Detection of Poisonous Compounds, 329 



of these pills; which request was complied with, although 

 during the time he was under the influence of the drug, his 

 respiration was free and entirely in a normal way, unaided 

 by the abdominal muscles usually called into much play to 

 help the otherwise laboured breathing. So sensible was he of 

 this benefit derived from the medicine, that, I believe he 



again desired he might have it. Dr. R , under whose 



care he was, promised to give us a report of the case, but we 

 have not yet had it from him." 



In a subsequent letter they state — " The extract has a de- 

 cided effect in one grain doses, and, in the hand of one medi- 

 cal man, was most effectual in checking the asthmatical 

 paroxysm. In two cases, healthy individuals, in which we 

 saw it administered, the effects produced were similar to those 

 of opium but less exciting, and described as pleasing and 

 peculiarly soothing." It is plainly mentioned, however, that 

 whatever may be hereafter, its introduction into medical use 

 is not now making progress, though a few trials with a better 

 preparation of the drug than that which was at first submitted 

 to medical gentlemen may do away their prepossession against 

 it, and cause this medicine to be appreciated as it deserves. 



Simple Processes for the detection of the Poisonous Compounds 

 of Arsenic, Mercury, and Antimony, specially applicable to 

 Toxicological cases occurring at Mofussil Stations. By 

 Herbert Giraud, M.D., Professor of Chemistry and 

 Materia Medica in the Grant Medical College, Bombay. 

 In devising chemical methods for the detection of poisons, 

 it is of the first importance to aim at as great a degree of 

 simplicity in the processes, as may be consistent with ac- 

 curacy, chiefly in order that the results may be uncomplica- 

 ted by extraneous circumstances, — that unnecessary appara- 

 tus may be dispensed with, — and, above all, that those who 



