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■ ; '• :■ - < ■' z 
\ ■' ■■ - v; J \7 J \,y <7 z . z. , WHAT TO DO 
IN 
CASES OF POISONING. 
BY 
WILLIAM MURRELL, M.D., M.R.C.P., 
LECTURER ON MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS 
AT THE WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL; ASSISTANT 
PHYSICIAN TO THE ROYAL HOSPITAL 
FOR DISEASES OF THE CHEST. 
SECOND EDITION, REVISED. 
NEW YORK: 
C. H. GOODWIN, 
245 West 53D St, 
1884. W. L. Mershon & Co., 
Printers, Electrotypers and Binders. 
Rahway, N. J. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. 
I CAN imagine nothing more painful than to 
be called in to a case of poisoning and not to 
know what to do. The object of this work is 
to give plain straightforward directions for the 
treatment of the commoner poisons. The 
tables were originally drawn up for my own 
guidance, but I trust they will be of use to 
others. 
The text has been carefully revised for this 
Edition, and the "Fatal Doses" have been 
added. WILLIAM MURRELL. 
38 Weymouth Street, 
Portland Place, W. WHAT TO DO IN CASES OF 
POISONING. 
THE ANTIDOTE BAG. 
The Antidote Bag should contain every 
drug and instrument likely to be required in a 
case of poisoning. It should be to the Toxi- 
cologist what the Midwifery bag is to the 
Obstetrician. It should always be kept filled 
and ready for use, so that in case of emergency 
the doctor would simply have to take or send 
for his bag, and would not have to look for 
stray bottles or instruments at a time when 
every moment is of importance. 
The Antidote Bag should contain : 6 
WHAT TO DO IN 
I. Instruments. 
1. Stomach-pump, which might also be 
used as an enema apparatus. There 
should be a small oesophagus tube for 
children. 
2. Hypodermic syringe. 
3. Flexible catheter, No. 8. 
II. Emetics. 
1. Sulphate of Zinc in half-drachm powders; 
one or two to be given as an emetic. 
2. Powdered Ipecacuanha in 3j powders; 
one or two to be given in water as an 
emetic. 
3. Apomorphia (1 in 50 solution in water) 
3ij- 
III. Stimulants. 
1. Brandy, § iv. 
2. Sal Volatile, iv. 
3. Chloric Ether, 3 iv. 
4. Coffee in J lb. tin; to be used as an CASES OF POISONING. 
7 
enema in poisoning by opium or other 
narcotics. 
IV. Antidotes. 
1. Dialysed Iron, xvj; should be given 
ad libitum in cases of Arsenic poison- 
ing. Wyeth's is a good preparation. 
2. Acetic Acid, 3 iv; two teaspoonfuls or 
more in water in cases of poisoning by 
potash, soda, etc. To be frequently 
repeated. 
3. Syrup of Chloral, 3 iv; of great value 
in strychnia poisoning. Three drachms 
(= 30 grains of choral) may be given to 
begin with. 
4. French Oil of Turpentine, § ij; as an 
antidote in phosphorus poisoning. To 
be given in half-drachm doses every 
quarter of an hour. 
5. Calcined Magnesia; may be given al- 
most ad libitum in poisoning by acids. 8 
WHAT TO DO IN 
6. Tannic Acid, 3 ij ; in strychnia poison- 
ing may be given in teaspoonful doses. 
7. Bromide of Potassium in 3 ij powders; 
in strychnia poisoning may give two 
powders to begin with and follow with 
one every ten minutes for an hour or 
more. 
8. Nitrite of Amyl Capsules, 5 minims in 
each. Useful in chloroform poisoning, 
and in poisoning by Aconitia. 
9. Chloroform, in strychnia poison- 
ing. 
V. Hypodermic Injections. 
1. Sulphate of Atropia solution 1 in 120 
B.P., 3 j; in poisoning by aconite, mor- 
phia, pilocarpine, etc. The ordinary 
dose for hypodermic use would be three 
minims, repeated in a quarter of an 
hour if necessary. 
2. Acetate of Morphia solution 1 in 12, 
B.P., 3j; useful to ward off shock. CASES OF POISONING. 
9 
Ordinary dose for hypodermic use four 
minims. 
3. Aconitia solution (1 in 240) 3 j; in poi- 
soning by digitalis. Two minims hypo- 
dermically ; may be repeated in half an 
hour. 
4. Pilocarpine Nitrate (1 in 20) 3j; given 
in ten minim doses in atropia poisoning. 
5. Nitrate of Strychnia solution (1 in 50) 
3 j; in chloral poisoning given in two 
minim doses. 
6. Tincture of Digitalis, 3j ; in aconite 
poisoning in 20 minim doses hypoder- 
mically. 
It is a good plan to inspect the bag at inter- 
vals to see that everything is in working order. 
The piston of the hypodermic syringe always 
works badly if not looked after. 
A battery (interrupted current) is useful, and 
may be obtained for about £2 2s. I have tried 
Maw's and also Dr. Spamer's, and like them 10 
What to do in 
very much. In poisoning by ammonia, trache- 
otomy instruments might be required. In 
cases of prolonged insensibility the bladder 
should be emptied. 
THE STOMACH PUMP. 
Every doctor should have a stomach-pump, 
or an efficient substitute. It may not be 
wanted for years, but it may be wanted to-mor- 
row, and a life, or many lives, may depend on 
its being in working order. A good stomach- 
pump with flute-key action and everything 
complete may be obtained for £2 or even less, 
and it requires no special knowledge to use it. 
The only points to remember are that it is ad- 
visable to pump in a little water before trying 
to empty the stomach, and that the stomach 
should not only be emptied but thoroughly 
washed out. Antidotes may be conveniently 
introduced in this way. In cases of poisoning 
with the mineral acids-nitric, hydrochloric CASES OF POISONING. 
11 
and sulphuric acids, for example-it is not safe 
to use it. 
Fortunately, in case of emergency it is 
no very difficult matter to rig up an apparatus 
that will effectually empty and wash out the 
stomach without a stomach-pump. Take a piece 
of India-rubber tubing, about six feet long, and 
pass it down the oesophagus till it reaches the 
stomach; now hold the other end well above the 
head, and by means of a funnel pour in water 
till the stomach is nearly full. If now the tube 
be pinched whilst distended with water and the 
lower end placed in a basin below the level of 
the stomach, it will act as a syphon and the 
stomach will be emptied. This may be repeated 
three or four times till the water comes back 
quite clear and free from smell. In the absence 
of a funnel a common India-rubber bottle'may 
be used to fill the tube, or, for the matter of 
that, even the mouth filled with water. A com- 
mon Higginson's enema apparatus will do very 
well to inject the water, and if it has no valves, 12 
WHAT TO DO IN 
or if they do not work-not an uncommon oc- 
currence-it will help to form part of the syphon. 
Those who are interested in the subject will do 
well to read a capital little paper by Profes- 
sor Harvey, of Aberdeen, in the British Medi- 
cal Journal for October 16, 1875. 
EMETICS. 
The Emetics commonly employed are the 
following :- 
1. Common Salt. 
Two table-spoonfuls in half-a-pint of tepid 
water. Not a very certain emetic, but has the 
advantage of being always at hand. 
2. Mustard (the flour). 
A table-spoonful in half-a-pint of water. This 
too is readily procured. 
3. Sulphate of Zinc. 
Thirty grains, in water, repeated if neces- 
sary ; prompt and safe. CASES OF POISONING. 
13 
4. Powdered Ipecacuanha. 
Thirty grains or more in water, produces very 
little depression, and does not irritate the 
mucous membrane of the stomach. 
5. Ipecacuanha Wine. 
Two table-spoonfuls in water ; not very prompt 
in its action. 
6. Apomorphia. 
From gr. '/]0 to gr. £ by mouth, or hypoder- 
mically. It is a powerful emetic and usually 
acts promptly, without the production of much 
nausea or depression. The solution turns green 
in a day or two, but retains its activity. I re- 
cently gave a patient a hypodermic injection of 
minims of a 1 in 50 solution of apomorphia 
which had been kept exposed to the light for 
three months, and in about three minutes it 
acted powerfully, completely evacuating the 
stomach. It may be given freely, for no un- 
pleasant symptoms seem to result from large 
doses. Although prepared from morphia it 14 
WHAT TO DO IN 
differs so completely in its action from that 
alkaloid that there is no reason why it should 
not be given in cases of opium poisoning. 
7. Sulphate of Copper. 
From five to ten grains dissolved in water. 
8. Tartar Emetic. 
Three grains in water-slow in action and 
usually causes much nausea and depression. 
9. Antimony Wine. 
An ounce or more in water. 
10. Carbonate of Ammonia. 
Half-a-drachm or more in water. 
11. Powdered Alum. 
A table-spoonful in water. Not very reliable. 
In cases of poisoning it is not so much a 
question as to which is the best emetic as to 
which can be obtained at once. Many people 
vomit very readily, almost at will, and with them CASES OF POISONING. 
15 
a draught of tepid water, dirty or greasy by 
preference, with the introduction of the fingers 
into the throat will speedily produce the desired 
result. In many cases it is desirable to give a 
combined emetic. Thus, we may begin with a 
table-spoonful of mustard in a tumbler of water, 
and follow it as quickly as possible with an 
EMETIC DRAUGHT. 
Sulphate of Zinc, . . 30 gr. 
Powdered Ipecacuanha, . 50 gr. 
To be taken in water. 
This, again, may be followed by a hypoder- 
mic injection of gr. | of Apomorphia, (io min- 
ims of the I in 50 solution). 
