EFFECTS OF INHALING NITROUS OXIDE. 849 



case for a few days immediately preceding that 

 time ; and his general state of health was such, 

 that he was obliged almost entirely to discontinue 

 his studies, and was about to have recourse to 

 medical assistance. In this state of bodily and 

 mental debility, he inspired about three quarts 

 of nitrous oxide. The consequences were, an 

 astonishing invigoration of his whole system, and 

 the most exquisite perceptions of delight. These 

 were manifested by an uncommon disposition for 

 pleasantry and mirth, and by extraordinary mus- 

 cular power. The effects of the gas were felt 

 without diminution for at least thirty hours, and 

 in a greater or less degree for more than a week. 



" But the most remarkable effect was that upon 

 the organs of taste. Antecedently to taking the 

 gas, he exhibited no peculiar choice in the articles 

 of food, but immediately subsequent to that event, 

 he manifested a taste for such things only as were 

 sweet, and for several days ate nothing but sweet 

 cake. Indeed this singular taste was carried to 

 such excess, that he used sugar and molasses, not 

 only upon his bread and butter, and lighter food, 

 but upon his meat and vegetables. This he con- 

 tinues to do even at the present time ; and 

 although eight weeks have elapsed since he in- 

 spired the gas, he is still found pouring molasses 

 over beef, fish, poultry, potatoes, cabbage, or what- 

 ever animal or vegetable food is placed before him. 



" His health and spirits since that time have 

 been uniformly good, and he attributes the resto- 

 ration of his strength and mental energy to the 

 influence of the nitrous oxide. He is entirely 

 regular in his mind, and now experiences no un- 

 common exhilaration, but is habitually cheerful, 



