498 On the Modus Operandi of Phosphorus, ^c, 



the purpose of expediting the phosphorus and other contents 

 through the ahmentary canal. 



3. Even largely filling the stomach with simple water must 

 be adequate to prevent combustion ; for any oxygen present 

 would seek the higher part of the cavity of this viscus, whilst 

 the phosphorus would as certainly fall to the lower part. By 

 this simple measure alone, of largely drinking, Mr. Le Roy pre- 

 vented the injury he would have otherwise probably received 

 from three grains of phosphorus, which he took at once. 



4. Phosphorus has the power of decomposing some metallic 

 salts, as sulphat, or nitrat of copper, &lc. and of causing a per- 

 fect precipitate of metallic copper to invest it, and hermetically 

 seal it from the action of the air, if any should be present. If 

 then, a weak solution of either of these salts, or perhaps 

 of others, should be previously swallowed, and vomiting not 

 produced thereby, the phosphorus would soon be invested with 

 a sheathing of copper, altogether harmless to the stomach. 



Now, whether any of these, or similar measures be adopted, 

 they will all be found to act by simply restraining, or preventing 

 the agencies of chemical affinity ; but in no wise acting as an- 

 tidotes, in the proper meaning of the word. It must be obvious 

 to every one conversant with the laws of chemistry, that the 

 danger of phosphorus on the animal economy, can alone be ob- 

 viated by such measures as are capable of preventing those 

 laws from taking place in the stomach. 



The best mode of administering phosphorus, as a remedial 

 agent, must then, apparently, be that in which all hazard of a 

 vivid combustion might be prevented, and yet the stimulating 

 agency of caloric be extensively diffused in a small compass. 

 This seems best accomplished by the ethereal solution of phos- 

 phorus, of eight grains to the ounce, or one grain to the drachm. 

 The dose of six to ten drops of this solution will thus convey into 

 the stomach from the tenth to the sixth part of a grain of phos- 

 phorus ; to every part of which the ether evaporating, conveys 

 an infinitely small proportion of this active substance, which, 

 like a diffusible stimulant, or rubefacient is prompt in its effect, 

 whilst it is free from danger. No actual combustion ensues ; it 

 rather resembles the genial warmth of a gentle flame ; whilst 

 the injurious effects of an absolute burn, accompanied necessarily 

 with local destruction, is prevented; and the acid produced. 



