Having seen the remarkable effects produced on Mr. Davy, by breathing
nitrous oxide, the 18th of April; I became desirous of taking some.
A day or two after I breathed 2 quarts of this gas, returning it back
again into the same bag, after two or three in inspirations, breathing
became difficult, and I occasionally admitted common air into my
lungs. While the respiration was continued, my sensations became more
pleasant. On taking the bag from my mouth, I staggered a little, but
felt no other effect.
On the second time of making the experiment, I took nearly four quarts,
but still found it difficult to continue breathing long, though the air
which was left in the bag was far from being impure.
The effects however, in this case, were more striking than in the
former. Increased muscular action was accompanied by very pleasurable
feelings, and a strong desire to continue the inspiration. On removing
the bag from my mouth, I laughed, staggered, and attempted to speak,
but stammered exceedingly, and was utterly unable to pronounce some
words. My usual state of mind, however, soon returned.
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._