196 Domestic Intelligence. 



frequently than others, we have seen painfully, and even 

 alarmingly affected. 



Case 2. 



C. D. a member of the senior class, is a man of ma- 

 ture age, and of a grave and respectable character. For 

 nearly two years previous to his taking the gas, his health 

 had been very delicate, and his mind frequently gloomy and 

 depressed. This was peculiary the case for a few days im- 

 mediately preceding that time; and his general state of 

 health was such, that he was obhged, almost entirely, to 

 discontinue his studies ; and was about to have recourse to 

 medical assistance. In this state of bodily and mental de- 

 bility, he inspired about three quarts of the nitrous oxid. — 

 The consequences were, an astonishing invigoration of his 

 whole system, and the most exquisite perception of delight. 

 These were manifested by an uncommon disposition for 

 pleasantry and mirth, and by extraordinary muscular power. 

 The effect of the gas was 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 vpon the organs 

 of taste. Antecedently to taking the gas, he exhibited no 

 peculiar choice in the articles of food, but immediately sub- 

 sequent 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 usid sugar and molasses not only upon his bread and 

 butter and lighter food, but upon his meat and vegetables. — 

 This he continues to do even at the present time, and 

 although nearly eight weeks have elapsed since he inspired 

 the gas, he is still found pouring molasses over beef, pork, 

 poultry, potatoes, cabbage, or lohatever animal or vegetable 

 food is placed before him. 



His health and spirits, since that time, have been uniform- 

 ly good, and he attributes the restoration of his strength, and 

 mental energy to the influence of the nitrous oxid. He is 

 entirely regular in his mind, and now experiences no un- 

 common exhilaration, but is habitually cheerful, while be- 

 fore, he was as habitually grave, and even, to a degree, 

 gloomy. 



