Under the Influence: A History of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen Anaesthesia

TLDR

The book traces the history of nitrous oxide and oxygen anesthesia from Priestley’s discovery of oxygen through Davy’s inhalation studies to the gradual acceptance of nitrous oxide in Britain, interweaving the author’s personal experiences and contemporary accounts. The narrative is interspersed with contemporary quotations and the author’s interpretive commentary, providing a contextualized account of the events. The result is a vivid, engaging exposé of the historical development of inhalation anesthesia.

Abstract

This book is essentially a compilation of articles by the author, originally published over the years since 1965 in the<i>British Journal of Anaesthesia</i>. A preface summarizes both the highlights and the author's own personal experience with nitrous oxide including autoexperimentation. The opening chapter is about Joseph Priestley and his discovery of oxygen. Here we are treated to a glimpse into the life of a one-time 18th-century minister and later tutor—always a well-to-do gentleman and scholar. The chapters continue in the same intimate style through Sir Humphrey Davy's researches in relation to inhalation anesthesia and go on to the gradual acceptance of nitrous oxide anesthesia in Great Britain, its manufacture and storage, ending with experience in ambulatory patients. The text is interspersed with quotes from contemporary writings along with the author's interpretations of the events described. The end result is a colorful, fascinating exposé of the history of the most