St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1885-06-20
W. G. KENTZEL, Editor.

that oxalic acid was the cause of
death"
1t is obvious in such cases that the
chances of success in napplying antidotes
depend very much upon their immedi-
ate employment. For the mineral acids,
alkaline bicarbonates, such as bicar-
Donates of potash or soda (baking soda),
chalk or magnesia should at once be
given, followed by milk; whilst oxalic
acid is best treated by the administra-
ton of chalk. or magnesia either-plain
or in the form of carbonate, whereby
the insoluble and almost inert oxalates
of lime and magnesia are formed.
When poisoning is occasioned by the
alkalies potash. soda, or ammonia, or
their carbonates, carbonate of potash
(also known as pearl-ash or salt of tar
tar), carbonate of soda (washing-soda), },
and carbonate of ammonia a strong
burning sensation is experienced in
swallowing, followed by severe pain
and great tenderness at the pit of the
stomach, increased by pressure. There
are frequent vomits of a brownish mat
ter, swelling of the stomach and hoarse-
ness of the voice. When seeking to
counteract the disastrous effects result
ing from this variety of poisons. the
great object aimed at is to neutralize
caust;c alkalies. This may be best ac-
complished by means of well-diluted
acid drinks copiously imbibed. as ad-
vised by Stevenson, who, further, is of
opinion that the prompt use of an
emetic is never inadmissible. Vinegar
and water, Iemon-juice with water, also
oil, are recommended by DIR. Russell
under such circumstances. The oil
forms a saponaceous compound with the
alkali. whilst acid drinks neutralize
the alkaline action.
1rritant poisons are divisible under
two heads-O Metallic irritants; (2)
Vegetables and animal irritants, the
latter two being grouped together. 1t
would, however, appear that none of
them act purely as irritants. as the irri-
tant symptoms to which they give rise
are likewise usually accompanied by
well-marked action upon the nervous
system. The most. serious poison of
this class is undoubtedly arsenic. Salts
of antimony. zinc and other metals con-
stitute variety of other metallic irri-
tants. Of the vegetable irritant
poisons, elaterium, various essential
oils such as savin, and gamboge. afford
examples. Poisoning by arsenic may
be either acute or chronic, the
acute form being by far most common.
following criminal attempts on life. Its
effect on the economy is twofold. the
most usual being by inducing inflam-
nation Of the gastro-intestinal mucous
membrane, or by lowering the hearts
action. Its effects in some instances
may be purely narcotic. The first
symptoms of arsenical poisoning, ac-
cording to Orfila, are sickness and faint
ness, which arise about fifteen minutes
after being taken. An intense burning
pain is also felt in the stomach, quickly
followed by vomiting, increased on at
tempting to swallow.
Poisoning by arsenic is distinguished
from an ordinary bilious attack by the
fact that pain and sickness are not re-
relieved by vomiting, which usually
happens in hillary arrangements. A
feeble and irregular pulse, accompanied
by thirst, with clammy hands. are
prominent symptoms of arsenical pois-
oning. The immediate employment of
emetics-except tartar emetic-dilu-
ents and demulcents. has been suggested
as perhaps the most serviceable anti
dotes: but no confidence should be
placed in the so-called antidotes, ferric
hydrate and magnesia, unless solution
of arsenic has been taken. In chronic
arsenical poisoning. most frequently
engendered accidentally, by inhalation
of arsenical vapor in factories, or by
arsenical dust. loss of muscular power,
failure of appetite are amongst the most
prominent symptoms manifest. Under
such circumstances, the cause-which
is usually some occupation connected
with the manipulation of arsenic
should be promptly sought for and re-
moved-quinine, iron and change of air
being recommended.
Neurotic poisons may be divided into
a large category; but in one and all the
symptoms produced from their admin
istrat;on chiefly attack the nervous sys-
tenn. Under this head are embraced
pure narcotics, such as morphia,
chloral hydrate, strvchnia. hyoscySmus.
etc. Prussic acid occupies q prominent
position, as its effects and termination
are very rapid in progress, being one of
tho most powerful of all poisons. Diff
Guilty of breathing. speedily followed by
convulsiOns. the commencement OF
which is announced by loud shrek oc-
cassionally. are manifest; subsequently,
loss of consciousness and muscular
power Fifteen minutes is the longest
time known to elapse between taking
this poison and its effects. In some
works it is stated that the best mode OF
treating prussic-acid poisoning is by the
application of cold illusions before or
after the convulsive stage has COM
menced. and the inhalation of diluted
ammonia or chlorine. Stevenson ad-
vises an emetic to be administered also.
Friction and artificial respiration have
been recommended by other authorities.
Opium and its preparations deserve
especial notice. as the greater. number
of poisoning cases are due to their
action. Although the symptoms of
greatly vary. yet they are
mostly ushered in by giddiness. listless-
ness.and drowsiness. followed by stupor,
lapsing slowly into complete insensibili-
ty. Opium-poisoning is unfortunately
often occasioned BY the indiscriminate
use of "sleeping-draughts" and Quack