88 THE HUMAN BODY. 



sulphate of copper, are almost as rapid in their effect on the 

 stomach as chloroform and several gases when placed in 

 contact with the mucous membrane of the lungs; they pro- 

 duce phenomena which develop themselves with terrible 

 rapidity. Medicine derives great assistance from this ab- 

 sorbent property of the tissues; thanks to which, humanity 

 is daily spared a vast amount of suffering. 



