Part 22

On the 29th, I again breathed four quarts. The pleasant feelings produced at first, urged me to continue the inspiration with great eagerness. These feelings however, went off towards the end of the experiment, and no other effects followed. The gas had probably been breathed too long, as it would not support flame. I then proposed to Mr. Davy, to inhale the air by the mouth from one bag, and to expire it from the nose into another. This method was pursued with less than three quarts, but the effects were so powerful as to oblige me to take in a little common air occasionally. I soon found my nervous system agitated by the highest sensations of pleasure, which are difficult of description; my muscular powers were very much increased, and I went on breathing with great vehemence, not from a difficulty of inspiration, but from an eager avidity for more air. When the bags were exhausted and taken from me, I continued breathing with the same violence, then suddenly starting from the chair, and vociferating with pleasure, I made towards those that were present, as I wished they should participate in my feelings. I struck gently at Mr. Davy and a stranger entering the room at the moment, I made towards him, and gave him several blows, but more in the spirit of good humour than of anger. I then ran through different rooms in the house, and at last returned to the laboratory somewhat more composed; my spirits continued much elevated for some hours after the experiment, and I felt no consequent depression either in the evening or the day following, but slept as soundly as usual.

On the 5th of May, I again attempted to breathe nitrous oxide, but it happened to contain suspended nitrous vapour which rendered it non-respirable.

On the 7th, I inspired 7 quarts of pure gas mingled with an equal quantity of common air, the sensations were pleasant, and my muscular power much increased.

On the 8th, I inspired five quarts without any mixture of common air, but the effects were not equal to those produced the day before; Indeed there were reasons for supposing that the gas was impure.

On the 18th, I breathed nearly six quarts of the pure nitrous oxide. It is not easy to describe my sensations; they were superior to any thing I ever before experienced. My step was firm, and all my muscular powers increased. My senses were more alive to every surrounding impression; I threw myself into several theatrical attitudes, and traversed the laboratory with a quick step; my mind was elevated to a most sublime height. It is giving but a faint idea of the feelings to say, that they resembled those produced by a representation of an heroic scene on the stage, or by reading a sublime passage in poetry when circumstances contribute to awaken the finest sympathies of the soul. In a few minutes the usual state of mind returned. I continued in good spirits for the rest of the day, and slept soundly.

Since the 18th of May, I have very often breathed nitrous oxide. In the first experiments when pure, its effects were generally similar to those just described.

Lately I have seldom experienced vivid sensations. The pleasure produced by it is slight and tranquil, I rarely feel sublime emotions or increased muscular power.

J. W. TOBIN. _October, 1799._

II. _Detail of_ MR. WM. CLAYFIELD.

The first time that I breathed the nitrous oxide, it produced feelings analogous to those of intoxication. I was for some time unconscious of existence, but at no period of the experiment experienced agreeable sensations, a momentary nausea followed it; but unconnected with languor or head-ache.

After this I several times respired the gas, but on account of the fulness in the head and apparent throbbing of the arteries in the brain,[222] always desisted to breathe before the full effects were produced. In two experiments however, when by powerful voluntary efforts I succeeded in breathing a large quantity of gas for some minutes, I had highly pleasurable thrillings in the extremities, and such increase of muscular power, as to be obliged to exert my limbs with violence. After these experiments, no languor or depression followed.

WILLIAM CLAYFIELD.

[222] In some of these experiments, hearing was rendered more acute.

III. _Letter from_ DR. KINGLAKE.

In compliance with your desire, I will endeavour to give you a faithful detail of the effects produced on my sensations by the inhalation of nitrous oxide.

My first inspiration of it was limited to four quarts, diluted with an equal quantity of atmospheric air. After a few inspirations, a sense of additional freedom and power (call it energy if you please) agreeably pervaded the region of the lungs; this was quickly succeeded by an almost delirious but highly pleasurable sensation in the brain, which was soon diffused over the whole frame, imparting to the muscular power at once an encreased disposition and tone for action; but the mental effect of the excitement was such as to absorb in a sort of intoxicating placidity, and delight, volition, or rather the power of voluntary motion. These effects were in a greater or less degree protracted during about five minutes, when the former state returned, with the difference however of feeling more cheerful and alert, for several hours after.

It seemed also to have had the further effect of reviving rheumatic irritations in the shoulder and knee-joints, which had not been previously felt for many months. No perceptible change was induced in the pulse either at or subsequent to the time of inhaling the gas.

The effects produced by a second trial of its powers, were more extensive, and concentrated on the brain. In this instance, nearly six quarts undiluted, were accurately and fully inhaled. As on the former occasion, it immediately proved agreeably respirable, but before the whole quantity was quite exhausted, its agency was exerted so strongly on the brain, as progressively to suspend the senses of seeing, hearing, feeling, and ultimately the power of volition itself. At this period, the pulse was much augmented both in force and frequency; slight convulsive twitches of the muscles of the arms were also induced; no painful sensation, nausea, or languor, however, either preceded, accompanied, or followed this state, nor did a minute elapse before the brain rallied, and resumed its wonted faculties, when a sense of glowing warmth extending over the system, was speedily succeeded by a re-instatement of the equilibrium of health.

