ON THE VAPOUR OF /ETHER. 
137 
impression of a very pungent and disagreeable nature in the fauces, 
and, moving my tongue, I discovered that an attempt had been 
made to extract the tooth. My desire for a repetition of the ex- 
periment remained ; and I certainly, though conscious, had not 
full possession of my reason. At the time I was not aware of 
the fact, and should assuredly have asserted the contrary ; but the 
difficulty I have subsequently had in recalling the incidents con- 
vinces me of the circumstance. I begged Mr. Normansell to re- 
commence the trial, but he absolutely refused. He informed me, 
that while under the influence of the aether 1 had become violent ; 
that it speedily operated ; and when I appeared insensible, he had 
applied the lever to remove the tooth. The instrument, however, 
he had no sooner began to employ than I rose from the chair, when 
the mouth-piece, which had been removed, was a second time ap- 
plied. I once more inhaled, and again was quieted, and to all ap- 
pearance rendered fit for the operation. The attempt was now 
made ; but before it could be effectual, I got from the chair, seemed 
to be strongly excited, and appeared to be about to jump through 
the window. Means were used to restrain me, and I was forced 
into the seat, when I began to vomit. All this took place while I 
was unconscious. I am told that the aether was applied the second 
time, in consequence of my request ; but I remember nothing. I 
retain a confused idea that some image was present to my mind, 
but have no ability now of stating of what that image consisted. I 
heard of what had passed as of a circumstance relating to another 
person, and not connected with myself. Still I was desirous to have 
the experiment persevered in ; and the history I received increased 
my desire, for the effect on me appeared to be somewhat extraor- 
dinary. Mr. Normansell’s caution, however, would not permit him 
to comply with my wish ; and as the tooth had, by the force em- 
ployed, been rendered sensitive, I sat down to have it extracted. 
Three attempts were now made ; but the tooth could not be forced 
from the jaw, notwithstanding all the power and skill employed. 
There is, evidently, some peculiarity in the fangs, which opposes 
the extraction. The repeated trials gave me considerable pain. I 
felt that keenly enough ; but nevertheless do not think but the 
aether, to some degree, rendered me insensible. I suffered much, 
but am of opinion that I was not fully alive to every pang. I cer- 
tainly cared little what was done, and it was only when the agony 
became acute that 1 took notice of it. The three effects, however, 
seemed to exhaust my endurance, and Mr. Normansell kindly, in 
consequence of my renewed solicitations, consented to try the 
aether once more, on the following day. 
Feeling now very poorly, rather than decidedly ill, 1 resolved to 
walk home, thinking the air would revive me ; but when I got 
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