EFFECTS OF INHALING NITROUS OXIDE. 389 



These remarkable properties induced several persons to 

 repeat the experiment of breathing this exhilarating 

 medicine. Its effects were, as might have been expected, 

 various in different individuals ; but its general effect was 

 to produce in the gravest and most phlegmatic the highest 

 degree of exhilaration and happiness, unaccompanied with 

 languor or depression. In some it created an irresistible 

 disposition to laugh, and in others a propensity to mus- 

 cular exertion. In some it impaired the intellectual func- 

 tions, and in several it had no sensible effect, even when it 

 was breathed in the purest state and in considerable 

 quantities. It would be an inquiry of no slight interest to 

 ascertain the influence of this gas over persons of various 

 bodily temperaments, and upon minds varying in their 

 intellectual and moral character. 



Although Sir Humphry Davy experienced no unpleasant 

 effects from the inhalation of the nitrous oxide, yet such 

 effects are undoubtedly produced ; and there is reason to 

 believe that even permanent changes in the constitution 

 may be induced by the operation of this remarkable 

 stimulant. Two very interesting cases of this kind pre- 

 sented themselves to Professor Silliinan of Yale College, 

 when the nitrous oxide was administered to some of his 

 pupils. The students had been in the habit for several 

 years of preparing this gas and administering it to one 

 another, and these two cases were the only remarkable 

 ones which deserved to be recorded. We shall describe 

 them in Professor Silliman's own words : 



4 ' A gentleman about nineteen years of age, of a san- 

 guine temperament, and cheerful temper, and in the most 

 perfect health, inhaled the usual quantity of the nitrous 

 oxide when prepared in the ordinary manner. Imme- 

 diately his feelings were uncommonly elevated, so that, 

 as he expressed it, he could not refrain from dancing and 

 shouting. Indeed to such a degree was he excited, that 



