensation I had, I feel it impossible accurately to describe. It was as if all the muscles of the body were put into a violent vibratory motion; I had a very strong inclination to make odd antic motions with my hands and feet. When the first strong sensations went off, I felt as if I were lighter than the atmosphere, and as if I was going to mount to the top of the room. I had a metallic taste left in my mouth, which soon went off.

Before I breathed the air, I felt a good deal fatigued from a very longride I had had the day before, but after breathing, I lost all sense of fatigue.

IX.Detail ofMr. George Burnet.

I had never heard of the effects of the nitrous oxide, when I breathed six quarts of it. I felt a delicious tremor of nerve, which was rapidly propagated over the whole nervous system. As the action of inhaling proceeds, an irresistibleappetiteto repeat it is excited. There is now a general swell of sensations, vivid, strong, and inconceivably pleasurable. They still become more vigorous and glowing till they are communicated to the brain, when an ardent flush overspreads the face. At this moment the tube inserted in the air-bag was taken from my mouth, or I must have fainted in extacy.

The operation being over, the strength and turbulence of my sensations subsided. To this succeeded a state of feeling uncommonly serene andtranquil. Every nerve being gently agitated with a lively enjoyment. It was natural to expect that the effect of this experiment, would eventually prove debilitating. So far from this I continued in a state of high excitement the remainder of the day after two o’clock, the time of the experiment, and experienced a flow of spirits not merely chearful, but unusually joyous.

George Burnet.

X.Detail ofMr. T. Pople.

A disagreeable sensation as if breaking out into a profuse perspiration, tension of the tympanum, cheeks and forehead; almost total loss of muscular power; afterwards increased powers both of body and mind, very vivid sensations and highly pleasurable. Those pleasant feelings were not new, they were felt, but in a less degree, on ascending some high mountains in Glamorganshire.

On taking it the second time, there was a disagreeable feeling aboutthe face. In a fewseconds, the feelings became pleasurable; all the faculties absorbed by the fine pleasing feelings of existence without consciousness; an involuntary burst of laughter.

Thomas Pople.

XI.Detail ofMr. Hammick.

Having never heard any thing of the mode of operation of nitrous oxide, I breathed gas in a silk bag for some time, and found no effects, but oppression of respiration. Afterwards Mr. Davy told me that I had been breathing atmospheric air.

In a second experiment made without knowing what gas was in the bag, I had not breathed half a minute, when from the extreme pleasure I felt, I unconciously removed the bag from my mouth; but when Mr. Davy offered to take it from me, I refused to let him have it, and said eagerly, “let me breathe it again, it is highly pleasant! it is the strongeststimulant I ever felt!“ I was cold when I began to respire, but had immediately a pleasant glow extending to my toes and fingers. I experienced from the air a pleasant taste which I can only call sweetly astringent; it continued for some time: the sense of exhilaration was lasting. This air Mr. Davy told me was nitrous oxide.

In another experiment, when I breathed a small dose of nitrous oxide, the effects were slight, and sometime afterwards I felt an unusual yawning and languor.

The last time that I breathed the gas, the feelings were the most pleasurable I ever experienced; my head appeared light, there was a great warmth in the back and a general unusual glow; the taste was distinguishable for some time as in the former experiment. My ideas were more vivid, and followed the natural order of association. I could not refrain from muscular action.

Stephen Hammick, Junr.

Sept. 15th.

XII.Detail ofDr. Blake.

Dr. Blake inhaled about six quarts of the air, was affected during the process of respiring it with a slight degree of vertigo, which was almost immediately succeeded by a thrilling sensation extending even to the extremities, accompanied by a most happy state of mind and highly pleasurable ideas. He felt a great propensity to laugh, and his behaviour in some measure appeared ludicrous to those around him. Muscular power seemed agreeably increased, the pulse acquired strength and firmness, but its frequency was somewhat diminished. He perceived rather an unpleasant taste in the mouth and about the fauces for some hours afterwards, but in every other respect, his feelings were comfortable during the remainder of the day.

December, 30th.

ToMr. Davy.

XIII.Detail ofMr. Wansey.

I breathed the gas out of a silk bag, believing it to be nitrous oxide, and was much surprised to find that it produced no sensations. After the experiment, Mr. Davy told me it was common air.

I then breathed a mixture of common air and nitrous oxide. I felt a kind of intoxication in the middle of the experiment, and stopping to express this, destroyed any farther effects.

I now breathed pure nitrous oxide; the effect was gradual, and I at first experienced fulness in the head, and afterwards sensations so delightful, that I can compare them to no others, except those which I felt (being a lover of music) about five years since in Westminster Abbey, in some of the grand choruses in the Messiah, from the unitedpowers of 700 instruments of music. I continued exhilarated throughout the day, slept at night remarkably sound, and experienced when I awoke in the morning, a recurrence of pleasing sensation.

