ACCIDENTS—EMERGENCIES—POISONS. 97 Antimony. This metal is rarely accessible in its purity. One of its salts, as Tartar Emetic, or the Wine of Antimony (which is Tartar Emetic dissolved in Wine), is the usual source of the poison. Vomiting is one of the most distressing and prominent symptoms of poisoning by this substance. Assisted with copious draughts of tepid -water, sugar and water, flaxseed water, much of the poison in the stomach may be gotten out. Another symptom is great prostration. If a small quantity only is known to have been swallowed, a tea- spoonful of Paregoric in a little sweetened water may be divided into three portions, one of them being given every ten or fifteen minutes. It soothes the irritated and excited stomach. The Antidote usually recommended is Nut-Galls, or Oak-Bark in powder. Half a dozen of the former, finely powdered, may be given, mixed with water. The active principle in each of these is what is called Tannin, now to be had of every Apothecary and Dyer. Ten grains of it (a teaspoonful—it is very light) in water will be equivalent to the Nut-Galls mentioned. A strong infusion of common Oreen Tea contains enough tannin to make it useful as an antidote. An insoluble, and perhaps inert, Tannate of An- timony is formed, Arsenic; In some places this is called "Ratsbane," and poisoning often occurs from it. The Yellow Sulphuret of Arsenic (Orpiment), the Red Sulphuret of Arsenic (Realgar), and the Arsenite of Copper (Paris Green), are used as paints, and have all been used internally with fatal effects. The latter, Paris Green, has lately been much used by farmers for destroying injurious insects among plants- All these sources of poisoning by Arsenic should be surrounded by every possible precaution to prevent them from being accidentally- used. Many "fly poisons" contain it, and -what is used in medicine; under the name of Fowler's Solution is a solution of Arsenic. 1)8 ACCIDENTS— EMERGENCIES—POISONS. Arsenic acts as an irritant to the stomach and bowels, in many respects like Antimony and its preparations. As soon as it becomes known that Arsenic or any of its preparations has been swallowed in poisonous doses, the poison taken should be dis- lodged from the stomach, ns far as possible, by vomiting (see " Emetics," page 91), assisted by the finger to the throat, or the leather part of a quill. Free drinking of Milk, White of Egg and Water, or Flour and Water, should be encouraged. Not only do these things encourage vomiting and tend to dilute the poison, tout they offer something upon which the poison can expend its en- ergy, to that extent saving the living tissue, and at the same time they tend to envelop the particles of the poison until the mass can be removed from the stomach. The Antidote to Arsenic is the freshly-prepared Hydrated Per- oxide of Iron. This can be had of any Apothecary in a few moments of time. It is quite harmless in character, and may be .given in almost any quantity. The iron, in this particular form, combines with the Arsenic, forming a temporarily harmless pre- paration. This newly-formed compound should not be permitted to remain and be digested, but must be dislodged afterward by an ^Emetic, which the bulk of the antidote favors.
Another Oxide of Iron, closely allied to, and said to be a useful substitute for, the Hydrate Peroxide, can be made by almost any one in a few moments, if some Aqua Ammonise ("Hartshorn"), p. 96, and some of the common Muriated Tincture of Iron can be had. Both of these articles can be found in many houses, and if not there in every Apothecary-shop, or the office of every country practitioner.' Take a glass tumbler, or a graduated measure, pour in three or four table-spoonfuls (quantity not of much importance) of Aqua Am- monia;, and then a table-spoonful or more of the Muriated Tincture of Iron. A thick, dark, reddish precipitate, like brick-dust, is at once seen 3n the mixed liquids, which may be increased in quantity by gently stirring with a broom-splint. This precipitate is the Oxide sought, and must be separated from the liquid by spreading a fine handkerchief or closely woven piece of ACCIDENTS—EMERGENCIES——POISONS. 