Humphry Davy
Researches Chemical and Philosophical; Chiefly concerning nitrous oxide
or dephlogisticated nitrous air and its respiration
"Researches Chemical and Philosophical; Chiefly concerning nitrous oxide" by Humphry Davy is a scientific publication written in the late 18th century. The book delves into the composition, properties, and various interactions of nitrous oxide (or dephlogisticated nitrous gas), alongside related compounds such as nitric acid and ammoniac. Davy's exploration is informed by his experiences with pneumatic chemistry, providing insights into its physiological effects and the implications of its study on organic life. The opening of the work establishes the context for Davy's research, which was prompted by the discovery of the respirability of nitrous oxide and its remarkable effects on living organisms. Davy outlines the challenges faced during his investigations into the gas, emphasizing the inconsistencies in prior experimental results conducted by other chemists. He presents his approach to resolving these discrepancies, applying both analytical and experimental methods to systematically explore the relationships among nitrous oxide, nitric acid, and ammoniac. This initial discussion sets the stage for a thorough examination of the chemical properties and physiological impacts of nitrous oxide as the work progresses.