Nitrous Oxide
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Nitrous Oxide - History & Use
Nitrous oxide is a chemical compound with the formula of N2O. It is a
colorless and generally odorless gas. However it can also have a very slightly
sweet odor and taste. These properties make it excellent for making whipped
cream. However, it’s also used in other applications, such as surgery,
dentistry, and anesthetics. Also known as “laughing gas” for its anesthetic
and euphoric effects, nitrous oxide is also commonly used in motor racing.
Although, the racing form of nitrous gas is generally a lower grade.
Nitrous oxide was first produced by the English chemist and Presbyterian
minister, Joseph Priestley, in 1772 and further investigated by Humphrey Davy
in 1800 at the Pneumatic Medical Institution in Bristol. In his book on nitrous
oxide, Davy wrote that breathing the gas helped to relieve a toothache and
suggested: 'it may probably be used with advantage in surgical operations'.
But the pain-relieving properties of nitrous oxide were not explored any further
until nearly fifty years later. Initially, society was more interested in nitrous oxide
as a source of amusement and entertainment. Thus the name “laughing gas”
has long stuck to describe the gas.
Nitrous oxide was the first anaesthetic to be used, but was quickly followed by
stronger and more powerful substitutes. However, it continues to be a popular
amongst dentists as it does not require the close monitoring as some of the
more potent anaesthetics. For those that choose alternative forms of pain
control during child birth, it continues to be used for pain relief in some labor
rooms.
colorless and generally odorless gas. However it can also have a very slightly
sweet odor and taste. These properties make it excellent for making whipped
cream. However, it’s also used in other applications, such as surgery,
dentistry, and anesthetics. Also known as “laughing gas” for its anesthetic
and euphoric effects, nitrous oxide is also commonly used in motor racing.
Although, the racing form of nitrous gas is generally a lower grade.
Nitrous oxide was first produced by the English chemist and Presbyterian
minister, Joseph Priestley, in 1772 and further investigated by Humphrey Davy
in 1800 at the Pneumatic Medical Institution in Bristol. In his book on nitrous
oxide, Davy wrote that breathing the gas helped to relieve a toothache and
suggested: 'it may probably be used with advantage in surgical operations'.
But the pain-relieving properties of nitrous oxide were not explored any further
until nearly fifty years later. Initially, society was more interested in nitrous oxide
as a source of amusement and entertainment. Thus the name “laughing gas”
has long stuck to describe the gas.
Nitrous oxide was the first anaesthetic to be used, but was quickly followed by
stronger and more powerful substitutes. However, it continues to be a popular
amongst dentists as it does not require the close monitoring as some of the
more potent anaesthetics. For those that choose alternative forms of pain
control during child birth, it continues to be used for pain relief in some labor
rooms.