POISONS AND POISONING. 61 



with water and with linseed tea. If the ease does not terminate 

 promjDtly, give iodid of potash in 1-dram doses twice daily. 



POISONING BY ACIDS. 



Mineral acids. — The mineral acids — nitric, sulphuric, hydrochlo- 

 ric, etc. — when used in a concentrated form destroy the animal 

 tissues with which they come in contact, and in this respect differ 

 from most of the poisons previously described. '\^lien taken into 

 the stomach the mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, 

 and stomach is apt to be more or less completely destroyed. If taken 

 in large quantities death is likely to result so speedily that nothing 

 can be done to relieve the patient, and even if time is allowed and the 

 action of the acid can be arrested it can not be done until consider- 

 able and, perhaps, irreparable damage has been done. The mucous 

 membrane with which the acid has come in contact in the esophagus 

 may be destroyed by its corrosive action and carried away, leaving 

 the muscidar tissues exposed. The raw surface heals irregularly, 

 the cicatrice coi^acting causes stricture, and an animal so injured 

 is likely to die of starvation. In the stomach even greater damage 

 is likely to be done. The peristaltic action of the esophagus carries 

 the irritant along quickly, but here it remains quiet in contact with 

 one surface, destroying it. It is likely to perforate the organ and, 

 coming in contact with the abdominal lining or other organ of di- 

 gestion, soon sets up a condition that is beyond repair. In a less 

 concentrated form, when this is not sufficiently strong to be corrosive, 

 it exerts an irritant effect. In this form it may not do much harm 

 unless taken in considerable quantity'. When thus the mucous 

 membrane of the stomach and intestines becomes inflamed, pain and 

 diarrhea are likely to result. 



Treatment. — Any of the alkalies may be used as an antidote. 

 Most convenient of these are chalk, baking soda, marble dust, mag- 

 nesia, lime, soap, or plaster from a wall. Mucilaginous drinks 

 should be given in large quantities. 



Vegetable acids. — Oxalic acid in particular is corrosive in its 

 action when taken in concentrated solution, losing its corrosive 

 effect and becoming irritant when more dilute. It also exerts a 

 specific effect on the heart, frequently 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 the 

 attendant small pulse, weakness, staggering, and convulsions are the 

 more noticeable symptoms. 



Treatment. — Limewater or lime or plaster should be given 

 promptly. Acetic acid is irritant to the gastro-intestinal tract, and 

 may cause sudden paralysis of the heart. It should be counteracted 

 by the use of alkalies, as advised above, by protectives to the diges- 

 tive tract, and by stimulants. 



