RESTORATIVE AGENTS. 37 



bined with bitters. All of the mineral acids tend 

 to check fermentation and aid in digestion. If con- 

 tinued for too long a time they lessen the production 

 of gastric juice, and thus impair digestion. Phos- 

 phoric acid is the most agreeable of the mineral acids 

 and is not so apt to derange digestion if given for a 

 longer period. The mineral acids are excreted mainly 

 by the kidneys, diminishing the alkalinity or increas- 

 ing the normal acidity of the urine. 



Toxic doses of the mineral acids produce violent 

 gastro-enteritis; lips, mouth, and fauces are highly 

 inflamed and swollen; respiration more labored as 

 the swelling of the throat increases; pulse weak and 

 quick ; great abdominal pain, increasing prostration, 

 and death in from three to twelve hours. 



Post-mortem examination shows throughout the 

 entire gastro-intestinal tract dark-colored patches of 

 corrosion, and occasionally perforations. 



Antidotes. — Alkaline carbonates or bicarbonates, 

 or chalk to neutralize the acid ; stomach-pump when 

 practicable; oil, albumen, or milk to protect the mu- 

 cous membranes; stimulants, opium, ammonia intra- 

 venously to counteract the depression of the vital 

 powers. 



Therapeutics. — The mineral acids are used in 

 chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, the sulphuric acid 

 combined with laudanum given in starch, gruel, or 

 mucilage. Influenza — especially the sulphuric with 

 quinine sulphate. Equine purpura— the sulphuric 

 with iron sulphate. Hemoi^rhages, especially at 

 parts remote from the stomach— the sulphuric with 



