POISONS AND POISONING. 69 



condition that is beyond repair. In a less concentrated form, when the 

 acid is not sufficiently strong to be corrosive, it exerts an irritant effect. 

 In this form, however, it is not likely to do much harm unless taken in 

 considerable quantity. When it is, the mucous membrane of the 

 stomach and intestines becomes inflamed; pain and diarrhea are likely 

 to result. Any of the alkalies may be nsed as an antidote. Most con- 

 venient'of these are chalk, whiting, baking soda, etc. 



VEGETABLE ACEDS. 



Oxalic acid in particular is corrosive in its action when taken in con- 

 centrated solution, losing its corrosive effect and becoming irritant 

 when more dilute. It also exerts a specific effect on the heart, fre- 

 quently causing death from syncope. Taken in the form either of the 

 crystals or solution it is likely to cause death in a very short time. 

 Failure of heart action and attendant small pulse, weakness, stagger- 

 ing, and convulsions are the more noticeable syinptons. Antacids as 

 chalk, whiting, etc., are indicated. The stomach should be emptied as 

 quickly as possible so as to get rid of all trace of the poison which may 

 not have been neutralized by the alkali. 



MERCURIAL POISONS. 



Corrosive sublimate (bichloride of mercury) is perhaps the most ter- 

 rible of corrosive poisons. It proves fatal in very small doses. To all 

 animals shortly after it is taken it produces intense pain in the ab- 

 domen from destruction of the tissues with which it is brought in con- 

 tact. If it does not prove fatal from this action, being absorbed, it 

 exerts a powerful influence on the liver and salivary glands, causing 

 diarrhea and discharge of saliva from the inouth. As an antidote the 

 white of egg has the power of completely neutralizing its poisonous 

 effect, provided it can bo administered before the poison has had time 

 to exert its deadly influence. In using this remedy the white should 

 be separated from the yolk, mixed with water, and given in large quan- 

 tities; the stomach should be emptied by means of a stomach pump 

 after the antidote has been given. 



Chloride of mercury (calomel) is medicinally used. It is less power- 

 ful in its corrosive effect, but produces the same general symptoms 

 when given in large doses. 



ALKALINE POISONS. 



The carbonates and sulphides of potash and soda and the alkalies 

 themselves in concentrated form cause symptoms of intestinal irrita- 

 tion similar to those produced by mineral acids, though chemically 

 incompatible with the acids, their caustic irritant effects depending on 

 their degree of concentration. When they reach the stomach the 

 symptoms are nearly as well marked as in the case of the acid. The 



