592 POISONING. 



in which case the active principle (cantharidin) is absorbed. A 

 drachm and a half given by the mouth would probably cause death. 



SYMPTOMS are those of inflammation of the stomach and in- 

 testines ; flow of saliva from the mouth ; intense irritation of the 

 urinary organs ; and continued attempts to urinate, but little urine 

 passed, and that mixed with albumin, the presence of which is 

 characteristic of the poison. . The urine may also be mixed with" 

 blood. High temperature and convulsions. 



TREATMENT.— Give large quantities of white of egg (raw) 

 and water, gruel, barley water, or gum and water. No oil should 

 be administered j for it would dissolve and distribute the can- 

 tharides. Two or three ounces of laudanum may be given to 

 soothe the pain. 



Carbolic Acid. 



A poisonous dose would probably be about 3 or 4 oz. 



SYMPTOMS. — Intoxioatibn ; mucous membrane of mouth white 

 and hardened ; pupils contracted ; urine very dark ; shallow and 

 difficult breathing; pulse small, frequent, and in bad cases 

 irregular ; great weakness ; and insensibility. 



TREATMENT. — Give 2 lbs. of Epsom or Glauber salts dissolved 

 in a couple of quarts of water, and repeat if necessary. These 

 salts form harmless sulpho-oarbolates. In default of these, give 

 large quantities of white of egg (raw) in water, or any sweet oil. 

 Administer full doses of spirits and water to keep up the strength. 



Caustic, Lunar. 



This may be swallowed by accident when the mouth is being 

 cauterised. Give 4 oz. of common salt dissolved in water at short 

 and repeated intervals. 



Chloral Hydrate. 



Death arises from paralysis of the heart. 



Give strong tea or coffee; hand-rub the body vigorously; and 

 try to rouse the patient by slapping and speaking to him. 