The action of the emetic is facilitated by 
giving plenty of tepid water. In narcotic poison- 
ing it is often a most difficult matter to get 
the patient to vomit. 16 
WHAT TO DO IN 
MULTIPLE ANTIDOTES. 
Many attempts have been made to formulate 
a multiple officinal antidote; to obtain, that is, a 
mixture which would neutralize the toxic action 
of most, or even all the active poisons. Such 
attempts are hardly likely to prove successful, 
but the following is probably the best formula 
for such a preparation :- 
Saturated solution of Sul- 
phate of Iron, . 100 parts. 
Water, .... 800 " 
Calcined Magnesia, . 88 
Purified Animal Charcoal, 40 " 
The iron solution is to be kept separately, 
and the magnesia and animal charcoal mixed in 
a bottle with water. When required for use 
the iron solution should be poured into the bot- 
tle and the whole shaken well together. It 
should be administered ad libitum, a wine-glass- 
ful or more at a time. It is said to render prep- CASES OF POISONING. 
17 
arations of arsenic, zinc, and digitalis abso- 
lutely inert, and partly to neutralize the action 
of mercury, morphia, and strychnia. It exerts 
no action, it is said, on the alkalies, and none on 
phosphorus, antimony or hydrocyanic acid. 
Iodide of starch has also been recommended 
as a multiple antidote. 
FATAL DOSE. 
It is no easy matter to say positively what 
is the fatal dose of any particular poison. 
Much depends on the age of the patient, the 
condition of the stomach as regards food, the 
occurrence of copious and early vomiting, the 
administration of appropriate remedies and so 
on. In many of the recorded cases the exact 
quantity taken is not known, whilst in others 
the strength of the preparation is not given. 18 
WHAT TO DO IN 
ACETIC ACID. 
1. Soap AND water. Large draughts of 
soap and water to be taken at once. Stomach- 
pump not to be used. 
2. Lime-water, chalk and water, or 
White-wash and water, if at hand. Mag- 
nesia may be given freely. DlNNEFORD's 
FLUID MAGNESIA is useful. 
3. Milk, OIL, and thick GRUEL may be used. 
4. MORPHIA. A hypodermic injection of 
half a grain of morphia to ward off shock. 
ACONITE. 
1. Stomach-pump or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or 
of sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or 
of ipecacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in 
water). 
2. STIMULANTS freely, brandy, spirits of 
chloroform, or sal volatile. If not retained in CASES OF POISONING. 
19 
the stomach, to be well diluted and injected 
into the rectum. 
3. Atropia. Give a hypodermic injection 
of gr. l/60 of atropia (2 minims of the I in 120 
solution) or if not at hand four drops of solu- 
tion of sulphate of atropia, or twenty drops of 
tincture of belladonna by mouth or rectum. 
Be guided by pulse, and if it improve, repeat 
the dose in a quarter of an hour. 
4. Warmth. Apply warmth to extremities by 
hot towels and hot water bottles. Friction 
with the warm hand. Mustard poultice, or 
mustard leaf, over the heart. 
5. Keep the patient strictly in the RECUM- 
BENT POSITION. 
6. DIGITALIS. If no improvement, give a 
hypodermic injection of twenty minims of 
tincture of digitalis, repeating it in twenty 
minutes if the pulse improves. 
7. Nitrite of Amyl. Inhalations of nitrite 
of amyl. 20 
WHAT TO DO IN 
8. Artificial Respiration for two hours 
if necessary. 
Fatal dose. Death after taking a drachm 
of the tincture, also from merely tasting Flem- 
ing's tincture. Recovery after taking three 
drachms of Fleming's tincture. Fleming's tinc- 
ture is six times as strong as the B.P. solution. 
ACONITE AND BELLADONNA. 
1. Stomach-pump or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of 
ipecacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. STIMULANTS freely, brandy, spirits of 
chloroform, or sal volatile. If not retained, 
dilute and inject into rectum. 
3. Warmth to extremities by hot towels, 
or hot water bottles. Friction with the warm 
hand. Mustard leaf or mustard poultice over 
the heart. 
4. Keep the patient in the RECUMBENT 
POSITION. CASES OF POISONING. 
21 
5. Nitrite.of Amyl. Inhalations of nitrite 
of amyl. 
6. Artificial Respiration for two hours 
if necessary. 
ACONITE AND MORPHIA. 
1. Stomach-pump or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful or more of the powder in 
water), or of sulphate of zinc (twenty grains 
or more in water), or of ipecacuanha wine (an 
ounce in water). 
2. Rousing. Flap patient with a wet towel, 
especially about the chest, and over the regions 
of the heart. Give him AMMONIA and CHLORIC 
ETHER freely. Keep him in the recumbent 
position, and do not attempt to walk him 
about. 
3. Warmth to the extremities by hot 
towels or hot water bottles. Friction with the 
warm hand. 
4. Atropia. A hypodermic injection of 22 
WHAT TO DO IN 
gr. '/60 of sulphate of atropia (2 minims of the 
1 in 120 solution), or, if not at hand, 4 minims 
of the solution of sulphate of atropia, or 
twenty minims of the tincture of belladonna 
by mouth or rectum. If pulse improve, may 
repeat the dose in twenty minutes. 
5. Coffee. An enema of a pint of hot 
strong coffee. 
6. Nitrite of Amyl. Inhalations of nitrite 
of amyl. 
7. Battery. Interrupted current to ex- 
tremities. 
8. Artificial respiration to be main- 
tained for two hours if necessary. 
ALCOHOL. 
1. Stomach-pump or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or 
of sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of 
ipecacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. If patient insensible ROUSE HIM in every CASES OF POISONING. 
23 
way, make him walk about, flap him with wet 
end of towel, shout at him, pinch him, and ap- 
ply BATTERY (interrupted current) to legs. 
3. COFFEE. Give him hot strong coffee by 
mouth or enema. 
4. The COLD DOUCFIE, a jug of water being 
steadily poured over the head from a height 
from time to time. The alternate hot and cold 
douche is useful. 
5. Nitrite OF Amyl. Inhalations of am- 
monia or nitrite of amyl. 
Fatal DOSE. Death from half a pint of 
gin. Recovery after a quart of whisky, also 
after a pint and a half of mixed gin and brandy. 
ALMOND FLAVOR. 
Also known as Essential Oil of Almonds. 
The poisonous properties are due to the pres- 
ence of Prussic acid. For treatment see PRUS- 
SIC Acid. 24 
WHAT TO DO IN 
AMMONIA. 
1. VINEGAR freely diluted with water. 
Lemon or ORANGE juice given freely. ACETIC 
ACID or any other acid if diluted with large 
quantities of water. Toilet vinegar may be 
used. 
2. Demulcent drinks, such as white of egg 
and water, milk, barley-water, arrow-root, etc, 
olive oil. 
3. If much dyspnoea from oedema of the 
glottis, it may be necessary to perform 
TRACHEOTOMY. 
Fatal dose. Half an ounce of the strong 
solution usually proves fatal, but recovery is 
recorded after an ounce had been taken. 
ANTIMONY. 
I. In those rare cases in which there is not 
vomiting, give EMETIC of mustard (a table- 
spoonful of the powder in water), sulphate of CASES OF POISONING. 
25 
zinc (a scruple in water), or ipecacuanha wine 
(an ounce in water). 
2. Tannic or gallic acid. Give half a 
drachm of tannic or gallic acid in water, repeat- 
ing it as often as rejected. Decoction of oak- 
bark will do as well. 
3. COFFEE. Give large doses of strong tea 
or coffee. 
4. Give white of egg, barley-water, arrow- 
root water or milk. 
5. Stimulants. Give stimulants if much 
collapse. 
6. Wrap the patient in warm blanket, and 
put hot water bottles to the feet. 
7. Morphia. Give a hypodermic injection 
of gr. 1-2 of morphia when the acute symptoms 
have subsided. 
Fatal dose. Much would depend on the 
occurrence of vomiting. From ten to twenty 
grains of tartar emetic would probably prove 
fatal, but recovery is recorded after half an 
ounce had been taken. 26 
WHAT TO DO IN 
AQUA FORTIS. 
See Nitric Acid. 
ARSENIC. 
1. Emetics are as a rule not required, but if 
necessary give a table-spoonful of mustard in 
water, or a scruple of sulphate of zinc. To 
be followed by large draughts of hot water and 
salt, to wash out the stomach. 
2. DIALYSED iron. Give freshly prepared 
sesqui-oxide of iron, made by precipitating 
tincture of perchloride of iron with carbonate 
of soda, and filtering through a handkerchief. 
It should be given in hot water, and in unlimi- 
ted quantities, or give DIALYSED IRON in ounce- 
doses repeatedly. 
3. Give MAGNESIA in unlimited quantities, if 
above not at hand. 
4. Give CASTOR OIL, or even common oil, 
frequently and in large doses. CASES OF POISONING. 
27 
5. Stimulants freely, if much prostration. 
6. Mucilaginous drinks. Such as white 
of egg, barley-water, linseed tea. 
7. WARMTH. Hot blankets, hot bottles to 
extremities, friction with warm hand. 
8. Morphia. When the more acute symp- 
toms have subsided, linseed meal poultices to 
abdomen, and a hypodermic injection of half 
a grain of morphia. 
Fatal dose. From two to three grains us- 
ually fatal, but recovery probable after one 
grain. In exceptional cases, recovery after 
very large doses. 
ATROPIA. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of 
ipecacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. Stimulants, such as brandy, sal volatile, 
or chloric ether. 28 
WHAT TO DO IN 
3. COFFEE. An enema of hot, strong coffee 
(a pint). 
4. Mustard to the calves of the legs, hot 
water bottles to the feet, rousing by flicking 
with a wet towel, alternate hot and cold douche, 
interrupted current to limbs, etc. 
