ARSENIC. 115 



with the addition of some iodide of potassium : both are used in 

 indolent scrofulous tumours. Iodine is sometimes employed in the 

 form of bath. 



Aksenic. — (Arsenicum, U. S.) 



Probably inert, so long as it retains its metallic state ; but very 

 active, as an oxide, or salt. 



Effects. — In very minute doses, it is tonic and alterative ; but, if 

 persisted in, it causes muscular debility and general depression of 

 the system. It acts by being absorbed into the blood, as is proved 

 by its existence in the secretions. In large doses, it is a powerful 

 corrosive poison. Symptoms of poisoning — pain and heat of sto- 

 mach, pain of throat, vomiting of acrid matters, incessant thirst, 

 prostration, and death. Antidote — the hydrated sesquioxide of iron, 

 which acts chemically, forming an insoluble arsenite of iron. — Used 

 chiefly in intermittent diseases; will often cure intermittent fever, 

 when quinine fails ; also, in chronic skin diseases, particularly of a 

 scaly character; also, in nodes. Dose of arsenious acid, y^^th of a 

 grain, three times a day, in pill. 



Folder'' s Solution — [Liquor Potassce Arsenitis, U. S.) — Made 

 by boiling together 64 grs. arsenious acid and carbonate of potassa, 

 each, in fSxij water, and then adding fSss. spirits of lavender, to 

 impart a colour. Dose, 10 drops; but often this will be found too 

 much for some constitutions. 



The arsenical preparations should be given on a full stomach, 

 aud their effects very carefully watched. One of the first symp- 

 toms of the system being brought under their influence, is an oedema 

 of the eyelids, which will subsequently spread over the face. 



THE END. 



