MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 75 



every 5 or 10 minutes. From 8 to 20 grs. of the antidote are 

 required to each grain of arsenic swallowed, (when it can be 

 determined). The stomach should first be evacuated, and then 

 give the antidote, and follow with demulcents as oil, milk and 

 mucilaginous drinks. Also give diluents, as weak alkaline water. 



Iodide of Potash should be administered to promote elimina- 

 tion of the arsenic. In absence of the antidote, chalk, magnesia, 

 and lime-water may be freely given. These agents act mechani- 

 cally by developing the poison and preventing absorption. Dia- 

 lysed iron is said to be quite efficacious as an antidote in doses 

 of 5 to 15 Ms. for dogs. 



Synergists are all those agents which promote contructive 

 metamorphosis. 



Physiological Actions. — Gastro-intestinal and pulmonary 

 tonic, a stimulant and alterative, acting especially on the digestive 

 and respiratory mucous membranes and skin. It is antiperiodic 

 and tonic ; also antispasmodic in nervous diseases, and is a nerv/ 

 ine tonic. In large doses it is a corrosive irritant poison, killing 

 either by gastro-enteritis, or nervous paresis. Continued doses 

 cause fatty degeneration. On account of its being a stomachic 

 small doses promote the appetite and digestion. Large doses in- 

 flame the stomach and derange digestion. It increases the 

 cardiac action, respiratory power, and secretion of the intestines. 

 In man it stimulates the mind and sexual appetite, and causes 

 rotundity of form and fair skin. It also increases peristalsis. 

 When tolerance is established large doses are taken with im- 

 punity. 



Externally. — Arsenic is a very painful excharotic, exciting 

 violent inflammation. It is a caustic, antiseptic, and parasiticide, 

 and is frequently used as a sheep dip. It is eliminated chiefly 

 by the kidney, skin and saliva and in the milk of nursing, animals, 

 animals. 



MEDICINAL USES. 



It should not be given in acute diseases. It is given as a 

 general tonic after debilitating diseases, particularly when the 

 lungs are involved, as in pneumonia, bronchitis and pleurisy. 

 Arsenic combined with the feed is beneficial in stocking of the 

 legs. As for its use in . dyspepsia, other remedies had better be 