The more permanent effects were (as in the first experiment) an invigorated feel of vital power, improved spirits, transient irritations in different parts, but not so characteristically rheumatic as in the former instance.

Among the circumstances most worthy of regard in considering the properties and administration of this powerful aërial agent, may be ranked, the fact of its being (contrary to the prevailing opinion[223]) both highly respirable, and salutary, that it impresses the brain and system at large with a more or less strong and durable degree of pleasurable sensation, that unlike the effect of other violently exciting agents, no sensible exhaustion or diminution of vital power accrues from the exertions of its stimulant property, that its most excessive operation even, is neither permanently nor transiently debilitating; and finally, that it fairly promises under judicious application, to prove an extremely efficient remedy, as well in the vast tribe of diseases originating from deficient irritability and sensibility, as in those proceeding from morbid associations, and modifications, of those vital principles.

If you should deem any thing contained in this cursory narrative capable of subserving in any degree the practical advantages likely to result from your scientific and valuable investigation of the genuine properties of the nitrous oxide, it is perfectly at your disposal.

I am Your sincere friend, ROBERT KINGLAKE.

_Bristol, June 14th, 1799._

To MR. DAVY.

[223] Dr. Mitchill (an American Chemist) has erroneously supposed its full admission to the lungs, in its concentrated state, to be incompatible with animal life, and that in a more diluted form it operates as a principal agent in the production of contagious diseases, &c. This gratuitous position is thus unqualifiedly affirmed. “If a full inspiration of gaseous oxyd be made, there will be a sudden extinction of life; and this accordingly accounts for the fact related by Russel (History of Aleppo, p. 232.) and confirmed by other observers, of many persons falling down dead suddenly, when struck with the contagion of the plague.”

Vide Remarks on the Gaseous Oxyd of Azote, by Samuel Latham Mitchill, M. D.

IV. _Detail of_ MR. SOUTHEY.

In breathing the nitrous oxide, I could not distinguish between the first feelings it occasioned and an apprehension of which I was unable to divest myself. My first definite sensation was a dizziness, a fulness in the head, such as to induce a fear of falling. This was momentary. When I took the bag from my mouth, I immediately laughed. The laugh was involuntary but highly pleasurable, accompanied by a thrill all through me; and a tingling in my toes and fingers, a sensation perfectly new and delightful. I felt a fulness in my chest afterwards; and during the remainder of the day, imagined that my taste and hearing were more than commonly quick. Certain I am that I felt myself more than usually strong and chearful.

In a second trial, by continuing the inhalation longer, I felt a thrill in my teeth; and breathing still longer the third time, became so full of strength as to be compelled to exercise my arms and feet.

Now after an interval of some months, during which my health has been materially impaired, the nitrous oxide produces an effect upon me totally different. Half the quantity affects me, and its operation is more violent; a slight laughter is first induced,[224] and a desire to continue the inhalation, which is counteracted by fear from the rapidity of respiration; indeed my breath becomes so short and quick, that I have no doubt but the quantity which I formerly breathed, would now destroy me. The sensation is not painful, neither is it in the slightest degree pleasurable.

ROBERT SOUTHEY.

[224] In the former experiments, Mr. Southey generally respired six quarts, now he is unable to consume two.

In an experiment made since this paper was drawn up, the effect was rather pleasurable.

V. _Letter from_ DR. ROGET.

The effect of the first inspirations of the nitrous oxide was that of making me vertiginous, and producing a tingling sensation in my hands and feet: as these feelings increased, I seemed to lose the sense of my own weight, and imagined I was sinking into the ground. I then felt a drowsiness gradually steal upon me, and a disinclination to motion; even the actions of inspiring and expiring were not performed without effort: and it also required some attention of mind to keep my nostrils closed with my fingers. I was gradually roused from this torpor by a kind of delirium, which came on so rapidly that the air-bag dropt from my hands. This sensation increased for about a minute after I had ceased to breathe, to a much greater degree than before, and I suddenly lost sight of all the objects around me, they being apparently obscured by clouds, in which were many luminous points, similar to what is often experienced on rising suddenly and stretching out the arms, after sitting long in one position.

