Means of detecting Arsenic in the Animal Body, (^c. 287 



Sulphur — Color sulphur-yellow, easily volatilized by heat, not 

 soluble in nitric acid, gives the well known smell of sulphur when 

 burnt. 



Phosphorus — Color brilliant from white to red, easily volatilized 

 by heat, not soluble in nitric acid, reddens litmus paper. 



Iro7i — Color black but slightly metallic, not volatilized by heat, 

 soluble in nitric acid ; the nitric solution strikes a blue color with 

 ferrocyanuret of potassium. 



Examination for arsenic in case of poisoning. 



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 

 greatest abundance? The urine is the first secretion in which 

 arsenious 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 

 before they are employed. 



