The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1885-05-16


and water, lemon-juice with water, also
under such circumstances. The oil
forms saponaceous compound with the
alkali, whilst acid drinks neutralize
the alkaline action.
lrritant pOisons are divisible under
two heads (D 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 infam-
nation of the gastro-intestina mucous
membrane, or by lowering the hearts
actin. Its effects in some instances
may be purely narcotic The first
symptoms of arsenical poisoning, &C.
cording to Orfla, 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
large category; but in one.and all the
symptoms produced from their admin
istration chiefly attack the nervous sys-
tenn. Under this head are embraced
pure narcotics, such as morphia,
chloral hydrate, strychnia, hyoscyamus
etc. Prussic acid occupies prominent
position, as its effects and termination
are very rapid in progress, being one of
the most powerful of all poisons. Diff
Guilty of breathing, speedily followed by
commissions, 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 adj
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
opiun-poison 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
nostrums. In cases of opium-poison-
ing, the immediate use of an emetic "a
tablespoonful of mustard mixed with
tepid water) has been advocated
The head and face should be dashed
with cold water until the stupor is par
TALLY removed. The patient should not
be permitted to sleep, but should be
kept in continual motion. A cup OF
strong hot coffee ought to be given to
him on his recovery.
Our space will not permit of a more
minute inquiry into other varieties OF
neurotic poisons; suffice it to say that
in most instances arising from the ad-
ministration of any preparation OF
opium, the antidotes above mentioned
are considered the most serviceable.
We must not omit to notice poisoning
by copper, which at times has arisen by
the employment of copper vessels for
cooking purposes, which never should
be employed in any household. The
first indications of copper poisoning are
sudden attacks Of gripping pains, aggra-
waited by pressure, often accompanied
by sickness and peculiar sallow aspect
of countenance. According to Ryan,
the white Of egg is the best antidote for
poisonous preparations of copper. Lead
poisoning is usually owing either to
drinking water which has remained for
some time in leaden pipes, or by certain
avocations in which some preparation
of lead is used Goulard water taken
by mistake causes lead-poisoning Lead
collie is one of its leading symptoms,
which is relieved by pressure. Paraly-
sis Of the limbs is another well-marked
indication. Sulphate of magnesa has
been recommended as an antidote. A
dram of sulphate of magnesia,
five drops of dilute sulphuric acid
and twenty drops of tincture OF
hyosyamus in two tablespoonfuls OF
camphor-water every two hours till the
bowels are relieved, and then thrice
daily for five days, is the treatment
which some consider most appropriate
under these circumstances.
In drawing this article to close, we
desire to impress upon our readers the
vital Importance. in all cases of poison