Researches, Chemical and Philosophical; Chiefly Concerning Nitrous Oxide, or Dephlogisticated Nitrous Air, and its Respiration.
London: J. Johnson, 1800. 1st Edition. Hardcover. ESTC T112164. Octavo. xvi, 580, [2]pp. Faintly blue-tinged paper. Final leaf with errata on the recto and advertisements for forthcoming works by Beddoes on nitrous oxide on the verso. Later three-quarter brown morocco with marbled paper, joints visibly worn. Dark top stain. Occasional blemish, small mark p. 485. NB: lacking the engraved frontispiece of the "Mercurial Air-Holder and Breathing Machine". A high-quality professional facsimile has been supplied. Very Good.
Davy's first published book. Divided into four "Researches", the last of which deals with the effects of nitrous oxide on individual human subjects. Davy provides a detailed account of his own experiments and experiences ("To ascertain with certainty, whether the most extensive action of nitrous oxide compatible with life, was capable of producing debility, I resolved to breathe the gas for such a time and in such quantities, as to produce excitement equal in duration and superior in intensity to that occasioned by high intoxication from opium or alcohol....") as well as reports furnished by others, including Southey and Coleridge. Very Good. Item #2025-R214
Price: $4,000.00