Page:Treatise on poisons in relation to medical jurisprudence, physiology, and the practice of physic (IA treatiseonpoison00chriuoft).pdf/193

 of all corrosive poisons potass is the one which most frequently perforates the stomach. This appearance, however, has not been mentioned in any case of poisoning in the human subject.

IV.—Of the Treatment of Poisoning with the fixed Alkalis.

In the treatment of poisoning with the alkalis the first object is evidently to neutralize the poison. This may be done either with a weak acid, or with oil. Of the acids the acetic in the form of vinegar is most generally recommended, as it is not itself injurious. A successful case in very unpromising circumstances, where two ounces and a half of carbonate of potash had been taken by mistake for cream of tartar, and where the antidote was not administered for half an hour, has been related by M. Liégard of Caen. Great relief was experienced to the burning in the throat and stomach, the chilliness, difficult breathing, and frequent efforts to vomit, which were the first symptoms; and after repeated alternations of collapse and reaction, convalescence was established in eight days. —M. Chereau thinks that for the mineral alkalis and their carbonates fixed oil is a preferable antidote to vinegar; and he has given the heads of two cases of poisoning with large doses of carbonate of potass, in which the free employment of almond oil prevented the usual fatal consequences. It appears to act partly by rendering the vomiting free and easy, partly by converting the alkali into a soap. It must be given in large quantity, several pounds being commonly required. For the subsequent treatment the reader may consult the paper of Mr. Dewar, which contains many useful hints on the management of the most complex description of cases.

CHAPTER VIII.

OF POISONING WITH NITRATE OF POTASS.

The nitrate of potass [nitre, saltpetre, sal-prunelle], is a dangerous poison. It has been often mistaken for the saline laxatives, especially the sulphate of soda, and has thus been the source of fatal accidents. I.—Of the Chemical Tests for Nitrate of Potass.

It exists in commerce and the arts in two forms, fused and crystallized. The fused nitre [sal-prunelle] is sold in little button-shaped masses, spheres of the size of musket-balls, or larger circular cakes, of a snow-white tint. The crystallized salt [sal-petre] is sold in whitish, sulcated crystals, which are often regular and large. They