Researches on the medical properties and applications of nitrous oxide, protoxide of nitrogen, or laughing gas / By Geo. J. Ziegler.

  • Ziegler, George J. (George Jacob), 1821-1895.
Date:
1865
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Researches on the medical properties and applications of nitrous oxide, protoxide of nitrogen, or laughing gas / By Geo. J. Ziegler. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    When exhibited in moderate quantities, nitrous oxide usually produces a mild and very pleasant thrilling sensation rapidly extending over the whole system, at- tended with forcible and prolonged respiratory efforts, and a strong disposition to laughter and muscular mo- tion, which often becomes so irresistible as to be in- voluntary. If taken freely, these agreeable sensations are greatly enhanced, accompanied with a remarkable buoyancy of spirits, boisterous gayety, activity of imag- ination, rapid flow of vivid ideas and brilliancy of mental conceptions of the most sublime character, the direction of thought being influenced in some measure, by the dominant idea at the commencement of its action, hence sometimes followed by other than hilarious mani- festations. Used largely, this state of excitement rapidly passes into one of rapturous enjoyment, entranced tran- quillity, and complete repose with entire insensibility and unconsciousness, during the existence of which the mind becomes temporarily oblivious to all impressions, even of an ordinarily painful nature. The primary stage of sur-excitation with its concomitants, anaesthesia and trance, is usually, however, of brief duration, term- inating rather suddenly, yet leaving generally a sense of permanent invigoration similar to that resulting from a free exposure to fresh atmospheric air, not being fol- lowed with any reactive languor or depression so com- mon with ordinary stimulants. Besides its general physiological effects, nitrous oxide