In another experiment, the effects was still greater, the pulse was rendered fuller and quicker, I felt a sense of throbbing in the head with highly pleasurable thrillings all over the frame. The new feelings were at last so powerful as to absorb all perception. I distinguished during and after the experiment, a taste on the tongue, like that produced by the contact of zinc and silver.

Henry Wansey.

XIV.Detail ofMr. Rickman.

On inhaling about six quarts, the first altered feeling was a tingling in the elbows not unlike the effect of a slight electric shock. Soon afterwards, an involuntary and provoking dizziness as in drunkenness. Towards the close of the inhalation, this symptom decreased; though thenose was still involuntary held fast after the air-bag was removed. The dose was probably an undercharge, as no extraordinary sensation was felt more than half a minute after the inhalation.

J. Rickman.

XV.Detail ofMr. Lovell Edgworth.

My first sensation was an universal and considerable tremor. I then perceived some giddiness in my head, and a violent dizziness in my sight; those sensations by degrees subsided, and I felt a great propensity to bite through the wooden mouth-piece, or the tube of the bag through which I inspired the air. After I had breathed all the air that was in the bag, I eagerly wished for more. I then felt a strong propensity to laugh, and did burst into a violent fit of laughter, and capered about the room without having the power of restraining myself. By degrees these feelings subsided, except the tremor which lasted for an hour after I had breathed the air, and I felt a weakness in my knees. The principal feeling through the whole of the time, or what Ishould call the characteristical part of the effect, was a total difficulty of restraining my feelings, both corporeal and mental, or in other words, not having any command of one’self.

XVI.Detail ofMr. G. Bedford.

I inhaled 6 quarts. Experienced a sensation of fulness in the extremities and in the face, with a desire and power of expansion of the lungs very pleasurable. Feelings similar to intoxication were produced, without being disagreeable. When the bag was taken away, an involuntary though agreeable laughter took place, and the extremities were warm.

In about a quarter of an hour after the above experiment, I inhaled 8 quarts. The warmth and fulness of the face and extremities were sooner produced during the inspiration. The candle and the persons about me, assumed the same appearances as took place during the effect producedby wine, and I could perceive no determinate outline. The desire and power to expand the lungs was increased beyond that in the former experiment, and the whole body and limbs seemed dilated without the sense of tension, it was as if the bulk was increased without any addition to the specific gravity of the body, which was highly pleasant. The provocation to laughter was not so great as in the former experiment, and when the bag was removed, the warmth almost suddenly gave place to a coldness of the extremities, particularly of the hands which were the first to become warm during the inspiration. A slight sensation of fulness not amounting to pain in the head, has continued for some minutes. After the first experiment, a sensation in the wrists and elbows took place, similar to that produced by the electric shock.

G. C. Bedford.

March 30th, 1800.

XVII.Detail ofMiss Ryland.

After having breathed five quarts of gas, I experienced for a short time a quickness and difficulty of breathing, which was succeeded by extreme languor, resembling fainting, without the very unpleasant sensation with which it is usually attended. It entirely deprived me of the power of speaking, but not of recollection, for I heard every thing that was said in the room during the time; and Mr. Davy’s remark “that my pulse was very quick and full.“ When the languor began to subside, it was succeeded by restlessness, accompanied by involuntary muscular motions. I was warmer than usual, and very sleepy for several hours.

XVIII.Letter fromMr. M. M. Coates.

I will, as you request, endeavour to describe to you the effect produced on me last Sunday fe’nnight by the nitrous oxide, and will atthe same time tell you what was the previous state of my mind on the subject.

When I sat down to breathe the gas, I believed that it owed much of its effect to the predisposing agency of the imagination, and had no expectation of its sensible influence on myself. Having ignorantly breathed a bag of common air without any effect, my doubts then arose to positive unbelief.

After a few inspirations of the nitrous oxide, I felt a fulness in my head, which increased with each inhalation, until, experiencing symptoms which I thought indicated approaching fainting, I ceased to breathe it, and was then confirmed in my belief of its inability to produce in me any pleasurable sensation.

But after a few seconds, I felt an immoderate flow of spirits, and an irresistible propensity to violent laughter and dancing, which, being fully conscious of the violence of my feelings, and of their irrational exhibition, I made great but ineffectual efforts to restrain; this wasmy state for several minutes. During the rest of the day, I experienced a degree of hilarity altogether new to me. For six or seven days afterwards, I seemed to feel most exquisitely at every nerve, and was much indisposed to my sedentary pursuits; this acute sensibility has been gradually diminishing; but I still feel somewhat of the effects of this novel agent.

Your’s truly,M. M. Coates.

To Mr.Davy.June 11th, 1800.

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