Nitrous Oxide (N2O), is one of the few gases capable of sustaining life, at least for a while, after the withdrawal of Oxygen. Under its effects, the experimenter seems to be in a sort of ecstasy. Fancies and thoughts are vivid, intense and generally pleasant. The mind tries to grasp the marvellous and supernatural. The senses are all exquisitely acute. There is a feeling of muscular energy and often a strong inclination to laugh. This cheerfulness and activity sometimes continue for several hours after the inhalation. The temperature of the body, while inhaling the gas, rises steadily and keeps pace with the mental exhilaration. The nerves experience a not unpleasant thrilling, vibratory sensation. In fact, the prover is living too fast, crowding the work of days into a few moments. The symptoms thus far remind one of the extravagant hallucinations of Cannabis Indica.
When the gas, however, is inhaled in large quantities or without the admixture of air, anaesthesia quickly follows. The mental ecstasy is but transient. But hearing remains acute, much longer than the other senses.
Sometimes attacks of fainting occur, with a feeling of oppression of the chest. At other times, convulsions set in, resembling Epilepsy or Hysteria.
I can recall a case of a colored woman, who took the gas at the dentists. For days afterwards, she was subject to spells of semi-consciousness, which were preceded by a numb feeling in the head, spreading thence over the body. Then she would fall backwards to the ground.
In the open air, the attacks were often postponed, but were more severe when they did come. While at work, she was free form attacks, but while seated or unoccupied, the seizures were frequent. She was conscious of feeling sick, but could not help herself. She often complained of a drawing in the neck, as from contraction of the skin.
With these suggestions, could not the laughing-gas be utilized as a medicine? Some of its symptoms remind one of the Ethers and their compounds. These semi-conscious spells are not uncommon in Hysteria. Here Nitrous Oxide may serve as well as the frequently used Moschus.
A question presents itself, while considering the efficacy of Ethers and similar substances. Of what Homoeopathic value are they in the treatment of that dread calamity, Puerperal Convulsions? There can be but one answer to any such query, and that is, their value depends upon their Homoeopathicity. But with this general answer ever in mind, may it not be asked, when are they indicated?
Certainly only when characteristic symptoms agree with the individual case under treatment.
Ether will help if there is opisthotonos, unconsciousness, violent convulsions, and especially intense dyspnoea.
Chloroform is antipathic, except for the intense precursory excitement; or, later, for deep coma, stertor and impending cardiac Paralysis, with blue, cold surface. The order of they symptoms here, suggests a similarity of Hyoscyamus; and I believe Dr. Lippe has anti-doted the effects of chloroform with this drug.
The Carbonous Oxide must wait confirmatory evidence : but, as similar to Opium, it ought to receive attention.
Nitrous Oxide produces symptoms like Hysteria, but should not be forgotten in the more alarming Puerperal Convulsions.
The mode of administration deserves a passing notice. I have no quarrel with him who prefers the crude preparations, but think, nevertheless, that more certain and abiding results will follow the use of potencies.
Dr. Allen, in his valuable Encyclopaedia, has taken the precaution to indicate the method; of preparation as follows; Chloroform and Ether, in Alcohol; Carbonous Oxide and Nitrous Oxide, in distilled water. Hahnemann gave the Sweet Spirits of Nitre dissolved in water; and suggests that it should be old enough not to redden the cork. Amyl Nitrite, it is claimed, acts best by inhalation, although many symptoms have resulted from its use prepared in Alcohol. The Bisulphide of Carbon has been employed by Allopaths as a local application in Neuralgia. The dangerous and awkward method is quite happily unnecessary, since, its successful use in potencies is well-attested.