99 muslin over a cup and pouring on the mixture. The liquid will run through, leaving the desired Oxide of Iron as a reddish-brown, jelly- like powder. To free it from any excess of either substance used in its formation, a half pint or so of tepid water should be poured on in a gentle stream to wash the precipitate. The washed precipitate is now ready for use. A tea-spoonful of this powder may be given every few minutes. Calcined Magnesia and Pulverized Charcoal have also been recom- mended as antidotes in poisoning by Arsenic, but of their value nothing can be said by the writer. Baryta. This substance, largely used to adulterate certain paints, is some- times accidentally swallowed in poisonous doses. The Antidote is Water, acidulated to about the strength of lemonade with Sulphuric Acid, which converts the Baryta into an insoluble compound, which must be dislodged from the stomach by an Emetic. Bismuth. Some of the preparations known as " Toilet Powder" are largely made up of this substance, and when swallowed are followed by poisonous symptoms. The first object in such a case is to secure prompt and thorough evacuation of the stomach by an Emetic, fol- lowed by. copious draughts of Milk. Copper. The most common form of poison from this cause is through the careless use of utensils made from it. Most Acids form soluble salts with Copper ; hence Acids should never be used for cooking purposes in copper vessels. Many of the ordinary vegetables and fruits contain enough to form poisonous salts with the metal. Even Sugar, from the ease with which solutions of it are changed into Acids, should be cautiously used in contact with copper. When Copper is mentioned, it must be understood to apply to Brass, and other alloys into which Copper enters as a necessary 100 ACCIDEXTS— EMERGENCIES—— POISONS. component. Indeed, there is scarcely an excuse for the use of Copper or Brass as vessels any longer, owing to the superior ad- vantages of similar vessels of Iron lined with porcelain, popularly known as "Enameled." The stomach must at once be emptied by an Emetic and copious draughts of Milk, or the White of Eggs mixed with Water Carbonate of Soda (the ordinary Baking Soda of the kitchen may answer) is said to be an Antidote. As much as will lie heaped up on an ordinary nickel cent can be given every five minutes, in water, or in the other named liquids. Iron Filings, or the Ferro cyanide of Potassium (Prussian Blue), in tea-spoonful doses every three minutes, may be given. Gold. All preparations of Gold taken into the stomach act as the irri tant poisons just described. The only difference in the treatment compared with that from poisoning by Copper is the Antidote This is the Sulphate of Iron (Copperas, Green Vitriol) As much as will lie heaped up on a cent maybe dissolved in water, and one third of the solution given every three or four minutes. Iodine. _ The common Tincture of Iodine, used for external application is the usual form of this poison. There appears no antidote, in the usual acceptance of the term. Starch, in water, may be freelv given until vomiting is secured by an Emetic. Iron. The form usually taken is a solution of the Sulphate of Iron (Copperas, Green Vitriol). Its action is, like most of the poisons heretofore described, an irritant poison to the mucous membrane (lining) of the stomach and bowels. The Antidote is Carbonate of Soda. (See remarks upon this, under " Copper," page 99.) ACCIDENTS——EMEBOENOIES—POISONS. 101 Lead. The form from which poisoning by this substance usually takes place is the Acetate of Lead (Sugar of Lead). The Carbonate of Lead, the "White Lead" of the painters, and the Red Oxide ("Red Lead") are also sometimes swallowed in poisonous doses. They all act as irritant poisons. The treatment of such cases consists in giving, as an Antidote, water acidulated to about the strength of Lemonade with Sulphuric Acid, (" Oil of Vitriol"). Sulphate of Magnesia (Epsom Salts), or the Sulphate of Soda (Glauber's-Salt), in water, are also reputed antidotes. After the antidote has been given in poisoning by Lead, an Emetic should be given. When Lead is taken for some time, in any of the soluble forms, in small doses, as when water has been kept in leaden vessels, or food kept or cooked in vessels " glazed" with lead, or the use of wines "sweetened" with the same metal, a peculiar train of symptoms slowly follows, known as " lead-poisoning," or "painters' colic." All such possible sources of the introduction of Lead into the system should be carefully avoided, and as soon as the effects of'the absorption begin to be suspected, no time should be lost in consulting a physician. Lime. If accidentally administered, acts like Ammonia (p. 96). Mercury. The Bichloride of Mercury (Corrosive Sublimate), often used as a solution in houses for destroying vermin about beds, is one of the most active poisons, when taken internally. .The Red Oxide of Mercury (Red Precipitate) is another dangerous salt of the same metal. When swallowed, the White of Eggs should at once be given, and often repeated. In the absence of this form of albu- men, common Milk can be used, or wheat Flour beaten up with Water. 