Kerosolenum
Keroselene / light petroleum distillate (gasolene fraction) · Mineral
Kerosolenum produces a distinctive anesthetic intoxication with pleasurable floating sensations, a sense of complete isolation from the world, and uncontrollable laughter. Muscular rigidity and risk of asphyxia make it unsafe as an anesthetic. The symptom of laughter is proposed as a potential indication in certain types of delirium and insanity.
Key symptoms
- Pleasurable intoxication with sensation of floating in a wavy maze
- Complete sense of loneliness, feeling of being the only object in the universe
- Involuntary laughter and inability to keep still
- Peculiar lightness of head with slight headache
- Muscular rigidity with intermittent pulse
- Momentary dusky redness of face with each convulsion
Better (amelioration)
- Open air
[One of the lighter products (probably the lightest) obtained by distillation from the crude oil obtained from Albatite from Nova Scotia, Kerosolene being the trade name given by the "Downer Kerosene Oil Company." Nearly or quite identical with "Gasolene," the lightest oil from Petroleum.─Allen.] Solution in Rectified Spirit.
Clinical
Anæsthesia. Convulsions. Ecstasy. Laughter.
Characteristics
The effects of Kerosol. have been observed on workmen, and also experiments have been made with it for the purpose of testing its anæsthetic properties. It causes a pleasurable kind of intoxication, but too much muscular rigidity, asphyxia, and intermittent pulse to render it a safe anæsthetic. Laughter was noticed in two cases, and this should prove an indication in some kinds of delirium and insanity. The symptoms are > in open air.
Classical texts are in the public domain. Educational reference only — not medical advice.
