USES OP, ACIDS 271 



Diluted phosphoric acid relieves thirst and forms an 

 agreeable cooling drink in fevers. Phosphoric acid is used 

 as a tonic and reconstituent, but experiments have shown 

 that phosphorus compounds of the body can not be built* 

 from inorganic forms of phosphorus. 



Poisoning. — If acid is spilled on the skin, alkalies should 

 be applied, and in case of sulphuric acid the excess of acid 

 should first be rubbed off, and then large quantities of very 

 dilute alkaline solutions or soapsuds should be employed 

 to avoid evolution of heat when the acid combines with 

 water. When acids are swallowed, there is excoriation and 

 sloughing of mucous membranes, difficulty in swallowing, 

 vomiting of dark brown material and mucus (in animals 

 capable of the act), severe colic, pain on movement, consti- 

 pation, or, rarely, bloody diarrhoea. Occasionally some acid 

 flows into the larynx during deglutition and oedema and 

 suffocation rapidly ensue. There is inflammation of the 

 upper part of the digestive canal, thirst, and collapse, with 

 weak pulse and cold extremities. Softening, sloughs, 

 haemorrhage and perforation of the mucous membrane of 

 the mouth, gullet and stomach and small intestines are 

 found post mortem. 



Treatment. — Soapsuds, sodium bicarbonate, lime water, 

 magnesia, or other alkalies. Demulcents, as milk, white of 

 egg, gum arable and linseed tea. Opium and stimulants. 

 Wash out the stomach with a large amount of alkaline 

 sblution. 



Uses External. — Strong mineral acids are used as 

 caustics. One part of sulphuric acid is mixed with three 

 parts of sulphur, or asbestos, to form a paste for the destruc- 

 tion of morbid growths. 



The application of sulphuric acid is somewhat dan- 

 gerous, as it is difficult to limit the action, and it is not by 

 any means the best escharotic, nor so good as nitric acid, 

 which produces less extensive destruction of tissue, and is a 

 useful agent for the removal of tumors, for the cauterization 

 of bites inflicted by rabid animals, and for the treatment of 

 foul, sloughiag wounds or foot-rot. 



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