Note 30 — Chapter IX · COMPOUNDS OF CARBON WITH OXYGEN AND NITROGEN

Carbonic oxide is very rapid in its action, because it is absorbed by the blood in the same way as oxygen. In addition to this, the absorption spectrum of the blood changes so that by the help of blood it is easy to detect the slightest traces of carbonic oxide in the air. M. A. Kapoustin found that linseed oil and therefore oil paints, are capable of giving off carbonic oxide while drying (absorbing oxygen).