ARSENICAL POISONING FROM SMELTER SMOKE. 
301 
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sufficient, by the degeneration and necrosis of the protoplasm. 
While the final result may be practically the same, it is clear that 
this is a much slower process than the sudden corrosion of the 
tissues by a caustic. It is not only slower after the penetration 
of the arsenic, but the arsenic must be applied longer to secure 
its penetration. The writer’s first experiments failed on account 
of a lack of appreciation of this fact, and the experts for the 
defense were, according to their evidence, more or less astonished 
that their applications of arsenic to the Schneiderian membrane 
of the horse failed to produce the anticipated caustic eect. 
The writer’s earliest experiments were made by blowing 
arsenical powders into the horses’ nostrils, the effort being to imi¬ 
tate as closely as possible the conditions of the natural applica¬ 
tion of smoke dust. These experiments failed, because these 
powders immediately excited a secretion of thin mucus and 
caused the animals to blow and snort, so that, in a few seconds, 
the material which was applied had been completely expelled. 
It was impracticable to continue these applications a sufficient 
time to obtain positive results. The first application of arsenic 
paste failed for the same reason. 
To give a more definite idea of the action of arsenic when 
applied to the intact skin and mucous membrane, the notes of a 
successful experiment will be transcribed with some detail: 
“ October 3. An arsenical paste, made by moistening white 
arsenic with water, was applied to the nostril of a horse at the 
point where the natural ulcers were usually seen. The animal 
was carefully held for twenty minutes to prevent the dislodge- 
ment of the paste. When freed, he rubbed his nose, snorted and 
got rid of the paste as soon as possible, indicating that it had 
produced an unpleasant sensation. This horse was fed during 
the experiment on hay produced outside of the smoke zone. 
“ October 4. No visible effect from the application of the 
arsenical paste. Application renewed in the same manner as 
before. 
“ October 5. There is evident irritation where the arsenic 
was applied. Application repeated. 
