The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1885-08-15


the insoluble and almost inert oxalates
of lime and magnesia are ftsA led.
When poisoning is occasioned by the
alkales 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, 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
counterfeit the disastrous effects result
ing from this variety of poisons, the
great object aimed at is to neutralize
caustc alkalies. This may be best ac-
complished by means of well-diluted
acid drinks copiously imbibed. as adj
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 saponaceous compound with the
alkali, whilst acid drinks neutralize
the alkaline action.
Irritant poisons are divisible under
two heads CD Metallic irritants; ca
Vegetables and animal irritants, the
latter two being grouped together. It
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 infam-
nation of the gastro-intestinal mucous
membrane, or by lowering the hearts
action. Its effects in some instances
NAV 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 a solution
of arsenic has been taken. In chronic
arsenical poisoning, most frequently
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
chiefly attack the nervous sys-
tenn. Under this head are embraced
pure narcotics, such as morphia,
choral hydrate, strychnia. hyoscyamus.
etc. Prussic acid occupies a prominent
position. as its effects and termination
are very rapid in progress. being one of |
the most powerful of all poisons. Diff
,ulg of breathing, speedily followed BY |
the commencement OF |
which is announced by loud shrek oc- |
,assionally, are manifest; subsequently,,
oss OF consciousness and muscular |
bower. Fifteen minutes is the longest |
lime known to elapse between taking |
his poison and its effects. In some |
works 1t is stated that the best mode of |
reating prussic-acid poisoning is by the |
application of cold illusions before or |
Ifter the convulsive stage has CON-
nenced, and the inhalation of diluted |
or chlorine. Stevenson adj
Uses an emetic to be administered also.
friction and artificial respiration have
'een recommended by other authorities.
Opium and its preparations deserve
special notice, as the greater number
II poisoning cases are due to their
lction. Although the symptoms of
'pium- poison greatly vary, yet they are
Mostly ushered in by giddiness, listless-
less and drowsiness. followed by stupor.
apsing slowly into complete insensibili-
y. Opium-poisoning is unfortunately
ften occasioned by the indscriminate
Ise OF ''sleepng-draughts' and quack
lostrums. In cases of opium poison
ng. the immediate use of an emetic IN
tablespoonful of mustard mixed with |
epid water) has been advocated.
The head and face should be dashed
nth cold water until the stupor is par
ally removed. The patient shorli NOT