POISONS AND POISONINGS 59 



mucous membrane and abdominal pain, producing symptoms already 

 described in the action of other poisons which produce the same result. 

 Treatment. — The treatment should be the same as for copper poi- 

 soning. 



PHOSPHORUS POISONING. 



Only one of the forms of phosphorus in common use — the ordinary 

 yellow — is poisonous. Phosphorus in this form is used for the destruc- 

 tion of rats and mice and other vermin, and is largely used in the 

 manufacture of matches. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are loss of appetite, colic, diarrhea, 

 irritation of the mouth and throat, and paralysis of the throat. There 

 is also weakness, difficult breathing, and rapid pulse. The course of 

 the poisoning is usually rapid, terminating in either recovery or death 

 within three days. The toxic dose for cattle is from 5 to 30 grains. 

 If taken in large quantities, the excreta are occasionally noticed to be 

 luminous when examined in the dark. 



Treatment. — Turpentine given in an emulsion with flaxseed tea in 

 a single dose of from 2 to 8 ounces. Permanganate of potash may be 

 given in a one-fourth of 1 per per cent solution. Stimulants, such as 

 alcohol and ether, should be administered. Oils and milk must not 

 be given. 



MERCURY POISONING. 



Mercury poisoning is not rare in cattle from the fact that these ani- 

 mals have a special susceptibility to the action of this substance. 

 Antiseptic washes or injections containing the bichloride of mercury 

 (corrosive sublimate) must be used on cattle with great care. Mer- 

 curial disinfecting solutions or salves must be used cautiously. Cal- 

 omel can not be given freely to cattle. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are salivation, sore mouth, indigestion, 

 diarrhea, skin eruption, paralysis of local groups of muscles, and 

 nephritis. 



Treatment. — The treatment consists in administering sulphur in 

 large doses (2 to 4 ounces) or iron powder. Both make insoluble com- 

 pounds with mercury. Follow with the whites of eggs mixed with 

 water and with linseed tea. If the case does not terminate promptly, 

 give iodid of potash in 1 dram doses twice daily. 



POISONING BY ACIDS. 



Mineral acids.— The mineral acids— nitric, sulphuric, hydrochlo- 

 ric, etc. — when used in a concentrated form, destroy the animal tissues 

 with which they come in contact, and in this respect differ from most 

 of the poisons previously described. When taken into the stomach 

 the mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stom- 

 ach is apt to be more or less completely destroyed. If taken in large 