102 ACCIDENTS——EMERGENCIES——POISONS. These Salts of Mercury not only irritate the stomach, but so rapidly inflame and destroy it that some writers discourage the use of Emetics. If one can be given, however, before tlie poison has. had time to produce these extreme results, there can be no objec- tion to its use. The continued administration of the mentioned Antidotes is soon followed, as a rule, by free vomiting. There appears to be little excuse for keeping such Poisons. about the house as Corrosive Sublimate or Red Precipitate. They are merely poor substitutes for good housekeeping with some people. Potash: The Caustic Potash, in the form of common Lye, or the Concen- trated Lye, when swallowed, acts as other Alkalies of the same general character. (See Ammonia and Lime.) Nitrate of Potash (Saltpetre), in large doses, say lialf an ounce or more, taken internally, is followed by poisonous symptoms. There is pain, with heat in the atomach, vomiting, and purging of blood, great prostration, and other symptoms denoting the action of an irritant poison. No antidote is known. The treatment consists ia rapidly evacuating the contents of the stomach by an Emetic, and the free administration of mucilaginous drinks, with some Paregoric every little while, to allay the pain and irritation of the inflamed parts. Phosphorus. This is not often taken in a state of purity, perhaps. It is the active ingredient of most of the popular "Exterminators" for rats. and other vermin. Children have been known to eat it with fatal results. They have also eaten the ends of common matches with similar consequences. Phosphorus acts as an irritant poison, inflam- ing the mucous membrane with which it comes in contact. There is no antidote known. Some Calcined Magnesia may be given, in plenty of water, to be rapidly followed by an emetic, and then an abundance of mucilaginous drinks. ACCIDENTS — EMERGENCIES— POISONS. 103 Tin. Several compounds of this substance are used liy Dyers, and have been used as poisons. They all act as irritant poisons. The treatment consists in copious draughts of Milk, White of Eggs in Water, and Flour and Water. Practically, the treatment advised under the head of "Copper" may be followed. Zinc; The Sulphate of Zinc (White Vitriol) may be termed poisonous in very large doses, were it not for the fact, constantly turned to good use, that it at once causes vomiting, and is brought up before damage can be done. Hence it is regarded as one of our most valuable Emetics. Soda. The same things arc to be said about this Alkali as about Pot- ash, Ammonia, and Lime. The rapid action of these substances upon the parts with which they come in contact leaves little to be done with much confidence. Silver. The chief source of this poison is the Nitrate of Silver (Lunar Caustic), either solid or in solution. Its action as a "Caustic" is. well known, and it is in this manner that it acts upon the throat, stomach, etc., when taken internally, in solid stick or in solution. Nitrate of Silver (Lunar Caustic) is the base of the numerous. popular "hair dyes," and under this form has been accidentally and criminally taken. The Antidote for the Salts of Silver is Common Salt, which im- mediately decomposes and destroys its activity. The rapidity and completeness with wliich this is done is seen in the well-known domestic precaution of preventing solutions of Silver employed as indelible Ink from staining, by immediately, while the spot is moist, touching it with salt and water. 104 ACCIDENTS——EMERGENCIES—POISONS. Alcohol. Alcohol itself, or in the form of Brandy, Gin, Rum, Whisky, taken in large quantities, is followed by symptoms of a violent poisonous character, and if relief is not at once had, death often en- sues. It is not an unfrequent occurrence for the press to report instances where children have swallowed Alcohol left accessible to their reach, and have died in consequence. When quantities have been taken sufficiently large to be followed by alarming symptoms, the contents of the stomach should be evacuated without delay, by tickling the throat with a feather or the tip of the finger, by an Emetic, such as Ground Mustard and Water, Pulverized Ipecacuanha, or Sulphate of Zinc; or the stomach-pump may be used, if convenient. The vomiting should be assisted by copious draughts of warm water, or other things of the kind. The Alcohol in the stomach having thus been disposed of, the portion which passed from the stomach into the blood, and was carried to the Brain and the rest of the Nervous System, where its poisonous action is being exerted, should next claim the attention, if the symptoms appear to demand it. The action of Alcohol and its preparation upon the Brain and Nervous System is seen under the common name of Intoxication. This may exist in mere stupor, or the Brain and the Nervous System may be so completely overcome by the presence of such a quantity of the poison in the blood that the action of these parts upon the muscular movements of the Chest and the Heart is no longer kept up, and death ensues from Asphyxia, as described under that head. VEGETABLE POISONS. Most of the class of Poisons termed Vegetable act as Narcotics or as Aero-Narcotics. With some modifications, which will be mentioned in place, the treatment of all cases of Narcotic poison- ing is essentially tlie same ; and a similar statement may be made ACCIDENTS—EMERGENCIES——POISONS. 