96 Respiration of Oxygen Gas. 
the result. : 
Contrary to our expectations, the gas (as we are since 
formed by good authority) was skilfully prepared and_ ; 
severingly used. From the first, the difficulty of breathing 
and other oppressive affections were relieved: the young lady 
grew rapidly better, and in a few weeks entirely recovered 
her health. A respectable physician, conversant with the 
case, states, ina letter now before us, “ that the inhaling of 
the oxygen gas relieved the difficulty of breathing, increa 
the operation of diuretics, and has effected her cure. Whether 
her disease was hydrothorax, or an anasarcous affection of the 
lungs, is a matter I believe not settled.’ 
Should the revival of the experiments on the respiration of 
in- 
reversed proportions of the atmosphere—that is, 70 or 80 per : FS 
cent. of oxygen to 20 or 30 nitrogen ; and it is worthy of obser- — 
vation, whether this circumstance might not have influenced = | 
age : 
oxygen gas appear to be desired, it would not be difficult to a 
simplify the apparatus and operations so as to bring them 
within the reach of an intelligent person, even although igno- 
rant of chemistry : and this task, should there be occasion, we 
would cheerfully undertake to perform. 
This interesting class of experiments ought to be resumed, 
not with the spirit of quackery, or of extravagant expectation, 
but with the sobriety of philosophical research ; and it is more — 
than probable that the nitrous oxyd, which is now little more : 
than a subject of merriment and wonder, if properly diluted 
and discreetly applied, would be productive of valuable effects- 
