C 384 ] 



and frequent retchings, which may be called the firft 

 ftage. Thefe fymptoms are generally fucceeded 

 by a paralytick affedion of the extremities, accom- 

 panied with numbnefs, lofs of motion, and frequent 

 pains through the limb aifedled. This may be 

 confidered as the fecond ftage. 



In the firfl: ftage, the chief intention is to reftore 

 a free paflage through the bowela. But this is not 

 to be attempted by ftrong emeticks, or rough pur- 

 gatives, which, inftead of anfwering the intention, 

 ferve but to exafperate the fymptoms. The pain 

 muft firft be allayed, and the fpafm relaxed by a 

 liberal ufe of opium and the warm bath, before 

 purgatives can be retained, or adminiftered with 

 any profpedl of fuccefs. A truce, being thus ob- 

 tained, evacuants will then have their defired efFed. 

 And if mild lenient catharticks, fuch as caftor oil, 

 calcined magnefiai' ' Epfom fait, or phofphorated 

 •^oda, ftiould anfwer, it will be unneceflary to have 

 recourfe to the more draftick ftimulating kind. 

 , Their operation will be greatly aflifted by copious 

 ' dilution with warm mutton broth, or new milk 

 • whey. As foon as the bowels are thoroughly emp- 

 tied by this preparative courfe, they muft be kept 

 in a foluble ftate by fuch remedies as are gently 

 laxative, and at the fame time have a direct ten- 

 dency to decompofe the poifon. Such a remedy is 



liver 



