EFFECTS OF INHALING NITROUS OXIDE. 347 



in several it had no sensible effect, even when it 

 was breathed in the purest state, and in consider- 

 able 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 Humphrey 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 presented themselves to Professor Silliman, 

 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 prepar- 

 ing this gas, and administering it to one another, 

 and these two cases were the only remarkable ones 

 which deserved to be recorded. We shall de- 

 scribe them in Professor Silliman's own words : 



" A gentleman, about nineteen years of age, of 

 a sanguine temperament, and cheerful temper, 

 and in the most perfect health, inhaled the usual 

 quantity of the nitrous oxide, when prepared in 

 the ordinary manner. Immediately his feelings 

 were uncommonly evelated, so that, as he ex- 

 pressed it, he could not refrain from dancing and 

 shouting. Indeed to such a degree was he ex- 

 cited, that he was thrown into a frightful fit of 

 delirium, and his exertions became so violent, 

 that after a while he sank to the earth exhausted, 

 and there remained, until having by .quiet in 

 some degree recovered his strength, he again 



