ANTIDOTE TO CARBOLIC ACID. 
45 
reduced, sometimes increased in frequency, apart from the 
absolute dose administered; but with salicylic acid the 
frequency of the beats is always reduced. Lastly, salicylic 
acid constantly diminishes the frequency of the respirations, 
whilst salicylate of soda first augments and then reduces them 
('Commentario Clinico , Pisa, No. 14, 1878).— The Practitioner , 
November 1878. 
DETECTION OF TRACES OF HYDROCYANIC ACID. 
Bottger has devised a lecture experiment to demonstrate 
the presence of traces of this acid, and to show its direct 
production in bitter almonds or the kernels of plums and 
cherries by the action of water when heat is applied {Pol. 
Notizbl ., xxxiii, 15). Some freshly crushed bitter almonds 
are to be placed in a flask, two litres in capacity, and over 
them is to be suspended a long strip of Swedish filter-paper, 
which has first been moistened with an alcoholic extract of 
guaiacum (5 grammes of the resin in 100 cc. of alcohol), then 
dried and subsequently saturated with a dilute solution of 
copper sulphate (1 part of sulphate in 2000 parts of 
water). The strip of paper remains colourless until the 
crushed kernels are warmed with a little water when, in the 
space of a few moments, it is observed to acquire an intense 
blue colour ( f Polgt. Notizbl.] xxxiii, 15). 
ANTIDOTE TO CARBOLIC ACID. 
The Pharmaceutische Zeitung fur Russland says that on 
the recommendation of professor Baumann, Dr. Sanftleben 
has used sulphuric acid in several cases of poisoning by 
carbolic acid with the best success, the phenol combining 
with the acid to form phenyl-sulphuric acid, which is not 
poisonous. He administered it in a mixture composed of 
diluted sulphuric acid 10’0, mucilage of gum 200 0, and simple 
syrup SO’O grammes, in doses of a tablespoonful every hour. 
—The Chemist and Druggist. 
