4]8 ' PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. [aNNO I76O. 



Imagining the deleterious draught had not had sufficient time to bring on any 

 violent inflammation or excoriation, or to make its way into the blood, vomiting 

 and purging, with plenty of diluents and sheathing substances, seemed the like- 

 liest means to save the patient, if any thing could be hoped to succeed in so peri- 

 lous a situation. Dr. W. therefore ordered a mild but operative emetic of pulv. 

 rad. ipecacuan. and a mixture with spermaceti and oil to be taken occasionally; 

 still following up the patient with oil and wafer. He had reason to expect the 

 emetic would also purge as well as vomit, and not only clear the stomach of the 

 remains of the poisonous draught, but likewise carry downwards what portion 

 of it might have passed through the pylorus by the contraction and agitation of 

 the ventricle on the preceding vomiting. The apothecary demurred at the 

 emetic, and objected the danger of its aggravating the effects of the poison by 

 its stimulus and irritation. Though Dr. W. was not in the least convinced by 

 the objection, yet, from an apprehension of the reflections which might probably 

 be made after the tragical scene which seemed to be inevitable, he was stag- 

 gered in his proceeding, and wished the objection had not been started. His 

 brother, observing his uneasiness, asked him if she should send for Dr. Dymock. 

 He gladly accepted this offer, as it rid him of his perplexity, and would give 

 satisfaction to all concerned to have the best advice. In the mean time, he 

 plied the patient with oil and water alternately, with which she vomited; but 

 still grievously complained of a burning heat in the stomach and bowels. Her 

 breath and all she vomited smelt very strong of the camphor. Her pulse was 

 moderate, and not much quickened. He had now given her about a gallon more 

 of water, and half a flask more of oil, when Dr. Dymock arrived. On inform- 

 ing him of the particulars of the case, he without hesitation ordered an emetic 



the stomach and intestines, do not confine their ravages to these parts only, but are apt to enter the 

 absorbent vessels, and insinuate themselves into the road of the circulation. Water is here a good 

 antidote, as it dilutes such substances, washes them off the sensible membranes, destroys their acri- 

 mony, and readily passing through all sorts of canals, soon carries them out of the body But the 

 case is otherwise with gummy resinous poisons, such as euphorbium. These being indissoluble in 

 water, are not so apt to enter the absorbent vessels, and pass into the blood, but by their acrimony 

 shut up the orifices of those canals, and preclude a passage Therefore oil here should be called in 

 to the assistance of water. For the caustic resinous substance of euphorbium being precipitated or 

 separated from the spirit, and formed into clots by the water, would still be apt to stick to the tendei 

 nervous membranes of the stomach and bowels, and by its intolerable acrimony cause violent velli. 

 cations, inflammations, and gangrene. But the oil contributes greatly to prevent these fatal effects 

 by sheathing the corrosive acrimony of the poison, preventing its adhesion to the delicate lining 

 membranes of these first passages, and defending them from the violence of its attacks; while at 

 the same time it promotes the discharge of their contents. These qualities of oil also render it very 

 serviceable in other species of poison. — Orig.* 



• Where metallic salts have been swallowed in poisonous quantities, the vegetable or mineral alkali should be added to 

 the water and oil ; or a solution c<t soap in water should be given. 



