DELPHINOSIS LATHYRISMUS 51 



pens, however, that the veterinarian or physician is called too late to ac- 

 complish much. 



The Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is indigenous to 



The Poison Europe and has long been known as a poisonous plant. It is 



Hemlock. a fetid smelling herb from 2-5 feet high, with a spotted stem, 



compound leaves, and small, white flowers in umbels. The plant 



is not uncommon in waste places in the East and in the Rocky Mountains, 



especially in Utah. It has long been used as a poison. 



Symptoms. In lower animals, there is observed a dilatation of the pupil, 

 followed by weakness of the limbs, passing into paralysis; labored respiration, 

 frequency of breathing diminished, heart action irregular; death preceded by 

 convulsions. In man, there are weakness in the lower extremities, staggering 

 gait, in two hours paralysis of upper and lower extremities and slight con- 

 vulsions; death occurs in a few hours usually caused by cessation of respiration. 



Treatment. The stomach should be evacuated by means of a pump or 

 tube; or a hypodermic injection of 4-5 drops of a solution of apomorphin 

 given; or emetics of sulphate of zinc or mustard administered. The tempera- 

 ture of the body should be kept up by hot applications. 



Stimulants may be given, and, if necessary, artificial respiration applied. 

 As a drink, strong tea, tannin, or any harmless vegetable decoction containing 

 tannin may be administered. 



