Stuff You Should Know Selects: How Nitrous Oxide Works
May 29, 2021
Delve into the fascinating history of nitrous oxide, from its medical marvels to its recreational twists. Discover how it shifted from pain-free dentistry to a popular party gas. The podcast humorously examines the cultural impacts and personal stories surrounding its use. Learn about its vital role in automotive performance and the risks associated with its misuse. Finally, hear touching moments of community gratitude, uniting listeners through quirky gift sharing and heartfelt anecdotes.
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Horace Wells and Painless Dentistry
- Horace Wells, a dentist, witnessed a pain-free injury during a nitrous oxide demonstration.
- This inspired him to use nitrous oxide for painless dentistry, but a failed demonstration ruined his career.
Joseph Priestley and the Pneumatic Trough
- Joseph Priestley, a contemporary of Ben Franklin, studied gases, or "airs."
- He invented a device called the pneumatic trough, which allowed him to isolate eight different gases.
Humphrey Davy's Nitrous Oxide Experiments
- Humphrey Davy experimented with nitrous oxide, documenting its effects in a sealed box.
- He experienced heightened senses, altered perceptions, and intense euphoria, calling it "a new pleasure for which language has no name."