224 
HINTS TO TRAVELLERS. 
of vitriol (sulphuric acid), spirits of salts (hydrochloric acid), oxalic and 
carbolic acids, etc. 
Note. —In cases of poisoning by corrosives, the stomach tube, if used 
at all, must be introduced with extreme care. Antidotes must be chiefly 
relied upon. 
Sulphuric acid. Hydrochloric acid. Nitric acid. —Antidotes: half an 
ounce of chalk, whiting, or even plaster from the walls or ceiling, 
thoroughly mixed with half a pint of milk. Soap-suds, gruel, or lin¬ 
seed tea may then be given freely. Later on, chlorodyne or laudanum 
may be needed to relieve the pain. 
Carbolic acid. —The stomach tube may be used, but with extreme 
caution. Antidotes : sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts), half an ounce, 
or sulphate of soda, one ounce, added to three ounces of water. Stimu¬ 
lants must be given, and the patient wrapped in warm blankets, and hot- 
water bottles applied. Emetics are useless. 
Oxalic acid. —The stomach tube may be used, but with care. Emetics 
should be administered, but plain water must not be given. Antidote: 
chalk, half an ounce in five ounces of water. Stimulants must be ad¬ 
ministered, by the bowel if necessary. 
2. Irritants, which do not at once cause destruction of the lining of 
mouth, throat and stomach, but subsequently irritate and inflame them, 
e.g ., arsenic, phosphorus, lead, bad meat, etc. 
Arsenic. —Use the stomach tube or give emetics. Antidote: solution 
of dialysed iron, one ounce, repeated every two hours for twelve hours. 
Administer milk, linseed tea, barley water or white of egg and water 
freely. Stimulants must be given. Hot bottles and blankets. 
Phosphorus.— Stomach tube. Emetics, especial]y sulphate of copper* 
five grains in half a pint of water. Antidote: crude French oil of 
turpentine, twenty drops. Epsom salts, half an ounce in three ounces of 
water, as a purgative. Avoid fats and greasy substances. 
Corrosive sublimate. —(Perchloride of mercury.) If possible, do not use 
the stomach tube. G-ive emetics and milk freely. Antidotes : white of 
egg and water, flour and water, or arrowroot and water. Stimulants and 
hot bottles and blankets. 
Croton oil.— Stomach tube or emetic. Stimulants. Opium enema,, 
laudanum, twenty-five drops by mouth. Hot bottles and blankets. 
Poultices to belly. 
