Nitrous oxide; its properties, method of administration and effects.

  • Guilford, Simeon Hayden, 1841-1919.
Date:
1887
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Nitrous oxide; its properties, method of administration and effects. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    « effects of the gas, will often be able to tell how many teeth were extracted and the order in which they were removed, although they had been entirely ob- livious to any sensation of pain. They sometimes also speak of a desire to put forth muscular effort while under the influence and their inability to do so, comparing their feelings in this respect to those attending an attack of incubus or nightmare. The ultimate effects of most anaesthetics are seda- tive or depressing in their character, for, while un- der the early influence of their exhibition, the action of the heart is increased, as shown by the more rapid pulse, later on, the pulse usually falls below its normal number of beats. With nitrous oxide this is not the case. Under its influence the pulse is more rapid, and remains more or less so during the continuance of the effect. Proof of this is afforded in the careful recording of the action of the pulse in one hundred cases by Dr. J. D. Thomas of this city. In one case it rose to one hundred and forty-four, in several others to one hundred and twenty-eight, while in a few there was little or no change. A notable contrast between nitrous oxide and ether or chloroform is afforded in their after effects. The administration of ether is very gener- ally and chloroform quite frequently followed by nausea, while both are about equally attended with great subsequent debility of the patient, frequently lasting for hours and sometimes for days. This is