USEFUL METALS 169 



Arsenic is used in inn Heine in several forms. Liquor araeni- 

 cales is used in intermittent fevers, in rheumatism and nervous 

 :if Hit-lions. White arsenic is used extensively in progressive, 

 I >er i licious anemia. Two to four grains of arsenic form a fatal dose. 

 Arsenic is used also in many embalming fluids. In arsenic eaters 

 it clarifies the skin and imparts a rotundity to the body. It also 

 strengthens the respiration, therefore, Marathon runners and 

 mountain climbers have resorted to its use. 



Fowlers solution is used to fatten horses and to give them greater 

 speed in the race. It furnishes not only rotundity to the body, 

 but also produces glossy, shiny hair. 



Arsenic is used in many forms as a preservative. Ten parts of 

 hot water or 30 parts of cold water will dissolve 1 part of white 

 arsenic. The solution is a good wood preservative as it prevents 

 both wet and dry rot. It is important in the treatment of rail- 

 way ties, telephone and telegraph poles, and the timber of 

 mines. Carpenters and builders use it in many forms of joints. 



Arsenic is used extensively in agriculture. Hundreds of tons 

 of arsenic are used annually as a weed killer. It is used exten- 

 sively to prevent foot rot in sheep. The white arsenic is dis- 

 solved in water and poured into troughs 20 ft. long and U ft. 

 wide. The sheep are driven back and forth through the trough 

 and then on to dry ground or floors that their feet may thoroughly 

 dry. Arsenic is used for killing sheep ticks, both the sheep and 

 lambs being dipped in a solution of white arsenic. 



Arsenic is used as an insecticide as lead arsenate in the de- 

 struction of the gypsy moth. Large quantities of Paris green are 

 manufactured annually to kill the Colorado beetles and their 

 slugs; also the larvae on currant bushes, rose bushes, and cabbages. 

 In England the best crops of potatoes are always obtained in the 

 vicinity of an arsenical plant. Arsenic successfully checks potato 

 blight and in many modifications it is used for that purpose in 

 America. 



Arsenic is used in rat poison and fly paper. Much arsenic has 

 been sent across the mountains of South America on mule back 

 for the dressing of hides for exportation. It effectually prevents 

 the attack of insects on the hides. It is used extensively in taxi- 

 dermy, where the skins of fish, of beasts and birds are subjected 

 to a thorough rubbing with white arsenic before mounting. It 

 is used also in the preservation of moths, butterflies and 

 larvae. 



