On the Modus Operandi of Phosphorus, <^c. 497 



well as beneficial influence of phosphorus, must, 1 imagine, be 

 explained on principles very different from those that have been 

 usually adopted. 



Although Orfila has not remarked the influence of phosphorus 

 on the urinary organs, yet it has been noticed by Dr. Harlan, 

 and by other writers. It is probable, that as the kidneys are 

 the common emunctory of saline matter from the system, that 

 the phosphoric acid formed, is absorbed by the lacteals, and be- 

 ing conveyed into the blood, is immediately secreted and carried 

 off with the urine, stimulating, by its presence, the kidneys 

 to increased action, and thus giving rise to its greater dis- 

 charge. 



That Mr. Chaubert has any antidote to the poisonous influence 

 of phosphorus, I cannot believe ; because, I think I have suf- 

 ficiently proved that it possesses no such character. If then, no 

 mountebank slight of hand should actually deceive the senses, it 

 would follow, that any measure adopted by him must be one that 

 precludes the co-existence of those agencies in the stomach, to 

 which I have adverted ; and without which co-existence, phos- 

 phorus is altogether harmless. Let us then try to point out a 

 few particulars, by which such co-operation may be prevented ; 

 perhaps others may suggest themselves to my readers. 



1. By copiously filling the stomach with food, previously to 

 swallowing the phosphorus, which is thereby enveloped ; and, 

 at the same time, but a very minute portion of any oxygen pre- 

 sent can come in contact with i| — the chances, therefore, of 

 even the lowest degree of combustion taking place, are very 

 trifling ; the phosphorus passing on, and is discharged, without 

 coming in contact with the parietes of the viscera. 



2. By previously swallowing some carhonat of magnesia, or of 

 potash, or soda ; and washi?ig down the phosphorus with some 

 weak acidulated drink, as of sulphuric acid, or even acetic acid ; 

 which, coming in contact with the carhonat, produces an evolu- 

 tion of carbonic acid gas, in which phosphorus cannot burn. It 

 may indeed happen, that in the slow or rapid combustion that 

 might ensue, the evolution, or formation of the phosphorous, or 

 phosphoric acid, would supply the place of the before-mentioned 

 acids — and acting on the carhonat, equally evolve the carbo- 

 nic acid gas, by which the combustion might be suspended, and 

 further danger prevented : — the compound formed, subserving 



Vol. I.— 63 