5. PILOCARPINE. Hypodermic injection of 
half a grain of pilocarpine (10 minims of the 1 in 
20 solution), to be repeated frequently if neces- 
sary, or two drachms of tincture of jaborandi by 
mouth or rectum. 
6. Artificial respiration to be main- 
tained for at least two hours if necessary. 
Fatal DOSE. From 1 1-2 to 2 grains. 
BARYTA OR BARIUM. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of sulphate 
of zinc (half-a-drachm 'in water), or of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
ipecacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. Sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts) in 
ounce doses ; SULPHATE OF SODA (Glauber's CASES OF POISONING. 
salts), in ounce dose in water or milk, or ALUM 
in drachm doses. Dilute SULPHURIC ACID, 
3 1-2 doses may be added to these draughts, or 
may be given alone freely diluted with water. 
29 
BATTLE'S VERMIN KILLER. 
This is said to contain 23 per cent, of strych- 
nia mixed with sugar, flour or Prussian blue. 
For treatment see Strychnia. 
BELLADONNA. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of ipe- 
cacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. Stimulants, such as brandy, sal volatile, 
or chloric ether. 
3. COFFEE. An enema of a pint of hot 
strong coffee. 
4. Mustard to the calves of the legs, hot 
water bottles to the feet, rousing by flicking 30 
WHAT TO DO IN 
with a wet towel, alternate hot and cold douche, 
interrupted current to limbs, etc. 
5. Pilocarpine. Hypodermic injection of 
half a grain of pilocarpine (10 minims of the 
1 in 20 solution) to be repeated if necessary, or 
two drachms of tincture of jaborandi by mouth 
or rectum. 
6. Artificial respiration, to be main- 
tained for two hours if necessary. 
The majority of cases recover. 
BELLADONNA AND ACONITE. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of ipe- 
cacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. STIMULANTS freely, brandy, spirits of 
chloroform, and sal volatile. If not retained, 
dilute and inject into rectum. 
3. Warmth to extremities by hot towels, or 
hot water bottles. Friction with the warm CASES OF POISONING. 
31 
hand. Mustard leaf, or mustard poultice, over 
the heart. 
4. Keep the patient in the RECUMBENT 
POSITION. 
5. Nitrite of amyl. Give inhalations of 
nitrite of amyl. 
6. Artificial respiration to be main-* 
tained for two hours if necessary. 
BELLADONNA AND OPIUM. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), of of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of ipe- 
cacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. COFFEE. An enema of a pint of hot 
strong coffee. 
3. The patient should be kept awake. Flick- 
ing with a wet towel, and mustard to the calves 
of the legs and over the region of the heart, 
will be found useful. 
4. Artificial respiration may be resorted 
to if necessary. 32 
WHAT TO DO IN 
BENZIN.-BENZOL. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful in water), or sulphate of zinc 
(twenty grains in water), or ipecacuanha (a 
scruple of the powder in water). 
2. Stimulants. Such as brandy, liquor 
ammoniae (half a drachm in water), sal volatile 
(a drachm in water), or chloric ether (half a 
drachm in water), frequently repeated. If 
the patient cannot swallow, to be given as 
enema, or brandy may be injected under the 
skin. Inhalations of ammonia on a pocket- 
handkerchief. 
3. DOUCHE. Alternate hot and cold douche, 
the water being poured over the chest from a 
height. 
4. Atropia. Hypodermic injection of gr. 
y,.,, of atropia (2 minims of the B.P. solution), 
or 30 drops of tincture of belladonna, given by 
mouth in water. CASES OF POISONING. 
33 
5. Artificial respiration to be main- 
tained till the patient has recovered, or the 
heart has ceased beating. 
6. Battery. Mild interrupted current to 
chest-walls, and over region of the heart. 
BICHROMATE OF POTASH. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of ipe- 
cacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. Carbonate of magnesia, or chalk in 
milk, or white of egg in milk or in water. 
3. Barley-water, arrow-root, etc. 
BISMUTH. 
Any poisonous effects that may occur are 
probably due to the presence of arsenic as an 
impurity. For treatment, see Arsenic. 
BITTER ALMOND WATER. 
For treatment, see Prussic Acid, 34 
WHAT TO DO IN 
BLUE VITRIOL, OR BLUE STONE. 
This is sulphate of copper. For treatment 
see Copper. 
BRUCIA. 
The treatment is the same as for Strycpinia. 
BURNETT'S FLUID. 
This is a solution of impure chloride of zinc. 
For treatment, see Zinc. 
BUTLER'S VERMIN KILLER 
Is said to contain about 5 per cent, of 
strychnia , mixed with flour and soot. For 
treatment, see Strychnia. 
CALABAR BEAN. 
i. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of CASES OF POISONING. 
35 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of 
ipecacuanha wine (an ounce in water). 
2. Atropia. A hypodermic injection of gr. 
760 of sulphate of atropia (2 minims of the I in 
120 solution), or fifteen drops of tincture of bel- 
ladonna, by mouth or rectum. To be repeated 
every quarter of an hour, or until the pupils di- 
late or the pulse is quickened. 
3. CHLORAL. Should the above fail, give ten 
grains of chloral by mouth or rectum every 
quarter of an hour for an hour. 
4. STRYCHNIA. In desperate cases, a hypo- 
dermic injection of gr. of nitrate of strych- 
nia (4 minims of the 1 in 50 solution), or 
20 minims of tincture of nux vomica, by mouth 
or rectum. 
5. Stimulants freely-brandy, chloric ether, 
sal volatile. 
6. Artificial respiration. « 36 
WHAT TO DO IN 
CAMPHINE. 
This is oil of turpentine purified by distilla- 
tion with lime. For treatment, see TURPEN- 
TINE. 
CAMPHOR. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of 
ipecacuanha (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. Stimulants freely-brandy; spirits of 
chloroform, sal volatile, ether, etc. 
Warmth to the extremities by hot blankets, 
hot water bottles, etc. Rubbing with the 
warm hand. 
4. DOUCHE. Alternate hot and cold douche 
to head and chest. 
Rarely fatal; recovery after taking two 
drachms. cases of poisoning. 
37 
CANTHARIDES. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or ipecac- 
uanha wine (half an ounce or more). 
2. Demulcent drinks. Barley-water, or 
white of egg and water, gruel, linseed tea. 
3. Morphia. If much pain, twenty minims 
of laudanum by mouth, or a third of a grain of 
morphia hypodermically. 
4. Hot BATHS or linseed-meal poultices to 
the abdomen, when the more acute symptoms 
have subsided. 
Fatal dose. Recovery is recorded after 
taking an ounce of the tincture. 
CARBOLIC ACID. 
i. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water) or of 38 
WHAT TO DO IN 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of 
ipecacuanha wine. 
2. Wash out the stomach with SODA, or with 
SACCHARATED LIME dissolved in large quantities 
of tepid water, until the smell of the acid is no 
longer perceived. 
3. White of EGG in water in large quanti- 
ties. 
4. Give an ounce of CASTOR OIL or half a 
tumblerful of olive oil. 
5. Give STIMULANTS freely, hot brandy and 
water, chloric ether, and sal volatile. 
6. Apply WARMTH to the extremities. Fric- 
tion with the warm hand. INTERRUPTED CUR- 
RENT to the extremities. 
7. Atropia. Hypodermic injection of gr. 
'/60 of sulphate of atropia (2 minims of the I in 
120 solution). 
8. Inhalations of NITRITE OF AMYL. 
9. Bleeding might be resorted to in desper- 
ate cases. CASES OF POISONING. 
39 
CARBONIC ACID GAS. 
1. Plenty of FRESH AIR, open all doors and 
windows. 
2. Artificial respiration to be kept up 
steadily and unceasingly. 
3. Ammonia to the nostrils. Friction and 
warmth to the extremities. Interrupted current 
to the limbs. 
4. STIMULANTS in moderate quantities. In- 
jection of a pint of hot strong coffee into the 
rectum. 
7. 
5. The inhalation of OXYGEN (about two 
quarts), if obtainable. 
6. Cold douche to head and chest. 
7. Bleeding might do good. 
8. The catheter may have to be used in 
prolonged cases. 40 
WHAT TO DO IN 
CARBONIC OXIDE GAS. 
The treatment is as above for Carbonic Acid 
Gas. 
CAUSTIC POTASH-CAUSTIC SODA. 
1. Give large draughts of water mixed with 
VINEGAR, ACETIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, LEMON 
JUICE, or orange juice. 
2. Demulcent drinks, such as white of egg 
(uncooked) and water, milk, gruel, barley water, 
etc. 
3. Olive oil freely. 
CHARCOAL FUMES. 
For treatment, see Carbonic Acid Gas. 
CHLORAL-CHLORAL HYDRATE. 
i. Stomach pump, or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of 
ipecacuanha wine (an ounce in water). CASES OF POISONING. 
41 
2. Keep up the temperature by HOT BLANK- 
ETS, frequently renewed, HOT WATER BOTTLES, 
hot bricks, DRY FRICTION, etc. 
3. Prevent patient from sleeping, by ROUSING 
him in every way, by speaking to him sharply, 
flapping face and chest with wet towel, pinch- 
ing, mustard to calves of legs, battery to limbs, 
etc. 
4. Injection of a pint of hot strong COFFEE 
into rectum. 
5. In bad cases, hypodermic injection of gr. 
7„ of nitrate of STRYCHNIA (2 minims of a 1 in 
50 solution), or fifteen minims of tincture of 
nux vomica by mouth or rectum. It may be 
repeated if necessary, and improvement in the 
pulse and temperature is to be taken as an indi- 
cation that it is doing good. 
