There are no reasons for supposing that nitrous oxide is formed in any
of the processes of nature; and the nice equilibrium of affinity by
which it is constituted, forbids us to hope for the power of composing
it from its simple principles. We must be content to produce it, either
directly or indirectly, from the decomposition of nitric acid. And as
in the decomposition of nitrate of ammoniac, not only all the nitrogene
of the nitric acid enters into the composition of the nitrous oxide
produced, but likewise that of the ammoniac, this process is by far
the cheapest, as well as the most expeditious. A mode of producing
ammoniac at little expence, has been proposed by Mr. Watt. Condensed
in the sulphuric acid, it can be easily made to combine with nitric
acid, from the decomposition of nitre by double affinity. And thus,
if the hopes which the experiments at the end of those researches
induce us to indulge, do not prove fallacious, a substance which has
been heretofore almost exclusively appropriated to the destruction of
mankind, may become, in the hands of philosophy, a means of producing
health and pleasurable sensation.