ON THE DETECTION OF ARSENIC. 297 
and intestines, with inextinguishable thirst: after this comes, 
alternately, vomitings, frightful colics, and sometimes a vio- 
lent diarrhoea, in which the rectum loses its internal coat and 
becomes ulcerated: cold sweats, syncope, severe spasm of the 
arms and legs, loss of the senses, convulsions, and finally 
death. This horrible condition may be prolonged from five 
to ten hours, and often beyond that. After this the body be- 
comes much swollen, and in the case of a plethoric person in 
the hot season, it promptly enters into putrefaction, in which, 
however, the arsenic has no direct agency. Upon the open- 
ing of the body, the internal membrane of the stomach is 
found marked with ecchymosis, and here and there corroded, 
and destroyed. Still, it is not without example, that poison- 
ing by arsenic has taken place without any apparent inflam- 
matory symptoms. The vessels of the brain are gorged with 
blood, and frequently ruptured, exhibiting the same pheno- 
mena as in the case of apoplexy, except in a higher degree. — 
(Berzelius.) 
The most effectual antidote to the poisonous effects of arse- 
nic is the hydrated peroxide of iron, for which we are in 
debted to the recent discovery of a German physician. (For 
a description of its method of preparation see American Jour- 
nal of Pharmacy, vol. vi. — new series.) 
This antidote must be administered as soon as possible, af- 
ter the discovery that arsenic has been taken, and as it pro- 
duces no bad effects itself, should be given every five or ten 
minutes, until entire relief is obtained. 
It is given in a semi-liquid state, in the dose of a table-spoon- 
ful to grown persons, and less to children. 
VOL. VI. — NO. IV. 
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