PURELY NARCOTIC POISONINGS [NEUROTICS). 251 



Autopsy. LesioDs of asphyxia. 



Treatment. Tannin, chloral hydrate, and morphine. 



The poisonings were formerly quite frequent ; they are produced 

 by a narcotic poison (medullar) contained in the residue left over 

 after the pressure of beech-tree fruit. The animal most sensitive 

 to this agent is the horse, in which three pounds of this cake pro- 

 duces a fatal intoxication ; among the subjects of our other domestic 

 species the poisonings are more rare. 



3. Poisoning by Solanum (Nightshade). 



Symptoms. In the ox : staggering gait, paralysis, slow respi- 

 ration, sometimes sudden falls, and death within a few minutes; in 

 other cases death is delayed for a few hours, sometimes even one 

 or two days. 



Autopsy. The alterations have nothing characteristic. Symp- 

 toms of gastro-enteritis, which have sometimes been observed, are 

 not related to poisoning by solanum, but to the irritating action 

 exerted upon the intestinal mucous membrane by some tainted food. 



Treatment. Tannin and stimulants. 



Poisonings by solanum are especially observed in the ox and the 

 goat, after the feeding of potatoes in process of germination, potato 

 stems or their fruit. 



4. Poisoning by Hydrocyanic Acid. 



Symptoms. Respiration is accelerated and difficult ; restlessness 

 and anxiety, a staggering gait, paralysis, trembling; convulsions, 

 epileptiform contractions, vomiting, colic, diarrhea, collapse. 



Autopsy. In sudden intoxication, the blood is light red; when 

 the disease lasts longer it is dark brown, and is of an odor similar 

 to bitter almonds ; symptoms of asphyxia. 



Treatment. We prescribe hydrated oxide of iron (see Arsenical 

 Poisoning), which is a direct antidote, on account of the formation 

 of the harmless ferrocyanide. Bleeding, artificial respiration, and 

 stimulants are advisable. 



Poisonings by pure hydrocyanic acid are unknown in domestic 

 animals, but we have observed in most species poisonings by plants 

 or fruit containing prussic acid : prunes, plums, and cherry stones ; 

 laurel leaves (Prunus lauro-cerasus), also from the grape-cherry 

 tree (Prunus padus), from the common peach tree (Persica vulgaris), 

 and by bitter almonds, etc. Poultry are very sensitive to the action 