105 in reference to the treatment of all cases of Aero-Narcotic Poison- ing. Hence, in speaking of the Vegetable Poison standing first in the alphabetical arrangement of these substances, the directions have been given under two heads : the nature of the Acrid or irri- tating symptoms and the treatment of the Narcotic symptoms. In speaking of the other poisons, in turn, to save space and avoid re- petition, the reader will be directed, for details of treatment, to one of the substances, when directions are given in full. Aconite. Aconite is known under the names of " Monkshood" and " Wolfs- bane." When swallowed in an overdose, it is rapidly followed by symptoms known as aero-narcotic ; in other words, irritating to the part, and narcotic to the Brain and Nervous System. The treatment naturally would consist in getting out of the stomach all the poison there not already absorbed into the blood. In this Aero-Narcotic Poison we have two reasons in view for such a course : first, to avoid, as much as possible, the irritating features of the poison to the mucous membrane (skin lining tlie stomach and approaches), and, secondly, to prevent further absorption, into the blood and narcotization of the Brain and Nervous System. The contents of the stomach are removed by tickling the throat and base of the tongue by the finger or a feather. An Emetic (page 91) of Mustard and Water, Pulverized Ipecacuanha, or Sulphate of Zinc, Flaxseed Tea, Gum-Arabic Water, Sugar and Water, Milk, White of Egg, or things of this general character, should be freely given at the same time to protect tlie mucous membrane of the stomach from the irritating feature of the poison. There is nothing known to neutralize or destroy the poison in the blood thus acting through the Brain and Nervous System upon these important organs of breathing and circulation, so the efforts for relief must consist in keeping up the respiration by artificial breathing (page 10) until the kidneys, skin, and other organs have had time to eliminate (throw out) the aconite, and so little re- 106 ACCIDENTS——EMERGENCIES——POISONS. mains in the blood as to no longer seriously interfere with breath- ing and circulation. We shall, therefore, refer the reader to ''As- phyxia from Carbonic Acid Gas" (page 14), which is said to act in tlie same manner upon the human body. Also see "Opium" (pae-e 109). Belladonna. Belladonna, or "Deadly Nightshade," lias been introduced into our gardens as an ornamental flower, and poisoning sometimes occurs from eating the berries or leaves. Solutions of the active principles of this plant are used under various forms as an applica- tion to the eye or brow, for certain purposes, by (lie surgeon, and should never be left wliere they can be swallowed by mistake. Belladonna acts as a Narcotic poison, like Opium in many re- spects, only there is dilatation, to a marked degree, of the pupil of the eye, and a peculiar redness or suffusion of the face, which are not seen in poisoning by Opium. The duskiness of the face is. the symptom first observed by the physician. To discriminate. between the two, it may be remarked, that Stramonium (Thorn. Apple, Jimson Weed) gives results closely resembling Belladonna. Both of these substances, Belladonna and Stramonium, are attended, when swallowed in large doses, with a peculiar dryness of tlie. throat and mouth, delirium, not accompanied at first witli stupor like Opium, but with violent gestures, often violent laughter and a peculiar disposition to pick in tlie air, or at the clothins-, for imaginary objects. Treatment.—The poison in the stomach must be immediately gotten out by an Emetic (page 91), and tlie treatment under the head of "Narcotics," in the preceding page, followed out as. seems required. Bryony. The root of this plant, when swallowed in sufficient quantity^ acts as an acrid, highly irritating poison. It is quite a common plant in Europe, but less seen in the United States. If taken in poisonous quantities, empty the stomach as soon as /