4 
AMYGDALUS COMMUNIS. 
made known the elements of its composition. From his experiments 
it appears, that the base of the Prussic Acid is a compound of 
azote and carbon, called by him Cyanogen, of which hydrogen is 
the acidifying principle, and from which he gave it the name of 
Hydro-cyanic Acid. The preparation of this acid is attended with 
much labour and difficulty, and even when prepared in its purest 
state it is very rapidly decomposed, particularly when subjected to 
the action of light. We are told in a very able and very celebrated 
periodical work, (the Lancet) that it is sometimes decomposed in less 
than half an hour, and can seldom be kept beyond a fortnight. 
Effects of Prussic Acid on the Animal Economy. 
Prussic Acid in a state of purity, is, perhaps, the most violent 
poison that has been yet discovered. 
From the experiments of M, Magendie, we have the following as 
the effects of it on the animal system. One drop of pure Prussic 
Acid being conveyed into the throat of a strong dog, the animal 
falls down dead, and stiffens after a few hurried inspirations. A par- 
ticle of the acid applied to the eye produces equally sudden death, 
and when diluted with a few drops of alcohol, and injected into 
the jugular vein of an animal, kills it instantly, as if it were struck 
with lightning. In animals poisoned by Prussic Acid, scarcely any 
traces of irritability in the muscles can be discovered a few instants 
after death, and a remarkable peculiarity in this poison is, that it 
leaves no other traces by which it can be detected than a strong 
smell of bitter almonds in the dead body ; this smell is character- 
istic, and lasts for a considerable time. Pure Prussic Acid produces 
the same effects on man as upon animals.* And we are told that 
even its vapour should be avoided. If it be inhaled, it occasions 
pain in the chest, and a sense of oppression which frequently lasts 
for several hours. (See Lancet, vol. I. p. 769.) 
Medical Properties and Uses. The effects of Prussic 
Acid on certain diseases is, to lessen irritability in particular organs. 
M. Magendie tried this acid in spasmodic and nervous diseases; 
and especially in phthisis, and he observed, that when given in 
^lall doses, frequently repeated, the constant effects of this acid 
was to lessen the cough, moderate and facilitate expectoration, and 
procure sleep, without exciting colliquative sweats. From a number 
of observations, he was induced to believe that this acid would 
* M. Scharinger, professor at Vienna, diflused some pure Prussic Acid upon his 
uaked arm, which caused his almost immediate death. (Vide Orjila on Poisons.) 
