MINERAL OE INOEGANIC POISONS 79 



Orfila observed the death of a dog in three days after 

 having 32 grains. 



Treatment. — The treatment of alkali poisoning is by 

 means of very dilute acids, preferably vinegar, followed by 

 fatty oils, and later sedative or stimulating agents ; whilst 

 in acid poisoning dilute alkali — e.g., chalk, burnt magnesia, 

 soap solution, weak soda solution — is indicated, and later 

 mucilaginous and stimulating agents. 



Cases of poisoning by these agents are rare, and should 

 they occur offer little difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. 



The question of alkali contamination of water may from 

 time to time demand attention. In a recent legal case it 

 was held to have been proved that a stream had been 

 contaminated with caustic soda, but there could be no 

 doubt that the death of a heifer which had access to the 

 stream was certainly not due to caustic alkali. 



An extremely interesting case of poisoning by hydrochloric 

 acid gas is reported by E. J. Stordy.* The fumes, which 

 were of volcanic origin, emanated from a small hole in a 

 gully in the Kelong Valley, Africa. Around the hole were 

 the carcasses of buffaloes. Fowls tied near the hole were 

 rapidly affected, whilst a man who put his head in it was 

 seized with a severe headache and vomiting. Sheep, dogs, 

 and cows placed near the hole immediately began to heave 

 violently, collapse, and die — the sheep in a few seconds, 

 the cows within half a minute. Inhalation of ammonia 

 assisted resuscitation immediately after the first collapse. 

 The gas proved to be that of hydrochloric acid extending 

 at a maximum height of 18 inches from 20 to 30 feet of 

 ground round the fissure. 



Post-mortem revealed dark coloured difficultly coagulable 

 blood, and the heart in all ceases arrested in diastole. 



Chemical Diag-iiosis. — Valuable indications are afforded 

 in nitric acid poisoning by the yellow colour imparted to 

 the tissues, which may, however, be marked by blood. 

 The reaction of the contents to test papers is a valuable 

 guide, and the degree of alkalinity or acidity should be 

 * Jl. Comp. Path., 1908, p. 75. 



