The non-bacillar nature of abrus-poison : with observations on its chemical and physiological properties / by L.A. Waddell.

  • Waddell, L. A. (Laurence Austine), 1854-1938.
Date:
1884
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The non-bacillar nature of abrus-poison : with observations on its chemical and physiological properties / by L.A. Waddell. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    and steady pressure made from the surrounding parts towards the bleeding wound. Any poison which still remains in the tissue in the neighbourhood of the ivound should be destroyed—A solution of potassium perman- ganate (strength at least 2 per cent.) should be freely applied to the wound. That potassium permanganate has the power of destroying abrin is seen from the following experiments:— Exp. LXX.—Half grain of the fresh abrns-seed was rubbed up with 15 minims of distilled water and 10 minims of a one per cent, solution of potassium permanganate added. The whole was then injected into a chicken. Ho apparent effect. Exp. LXXI.—The above experiment was repeated in another chicken. Also with negative results. Permanganate of potassium has, however, no special selective affinity for abrin, so as to render it an antidote to the poison. It has merely the property of forming an insoluble compound with albuminous material. When applied to the wound in abrus-poisoning, it will destroy the proteids of the tissues, and along with these any abrin with which it may chance to come into contact. Antiseptic treatment of resulting wound.—The wound in abrus- poisoning has been seen to present unusually favourable conditions for the development of bacteria, and these bacteria after a time gain an entry into the general circulation. As the general effect of abrin seems to be exercised in the direction of reducing the vital activity, the presence of these bacteria in the general circu- lation must further embarrass the already depraved nutrition, so that the local application of antiseptic agents, such as carbolic oil, &c., seems called for. Painting the skin in the neighbourhood of the wound with the B. P. liquor ferri perchloridi, which has been of such ascer- tained benefit in erysipelatous and diphtheritic inflammation, might be tried. When there is much oedematous swelling around the wound, free incisions ought to be made to allow of the escape of this fluid which swarms with bacteria and the decomposing septic products of their growth. Subcutaneous injections of quinine salts—especially