MINEBAL POISONS. 89 



about an inch in diameter, was observed after 

 death on the inner surface of the cardiac ex- 

 tremity of the stomach, having so much of the 

 appearance of a slough, that at first I had no 

 doubt of it being so; but on examination, this 

 proved to be only a thin layer of dark coloured 

 coagulum of blood, adhering very firmly to the 

 surface of the mucous membrane, and having a 

 few particles of arsenic entangled in it. On re- 

 moving this, the mucous membrane still appeared 

 of a dark colour ; but this also was found to 

 arise from a thin layer of coagulum of blood 

 between it and the cellular coat. The mucous 

 membrane itself was inflamed ; but otherwise in 

 a natural state. I have observed a similar ap- 

 pearance, but occupying a less extent of surface, 

 several times. In the Hunterian Museum there 

 is a human stomach, which was preserved to 

 show what was considered as a slough produced 

 by the action of arsenic. On examining this 

 preparation, I found that the dark coloured 

 spot, which had been supposed to be a slough, 

 was precisely of the same nature with that just 

 described. 



Although the affection of the stomach and 

 intestines from arsenic is not the cause of death, 

 under ordinary circumstances, it is reasonable to 

 conclude, that it may be so in some instances, if 

 the animal survives the effects produced on the 

 organs more immediately necessary to life. Mr. 

 Henry Earle informed me of an instance, in 

 which this appeared to be the case. A woman 