6. Inhalations of nitrite of amyl from time 
to time. 
7. Artificial respiration on slightest sign 
of failure. To be continued for some hours if 
necessary. 42 
What to do in 
Fatal DOSE. Death from taking 30 grains, 
recovery after taking three drachms. 
CHLORAL AND MORPHIA-CHLORAL 
AND OPIUM. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful or more of the powder in 
water), or of sulphate of zinc (a scruple in 
water), or of ipecacuanha wine (an ounce in 
water). The stomach to be thoroughly washed 
out. 
2. Rouse the patient by flapping him with a 
wet towel, etc. Ammonia to the nostrils. 
Cold douche to the head and chest followed by 
warm DOUCHE. Patient to be kept warm. 
3. Give hot strong COFFEE, or inject it into 
the bowel. 
4. Give a hypodermic injection of gr. */40 of 
ATROPIA (3 minims of a 1 in 120 solution), re- 
peating it in a quarter of an hour if necessary. 
5. If the symptoms of chloral poisoning pre- CASES OF POISONING. 
43 
dominate, give a hypodermic injection of gr. 
'/aB of nitrate of STRYCHNIA (2 minims of 1 in 
50 solution), repeating it in half an hour if 
necessary; or fifteen minims of tincture of nux 
vomica may be given by mouth or rectum. 
6. Artificial respiration to be kept up 
for some hours. 
CHLORIDE OF ZINC, 
For treatment, see Zinc. 
CHLORINE GAS. 
1. Plenty of FRESH AIR. 
2. Inhalations of STEAM. 
7 
3. Inhalation of CHLOROFORM to ease the 
cough. 
CHLORODYNE 
Is said to consist of chloroform, muriate of 
morphia (probably about grains to the 
ounce), rectified ether, oil of peppermint, prus- 44 
WHAT TO DO IN 
sic acid, gum acacia and treacle. For treat- 
ment see Opium. 
FATAL DOSE. An ounce has proved fatal. 
CHLOROFORM (Inhalation). 
1. Pull the TONGUE well forward and see 
that the mouth is clear. See that there is no 
obstruction by' artificial teeth. 
2. Loosen every thing about the chest. Open 
doors and windows so as to have plenty of 
fresh air. Alternate cold and warm DOUCHE 
to the chest and head. 
3. Artificial respiration to be com- 
menced AT ONCE-not faster than twenty in 
the minute. 
4. Let the head be at a lower level than the 
rest of the body. Completely invert the patient 
for a moment, letting the head rest on the 
ground. 
5. Inhalations of NITRITE OF AMYL. 
6. BATTERY. Interrupted current, one pole 
at pit of the stomach and the other over the CASES OF POISONING. 
45 
larynx. To be used cautiously, and for a short 
time only. Strong currents are to be avoided. 
7. In apparently hopeless cases two or three 
violent blows on the chest delivered in quick 
succession may restore the heart's action. 
CHLOROFORM (Swallowed). 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of ipe- 
cacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. Give large draughts of water containing 
CARBONATE OF SODA in solution. 
3. Rouse the patient in every way possible. 
Flicking with wet towel. Mustard to calves of 
legs. MUSTARD leaf over heart. 
4. Injection of a pint of hot strong COFFEE 
into the rectum. 
5. Inhalations of NITRITE OF AMYL fre- 
quently. 
6. Do not leave the patient for some hours 
after, for there may be a relapse. 46 
WHAT TO DO IN 
CHROMIC ACID. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of ipe- 
cacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. Carbonate of magnesia, or chalk in 
milk, or white of egg in milk, or in water. 
3. Demulcent drinks. Barley-water, lin- 
seed tea, arrowroot gruel, etc. 
COAL GAS. 
1. Plenty of FRESH AIR. Open all doors and 
windows. 
2. Artificial respiration to be kept up 
steadily and incessantly. 
3. Ammonia to the nostrils. Friction and 
warmth to the extremities. Mustard leaf, or 
mustard poultice to calves of legs. INTER- 
RUPTED CURRENT to extremities. Mustard 
over the heart. CASES OF POISONING. 
47 
4. Stimulants in moderate quantities by 
mouth or rectum. Enema of a pint of hot 
strong COFFEE. 
5. The inhalation of OXYGEN (four of five 
quarts) if obtainable. 
6. Alternate cold and warm DOUCHE to head 
and chest. 
7. Bleeding might do good. 
8. In prolonged cases it may be necessary to 
employ the catheter. 
COCCULUS INDICUS. 
See PlCROTOXINE. 
COLCHICUM. 
i. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of ipe- 
cacuanha wine (an ounce in water). 
2. Give TANNIC OR GALLIC ACID in half 48 
WHAT TO DO IN 
drachm doses, frequently repeated, or strong 
tea. 
3. Demulcent drinks, such as white of an 
egg and water, barley-water, arrowroot, etc. 
4. Stimulants, if signs of collapse, brandy, 
chloric ether, sal volatile. 
5. A hypodermic injection of half a grain of 
MORPHIA. 
CONIUM. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or sul- 
phate of zinc (a scruple in water), or ot ipecacu- 
anha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. Tannic acid or gallic acid, or decoc- 
tion of oak bark, or strong tea in unlimited 
quantities, after which the stomach should be 
again emptied. 
3. Stimulants, brandy, chloric ether, am- 
monia, etc. CASES OF POISONING. 
49 
4. WARMTH to the extremities by hot water 
bottles, hand rubbing, etc. 
5. Artificial respiration, longcontinued. 
6. The hypodermic injection of gr. 1/40 of 
sulphate of atropia (3 minims of a 1 in 120 so- 
lution) may be tried. 
COPPER. 
1. Give milk and eggs freely. 
2. If necessary, induce vomiting by an emet- 
ic of mustard (a table-spoonful) and water, or 
ipecacuanha wine. 
3. Give BARLEY-WATER or arrowroot, or 
gruel. 
4. Give hypodermic injection of gr. of 
MORPHIA, or give twenty-five drops of lauda- 
num by mouth. 
5. Apply linseed POULTICES to abdomen. 
Fatal DOSE. An ounce of the sulphate is 
usually fatal. 50 
WHAT TO DO IN 
CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or ipecac- 
uanha wine'(a table-spoonful in water.) 
2. White of egg (unboiled) mixed with 
water, to be given in unlimited quantities. 
Flour and water, arrowroot, or gruel, if at hand. 
Barley water. 
3. Stimulants if much depression. 
Fatal DOSE. Recovery possible after 20 
grains, but a drachm nearly always fatal. 
CREASOTE. 
Treatment as for Carbolic acid 
CROTON OIL. 
i. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard, 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of CASES OF POISONING. 
51 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of 
ipecacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
2. Demulcent drinks to be given freely. 
Barley water, white of egg and water, gruel, 
arrowroot. 
3. Stimulants freely ; brandy, sal volatile, 
chloric ether. 
4. Hypodermic injection of gr. ± of MOR- 
PHIA, or twenty minims of laudanum by 
mouth, to be repeated in an hour if necessary. 
5. Linseed meal POULTICES to abdomen. 
Fatal DOSE. Recovery after half a drachm 
or more. 
CURARL 
1. Artificial respiration to be kept up 
steadily until the poison is eliminated. 
2. STIMULANTS freely ; brandy, hot gin and 
water, sal volatile, chloric ether, etc. 
3. If there be a surface wound, through which 
the poison ha$ been introduced, apply a LIGA- 52 
WHAT TO DO IN 
TURE tightly above it and wash the wound 
thoroughly. When the symptoms have sub- 
sided, the ligature may be cautiously loosened 
for a moment and then quickly reapplied. This 
should be done several times, at intervals, so as 
to allow only a very small quantity of the pois- 
on to pass into the system each time. 
4. The surface of the wound should be thor- 
oughly and repeatedly washed. 
CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM. 
1. Large draughts of SULPHATE OF IRON 
(green vitriol) and water, to be taken at once. 
2. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of sul- 
phate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of ipecacu- 
anha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
3. Give STIMULANTS, such as brandy, liquor 
ammoniae (half a drachm in water), sal volatile 
(a drachm in water), or chloric ether (half a 
drachm in water), frequently repeated. If pa- CASES OF POISONING. 
53 
tient cannot swallow, to be given in an enema, 
or brandy may be injected under the skin. In- 
halations of ammonia on a pocket handkerchief 
should be tried. 
4. Alternate hot and cold DOUCHE, the wa- 
ter being poured over the chest from a 
height. 
5. Hypodermic injection of ATROPIA gr. */„ 
(2 minims to the 1 in 120 solution), or tincture 
of belladonna internally (30 drops in water). 
6. Artificial respiration (20 in the min- 
ute), to be maintained for an hour or more. 
7. Battery. Mild interrupted current to 
•7 
chest walls and over heart. 
DALBY'S CARMINATIVE. 
Is said to contain gr. '/6 of morphia to the 
ounce. The treatment is as for OPIUM poison- 
ing. 54 
WHAT TO DO IN 
DATURIA. 
For treatment, see Atropia. 
DEADLY NIGHTSHADE. 
For treatment, see BELLADONNA. 
DIGITALIS. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful in water), or sulphate of zinc (a 
scruple in water), or ipecacuanha wine (a table- 
spoonful in water). 
2. Twenty grains of TANNIC or GALLIC ACID 
in hot water, repeated frequently, or hot strong 
tea or coffee. 
3. STIMULANTS, such as hot gin or brandy 
and water, sal volatile, chloric ether, injected into 
rectum if not retained by stomach. 
4. Hypodermic injection of gr. of ACON- 
ITE (2 minims of a I in 240 solution), or six min- CASES OF POISONING. 