I felt myself totally incapable of speaking, and for some time lost all consciousness of where I was, or who was near me. My whole frame felt as if violently agitated: I thought I panted violently: my heart seemed to palpitate, and every artery to throb with violence; I felt a singing in my ears; all the vital motions seemed to be irresistibly hurried on, as if their equilibrium had been destroyed, and every thing was running headlong into confusion. My ideas succeeded one another with extreme rapidity, thoughts rushed like a torrent through my mind, as if their velocity had been suddenly accelerated by the bursting of a barrier which had before retained them in their natural and equable course. This state of extreme hurry, agitation, and tumult, was but transient. Every unnatural sensation gradually subsided; and in about a quarter of an hour after I had ceased to breathe the gas, I was nearly in the same state in which I had been at the commencement of the experiment.

I cannot remember that I experienced the least pleasure from any of these sensations. I can however, easily conceive, that by frequent repetition I might reconcile myself to them, and possibly even receive pleasure from the same sensations which were then unpleasant.

I am sensible that the account I have been able to give of my feelings is very imperfect. For however calculated their violence and novelty were to leave a lasting impression on the memory, these circumstances were for that very reason unfavourable to accuracy of comparison with sensations already familiar.

The nature of the sensations themselves, which bore greater resemblance to a half delirious dream than to any distinct state of mind capable of being accurately remembered, contributes very much to increase the difficulty. And as it is above two months since I made the experiment, many of the minuter circumstances have probably escaped me.

I remain, Yours, &c.

P. ROGET. To MR. DAVY.

VI. _Letter from_ MR. JAMES THOMSON.

The first time I respired nitrous oxide, the experiment was made under a strong impression of fear, and the quantity I breathed not sufficient, as you informed me, to produce the usual effect. I did not note very accurately my sensations. I remember I experienced a slight degree of vertigo after the third or fourth inspiration; and breathed with increased vigor, my inspirations being much deeper and more vehement than ordinary. I was enabled the next time I made the experiment, to attend more accurately to my sensations, and you have the observations I made on them at the time.

After the fourth inspiration, I experienced the same increased action of the lungs, as in the former case. My inspirations became uncommonly full and strong, attended with a thrilling sensation about the chest, highly pleasurable, which increased to such a degree as to induce a fit of involuntary laughter, which I in vain endeavoured to repress. I felt a slight giddiness which lasted for a few moments only. My inspirations now became more vehement and frequent; and I inhaled the air with an avidity strongly indicative of the pleasure I received. That peculiar thrill which I had at first experienced at the chest, now pervaded my whole frame; and during the two or three last inspirations, was attended with a remarkable tingling in my fingers and toes. My feelings at this moment are not to be described: I felt a high, an extraordinary degree of pleasure, different from that produced by wine, being divested of all its gross accompaniments, and yet approaching nearer to it than to any other sensation I am acquainted with.

I am certain that my muscular strength was for a time much increased. My disposition to exert it was such as I could not repress, and the satisfaction I felt in any violent exertion of my legs and arms is hardly to be conceived. These vivid sensations were not of long duration; they diminished insensibly, and in little more than a quarter of an hour I could perceive no difference between the state I was then in, and that previous to the respiration of the air.

The observations I made on repeating the experiment, do not differ from the preceding, except in the circumstance of the involuntary laughter, which I never afterwards experienced, though I breathed the air several times; and in the following curious fact, which, as it was dependent on circumstances, did not always occur.

Having respired the same quantity of air as usual, and with precisely the same effects, I was surprised to find myself affected a few minutes afterwards with the recurrence of a pain in my back and knees, which I had experienced the preceding day from fatigue in walking. I was rather inclined to deem this an accidental coincidence than an effect of the air; but the same thing constantly occurring whenever I breathed the air, shortly after suffering pain either from fatigue, or any other accidental cause, left no doubt on my mind as to the accuracy of the observation.

I have now given you the substance of the notes I made whilst the impressions were strong on my mind. I cannot add any thing from recollection that will at all add to the accuracy of this account, or assist those who have not respired this air, in forming a clearer idea of its extraordinary effects. It is extremely difficult to convey to others by means of words, any idea of particular sensations, of which they have had no experience. It can only be done by making use of such terms as are expressive of sensations that resemble them, and in these our vocabulary is very defective. To be able at all to comprehend the effects of nitrous oxide, it is necessary to respire it, and after that, we must either invent new terms to express these new and particular sensations, or attach new ideas to old ones, before we can communicate intelligibly with each other on the operation of this extraordinary gas.

I am &c. JAMES THOMSON. _London, Sept. 21, 1799._

To MR. DAVY.

VII. _Detail of_ MR. COLERIDGE.

The first time I inspired the nitrous oxide, I felt an highly pleasurable sensation of warmth over my whole frame, resembling that which I remember once to have experienced after returning from a walk in the snow into a warm room. The only motion which I felt inclined to make, was that of laughing at those who were looking at me. My eyes felt distended, and towards the last, my heart beat as if it were leaping up and down. On removing the mouth-piece the whole sensation went off almost instantly.

