POISONS AND POISONING. 63 



Crude coal oil is sometimes applied to the skin to kill parasites. If 

 too much is used, especially in hot weather, great weakness and 

 depression may be caused and in some cases death may result. 



CARBOLIC-ACID POISONING. 



Although one of the most valuable antiseptic remedies, carbolic 

 acid in a concentrated form, when taken internally or used over a 

 large surface externally, is likely to produce poisonous effects. It 

 causes whitening, shrinking, and numbness of the structures with 

 which it comes in contact, and, besides its irritant effect, exerts a 

 powerful influence on the nervous system. Being readily absorbed, 

 it produces its effect whether swallowed, injected into the rectum, 

 inhaled, or applied to wounds, or even to a large tract of unbroken 

 skin. Used extensively as a dressing, it may produce nausea, dizzi- 

 ness, and smoky or blackish colored urine. The last symptom is 

 nearly always noticeable where the poisonous effect is produced. In 

 more concentrated form, or used in larger quantities, convulsions, 

 followed by fatal coma, are likely to take place. Even in smaller 

 quantities, dullness, trembling, and disinclination for food often 

 continues for several days. In a tolerably concentrated solution it 

 coagulates albumen and acts as an astringent. 



Treatment. — As an antidote internally, a solution of sulphate of 

 soda or sulphate of magnesia (Glauber'sor Epsom salts) may be given. 

 The white of Qgg is also useful. Stimulants may be given if needed. 

 When the poisoning occurs through too extensive applications to 

 wounds or the skin, as in treatment of mange, cold water should be 

 freely applied so as to wash off any of the acid that may still remain 

 unabsorbed. As a surgical dressing a 3 per cent solution is strong 

 enough for ordinary purposes. Water will not hold more than 5 per 

 cent in permanent solution. No preparation stronger than the satu- 

 rated solution should be used medicinally under any circumstances. 



SALTPETER POISONING. 



Both nitrate of soda and nitrate of potash are poisonous to cattle. 

 These substances are used for manure and for preserving meats. 

 They may be administered in a drench by error in place of Glauber's 

 salt, or they may be exposed within reach of cattle and thus be eaten. 

 The toxic dose depends upon the condition of fullness of the stomach. 

 If in solution and given on an empty stomach, as little as 3 ounces of 

 saltpeter (nitrate of potash) may be fatal to a cow. More of the 

 Chile saltpeter (nitrate of soda) is required to cause serious trouble. 



Si/mptom^. — Severe gastro-enteritis, colic, tympanites, diarrhea, 

 excessive urination, weakness, trembling, convulsions, collapse. 



Treatment. — Same as for poisoning by common salt. 



