38 



VETERINARY TOXICOLOGY 



stoDaach and intestinal contents, and averaged the low 

 proportion of -^ grain per ounce, whilst the liver was 

 arsenical to about the same degree. 



After ingestion and absorption arsenic may be detected in 

 the blood and most of the organs, thanks to the extreme 

 delicacy of the methods of chemical research for this 

 element. As with the heavy metals, arsenic is temporarily 

 stored in the liver. 



Elimination of arsenic is, however, rapid, and takes place 

 chiefly by the kidneys. It probably does not undergo the 

 process of biliary excretion, reabsorption from the intestine, 

 and return to the liver, or gastro-hepatic circulation, re- 

 cognised by Claude Bernard for lead. 



Five or six hours after ingestion arsenic may be recog- 

 nised in the urine and milk, and elimination is rapid, 

 being complete within two to three days. Elimination also 

 takes place by way of the mucous secretions and the skin, 

 to which may be attributed the effects of arsenic in skin 

 diseases. 



Toxic Doses. — The toxic dose of arsenic depends upon 

 the nature of the arsenical compound ; upon its condition 

 — solid, coarsely or finely powdered, or dissolved; upon 

 the condition of the digestive organs and nature of the 

 ingesta ; upon the species, and individual, and idiosyncracy ; 

 and upon the mode of application. Consequently, great 

 variation is to be expected, and the figures here quoted 

 from Kaufmann must be regarded only as approximate. 

 As to actual amount ingested, the fowl is, as in other 

 cases, most variable, by reason of the relatively great 

 doses which may be stored in the crop. The figures relate 

 to arsenious oxide : 



Powder by a Wound. 

 30-60 grains 

 30-60 „ 

 o—Q ,, 

 0'3 grain 

 0-03 

 0-03 



