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Updated by Kyle Hunt on Mar 27, 2013
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Kyle Hunt Kyle Hunt
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5 Facts about Laughing Gas

What is laughing gas? And why is it even called laughing gas? It may seem strange to use such an anesthetic in hospitals and medical assisting colleges, but there is a special history behind it that nobody knows about. Here are some interesting facts about laughing gas presented by a medical assisting college:

1

It was invented by a man named Joseph Priestly in 1772.

It was invented by a man named Joseph Priestly in 1772.

He used a compound of nitrous oxide and iron powder, along with a little bit of sulfur. He called it “diminished nitrous air.”

2

A man named Sir Humphry Davy “experimented” on the gas extensively.

A man named Sir Humphry Davy “experimented” on the gas extensively.

He was known to have said that the gas gave “euphoric” properties and was “very pleasurable” to use.

3

A dentist named Horace Wells was the first known man to use it as an anesthetic

A dentist named Horace Wells was the first known man to use it as an anesthetic

He once saw a man who inhaled the gas and had a violent reaction to it. In the process, he injured himself, but he felt no pain. Wells saw it as an opportunity to diminish pain while extracting a tooth, and decided to use the gas on himself while getting his own tooth removed. He was astounded that he felt no pain whatsoever.

4

Administering the gas was originally done with ox bladders.

Administering the gas was originally done with ox bladders.

It is safe to say that medical assisting colleges don’t do things that way anymore!

5

Laughing gas is not only used for anesthesia, but also for fueling rockets.

Laughing gas is not only used for anesthesia, but also for fueling rockets.

You get the idea.

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AmeriTech College specializes in health care education in the medical, dental, fitness, and nursing fields.