TOXICOLOGY. 355 



The copper should be removed, washed with distilled 

 water, and dried between the folds of blotting-paper cut 

 into slips; it should then be placed in a dry tube and 

 heated. 



If arsenic be present, arsenious acid will be sublimed and 

 deposited on the sides of the tube in the form of minute 

 octahedral crystals. 



These may be dissolved in water and tested in the usual 

 way. Before applying this test, the hydrochloric acid, as 

 well as the copper foil, must be examined, to make sure of 

 their purity. 



This is easily effected by boiling the copper with a mix- 

 ture of the acid and distilled water before adding the 

 suspected liquid. 



Method of Detection of Arsenic in an Organic Mixture. — 

 We think the most satisfactory method of detecting arsenic 

 in an organic mixture is to boil up the suspected matter 

 with a large quantity of pure strong hydrochloric acid. 

 The mixture is afterwards filtered, and the arsenic is pre- 

 cipitated by passing a current of sulphuretted hydrogen 

 through the filtrate. The arsenic is then thrown down as 

 sulphide, and it may be estimated in the usual manner. 



Treatment. — The chemical antidotes which may be given 

 in acute arsenical poisoning are hydrated sesquioxide of 

 iron, or hydrate of magnesia. 



In acute cases, hot rugs should be applied to the abdomen. 



Stimulants may be freely given every two or three hours. 



Mucilaginous drinks of linseed and oatmeal gruel, and 

 albuminous fluids, may be given with port wine or 

 brandy. 



In the treatment of chronic arsenical poisoning great 

 care is necessary. Vegetable and mineral tonics, especially 

 iron, with good nutritious diet, should be administered 

 internally. 



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