Observations placeholder
Phantastica
Identifier
002161
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
Phantastica - Dr Louis Lewin
A chemist gradually acquired the habit of inhaling every day a small quantity of nitrous oxide (laughing gas). At the beginning the sweetish smell of the gas was very unpleasant, but he slowly became used to it. In order to be able to inhale the gas at all times he fitted a small apparatus to the reservoir from which he could easily take a whiff.
This gave rise to a permanent state of inebriety, the source of extremely pleasant sensations. He had wonderful dreams in which he saw beautiful landscapes, marvellous figures and scenes.
The young man soon began to neglect his duties, but could not renounce his passion. He went mad and ended in an asylum.