56 On the Respiration of Atmosplieric Air. 



gas, S0*025 azotic gas. We have, then, by the following 

 proportion, 12 : 11 = 80-5 : 73-79; the diminution = 

 4* 235. And in cubic inches by proportion, 100 : 30 = 

 4-235 : X = 1-2705. 



These experiments, which were frequently repeated, and 

 always gave the same result, establish, therefore, completely 

 the absorption of azotic gas in the act of respiration, and 

 the active part which this gas performs. We understand, at 

 the same time, more easily why the azotic gas, comparatively 

 with other mephitic gases, is so little adverse and pcrnicioua 

 to our lungs. According to the experiments of Lavoisier 

 and Seeuin, animals supported life very well in a mixture of 

 15 parts of azotic gas with 1 of oxygen ; although the same 

 animals were suddenly suffocated in a mixture of 40 parts of 

 oxyt^en gas, 45 of azotic cas, and 15 of carbonic acid gas. 

 We understand, at least in some degree, the extraordinary 

 effects of the gaseous oxide of azote. We understand the 

 transformation of chyle, being less animalized, legs azotized 

 ni the lymphatic part of the blood, to be very much ani- 

 malized and very much azotized by the act of respiration, 

 &c. However, the quantity pf azotic gas absorbed by a 

 sinde respiration is not very considerable ; which agrees 

 perfectly with the experiments of Davy, who, in nineteen 

 respirations of a volume of 161 cubic inches, absorbed no 

 more than 5-1 cubic inches of azotic gas. 



1 1 . To determine the quantity of carbonic acid gas pro- 

 duced by the respiration of atmospheric air, 60 cubic inches 

 were respired once during 10 or 12 seconds, and received 

 over the mercury in the expiration. Lime water absorbed 

 4-68 in 100 parts. This experiment, several times repeated, 

 gave the sanie result. The latter portion of expired air, 

 transmitted frequently through liqie water, exhibited a di- 

 minution of 4-9 in 100 parts. 



13. Twenty cubic inches, three times respired succes- 

 sively during 10 seconds, showed no more than -^^ of car- 

 bonic acid gas. 



13. 170 cubic i-nclies were respired four times during 50 

 seconds^ and there \\as obtained f^^^- of carbonic gas. 



14- UP, 