55 
ims of the tincture of aconite by mouth or rec- 
tum, to be repeated in half an hour if there be 
obvious improvement in the heart's action. 
5. The RECUMBENT POSITION to be strictly 
maintained, even after all symptoms have sub- 
sided. 
Fatal dose. Recovery after taking two 
ounces of the tincture. 
DUBOISIA. 
For treatment, see Atropia. 
EMERALD GREEN. 
This is arsenite of copper. For treatment 
see Arsenic. 
ERGOT. 
i. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful in water), or of sulphate of zinc 
(a scruple in water), or ipecacuanha wine (half 
an ounce or more). 56 
WHAT TO DO IN 
2. A purgative of CASTOR OIL (an ounce), or 
of Epsom salts (an ounce in water), or a drop 
or two of croton oil on the back of the tongue. 
3. Tannic or gallic acid in half drachm 
doses in water frequently, or strong tea. To 
be introduced by the stomach-pump if neces- 
sary. 
4. Stimulants, such as brandy, sal volatile, 
or chloric ether. 
5. Inhalations of NITRITE OF AMYL, or a 
fiftieth of a grain of nitro-glycerine by mouth 
(2 minims of the 1 per cent, alcoholic solution), 
repeated every quarter of an hour. 
6. Recumbent position. Warmth to the 
extremities. 
ESSENTIAL OIL OF ALMONDS. 
The poisonous properties of this oil are due 
to the presence of prussic acid. For treatment, 
see PRUSSIC ACID. CASES OF POISONING. 
57 
ESSENTIAL SALT OF LEMONS. 
This is an acid oxalate of potash. For treat- 
ment see Oxalic Acid. 
ETHER (Inhalation). 
1. Pull the TONGUE well forward, and see that 
the mouth is clear. See that there is no ob- 
struction by artificial teeth. 
2. Commence ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION at 
once, and keep it up for two hours if neces- 
sary,-not faster than eighteen in the minute. 
3. Loosen everything about the chest. Open 
the doors and windows so as to have plenty of 
FRESH AIR. Alternate cold and warm DOUCHE 
to the chest and head. 
4. Inhalations of NITRITE OF AMYL. 
5. In apparently hopeless cases, two or three 
violent blows on the chest, delivered in quick 
succession may restore the heart's action. 58 
WHAT TO DO IN 
FLY POWDER-FLY PAPERS-FLY 
WATER. 
These preparations all contain arsenic. For 
treatment, see Arsenic. 
FOWLER'S SOLUTION. 
For treatment, see Arsenic. 
FOXGLOVE. 
For treatment, see DIGITALIS. 
FUNGI. 
For treatment, see POISONOUS MUSHROOMS. 
GAS (escape of into room). 
For treatment, see Coal Gas. CASES OF POISONING. 
59 
GELSEM1NUM OR GELSEMIUM. 
1. If seen soon after the dose has been taken 
the STOMACH-PUMP should be employed,'or an 
EMETIC of mustard (a table-spoonful in water) 
might be given. Should a long interval have 
elapsed the emetic would be useless and would 
probably increase the prostration. 
2. A hypodermic injection of gr. '/6() of 
ATROPIA (2 minims of the I in 120 solution) 
should be given, and repeated in a quarter of 
an hour if there be failure of respiration. In 
the absence of atropia, fifteen drops of tincture 
of belladonna may be given by mouth. 
3. Stimulants. Brandy, chloric ether, sal 
volatile may be given if there are signs of fail- 
ure of the heart's action. 
4. Artificial respiration should be kept 
up steadily for at least three hours. 
5. The cold and warm DOUCHE alternately 
over both head and chest. 60 
WHAT TO DO IN 
GODFREY'S CORDIAL. 
It is said to contain half a grain of opium to 
the ounce. For treatment, see OPIUM. 
HEMLOCK. 
See CONIUM. 
HENBANE. 
See Hyoscyamus. 
HYDRATE OF CHLORAL. 
See Chloral. 
HYDROCHLORIC ACID. 
I. Large draughts of SOAP AND WATER to be 
taken at once. Bicarbonate of potash, bicar- 
bonate of soda, ammonia, sal volatile, or even 
common washing soda to be taken freely, well 
diluted with water. Magnesia or lime-water may CASES OF POISONING. 
61 
be used if at hand. Dinniford's fluid magnesia 
is useful. 
2. Milk, oil, thick gruel, white of egg and 
water, gum and water, and linseed tea, are all 
useful. 
3. A hypodermic injection of MORPHIA to 
ward off shock. 
As a rule the stomach-pump cannot be em- 
ployed with safety. 
Fatal dose. A drachm usually fatal. 
HYDROCYANIC ACID. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful in water), or of sulphate of zinc 
(half a drachm in water), or of ipecacuanha 
wine (an ounce), if a large quantity taken, and 
the patient seen at once. Time all important. 
2. Give STIMULANTS, brandy, chloric ether, 
ammonia, sal volatile, ad libituv . If patient 
cannot swallow give an enema, or brandy may 62 
WHAT TO DO IN 
be injected hypodermically. Inhalations of 
AMMONIA on a pocket handkerchief. 
3. Alternate hot and cold DOUCHE, the water 
being dashed over the patient or poured over 
head and chest from a height. 
4. A hypodermic injection of gr. '/60 of ATRO- 
PIA (2 minims of the I in 120 solution), or thir- 
ty drops of tincture of belladonna by mouth, 
to be repeated if necessary. 
5. Artificial respiration (about 20 in the 
minute), to be kept up steadily. 
6. Battery. Mild interrupted current to 
chest walls and over region of heart. 
Fatal DOSE. From 40 minims to a drachm. 
Scheeles' acid is double strength. 
HYOSCYAMUS. 
The treatment is the same as for ATROPIA. CASES OF POISONING. 
63 
IODINE. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful in water), or of sulphate of 
zinc (a scruple in water), or ipecacuanha 
wine (half an ounce or more). 
2. Starch and water, or white of egg and 
water, given freely. 
3. Inhalation of NITRITE of AMYL. 
4. Hypodermic injection of gr. % of MORPHIA 
to relieve pain, to be repeated as often as nec- 
essary. 
JABORANDI. 
The hypodermic injection of gr. l/60 of atro- 
pia (2 minims of the I in 120 solution of sul- 
phate of atropia), will at once arrest the symp- 
toms. Twenty-five minims of tincture of bella- 
donna by mouth will succeed almost as well. 64 
WHAT TO DO IN 
LABURNAM. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mus- 
tard (a table-spoonful in water), or of sulphate 
of zinc (twenty grains in water), or of ipecac- 
uanha wine (an ounce in water.) 
2. Stimulants in moderation ; brandy, 
chloric ether, sal volatile, etc. 
3. Injection of a pint of hot strong COFFEE 
into the rectum. 
4. Alternate hot and cold DOUCHE to the 
head and chest. 
LAUREL WATER. 
For treatment, see Prussic Acid. 
LEAD. 
t. Stomach-pump, or an Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful), or of sulphate of zinc (twenty CASES OF POISONING. 
65 
grains), or ipecacuanha wine (an ounce in wa- 
ter). 
2. Give half a drachm of dilute SULPHURIC 
ACID, or aromatic sulphuric acid, in water ; or 
half an ounce of SULPHATE OF MAGNESIA (Ep- 
som salts); or half an ounce of SULPHATE of 
SODA (Glauber's salts) ; or all three may be 
given together freely diluted with water. 
3. Milk, white of egg arid water, barley 
water. POULTICES to abdomen. 
4. If much pain, a hypodermic injection of 
gr. | of MORPHIA. 
5. A course of IODIDE OF POTASSIUM to 
eliminate the drug from the system. 
Fatal Dose. An ounce of the acetate 
should not prove fatal. 
LOBELIA. 
As a rule lobelia induces vomiting, and an 
emetic is not required. In elderly people or 
young children, it may be necessary to use the 66 
WHAT TO DO IN 
stomach-pump, or give an emetic of mustard, 
sulphate of zinc, or ipecacuanha wine. 
2. Tannic acid or gallic acid (half a drachm), 
frequently repeated, or strong tea. To be in- 
troduced with stomach-pump, or siphon if 
necessary. 
3. Stimulants. Brandy, sal volatile, chloric 
ether, etc., to be given freely. 
4. Twenty minims of tincture of mix vomica 
by mouth, or better, a hypodermic injection of 
gr. 1/26 of nitrate of STRYCHNIA (2 minims of a 
I in 50 solution). 
5. Warmth to the surface, hot blankets, hot 
water bottles, etc. 
9. The RECUMBENT POSITION to be strictly 
maintained, even after the acute symptoms 
have subsided. 
LUNAR CAUSTIC. 
i. Common salt dissolved in water or milk 
should be given freely. CASES OF POISONING. 
67 
2. An EMETIC of mustard (a table-spoonful in 
water), or sulphate of zinc (twenty grains), or 
ipecacuanha wine (a table-spoonful in water). 
3. White of egg and water, barley water, 
arrowroot, etc. 
LUCIFER MATCHES. 
For treatment, see PHOSPHORUS. 
MORPHIA. 
I. If taken by mouth, use STOMACH-PUMP, or 
give an EMETIC of mustard (a table-spoonful or 
more in water), or ipecacuanha wine (an ounce 
in water), or sulphate of zinc (twenty grains or 
more in water), or a hypodermic injection of 
gr. */6 of APOMORPHIA may be given (io minims 
of I in 50 solution). Wash out the stomach 
thoroughly. In morphia poisoning, vomiting 
is induced with difficulty. If the morphia were 68 
WHAT TO DO IN 
taken hypodermically, this treatment would be 
useless. 
