212 
Proceedings of the Royal Society 
Schonbein, indeed, showed* that a mouse imprisoned in an atmo- 
sphere of ozone died in about five minutes. From meteorological 
data, this observer also stated that the quantity of ozone in the 
atmosphere and the prevalence of epidemic diseases were in an 
inverse relation to each other both as to time and locality. This 
statement has probably given rise to the popular opinion that ozone 
not only acts as a powerful oxidising agent of decaying animal 
or vegetable matters, but also that it has a specific action on the 
animal body. 
With the view of determining what action ozone exerts on the 
body, we commenced a series of experimental observations, which 
we now beg to lay before the Society. 
1. Mode of ‘producing the Ozone (see fig.). — The ozone in the 
following experiments was made by passing a current of dry air or 
Description of Figure. — a, glass chamber for reception of the animal; b , 
gasometer ; the current of air or gas passed from right to left of diagram ; 
c (to the right), bulb-tube containing sulphuric acid; c (to the left), bulb-tube 
containing caustic potash or water ; d , U tube; e , wire from — pole of induc- 
tion coil continuous with platinum wire within the U tube; f wire from -f- 
pole of induction coil continuous with copper wire coiled round U tube. 
oxygen from a gasometer (5) through a narrow glass tube, bent for 
convenience like the letter Tj ( d ), about 3 feet in length, and con- 
taining a platinum wire 2 feet in length, which had been inserted 
* British Association Reports, 1848. 
