CHAPTER XXII 

 ACIDS 



The acids included in this group are those inorganic and organic 

 acids which act by virtue of their H ion and not in a specific manner, 

 as in case of hydrocyanic, salicylic and arsenous acids. Since the 

 action of all the acids of this group is quite similar, they will be 

 discussed together. The action of acids may be described as local and 

 remote. The local action consists of corrosion, when in concentra- 

 tion (see caustics) while weaker solutions convert the proteids o£ 

 the tissues into acid albuminates. Acids produce by local action: 

 changes in either living or dead matter and destruction of body 

 tissues in concentrated solutions. 



By a remote action they : 1. Exert a peculiar ion action in dilute 

 solution due to the H ion. 



2. Modify digestion by action upon the digestive ferments. 



3. They produce changes by osmosis or salt action like any ab- 

 sorbable salt since they are converted into salts before absorption. 



Actions. Externally they are irritant or caustic according to 

 concentration. See Caustics. 



Internally. Dilute acids. All acids have a sour taste and 

 are somewhat astringent. They reflexly stimulate the secretion of 

 saliva, gastric and pancreatic juice. If any free acid reaches the in- 

 testines, it serves as an irritant and stimulates peristalsis. Most 

 acids, however, are absorbed or converted into salts before reaching 

 the intestine so that the purgative action is rarely seen. 



Urine. Acids are strong diuretics, due in part to salt action and 

 in part to the action of the H ion. The urine will become more 

 acid not on account of the presence of acids but to acid salts. The 

 acid urine leads to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the 

 urinary tract, on account of which acids should be avoided in in- 

 flammatory conditions of these passages. 



Toxicology. The corrosive action has been discussed under 

 the head of caustics so will not be repeated. Besides the corrosive 

 form of poisoning, herbivora become affected with the so-called " acid 

 intoxication " which is due to a diminished alkalinity of the blood 

 caused by the combination of the absorbed acids with the fixed alkali 

 and excretion of the resultant compound. In this manner as the 

 alkali decreases, less and less COg is absorbed from the tissues and 



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