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NITROUS OXIDE.
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constitution with atmospheric air, it differs from it both in the
proportion of its constitutional elements and in the manner of
their association. Nitrous oxide contains about one-third of
oxygen to two-thirds of nitrogen, while atmospheric air has only
about one-fifth of oxygen to four-fifths of nitrogen.
Again, in nitrous oxide the elements nitrogen and oxygen are
in chemical combination with each other, while in atmospheric
air there is no apparent chemical union whatever.
Medical Properties and Physiological Action.—Concerning the
therapeutic application of nitrous oxide. Dr. L. Turnbull says :
" Neuralgia, uncomplicated, will sometimes be relieved by a ^ew
inhalations of nitrous oxide gas. Nervous aphonia, this peculiar
form of loss of power over the voice, usually the result of hysteria,
will be much improved by the patient inhaling sufficient nitrous
oxide gas to produce a partial loss of sensation and muscular
relaxation. Local paralysis has been benefited, where there was
no brain lesion, by the gentle stimulation by the first stages of the
gas, or the tingling and stimulating effect on the muscles.
Asthma, when of a spasmodic character is often much improved
by causing the patient to pass into the stage of relaxation, em-
ploying it every other day for a week or two. It also tends to
expand the lungs." Dr. George Ziegler found the solution or
J.
the gas, in water, of much utility in diseases of the lungs, kidneys,
and other affections of this class. Dr. M. Price claims to have
employed nitrous oxide gas in many cases of phthisis with ad-
vantage, and a number of dentists have been told by consumptive
patients that they have been benefited by the inhalation of nitrous
oxide gas.
Nitrous oxide gas is not only the most pleasant, but is, com-
bined with oxygen, the safest general anaesthetic in use, and the
greatest objection to its administration is the very short anaes-
thetic stage which it induces, unless the inhalation of the gas be
continued, which is impossible in operations upon the mouth.
When inhaled, the first effect is dizziness, with ringing noises in
the ears, a tingling sensation, extending to the extremities, an
uplifting of the whole system, followed by fulness or expansion
of the chest, and a loss of sensation throughout the entire body.