96 Respiration of Oxygen Gas. 



reversed proportions of the atmosphere — that is, 70 to 80 per 

 cent, of oxygen to 20 or 30 nitrogen ; and it is worthy of 

 observation, whether this circumstance might not have influ- 

 enced the result. 



Contrary to our expectations, the gas (as we are since in- 

 formed by good authority) was skilfully prepared and perseve- 

 ringly 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, in a letter now before us, " that the inhaling of 

 the oxygen gas relieved the difficulty of breathing, increased 

 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 

 oxygen gas appear to be desired, it would not be difficult to 

 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 oxyde which is now little more 

 than a subject of merriment and wonder, if properly diluted 

 and discreetly applied, would be productive of valuable effects. 



