674 POISONS : THEIR EFFECTS AND DETECTION. [§§ 859 - 861 . 
“ pounce,” or preparation consisting of a coloured solution of sodic 
carbonate. Another preparation is very similar, but with the addition 
of ammonia and some colouring-matter, such as indigo, syrup of buck¬ 
thorn, or sap-green. A third is made with tartaric acid and nitrate of 
silver, dissolved in ammonia solution, and coloured. 
Redwood's Ink consists of equal parts of nitrate of silver and potassic 
bitartrate, dissolved in ammonia, with the addition of archil green 
and sugar ; according to the formula, 100 parts should equal 16-6 of 
silver nitrate. 
Soubeiran’s Ink is composed of cupric nitrate 3, argentic nitrate 8, 
sodic carbonate 4, and the whole made up to 100 parts, in solution of 
ammonia. In one of Mr Reade’s inks, besides silver, an ammoniacal 
solution of a salt of gold is used. 
§ 859. Medicinal Dose of Silver Compounds. —The nitrate and the 
oxide of silver are given in doses from -0162 to *1296 grm. (J grain to 
2 grains). Anything like *1944 to -2592 grm. (3 or 4 grains) would be 
considered a large, if not a dangerous dose ; but nothing definite is 
known as to what would be a poisonous dose. 
§ 860. Effects of Nitrate of Silver on Animals. —Nitrate of silver 
is changed into chloride by the animal fluids, and also forms a com¬ 
pound with albumen. Silver chloride and silver albuminate are both 
somewhat soluble in solutions containing chlorides of the alkalies, which 
explains how a metallic salt, so very insoluble in water, can be absorbed 
by the blood. 
The action of soluble salts of silver on animals has been several times 
investigated. There appears to be some difference between their effects 
on warm- and cold-blooded animals. In frogs there is quickly an ex¬ 
altation of the functions of the spinal cord ; tetanic convulsions appear, 
similar to those induced by strychnine ; later, there is disturbance of the 
respiration and cessation of voluntary motion. 
The first symptoms with dogs and cats are vomiting and diarrhoea ; 
muscular weakness, paralysis, disturbance of the respiration, and weak 
clonic convulsions follow. Rouget, as well as Curci, considers that the 
action of silver is directed to the central nervous system ; there is first 
excitement, and then follows paralysis of the centres of respiration and 
movement. Death occurs through central asphyxia. According to the 
researches of F. A. Falck, subcutaneous injections of silver nitrate into 
rabbits cause a fall of temperature of 6-7° to 17-6°, the last being the 
greatest fall which he has seen in his numerous researches on the effect 
of poisons on temperature. 
Chronic poisoning, according to the experiments of Bogoslowsky on 
animals, produces emaciation, fatty degeneration of the liver, kidneys, and 
also of the muscles—a statement confirmed by others. 
§ 861. Toxic Effects of Silver Nitrate in Man.— 1. Acute Poisoning. 
