General Science, 
gentleman, about nineteen years of age, of a sanguine tempera- 
ment, and cheerful temper, and in the most perfect health, in- 
haled the gas, which was prepared and administered in the usual 
dose and manner. Immediately, his feelings were uncommon- 
ly elevated, so that (as he expressed it) he could “ not refrain 
from dancing and shouting.” To such a degree was he excited, 
that he was thrown into a frightful delirium, and his exertions 
became so violent, that he sunk to the earth exhausted ; and 
having there remained till he in some degree recovered his 
strength, he again rose only to renew the most convulsive muscu- 
lar efforts, and the most piercing screams and cries, until, over- 
powered by the intensity of the paroxysms, he again fell to the 
ground apparently senseless, and panting vehemently. For the 
space of two hours these symptoms continued ; he was perfectly 
unconscious of what he was doing , and was in every respect like 
a maniac : he states, however, that his feelings vibrated between 
perfect happiness, and the most consummate misery. After the 
first violent effects had subsided, he was obliged to lie down 
two or three times, from excessive fatigue, although he was im- 
mediately aroused upon any one’s entering the room. The ef- 
fects remained in a degree for two or three days, accompanied 
by a hoarseness, which he attributed to the exertions made while 
under the influence of the gas. 
The other case was that of a man of mature age, and of 
a grave character. For nearly two years previous to his taking 
the gas, his health had been very delicate, and his mind so 
gloomy and depressed, that he was obliged almost entirely to 
discontinue his studies. In this state of debility, he inhaled 
about three quarts of the nitrous oxide. The consequences 
were, an astonishing invigoration of his whole system, and the 
most exquisite perception of delight. These were manifest- 
ed by an uncommon disposition for mirth and pleasantry* 
and by extraordinary muscular 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 upon the organs (f taste. Before 
taking the gas, he felt no peculiar choice in the articles of food, 
but immediately after that event, he manifested a taste for such 
things only as were sweet , and for several days ate nothing hut 