2. Keep the patient walking about, flap him 
with a wet towel, shout at him, and rouse him 
by every means in your power. Apply BAT- 
TERY sharply to the limbs. Ammonia or sal 
volatile to the nose. 
3. Inject a pint of hot strong COFFEE into 
the bowel, with stomach-pump, or enema appa- 
ratus. 
4. Pour a large jug of COLD WATER over his 
head from a height, and repeat it frequently, 
drying him in the intervals. 
5. If signs of failure of respiration, give a 
hypodermic injection of gr. */„ of sulphate of 
ATROPIA (3 minims of the B.P. solution), re- 
peating it in a quarter of an hour if necessary. 
Bartholow recommends gr. '/20 of atropia for 
every grain of morphia taken. If atropia can- 
not be obtained, give a hypodermic injection of 
fifteen minims of tincture of belladonna. CASES OF POISONING. 
69 
6. Inhalations of NITRITE OF AMYL. 
7. Artificial respiration to be kept up 
steadily for at least two hours. 
Fatal Dose. Death from a grain of the 
acetate or hydrochlorate, but recovery after 
taking as much as twenty or thirty grains. 
MORPHIA AND ACONITE. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful or more'in water), or of sulphate 
of zinc (twenty grains or more in water), or of 
ipecacuanha wine (an ounce in water). 
2. Flap the patient with a wet towel, espec- 
ially about the chest, or over the region of 
the heart. Give AMMONIA and CHLORIC ETHER 
freely. Keep him in the RECUMBENT POSI- 
TION and do not attempt to walk him about. 
3. Warmth to extremities by hot towels or 
hot water bottles. Friction with the warm 
hand. 70 
WHAT TO DO IN 
4. ATROPIA. A hypodermic injection of gr. 
'/60 of sulphate of atropia (2 minims of B.P. 
solution), or by mouth or rectum, 4 minims of 
the atropia solution, or twenty minims of tincture 
of belladonna. Should the pulse improve, re- 
peat the dose in twenty minutes. 
5. Coffee. An enema of a pint of hot 
strong coffee. 
6. Nitrite OF AMYL. Inhalations of nitrite 
of amyl. 
7. Battery. Interrupted current to the ex- 
tremities. 
8. Artificial respiration to be maintained 
for two hours if necessary. 
MORPHIA AND CHLORAL. 
i. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful in water), or of sulphate of 
zinc (a scruple in water), or of ipecacuanha (a CASES OF POISONING. 
71 
scruple of the powder in water). The stomach 
must be thoroughly washed out. 
2. Rouse the patient by flapping him with a 
wet towel, etc. Ammonia to the nostrils. Cold 
DOUCHE to the head and chest, followed by 
warm douche. Patient to be kept warm. 
3. COFFEE. A pint of hot strong coffee to 
be injected into the bowel. 
4. ATROPIA. Give a hypodermic injection 
of gr. 7„0 of atropia (3 minims of B.P. solution 
of sulphate of atropia), repeated in a quarter of 
an hour if necessary. 
5. Strychnia. If the symptoms of chloral 
poisoning predominate give a hypodermic in- 
jection of gr. '/25 of nitrate of strychnia (2 
minims of the I in 50 solution), repeating it in 
half an hour if necessary, or fifteen minims of 
tincture of nux vomica may be given by mouth 
or rectum. 
6. Artificial respiration to be main- 
tained for at least two hours. 72 
WHAT TO DO IN 
MURIATIC ACID 
See Hydrochloric Acid. 
MUSCARINE-POISONOUS MUSH- 
ROOMS. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful in water), or sulphate of zinc (a 
scruple in water), or of ipecacuanha (a scruple 
of the powder in water). 
2. Atropia. Give twenty drops of tincture 
of belladonna in water, or better, a hypodermic 
injection of gr. '/60 of ATROPIA (2 minims of the 
B.P. solution), to be repeated in half an hour if 
necessary. 
3. Castor OIL. Give an ounce of castor oil 
to clear out the intestines. 
4. STIMULANTS. Give stimulants, such as 
brandy, spirits of ether (a drachm in water), CASES OF POISONING. 
73 
spirits of chloroform (a drachm in water) or 
sal volatile (a drachm in water). 
5. Warmth to extremities and poultices to 
abdomen. 
NEPENTHE. 
It is said to consist of purified extract of 
opium, citrate of morphia, and grape sugar 
mixed with sherry. For treatment, see OPIUM. 
NICOTINE. 
For treatment, see Tobacco. 
NIGHTSHADE. 
For treatment, see Belladonna. 
NITRATE OF POTASH. 
i. Stomach-pump, or an Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful in water), or sulphate of 74 
WHAT TO DO IN 
zinc (a scruple in water), or ipecacuanha 
powder (a scruple in water). 
2. Mucilaginous drinks, white of egg and 
water, linseed tea, olive oil, etc. 
3. Stimulants if much collapse, five drops 
of essence of camphor on sugar, brandy and hot 
water freely. Brandy and water to be injected 
into rectum ; or under skin if power of swal- 
lowing lost. 
4. WARMTH. Patient to be wrapped in hot 
blankets, hot water to feet, limbs to be kept 
warm by rubbing. Recumbent position to be 
strictly maintained. 
5. Nitrite of Amyl. Inhalations of nitrite 
of amyl. 
6. Atropia. Hypodermic injection of atro- 
pia (3 minims of the B.P. solution), might be 
tried, if there were signs of heart failure. CASES OF POISONING. 
75 
NITRATE OF SILVER. 
1. Common salt dissolved in water or milk, 
should be given freely. 
2. An EMETIC of mustard (a table-spoonful 
of the powder in water), or sulphate of zinc 
(twenty grains), or ipecacuanha (a scruple of 
the powder in water). 
3. White of egg, barely water, arrowroot, 
etc. 
NITRIC ACID. 
I. Large draughts of SOAP AND WATER to be 
taken at once. Bicarbonate of potash, bi- 
carbonate of soda, AMMONIA, sal volatile, or 
even COMMON washing SODA, to be taken free- 
ly, well diluted with water. Magnesia or LIME- 
WATER may be used if at hand. Dinneford's 
fluid magnesia is useful. 76 
WHAT TO DO IN 
2. Milk, oil, thick gruel, white of egg and 
water, gum and water, and linseed tea, are all 
useful. 
3. Morphia. A hypodermic injection of 
half a grain to ward off shock. 
As a rule the stomach-pump cannot be em- 
ployed with safety. 
Fatal dose. Recovery after taking half an 
ounce. 
NITRITE OF AMYL. 
1. Stomach-pump, or an Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder in water), or 
sulphate of zinc (twenty grains in water), or 
ipecacuanha (a scruple of the powder in water). 
2. Fresh air. All windows and doors to be 
thrown wide open, and the patient fanned. 
3. The RECUMBENT POSITION should be 
maintained. 
4. Artificial respiration may be resorted 
to if necessary. CASES OF POISONING. 
77 
NITRO-BENZIN-NITRO-BENZOL. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
scruple of the powder), or sulphate of zinc 
(twenty grains in water), or ipecacuanha (a 
scruple of the powder in water). 
2. Stimulants, such as brandy, liquor am- 
moniae (half-a-drachm in water), or chloric ether 
(a drachm in water) frequently repeated. If 
patient cannot swallow, to be given as enema, 
or brandy may be injected under skin. Inhala- 
tions of ammonia on pocket-handkerchief. 
3. DOUCHE. Alternate hot and cold 
douche, the water being poured over the chest 
from a height. 
4. Atropia. Hypodermic injection of gr. 
l/60 of atropia (2 minims of the B.P. solution), 
or thirty drops of tincture of belladonna. 
5. Artificial Respiration to be main- 78 
WHAT TO DO IN 
tained till the patient has recovered, or no fur- 
ther pulsation can be detected at the heart. 
6. Battery. Mild interrupted current to 
chest-walls, and over region of the heart. 
Fatal dose. Death in some cases from 
merely tasting it. 
NITRO-GLYCERINE. 
1. Recumbent position to be strictly main- 
tained. 
2. Cold WATER cloths or ice to be applied 
to head. 
3. ERGOT. Twenty drops of liquid extract 
of ergot by mouth, or a grain of ergotin (two 
minims of a I in 2 solution) might be injected 
subcutaneously, and repeated in a quarter of 
an hour. 
4. Atropia. A hypodermic injection gr. 
1/w of sulphate of atropia (two minims of the 
B.P. solution), or twenty drops of tincture of 
belladonna by mouth. CASES OF POISONING. 
79 
The symptoms are often alarming, but death 
rarely occurs. 
NITROUS OXIDE GAS. 
1. Pull the TONGUE well forward, and see 
that the mouth is clear. See that there is no 
obstruction by artificial teeth. 
2. Artificial respiration to be com- 
menced at once, and kept up for two hours if 
necessary, not faster than eighteen in the min- 
ute. 
3. Fresh Air. Loosen everything about 
the chest and neck. Open the doors and win- 
dows wide and fan the patient. Alternate hot 
and cold DOUCHE to chest and head. 
4. OXYGEN GAS. Inhalations of oxygen gas, 
three or four pints. 
5. In apparently hopeless cases two or three 
violent blows on the chest, delivered in quick 
succession, may restore the heart's action. 80 
WHAT TO DO IN 
NUX VOMICA. 
1. Stomach-pump, or stomach - siphon, if 
available at once, for after the tetanic symp- 
toms have set in the introduction of the tube 
would excite a paroxysm. 
2. Emetic of sulphate of zinc (half a drachm 
in water), or mustard (a table-spoonful in water) 
or ipecacuanha (a scruple of the powder in 
water). Should a difficulty be experienced in 
opening the jaw, put the patient under chloro- 
form, or ether, or give a hypodermic injection 
of gr. */6 of apomorphia (io minims of a I in 
50 solution). 
