Laughing Gas Collection

Humphry Davy, caricature
Humphry Davy. Caricature of the British chemist and physicist Humphry Davy (1778-1829), holding a Davy lamp. The Davy lamp was a safety lamp designed for use in coal mines

Audience enjoying laughing gas
The audience at a lecture enjoying the effects of laughing gas (nitrous oxide). Illustration by George Cruikshank for John Scoffern " Chemistry No Mystery; or, a Lecturers Bequest", London

Living Made Easy: Prescription for scolding wives, printed by J. Netherclift, pub. 1830 by T. McLean (print)
XND70432 Living Made Easy: Prescription for scolding wives, printed by J. Netherclift, pub. 1830 by T. McLean (print); Private Collection

Horace Wells proceed with the extraction of a tooth in front of his students in 1844 (engraving)
2757519 Horace Wells proceed with the extraction of a tooth in front of his students in 1844 (engraving) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); (add.info.: Medecine. Anesthesie. Coll. Part. Medicine)

Audience at a lecture enjoying the effects of laughing gas (nitrous oxide). Illustration of 1834 by George Cruikshank
865300 Audience at a lecture enjoying the effects of laughing gas (nitrous oxide). Illustration of 1834 by George Cruikshank. by Cruikshank, George (1792-1878); Universal History Archive/UIG

Dr Thomas Beddoes, 1804-08 (pastel on grey paper)
6040381 Dr Thomas Beddoes, 1804-08 (pastel on grey paper) by Sharples, James (1751-1811); Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, UK; (add.info.: A framed colour drawing on grey paper)

Chemical lecture, 1802. Artist: James Gillray
Chemical lecture; Scientific Researches! - New Discoveries in Pneumaticks! or - an Experimental Lecture on the Powers of Air!, 1802

Doctor administrating laughing gas
Apparatus for the administration of laughing gas (nitrous oxide) developed in England. From " La Nature", Paris, 1874

Jacksons ether experiment
Charles Thomas Jackson (1805-1880), American physician, geologist and chemist experimenting on himself with ether in 1841

Ether dreams
ether, diethyl ether, hallucination, dreams, intoxicant, intoxication, ether frolics, drug, recreational drug, anaesthetic, alcohol, nitrous oxide, laughing gas, anaesthesia, chloroform, c0164228

Humphry Davy and Anaesthesia
Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829) experiencing, with members of the Clifton Pneumatic Institute, the euphoric effects of inhaling nitrous oxide to which Davy gave the name laughing gas

Royal Institution experiments, artwork C013 / 7696
Royal Institution experiments. 1802 satirical artwork by James Gillray entitled Scientific Researches!-New Discoveries in Pneumaticks

George Poe, US ventilator pioneer C014 / 0122
George Poe (1846-1914), US ventilator pioneer. Poes early career as a chemist in Trenton, New Jersey, USA, saw him supply dentists with nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

1836 Laughing gas, Nitrous dioxide
" Laughing Gas" From " The Anniversary of the Literary Fun (1836) by Thomas Hood, published by Baily and Co, Cornhill

Sir Humphry Davy, English chemist
Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829), historical artwork. Davy is best known for his invention of the miners safety lamp, also known as the Davy lamp, for use in coal mines

Sir Humphry Davy portrait chemis
Sir Humphry Davy, British Chemist (17 December 1778 - 29 May 1829). Engraving by Scriven 1833 after painting by Lawrence c. 1821

Humphry Davy, English chemist
Humphry Davy (1778-1829), English chemist. Davy is best known for his invention of the miners safety lamp, also known as the Davy lamp, for use in coal mines

Nitrous oxide molecule
Nitrous oxide. Computer model of a molecule of nitrous oxide. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: nitrogen (blue) and oxygen (red)

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"Unleashing the Power of Laughter: The Fascinating Journey of Laughing Gas" Step back in time to the early 19th century, where a remarkable discovery by English chemist Humphry Davy would forever change the world of medicine and entertainment. Known as "laughing gas, " nitrous oxide captivated audiences with its euphoric effects, leaving them in fits of uncontrollable laughter. Humphry Davy, a brilliant mind ahead of his time, first experimented with this peculiar gas in the late 18th century. His groundbreaking research paved the way for its use as an anesthetic during dental procedures and surgeries. Caricatures depicting Davy's experiments showcase his determination to unravel the mysteries hidden within this magical substance. Fast forward to 1844 when Horace Wells fearlessly demonstrated laughing gas' effectiveness by extracting a tooth in front of mesmerized students. Engravings from that era immortalize this historic moment, capturing both Wells' pioneering spirit and his audience's delight at witnessing pain-free dentistry. But it wasn't just dental procedures that benefited from laughing gas; lectures became lively spectacles as audiences reveled in its intoxicating effects. George Cruikshank's vivid illustration from 1834 perfectly captures these joyous scenes, showcasing how laughter united people through shared experiences. Dr Thomas Beddoes played a crucial role during those early years when nitrous oxide was still shrouded in mystery. His pastel portrait on grey paper serves as a reminder of his tireless efforts to understand and harness the potential benefits offered by this revolutionary substance. Chemical lectures held during that period were not only educational but also entertaining affairs thanks to James Gillray's artistic depiction. These gatherings allowed individuals to witness firsthand the wonders brought about by scientific exploration – including laughing gas-induced merriment. As doctors administered laughing gas for various medical purposes, such as pain relief or relaxation before surgery, its influence continued to spread.