164 PHYSIOLOGY AND TEMPERANCE. 



has become somewhat common in households, and is a dan- 

 gerous poison. Alkalies do not neutralize this acid. The 

 best you can do is to give large quantities of sweet oil and 

 milk. 



Rat poisons contain either phosphorus, mercury, arsenic or 

 strychnia. For any of these, first give an emetic. Phos- 

 phorus is also in common use in the manufacture of matches. 

 It is best counteracted by large draughts of warm water and 

 magnesia. No oils. For arsenic, give new milk, raw eggs, 

 linseed tea, and a full dose of castor oil. For mercury, give 

 the same antidotes as in arsenic. In a case of strychnia 

 poisoning, after encouraging vomiting by an emetic or by 

 tickling the throat with a feather, give animal charcoal mixed 

 with water ; use cold applications to the body, and, if neces- 

 sary, resort to artificial respiration. 



Narcotics, such as opium, morphine, laudanum, paregoric, 

 etc., in large doses, produce a deep sleep or stupor. After 

 using a brisk emetic, keep the patient roused by walking 1 

 him about, slapping the face and body with cold, wet towels, 

 and give strong coffee. 



28. Alcohol in First Aids. It is, unfortunately, too 

 common a practice when a person -is taken suddenly ill or 

 meets with an accident, to give brandy or whiskey. Not 

 knowing what to do, we are apt to do the wrong thing. In 

 all the different emergencies and ailments we have been deal- 

 ing with in this chapter, not only is alcohol unnecessary, 

 but in many cases it would be positively harmful. When 

 the patient can swallow at all, a drink of hot beef tea, hot 

 milk, or hot ginger tea will answer every purpose. 



29. Alcohol and Tobacco Irritant Narcotics. The 

 irritant poisons, such as mineral acids, arsenic, etc., can be 

 and are used as medicines in properly regulated doses. With 

 the same care, narcotics are sometimes given to relieve pain 

 or soothe the wearied brain to sleep. In like manner, the 