3. Animal charcoal ad libitum, or tannic 
acid, or tincture of iodine. Tobe followed by 
stomach-pump, or another emetic. 
4. Bromide of Potassium (half an ounce) 
in bad cases, with chloral (thirty grains) to be 
followed by the bromide (in two drachm doses) CASES OF POISONING. 
81 
with or without chloral (ten grains) every fifteen 
or twenty minutes if necessary. 
5. Nitrite of amyl inhalations. 
6. Chloroform or ether to the extent of 
producing muscular relaxation. 
7. CURARE. A hypodermic injection of gr. 
*/3 (4 minims of a I in 12 solution) may be 
given. 
8. Artificial respiration if possible. 
OPIUM. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or sul- 
phate of zinc (twenty grains in water), or ipe- 
cacuanha (a scruple of the powder in water). 
2. ROUSING. Keep the patient walking 
about, flap him with a wet towel, shout at him, 
pinch him, and rouse him by every means in 
your power. Apply the battery to the limbs 
sharply. AMMONIA or sal volatile to the nos- 
trils. 82 
WHAT TO DO IN 
3. Coffee. A pint of hot strong coffee in- 
jected into the bowel. 
4. DOUCHE. Pour a large jug of cold water 
over his head from a height, and repeat it fre- 
quently, drying him in the intervals. 
5. Atropia. Give a hypodermic injection of 
gr. */40 of sulphate of atropia (3 minims of the 
B.P. solution) if signs of failure of respiration. 
If atropia not at hand give fifteen minims of 
tincture of belladonna by mouth. Either might 
be repeated in a quarter of an hour. It is said 
that gr. of atropia will antagonize one 
grain of morphia. 
6. Nitrite OF AMYL. Inhalations of nitrite 
of amyl if at hand. 
7. Artificial Respiration should be kept 
up for at least two hours. 
OPIUM AND BELLADONNA. 
i. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of CASES OF POISONING. 
83 
sulphate of zinc (twenty grains in water), or of 
ipecacuanha (a scruple of the powder in water). 
2. Coffee. An enema of a pint of hot 
strong coffee. 
3. ROUSING. The patient should be kept 
awake. Flicking with a wet towel, and mustard 
to the calves of the legs and over the region of 
the heart will be found useful. 
4. Artificial respiration may be resorted 
to if necessary. 
OPIUM AND CHLORAL. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (twenty grains in water), or of 
ipecacuanha (a scruple of the powder in water). 
The stomach should be thoroughly washed out. 
2. ROUSE the patient by flapping him with 
a wet towel. Ammonia to the nostrils. Cold 
douche to the head and chest, followed by 
warm douche. Patient to be kept warm. 84 
WHAT TO DO IN 
3. Coffee. Give hot strong coffee or inject 
it into the bowel. 
4. Atropia. Give a hypodermic injection of 
gr. */40 of atropia (3 minims of the B.P. solu- 
tion), repeating it in a quarter of an hour if 
necessary. 
5. STRYCHNIA. Should the symptoms of 
chloral poisoning predominate, give a hypoder- 
mic injection of gr. y60 of sulphate of strychnia 
(2 minims of the B.P. solution), or gr. ya6 of 
nitrate of strychnia (2 minims of a I in 50 solu- 
tion), repeating it in half an hour if necessary, 
or fifteen minims of tincture of nux vomica 
may be given by mouth or rectum. 
6. Artificial Respiration to be main- 
tained for some hours if necessary. 
OXALIC ACID. 
I. CHALK, lime, or whitening, given freely in 
water. The whitewash from a wall, or fence, CASES OF POISONING. 
85 
or ceiling, may be used. Lime-water is an an- 
tidote, but the saccharated solution being 
stronger, is preferable. . It should be given 
in drachm doses frequently repeated. 
2. Castor oil. An ounce of castor oil 
should be given to clear out the intestines. 
The administration of potash, soda, ammonia, 
or their carbonates should be avoided. 
Fatal DOSE. From half an ounce to an 
ounce. 
PHOSPHORUS. 
1. Emetic of sulphate of zinc (twenty 
grains in water), or ipecacuanha wine (a scruple 
of the powder in water). 
2. Sulphate of Copper in three-grain doses 
dissolved in water, every five minutes till vom- 
iting is induced. Continue the sulphate of 
copper in grain doses every quarter of an hour, 
giving with it ten drops of acetate of morphia, 
if rejected. 86 
WHAT TO DO IN 
3. French oil of turpentine. Half 
drachm doses of French oil of turpentine may 
be given every half hour, but the German and 
American turpentines are useless. 
4. A PURGATIVE of half an ounce of Epsom 
salts. 
N.B. Oils and fats should on no account be 
given. 
PHYSOSTIGMA. 
1. Stomach-pump, or an Emetic of mustard 
(a table-spoonful of the powder * in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc, (twenty grains in water), or 
of ipecacuanha (a scruple of powder in water). 
2. Atropia. A hypodermic injection of gr. 
760 of sulphate of atropia (two minims of the 
B.P. solution), or fifteen drops of tincture of 
belladonna by mouth or rectum. To be re- 
peated every quarter of an hour for an hour, or 
until the pupils dilate, or the pulse is quickened. CASES OF POISONING. 
87 
3. Chloral. Should the above fail, give 
ten grains of chloral by mouth or rectum every 
quarter of an hour. 
4. Strychnia. In very bad cases, a hypo- 
dermic injection of gr. l/60 of sulphate of 
strychnia (2 minims of the B.P. solution), or gr. 
y)2 of nitrate of strychnia (4 minims of the I in 
50 solution), or 20 minims of tincture of nux 
vomica by mouth or rectum. 
5. Stimulants freely; brandy, chloric 
ether, sal volatile. 
6. Artificial respiration. 
PICROTOXINE. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of sulphate of 
zinc (twenty grains in water), or mustard (a 
table-spoonful in water), or ipecacuanha (a 
scruple in water). 
2. CHLORAL. Twenty grains in water, with 88 
WHAT TO DO IN 
ten grains more in a quarter of an hour, if 
necessary. 
3. Bromide of potassium. If tetanus, 
may be given in two drachm doses every quar- 
ter of an hour, in addition to the chloral. 
PILOCARPINE. 
ATROPIA. The hypodermic injection of gr. 
'/co of atropia (2 minims of the B.P. solution of 
sulphate of atropia), will at once arrest the 
symptoms. Twenty-five minims of tincture of 
belladonna by mouth will succeed almost as 
well. 
PITURI. 
F'or treatment, see Atropia. 
POISONOUS MUSHROOMS. 
i. Emetic of mustard (a table-spoonful in 
water), or sulphate of zinc (twenty grains in CASES OF POISONING. 
89 
water), or ipecacuanha (a scruple of the powder 
in water). 
2. Atropia. Give twenty drops of tinc- 
ture of belladonna in water, or better, a hypo- 
dermic injection of gr. y60 of ATROPIA (2 min- 
ims of the B.P. solution) to be repeated in half 
an hour, if necessary. 
3. Castor oil. Give an ounce of castor oil 
to clear out the intestines. 
4. Stimulants, such as brandy, spirits of 
ether (a drachm in water), spirits of chloroform 
(a drachm in water), or sal volatile (a drachm 
in water). 
5. Warmth to the extremities, and poul- 
tices to the abdomen. 
POTASH. 
1. Give water freely, with VINEGAR, ACETIC 
ACID, citric acid, LEMON JUICE, or orange juice. 
2. Demulcent drinks, such as white of egg 
and water, milk, gruel, and barley water. 
3. Olive oil given freely. 90 
WHAT TO DO IN 
PRUSSIC ACID. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful in water), or sulphate of zinc 
(twenty grains in water) or ipecacuanha (a scru- 
ple in water). 
2. STIMULANTS, such as brandy, liquor am- 
moniae (half a drachm in water), sal volatile (a 
drachm in water), or chloric ether (a drachm in 
water), frequently repeated. If patient cannot 
swallow, to be given as enema, or brandy may 
be injected under the skin. 
3. DOUCHE. Alternate hot and cold douche, 
the water being poured over the chest from a 
height. 
4. Atropia. Hypodermic injection of gr. 
i/w (2 minims of the B.P. solution), or thirty 
drops of tincture of belladonna may be given 
by mouth. 
5. Artificial respiration should be kept 
up as long as necessary. CASES OF POISONING. 
91 
6. Battery. Mild, interrupted current to 
chest-walls, and over region of heart. 
Fatal dose. From 40 minims to adrachm. 
Scheele's acid is of double strength. 
RAT PASTES. 
Generally contain phosphorus. Sampson's 
is said to contain arsenic as the active ingredi- 
ent. 
RESORCIN. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or of 
sulphate of zinc (a scruple in water), or of 
ipecacuanha wine. 
2. White of an egg and water in large 
quantities. 
3. Wash out the stomach with SODA, or with 
SACCHARATED LIME, mixed with large*quanti- 
ties of tepid water. 92 
WHAT TO DO IN 
4. STIMULANTS freely ; hot brandy and water, 
chloric ether, and sal volatile. 
5. Warmth to the Friction 
with the warm hand. INTERRUPTED CUR- 
RENT. 
6. AtropiA. Hypodermic injection of gr. 
1/M of sulphate of atropia (2 minims of 1 in 120 
solution). 
7. Inhalations of NITRITE OF amyl. 
Fatal dose. Two drachms nearly proved 
fatal. 
SALT OF SORREL. 
This is an acid oxalate of potash. For treat- 
ment, see Oxalic Acid. 
SAVIN. 
