* ~ et 
Means of detecting Arsenic in the Animal Body, §c. 287 
$ ‘ * 
Sulphur—Color sulphur-yellow, easily volatilized by heat, not 
ig in nitric acid, gives the well known smell of — when 
Pho hosphorus—Color brilliant from white to red, easily ~voluiilized 
by og not soluble in nitric acid, reddens litmus paper. 
Iron-—Color black but slightly metallic, not volatilized by heat, 
luble in nitric acid ; the nitric solution strikes a blue color with 
ferrocyanuret of potagsium, 
Examination for arsenic in case of poisonin, ng. 
Under this head will be answered the fourth question, which is, 
What are the best means not only of detecting, but of ascertain- 
ing the quantity of arsenic in combination with animal matter? 
Arsenious acid, it is well known, does not destroy life. by a 
mere local action upon the stomach and intestines, as do many of 
the strong acids, but that its poisonous effects are exhibited after 
it has been absorbed into the system. It is true that it inflames 
the mucous membrane of the intestinal canal, but that is compara- 
tively of minor importance to its other effects. If it be absorbed, 
in what secretions and in what organs is it.to be found in the 
gteatest abundance? - The urine is the first secretion in which 
atsenious acid exhibits itself, and in that not long after adminis- 
tration. This fact, then, makes it important to preserve the urine 
of a person who we may suppose has been poisoned by this agent, 
for making the necessary medico-legal examination, and in cases 
Where death does not occur it ought to be considered of more 
Value than the matter vomited. 
After the bladder, the liver and heart next demand our atten- 
tion, for one may calculate with almost absolute certainty upon 
finding this substance in these organs, had it been employed. 
The brain and inner muscles of the thigh, in most cases of poison- 
ing by arsenious acid, contain it in sufficient quantity to be ex- 
hibited by means of Marsh’s apparatus. Other portions of the 
body frequently contain it in small quantities, but if we have the 
organs already mentioned, along with the stomach, intestines, 
and their contents, it will be all that it is important to experiment 
Upon. 
In commencing the experiments we should be furnished with 
the following materials, viz. nitric and sulphuric acids, nitrate of 
Potash, zinc and water. ‘Their purity should be fully established 
. fore they are employed. 
