AN IRRITANT CORROSIVE POISON 299 



to two grains to the ounce of water effectually destroys 

 vegetable and animal parasites infesting the skin. It must, 

 however, be used with caution, for it not only irritates and 

 corrodes locally, but is readily absorbed, and hence liable 

 to produce constitutional effects. 



Toxic EFFECTS. Swallowed in strong solution it is an 

 irritant corrosive poison, producing gastro-enteritis and 

 collapse. Smaller or more diluted doses produce mercurial- 

 ism. Seven or eight grains destroyed dogs in seven to thirty 

 hours ; four drachms dissolved in three pounds of water 

 killed a horse in twelve hours ; tw T o drachms caused in cattle 

 great emaciation, and death in fourteen days ; one drachm 

 proved fatal to a sheep within twelve hours (Hertwig). 

 Larger quantities, however, appear to be tolerated when the 

 poison is first given in small doses. Thus, Percivall, ex- 

 perimenting upon a horse, commenced with ten grains, and 

 gradually increased the dose to five drachms before the 

 appetite or pulse became affected. Injurious effects occur 

 whatever the channel by which poisonous doses enter the 

 body. Shepherds using strong solutions for foot-rot or for 

 scab have suffered from its irritant and also from its con- 

 stitutional effects. Dogs dressed with it for mange have 

 occasionally died from gastro-enteritis and collapse. 



Compared with arsenical poisoning, the acute symptoms 

 with large doses come on more rapidly ; there is more 

 chemical and corrosive action, whilst in chronic cases 

 salivation usually ensues. 



Post-mortem examination discovers the mucous lining of 

 the alimentary canal softened and bluish-grey ; where large 

 doses have been given it is disorganised by chemical action ; 

 where death is postponed for a day, patches of inflammation 

 and sloughing are found ; the kidneys are inflamed, the 

 tubules plugged with casts, and other urinary organs are 

 congested ; the lungs are usually spotted with effused blood. 



The treatment consists in the free use of albumin, which 

 forms an insoluble mercuric albuminate. One egg suffices to 

 neutralise four grains of sublimate. When eggs cannot be 

 had, wheat or barley flour, milk, or other albuminoids should 

 be given, followed by astringent solutions. Unless the drug 

 has caused vomiting, the stomach must be emptied either 



