I think I should like to try it—how do you breathe it?
MRS. B.
By collecting the gas in a bladder, to which a short tube with a stop-cock is adapted; this is applied to the mouth with one hand, whilst the nostrils are kept closed with the other, that the common air may have no access. You then alternately inspire, and expire the gas, till you perceive its effects. But I cannot consent to your making the experiment; for the nerves are sometimes unpleasantly affected by it, and I would not run any risk of that kind.
EMILY.
I should like, at least, to see somebody breathe it; but pray by what means is this curious gas obtained?
MRS. B.
It is procured from nitrat of ammonia, an artificial salt which yields this gas on the application of a gentle heat. I have put some of the salt into a retort, and by the aid of a lamp the gas will be extricated.—
CAROLINE.
Bubbles of air begin to escape through the neck of the retort into the water apparatus; will you not collect them?
MRS. B.