Materia medica and therapeutics : for physicians and students / by John B. Biddle.

  • Biddle, John B. (John Barclay), 1815-1879.
Date:
1886
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Materia medica and therapeutics : for physicians and students / by John B. Biddle. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    injected into the mouth,- rectum or vagina after death, will diffuse itself through the body and may be found in the liver, lungs, kidneys and even in the brain (^Journ. Am, Med. Assoc.^ Aug. 4th, 1883), a point of great importance in legal medicine. Antidotes and Treatment in cases of Poisoning.—The evac- uation of the contents of the stomach by emetics or by the stomach-pump, if seen very soon after swallowing the poison, should be the first object in these cases. Demulcent drinks are to be also freely given. The ferric hydrate [Ferri Oxidum Hydratiim) should be administered, as soon as it can be procured, in the state of pidp or magma. It is prepared by the action of an alkaline solution on the ferric salt. Water of ammonia is directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia to be added to the solution of iron tersidphate pp. 131, 133). The ferric hydrate is a soft, moist, reddish-brown magma, which acts as an a?ttidote to arsenious acid by forming with it an insoluble, inert ferrous arseniate (Fe32As04). The dose is about twelve times the supposed amount of poison taken, and it should be given in the fresh and pulpy state, as it gradually loses its antidotal virtues when kept. The ferric hydrate with magnesia [Ferri Oxi- dum Hydratum cum Magnesia) is also directed to be kept in the shops as an antidote to arsenic. It should be administered in the same manner as ferric hydrate, and possesses the advan- tage of a tendency to act on the bowels. Dialyzed Iron is also an antidote to arsenic in the stomach. To insure its conversion into ferric hydrate, its ingestion should be followed by the ad- ministration of a tablespoonful of sodium chloride. Light magnesia (which has not been too strongly calcined) and freshly-precipitated gelatinous magnesia may be also used as antidotes. The after-treatment consists in the use of demul- cents, opiates, and, if necessary, stimulant. Medicinal Uses.—Arsenious acid is a very valuable alterative remedy, but it must be exhibited with caution. It is employed with the greatest success in the treatment of miasmatic affections^ as intermittent fevers, especially such as have resisted the use of cinchona, or have frequently reappeared; in chronic ciitaneous affections, particularly the scaly disease (lepra, eczema squamo- sum, psoriasis and pityriasis), but it should not be given while