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NITROUS OXIDE. 415

NITROUS OXIDE.

This agent is now used as a general anaesthetic
quite extensively in dental practice. Such has not
been the case, however, till within the last three
years. This agent, when properly prepared, and
judiciously administered, is perhaps the safest general
it is very efficient for minor sur-
anaesthetic in use ;
gical operations, and we believe will ere long be found

to be applicable to the more protracted and graver
operations. Its efficiency is very much modified by
its preparation and mode of administration. This gas
when pure is colorless, and of slightly sweetish taste
it is usually prepared by decomposition of
and odor ;
nitrate of ammonia.
It is not the purpose here, to describe the method
of preparing this agent, that has been well done by
others yet it is proper to suggest here, that to a
;
large extent, the knowledge and opinions entertained
on this subject have been very circumscribed, and

exceedingly erroneous. In the administration of
nitrous oxide as an anaesthetic, great care should be
exercised to secure the best results. In order to
accomplish this, it should be inhaled, and in no case
but once, diluted as circumstances may indicate.
more or less with pure atmospheric air ; this is ordi-
narily necessary only at the beginning, for pure