MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 200. 



the same combination is very useful, followed with full doses of 

 arsenic or Fowler's Solution. Lobelia is also excellent in dry 

 coughs ; for asthma in dogs give 10 to 30 minims of the Tr. of 

 Lobelia every 1 5 minutes till nausea sets in. It prevents the dry- 

 ing effect of belladonna on the throat. 



ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM DILUTUM— DILUTED 

 HYDROCYANIC OR PRUSSIC ACID. 



Character. — A colorless, volatile, faintly acid liquid, having 

 an almond-like odor, very unstable ; to preserve it best, keep it in 

 an inverted blue bottle, well corked, and away from heat and 

 light. If long kept it may become inert; strength 2 per cent. 



Dose. — Horses and cattle, 20 ms. to 2 drs. ; one-half ounce 

 is often given to horses in tetanus ; sheep, 10 to 15 ms. ; pigs, 2 to 

 7 ms. ; dogs, ]/% to 3 ms. ; give well diluted ; sometimes used to 

 kill dogs easily. 



potassii cyanidum — Cyanide of Potash. — Occurs in white, 

 opaque, amorphous pieces or a white granular powder, having a 

 sharp, somewhat alkaline and bitter almond taste and alkaline 

 reaction ; is deliquescent in moist air ; when powdered is readily 

 soluble in two parts of water, sparingly soluble jn alcohol. 



Dose. — Horse, 1 to 2 up to 5 grs. ; dogs, ^ to \ gr. 



Antagonists and Incompaiibles. — The metallic salts are gen- 

 erally incompatible, also red oxide of iron, sesquioxide ; these are 

 too slow as antidotes. 



In Case of Poisoning. — Remedies of greatest utility are, cold 

 effusion to spine, inhalation of ammonia, ammonia by the stomach 

 and intravenous injection of it, subcutaneous injection of Tr. 

 strophanthus, nitro-glycerine, ether or atropine may be used, but 

 are usually too slow, artificial respiration ; emetics ; must act very 

 quickly, as it kills quickly. 



Physiological Actions and Uses. — Hydrocyanic acid and nico- 

 tine are the most powerful poisons known. 



Externally. — Hydrocyanic acid paralyzes terminations of the 

 sensory nerves, thus it is a local anaesthetic and sedative ; it is 

 readily absorbed from raw surfaces; and may cause poisoning; 



