POISONS. 183 



9. Alkali Poisons. 



This includes ammonia, soda, potassa, and salts 

 of these metals. Potassium nitrate, sodium chlo- 

 rid and sodium sulphate poisoning, being more 

 common than the others, are discussed under 

 separate heads. 



Symptoms: Colicky pains; sloughing of the 

 mucous membranes of the mouth and throat; 

 bloody diarrhea, followed by collapse and death. 



Treatment: Large quantities of vinegar; raw 

 eggs; demulcents. 



Postmortem appearances: Inflammation of the 

 mouth and throat; edema of the larynx. 



10. Carbolic Acid Poisoning. 



As this is purely an accidental poison, the his- 

 tory of the case will guide one to a correct diag- 

 nosis. The odor of the poison, together with the 

 coagulation of the tissues, are very plain symp- 

 toms. 



Treatment: Alcohol; Epsom salt; Glauber's 

 salt; raw eggs. 



11. Mineral Acid Poisoning. 



The treatment consists of soapsuds, lime water, 

 baking soda, and an ounce of spirit of camphor 

 may be given as a stimulant. 



12. Saltpeter Poisoning. 



Treatment consists in giving emollients, such as 

 raw eggs, or mucilaginous gruels. Stimulants, 

 such as spirit of camphor or aromatic spirits of 

 ammonia or whiskey, are indicated, if available. 



