The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1907-10-27
P0ISONS AND ANTIDOTES.

and kidneys. The first-named gives
forth secretions which tend to convert
the invading poison into something
harmless; and the kidneys try to ex-
pei II. Acids. for example, are trans
FORMED into their corresponding aka
me salts, most of which are non-poi-
sonous; and the strong alkalies are at
lacked by the gastric and other iuices
ana are so neutralized in a Similar
manner.
Thus the body battles with its enc
iiiies' very often 1T wins, but some
times the attack of the poison is so
rapld ana SO violent that it must lose.
Ihis happens when a strong mineral
acid, such as suIphuric or muriatic acid
is taken into the stomach. and when
violent and paralyzing poison, such
as prussic acid, is ingested.
the mineral acids burn the throat
and eat through the walls of the stou
ach before anything can be done to
neutraliZe them. The result is an in
jury comparable to that inflicted by an
explosive bullet. Prussic acid does not
corrode the tissues. but its effect is
none the less sure. Within a few
moments after IL is swallowed the VIC
tim grows dizzy, sees flashes of light.
ana sinks into Inconsistencies. Death
comes before help can be summoned.
The police statistics of the principal
American cities show that the poisons
most often taken accidentally or with
suicidal intent in this country are car
bolic acid, prussic acid, corrosive SUBJ
Innate, opium and its derivatives (nor-
prime, laudanum, paregoric, etc.) chlo-
raj, phenacetin, PHOSPHORUS, arsenic,
strychnine and cocaine.
Following are brief directions for
,.fe- TO- l.. A..
and for combating their toxic effects.
at least until medical aid can be sum-
moned.
Carbolic Acid-The lips swell and
become discolored. The patient vomits
and is speeches.. suffering intense
pain in the throat and stomach. Dizzi-
ness is followed by fainting and
spasms. There is a profuse perspira-
ton. Administer large doses of alco-
hol, EPSON salts and whisky
1t is absolutely impossible to give too
much alcohol or whisky. In case vom-
iting follows. so much the better Ap-
ply the alcohol or whisky to the swol-
len lips and, if possible. hurry the pa
tient to hospital. In case the rene
dies mentioned are not at hand, use any
brandy, wine or liquor containing al
cohol.
Prussic Acid.-This is an exceeding
ly dangerous poison and as a rule.
death ensues so soon after it is taken
that no remedial measures are possible.
The patient grows dizzy, faints and
ceases to breathe, though the heart still
beats Send for a physician at once.
Meanwhile, if peroxide of hydrogen
the solution ordinarily used for gar
Cling or for bleaching the harris at
hour, pour two tablespoonsful in a
glass of water and force the mixture
down the patients throat. If breath
ing has ceased, try to start it again
by moving the arms rhythmically up
and down. The percentage of recover
les is small.
Corrosive Sublimate.-The proper
name OF this substance is mercuric BIZ
Chord, or bichloride of mercury, and
it is extensively used as a germicide
and antiseptic. Ordinarily 1t is sold in
green tablets about half the size of a
penny and three times as thick. After
swallowing it, the patient notices a
metallic taste In his mouth and then a
severe pain In the stomach. Saliva
flows freely. Vomiting and diarrhoea
appear. Give the patient milk immedi-
ately, and the whites of three or four
eggs, and then try to induce vomiting.
The after effects of poisoning by mer-
curic Chord are severe. Therefore
it is important to send for medical aid.
even when the quantity swallowed has
been small and apparent recovery has
followed quickly.
Opium.-This is usually taken in the
form of paregoric. Iaudanum, NOR
phine or in some cure" or pain mix
ture." First comes a feeling of drowsi- |
ness. then sleep, then collapse and
death. If permanganate of potassium
is at hand, very weak solution-one
grain to the half pint of water-should |
be given to the patient to drink Strong !
coffee should be given frequently. The |
caffeine neutralizes the morphine. The |
permanganate viii neutralize any NOR |
phine still unabsorbed in the stomach; |
but since absorption usually takes place |
very rapidly. this remedy is not very |
effective. The important thing is to |
keep the patient awake until medical |
aid arrives. This is done by walking |
him up and down the room, by beating |
his calves or the soles of his feet or |