The second time, I felt the same pleasurable sensation of warmth, but not I think, in quite so great a degree. I wished to know what effect it would have on my impressions; I fixed my eye on some trees in the distance, but I did not find any other effect except that they became dimmer and dimmer, and looked at last as if I had seen them through tears. My heart beat more violently than the first time. This was after a hearty dinner.

The third time I was more violently acted on than in the two former. Towards the last, I could not avoid, nor indeed felt any wish to avoid, beating the ground with my feet; and after the mouth-piece was removed, I remained for a few seconds motionless, in great extacy.

The fourth time was immediately after breakfast. The few first inspirations affected me so little that I thought Mr. Davy had given me atmospheric air: but soon felt the warmth beginning about my chest, and spreading upward and downward, so that I could feel its progress over my whole frame. My heart did not beat so violently; my sensations were highly pleasurable, not so intense or apparently local, but of more unmingled pleasure than I had ever before experienced.[225]

S. T. COLERIDGE.

[225] The doses in these experiments were from five to seven quarts.

VIII. _Detail of_ MR. WEDGWOOD.

July 23, I called on Mr. Davy at the Medical Institution, who asked me to breathe some of the nitrous oxide, to which I consented, being rather a sceptic as to its effects, never having seen any person affected. I first breathed about six quarts of air which proved to be only common atmospheric air, and which consequently produced no effect.

I then had 6 quarts of the oxide given me in a bag undiluted, and as soon as I had breathed three or four respirations, I felt myself affected and my respiration hurried, which effect increased rapidly until I became as it were entranced, when I threw the bag from me and kept breathing on furiously with an open mouth and holding my nose with my left hand, having no power to take it away though aware of the ridiculousness of my situation. Though apparently deprived of all voluntary motion, I was sensible of all that passed, and heard every thing that was said; but the most singular sensation I had, I feel it impossible accurately to describe. It was as if all the muscles of the body were put into a violent vibratory motion; I had a very strong inclination to make odd antic motions with my hands and feet. When the first strong sensations went off, I felt as if I were lighter than the atmosphere, and as if I was going to mount to the top of the room. I had a metallic taste left in my mouth, which soon went off.

Before I breathed the air, I felt a good deal fatigued from a very long ride I had had the day before, but after breathing, I lost all sense of fatigue.

IX. _Detail of_ MR. GEORGE BURNET.

I had never heard of the effects of the nitrous oxide, when I breathed six quarts of it. I felt a delicious tremor of nerve, which was rapidly propagated over the whole nervous system. As the action of inhaling proceeds, an irresistible _appetite_ to repeat it is excited. There is now a general swell of sensations, vivid, strong, and inconceivably pleasurable. They still become more vigorous and glowing till they are communicated to the brain, when an ardent flush overspreads the face. At this moment the tube inserted in the air-bag was taken from my mouth, or I must have fainted in extacy.

The operation being over, the strength and turbulence of my sensations subsided. To this succeeded a state of feeling uncommonly serene and tranquil. Every nerve being gently agitated with a lively enjoyment. It was natural to expect that the effect of this experiment, would eventually prove debilitating. So far from this I continued in a state of high excitement the remainder of the day after two o’clock, the time of the experiment, and experienced a flow of spirits not merely chearful, but unusually joyous.

GEORGE BURNET.

X. _Detail of_ MR. T. POPLE.

A disagreeable sensation as if breaking out into a profuse perspiration, tension of the tympanum, cheeks and forehead; almost total loss of muscular power; afterwards increased powers both of body and mind, very vivid sensations and highly pleasurable. Those pleasant feelings were not new, they were felt, but in a less degree, on ascending some high mountains in Glamorganshire.

On taking it the second time, there was a disagreeable feeling about the face. In a fewseconds, the feelings became pleasurable; all the faculties absorbed by the fine pleasing feelings of existence without consciousness; an involuntary burst of laughter.

THOMAS POPLE.

XI. _Detail of_ MR. HAMMICK.

Having never heard any thing of the mode of operation of nitrous oxide, I breathed gas in a silk bag for some time, and found no effects, but oppression of respiration. Afterwards Mr. Davy told me that I had been breathing atmospheric air.

In a second experiment made without knowing what gas was in the bag, I had not breathed half a minute, when from the extreme pleasure I felt, I unconciously removed the bag from my mouth; but when Mr. Davy offered to take it from me, I refused to let him have it, and said eagerly, “let me breathe it again, it is highly pleasant! it is the strongest stimulant I ever felt!“ I was cold when I began to respire, but had immediately a pleasant glow extending to my toes and fingers. I experienced from the air a pleasant taste which I can only call sweetly astringent; it continued for some time: the sense of exhilaration was lasting. This air Mr. Davy told me was nitrous oxide.

In another experiment, when I breathed a small dose of nitrous oxide, the effects were slight, and sometime afterwards I felt an unusual yawning and languor.