James Watt is well-known for his development of the steam engine … But did you know that he also worked on a medical device to deliver laughing gas?
The connection features in an article on the “Ancient Origins” website.
It says that Watt worked with English physician Thomas Beddoes on an apparatus to help him to deliver gases to his patients more efficiently. The website also says that in the 19th-century, “laughing gas parties” – where people would inhale nitrous oxide for fun – were particularly popular amongst the upper classes.
James Watt 