What is laughing gas?

   Laughing gas is the popular name given to nitrous oxide after its remarkable physiological effects were discovered by Sir Humphry Davy in his 'Researches,' published in 1800. The effects are generally of a pleasurable kind and the person under the influence of the gas is more or less excited, dancing, singing, laughing or indulging in other violent motions. This by prolonged inhalation ceases and stupor and anaesthesia, or insensibility to pain, supervene. Hence the use of this gas in dental and surgical operations.