The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-03-10
Poisons and their Antidotes


chief reliance must be placed upon medi-
cal aid, yet 1T often occurs that the need
for remedy is urgent, so that others
should know the most ready and availa-
bic methods of relief There are some
general instructions which, in the absence
of direct antidotes, will apply to most
Poisons. Many poisons do their harm
by their immediate action upon the ESQ
phagus and the coats of the stomach.
Hence, if any liquid or soft solid sub
stance is soon swallowed, it tends to di-
minish the effect. To this end LIQUIDS.
such as water or milk, may be freely
given. Oils also have protective
agency, and these diminish the viru-
lence, especially of the acrid poisons.
1t is also safe indication to remove
from the stomach by means of emetics
the substance which has been swallowed.
teaspoonful of mustard in tea-cup of
warm water is generally nearest at hand,
and may be given to an adult, or half
the quantity to a child, every ten min
utes until vomiting is excited. A half
teaspoonful of powdered ipecac, given in
the same way, will act as well. Tick
ling the throat with the finger or
feather five minutes after the emetic has
been given is likely to hasten it's effect.
They may well be aided in their action
as well as the stomach protected, by the
use of flaxseed, or slippery-elm tea, or
eggs, or Jelly, or tablespoonful of melted
butter, or lard, or molasses. Whenever
the poison is one producing stupor, cold
to the head warmth to the extremities.
rubbing the skin with fesh-brush and
attempts to rouse the person by alternate
warm and cold sprinklings may be tried.
Better than all, the chemical antidote
should be given, if known Where an
acid has been swallowed, soda, saleratus
lime, magnesia, or prepared chalk, should
be mixed with water and given in fire.
quent doses. Of these the best is the
calclneG magnesia, given freely. If an
alkali has been swallowed, as a lump of
potash or lime then acids, as vinegar,
cider, lemon-juice, and the like, are in
dicated but the use of oily and mucila-
ginous drinks must not be omitted. In
poisoning with copper andits compounds,
vinegar must be carefully avoided. The
recent cases of pie poisoning in New
York city were probably owing to the
action Of some acid upon copper kettle,
or on copper in some other form
Oxalic acid, used for cleaning metals,
is sometimes taken by mistake for Epson
salts. Chalk, whiting, or other alkah
should be freely used before any attempt
to excite vomiting.
Prussic acid, although called an acid
is feebly so, and kills by it's direct poison
Gus power over the nerves of organic
life. The concentrated juice of peach
leaves and kernels, of laurel, etc, NAV af-
feet In the same way. Hartshorn, alter
nate cold and warm ELUSIVE stimulants
to the surface and internally, are more
important than any other means Artif-
cial respiration, the same as directed for
drowned persons, may be required
Smith s antidote of half teaspoonful Of
pearlash followed by ten grains of cop
peras in water, is of service where YOU
are sure as to the acid having been taken.
Sugar Of lead and other salts of lead
are best neutralised by white of eggs.
Epson salts, and lemonade
Blue vitriol, or bluestone, is sulphate
of copper
Green vitriol, Or copperas, is a sulphate
of iron
White vitriol is sulphate of zinc.
Pure verdigris is an acetate of copper.
Lltharge is a protoxide of lead.
When blue vitriol, or verdigris. has
been taken, white of eggs, paste of wheat
flour, and haxseed tea, sweetened with
sugar, are indicated
When green or white vitriol, or litharpe
or yellow ochre, has been swallowed. chalk
and flaxseed tea are Of service. If lunar
caustic has been swallowed, a cupful of
salt and water is the antidote.
Phosphorus, as used for poison of
vermin and for matches, is sometimes
eaten by children. Magnesia or other
alkali, with water ormucilaginous drinks.
are the readiest means of relief.
Creosote or an overdose of carbolic acid
is to be met by white Of eggs, milk, and
wheat -four paste.
For poisons Of the narcotic kind-gucb
as opium, aconite, belladona, henbane.
dlgtalis, and tobacco, there is not at
hand any antidote Stimulating emetics.
stimulants to the surface, and if need
be, artificial respiration, are indicated.
Heavy draughts of strong coffee help to
postpone the narcotism Of opium. LIE
monade or other mild acids are deemed
OF some service
Overdoses ofcamphor or chloroform are
an indication Of alcoholic stimulants.-