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 Nitrous Oxide is a colorless gas that is used commonly in the medical and dental professions as a sedative inhalant. Its chemical formula is N2O. English scientist Joseph Priestley, who is best known for being the first to isolate oxygen, discovered nitrous oxide in 1793. Priestley initially thought it could be used as a preserving agent, but his attempt to perfect it as such failed. Humphrey Davy of Bristol, England was the first to experiment with the physiological properties of the gas. He observed its effects on respiration and behavior as well as its anesthetic properties. After observing the amusing effects on people who inhaled nitrous oxide, he coined the term "laughing gas." Despite its potential medical uses, for the next few decades the gas was primarily used as a recreational drug.6
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