A universal formulary : containing the methods of preparing and administering officinal and other medicines the whole adapted to physicians and pharmaceutists / by R. Eglesfeld Griffith.

  • Griffith, R. Eglesfeld (Robert Eglesfeld), 1798-1850.
Date:
[1854]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A universal formulary : containing the methods of preparing and administering officinal and other medicines the whole adapted to physicians and pharmaceutists / by R. Eglesfeld Griffith. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    561/696 (page 555)
    Acid, Citric.—In large doses, acts as an irritant poison; but no fatal case in the human subject has been recorded. Acid, Hydrocyanic or Prussic.—An extremely active, sedative poison. Symptoms.—When the dose is large, almost immediate death ensues; in smaller quantities, it causes pain in the bead, stupor, nausea, faintness, vertigo, and loss of sight; followed by difficulty of respiration, dilated pupils, a small vibrating pulse, and syncope, which will end in death, if curative means are not employed. Morbid Appearances.—None; but a strong odor of the acid is exhaled from the stomach. Tests.—The (bitter almond) peculiarity of its odor. When a little potassa is mixed with liquids containing this poison, and solution of the sulphate, or sesquichlo- ride of iron added, a greyish-green precipitate is thrown down — which deepens to a Prussian blue tint, on addition of a few drops of sulphuric acid. The nitrate of silver produces a white (cyanide of silver') precipitate; which, after being washed and dried, and then held on a watch-glass over a flame, burns with a fresh rose- color, cyanogen being at the same time evolved. \_Sulphur Test.—Place two drops of a solution of hydrosulphate of ammonia, containing an excess of sulphur, in the centre of a watch-glass, and invert it accurately over the vessel containing the poisoned liquid. Remove the glass in three or four minutes, and dry the moistened spot gently over a spirit-lamp. Let a drop of water fall on the white film, and then a drop of the perchloride of iron. If prussic acid be present, a blood-red solution (sulpho-cyanate of iron) is produced; and this red color is discharged by the addition of one or two drops of a solution of corrosive sublimate.] When a mixture is to be examined, containing matters from the stomach, &c., if alkaline, it must first be neutralized by addition of sulphuric acid, then one-eighth part cautiously distilled therefrom into a receiver immersed in some frigorific mixture; and the product may then be tested by nitrate of silver, &c., as above. Treatment. — The internal remedy best calculated to act chemically on this poison, is carbonate of potassa in solution, quickly succeeded by watery solutions of sulphate of iron (with the intention of decomposing the acid, and forming the less injurious substance named Prussian blue)-, but the instances of success by these, or, indeed, by any other kinds of treatment, are extremely rare. Inhalation of chlorine gas, ammonia, &c.; artificial respiration; exhibition of energetic stimu- lants, sucb as brandy, liquid ammonia; chlorine-water, chloride of soda and of lime, have all been extolled, and may be tried. Mustard poultices to the stomach, and cowhage applied over the chest; venesection at the neck, temples, &c.; and affusion of cold water to the head and spinal region, are more likely to prove timely excitant and effective remedies. Employment of the stomach-pump, emetics, &c., seems a most improbable means of relief—or, rather, a waste of time. Acid, Muriatic or Hydrochloric. — A corrosive mineral poison. Symptoms.—Sensation of burning in the throat and stomach, styptic taste in the mouth, much thirst; the eyes red and sparkling; the pulse frequent and tense ; the skin hot and dry; the tongue red and glazed; the lips black; vomiting of blood and yellow matter, having the peculiar smell of the acid; cold sweats, delirium, &c. Orffia also says, a thick white fume, having the penetrating odor of the acid issues from the mouth. Morbid Appearances.—Mouth, fauces, throat, and stomach highly inflamed of a deep red color; mucous membrane sometimes detached or destroyed, sometimes per- forated; contents of the stomach yellow or dark green. Tes/s.-—Characteristic acid taste. The presence of muriatic acid in small pro- portion, is at all times demonstrable in the juices of the stomach; therefore proof of Its presence in excess is required in cases of poisoning. When a piece of glass, wetted with this acid, is held close to liquor ammonias, so as to let the vapors of both