Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1889-07-10
RUINED BY SUCCESS.
The Story of a Man Who Re-
gretted His Discovery.


gretted His Discovery.
Shortly after Dr. Horace Wells, OF Hart
ford, DIR. Charles T. jackson, OF Boston, and
distinguished foreign chemist discovered
that nitrous oxide or, as IL was popularity
called, laughing or exhilarating gas pro-
duced when taken into the lungs the state
of anesthesis or insensibility to pain, was
n student in the most eastern OF all our
colleges, the one located on the elm-shaded
banks Of tho beautiful Kenebec. The dis
cussion which arose in relation to whom the
credit was due Tor discovering that nitrous
oxide would produce insensibility to pain,
the conjectures in regard TO the employ
ment of anesthetics In surgery, and the
more general application OF chemistry to
the useful arts had all tended to make this
science popular. Most Of my class were de-
lighted when the term came in which we
were to receive instruction in something
beside Latin, Greek and mathematics.
Ishall never forget the day on which the
subject of the compounds of nitrogen was
10 be considered in the chemical recitation
room The professor had stated the day
before that he should make a large quantity
Of nitrous oxide and that he would admin
lster II to as many OF the class as desired TO
lnhale it. NV roommate Forbes and myself
read every thing we could find pertaining
10 the subject. Much had recently been
published on the matter in the periodicals,
most of which was more sensational than
scientific. For instance, 1t was stated in
several journals that person under the in
duence Of nitrous oxide, being unconscious
of what he was saying and doing and not
bound by any restraint, would display his
aet
inclination and distinguishing character
lstic to the fullest extent. One journal had
advocated administering this gas to persons
who were suspected Of committing crimes,
with a view of satisfying the claims Of
justice.
The class exhibited as much pleasure on
going to the chemical recitation that day as
country lads show on their way to circus.
They were not doomed TO disappointment,
either. The performance was quite as en-
joyable as any ever given under circus
lent by our great moral Snowman, besides
being more novel and unique. Great excite
ment attended the administration OF the
gas, as nearly every one suspected that the
person under its influence would display his
| leading propensity or characteristic. III he
did SO on this occasion some very strange
revelations were made. For instance, the
| the faculty took piece of apparatus from
the lecture table and put it into his coat
pocket. A meek-appearing and sancti-
monious looking student, who was supported
by woman's aid society with view of
sending him to preach the gospel of peace
| TO the savages OF Africa, assumed the atti-
| tude OF prize fighter and used the name Of
his Maker in way that was discreditable
TO q home or foreign missionary. To make
the surprise greater, a youth who was very
careless in his conversations and studies re-
peated in q most solemn, most affecting man.
| DER some Of the moral maxims of Plato in
the language in which they were uttered.
The disclosures, II such they should be
called made deep impression on Forbes.
He spoke Of them for several days after
wards. He seemed TO be convinced that a
large proportion Of people appear TO be ex-
actly the reverse Of what they really are.
He predicted a most brilliant future for
nitrous oxide As other substances known
as reagents, were used to detect the presence
Of various acids and bases whose properties
are concealed by the combinations they
have entered into, 30 this wonderful gas
would, In his opinion, be employed to de-
| termine the true character Of human beings
He declared that he would use it on every
person before he entered on intimate rela-
tions with them.
On Saturday, a few weeks afterwards,
Forbes and took long stroll into the coun-
try. We visited the DEVILS Easy Chair and
the Cascade familiar places to most of the
students Of Colby. Though he was a great
lover of natural scenery, and that which we
saw was beautiful, still 1t did not appear to
engage his attention. He did not seem to
be absent-minded, but to be thinking on
! H. Al. l.1I.,
restless and taciturn. AS he was not in mood
to be companionable left him under the &C.
dars near the waterfall, which only needs a
Longfellow to make it as famous as Mime
haha, and went a long distance up the bank
of the stream. When | returned | found
that he had not changed his position. He still
sat on the green bank, one arm about a cedar
tree, his eyes fixed on the pool below the
| the charming waterfall. He did not appear
| to notice my approach. After a few mo-
ments Of silence, In which IL was difficult TO
determine whether he had observed me or
not, as he did not look up, he said:
"The world needs something besides nj
trous oxide. That is all well enough in its
way, but 1t does not accomplish all that Is
desired. What Is wanted Is a substance
that person can inhale or swallow and I'M
der the influence OF which he will be able to
see others as they really are, TO penetrate
all DISCUSSES, TO read character and discern
motives, intentions and purposes. am con-
WINGED that there Is such q substance al
ready formed or elements that can be CON-
bined so as TO secure IT, Quite likely it has
long been known, but that we are In igncr-
ance of its properties. Great Priestly, the
founder OF modern chemistry discovered MI
trous oxide before our fathers were born,
but we are just beginning TO find out what
IL il good for He discovered better than
he knew He produced what others have
derived advantage from though he gained
none
Being very tired from our long walk !
urged the propriety Of our returning home
so that we could arrive ut the commons
before supper was over. Ny hunger, unlike
that OF my companion, was of the kind
common to young fellows who have been
taking goodly amount of exercise. led
the way, and over most of the route my
speculative friend was a long distance be-
hind me. He took his place at the supper
table, but scarcely tasted any food. Instead
Of going TO our room after supper we wen,
down to the bank of the river and sat under
the trees. / had retired before heard his
slow step coming up the stairs.
i changed roommatcs at the commence
ment OF the next term and saw less OF my
old chum than formerly noticed that he
spent much time In the chemical laborator,
and altogether neglected sports and society
The books he took from the college library
were those that pertained TO chemistry
physiology and psychology. After schoo
days were over we drifted entirely apart
he engaged In the study Of medicine III,
! was surgeon TO a New England regimen
during the Civil War, ~ the close of which
he settled In mining town In Pennsy lvania
Irecsived letter from him while he wal
there In which he stated that he was en-
gagged In his life work." and conclude,
that II did not consist entirely in settin,
fractures and dislocatlons and administering
cslomel He invited me TO visit him II
avnr hanao1 khroush thu Kavatouo Qfafn n