CALIFORNIA COLLGQI 



151 



or antimony. Sugar of lead and white lead paint are the 

 common forms of lead which poison the body. Copper 

 is seldom dangerous. Some forms of silver are very 

 poisonous. 



Antimony is poisonous in the form of tartar emetic and 

 wine of antimony -, both of which are used in treating colds. 



All forms of metallic poisoning are much alike. Vomit-i 

 ing usually comes on within half an hour, followed by 1 * 

 great weakness, cramps in the abdomen, and burning thirst. 

 If vomiting has not freely occurred, it should be induced 

 by tickling the throat or by giving mustard in water. 



Afterwards the white of eggs, flour paste, or milk should be given as 

 an antidote. The albumin of these substances forms a chemical union 

 with the metal, producing a harmless compound which should be 

 vomited and more of the antidote given. 



The special antidote for arsenic is oxide of iron. The settlings which 

 form in a mixture of tincture of iron and baking soda may be used in an 

 emergency. The special antidote for lead is Epsom salts; for silver, 

 common salt ; and for antimony, tannin, which is found in a strong tea 

 made of almost any bark. 



261. Phosphorus. Phosphorus poisoning may occur 

 from sucking the ends of matches. It produces vomiting 

 and violent cramps in the abdomen for two or three days, 

 and then jaundice appears, with delirium and death. It 

 resembles a slow poisoning by a metal. 



Phosphorus poisoning is treated by giving something to cause vomit- 

 ing and to expel the poison from the intestine. Always avoid castor 

 oil or other fat, for phosphorus is dissolved by fat. A small pinch of 

 sulphate of copper (blue vitriol) given every few minutes will destroy 

 the poison and also cause vomiting. 



262. Aconite. Aconite produces extreme weakness of 

 the whole body. A tingling in the throat is the only dis- 

 tinguishing sign of the poison. 