I. EMETIC of mustard (a table-spoonful of 
the powder in water), or sulphate of zinc (twenty CASES OF POISONING. 
93 
grains in water), or ipecacuanha (a scruple of 
the powder in water). 
2. Castor oil, an ounce. 
3. Linseed meal poultices to abdomen. 
4. Morphia. Hypodermic injection of gr. 
*/3 if necessary. 
SCHEELE'S ACID. 
This is twice the strength of ordinary prussic 
acid. For treatment, see PRUSSIC Acid. 
SCHEELE'S GREEN. 
This is arsenite of copper. For treatment, 
see Arsenic. 
SNAKE BITE. 
I. LIGATURE. A ligature-a pocket hand- 94 
WHAT TO DO IN 
kerchief, or piece of rope, if nothing better at 
hand, should be tied tightly round the limb, 
between the wound and the heart. 
2. Cauterization. The wound should be 
thoroughly washed and sucked. The bitten 
part should be excised or cauterized by a hot 
iron, or strong nitric acid, or if no better means 
be available, by exploding gunpowder on the 
part. 
STIMULANTS. Brandy, whisky, champagne, 
etc., should be given freely even to the extent 
of making the patient drunk. 
4. Artificial Respiration should be main- 
tained for some hours. 
5. The ligature should be removed only fora 
second or two at a time, and then quickly re- 
applied so as to admit only a very small quanti- 
ty of the poison into the circulation. 
6. Inject under the skin in two places, 20 
minims of Condy's FLUID or solution of per- 
manganate of potash, or give by mouth a tea- 
spoonful in an ounce of water. CASES OF POISONING. 
95 
/. AMMONIA. Halford's plan consists in the 
injection into the radial vein, by means of a 
hypodermic syringe, of about twelve minims of 
the liquor ammoniae fortior, diluted with three 
times its volume of water. The vein should 
be first exposed. 
8. Bleeding followed by transfusion might 
in some cases prove of avail. 
SOAP LEES. 
This consists of carbonate of potash, or soda 
mixed with caustic alkali. For treatment, see 
Potash. 
SODA. 
i. Vinegar, acetic acid, citric acid, lem- 
on JUICE, or orange juice freely diluted with 
water. 96 
WHAT TO DO IN 
2. Demulcent drinks, such as white of 
egg and water, milk, gruel and barley water. 
3. Olive oil freely. 
SOOTHING SYRUP. 
The preparations sold under the name usually 
contain opium. For treatment, see Opium. 
STRAMONIUM. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water) or of 
sulphate of zinc (twenty grains in water), or of 
ipecacuanha (a scruple of the powder in water). 
2. Stimulants, such as brandy, champagne, 
sal volatile or chloric ether. 
3. Coffee. An enema of a pint of hot strong 
coffee. 
4. Mustard to the calves of the legs, hot 
water bottles to the feet, rousing by flicking CASES OF POISONING. 
97 
with a wet towel, alternate hot and cold douche, 
interrupted current to the limbs, etc. 
5. Pilocarpine. A hypodermic injection 
of half-a-grain of pilocarpine, (10 minims of the 
1 in 20 solution) to be repeated in half an hour if 
necessary, or two drachms of tincture of jabo- 
randi by mouth or rectum. 
6. Artificial Respiration to be main- 
tained for two hours if necessary. 
STRYCHNIA. 
I. STOMACH-PUMP, if it can be quickly ob- 
tained, for after tetanic symptoms have set in, 
the introduction of the tube would excite a par- 
oxysm, and it would be useless. An EMETIC 
of mustard (a table-spoonful of the powder in 
water) or sulphate of zinc (twenty grains in 
water), or ipecacuanha (a scruple of the powder 
in water). Should a difficulty be experienced 
in opening the jaw, a hypodermic injection of 98 
WHAT TO DO IN 
apomorphia (io minims of the I to 50 solution) 
should be given, or the patient may be put un- 
der chloroform or ether. 
2. Animal charcoal ad libitum, or tan- 
nic ACID ad libitum, or tincture of iodine. To 
be followed by an emetic, or the stomach- 
pump. 
3. Bromide of POTASSIUM, in a half ounce 
dose in water, with thirty grains of CHLORAL. 
Two drachms of the bromide with or without 
ten grains of chloral may be given every fifteen 
or twenty minutes if necessary. 
4. Nitrite of amyl inhalations, the amyl 
being poured freely on a handkerchief and held 
close to the nose. 
5. The patient may be kept fully under 
CHLOROFORM or ETHER. 
Fatal dose. From half a grain to two 
grains. CASES OF POISONING. 
99 
SUGAR OF LEAD. 
For treatment, see Lead. 
SULPHATE OF COPPER. 
For treatment, see COPPER. 
SULPHATE OF ZINC. 
For treatment, see Zinc. 
SULPHURIC ACID. 
i. Soap and water, chalk and water, 
whitewash and water, to be taken freely. , WHAT TO DO IN 
100 
2. Magnesia, lime water, or bicarbonate 
of soda, or bicarbonate of potash. Common 
WASHING SODA diluted freely with water will 
do. Dinneford's fluid magnesia is very 
useful. 
3. Milk, white of EGGS, oil, linseed tea, 
thick gruel, or arrowroot, are all useful. 
4. MORPHIA. A hypodermic injection of 
half-a-grain to ward off shock. 
As a rule the stomach-pump cannot be em- 
ployed with safety. 
Fatal dose. A drachm might prove fatal, 
or patient might recover after taking an ounce 
or more. Much depends on the degree of con- 
centration and on the condition of the stomach 
as regards food. 
SYRUP OF POPPIES. 
For treatment, see Opium. CASES OF POISONING. 
101 
TARTAR EMETIC-TARTARATED AN- 
TIMONY. 
For treatment, see Antimony. 
TARTARIC ACID. 
1. CHALK, lime, or whitening given freely in 
water. The whitewash from a wall, or fence, 
or ceiling, may be used. Lime water is an an- 
tidote, but the saccharated solution being 
stronger is better. It should be given in 
drachm doses frequently repeated. 
2. Castor oil. An ounce of castor oil 
should be given to clear out the intestines. 
The administration of potash, soda, ammo- 
nia, or the carbonates should be avoided. 102 
WHAT TO DO IN 
TOBACCO. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful in water), sulphate of zinc (twen- 
ty grains in water), or ipecacuanha (a scruple of 
the powder in water). 
2. Tannic acid, half a drachm in water re- 
peated frequently, or strong tea. To be intro- 
duced by the stomach-pump, if necessary. 
3. Nux Vomica. Twenty minims of nux 
vomica by mouth, or better a hypodermic in- 
jection of gr. */25 of strychnia (2 minims of 
the 1 in 50 nitrate of strychnia solution). 
4. Stimulants, brandy, champagne, sal vol- 
atile, chloric ether, to be given freely. 
5. WARMTH to the surface by hot bricks, hot 
blankets, etc. Friction with the warm hand. 
6. Recumbent position should be strictly 
maintained. CASES OF POISONING. 
103 
TURPENTINE. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of sulphate of 
zinc (twenty grains in water) or ipecacuanha (a 
scruple of the powder in water). Should these 
fail, a hypodermic injection of gr. '/6 of APO- 
MORPHIA (io minims of the I in 50 solution) 
may be given. 
2. Sulphate of magnesia, an ounce in 
water as a purgative. 
3. Demulcent drinks, such as milk, white 
of egg and water, barley water, etc. 
4. Morphia. If much pain a hypodermic 
injection of half a grain of morphia, or thirty 
drops of laudanum by mouth. 104 
WHAT TO DO IN 
VERATRIA. 
1. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or sul- 
phate of zinc (twenty grains in water), or of ipe- 
cacuanha (a scruple of the powder in water). 
2. Stimulants, brandy, champagne, chloric 
ether, sal volatile, etc. 
3. Coffee. Hot strong coffee, injected into 
rectum, if necessary. 
4. Warmth to the extremities, hot water 
bottles, warm blankets, friction with the warm 
hand, etc. 
Recumbent position to be strictly main- 
tained. CASES OF POISONING. 
105 
VERDEGRIS. 
This is subacetate of copper. For treat- 
ment, see Copper. 
VERMIN KILLERS. 
Usually contain strychnia. For treatment, see 
Strychnia. 
WHITE PRECIPITATE. 
i. Stomach-pump, or Emetic of mustard (a 
table-spoonful of the powder in water), or sul- 
phate of zinc (twenty grains in water), or ipecac- 
uanha (a scruple in water). 106 
WHAT TO DO IN 
2. WHITE OF EGG (unboiled), mixed with 
water, to be given in unlimited quantities. 
FLOUR and water, arrowroot gruel, barley- 
water, and linseed tea, are all useful. . 
3. STIMULANTS, brandy, chloric ether, sal 
volatile. 
Not a very active poison, might recover after 
taking three drachms or more. 
WHITE VITRIOL. 
For treatment, see ZlNC. 
WOORARA. 
For treatment, see CURARA. CASES OF POISONING. 
107 
ZINC. 
1. Carbonate of soda or carbonate of 
POTASH in large quantities dissolved in warm 
water. Common washing soda will do if well 
diluted. 
2. Milk and EGGS freely, with tepid water. 
3. Tannic acid, gallic acid, decoction of oak 
bark, or STRONG TEA. 
4. Morphia. A hypodermic injection of 
half a grain, or thirty drops of laudanum by 
mouth. 
5. Linseed meal poultices to abdomen. 
6. If much pain in the abdomen, an enema 
of gruel, or starch and water may be given. 108 
CASES OF POISONING. 
Note :-Apomorphia is an uncertain remedy 
when given by mouth, and should always be 
administered hypodermically, if possible.