Thomas Hawkes Tanner

“ CHAPTER XVII. MERCURY AND ITS COMPOUNDS. Of the preparations of mercury, corrosive sublimate is the most important to the toxicologist; for although they all possess in a greater or less degree poisonous properties, yet the instances in which the other compounds have been used to destroy life are extremely rare. The treatment in all cases must be the same. It is worthy of remark that mercury, whilst in the metallic state, is destitute of injurious properties, but if oxidized or otherwise rendered fit for absorption, it may give rise to dangerous symptoms. ”

“ The acid is not unfrequently thrown over the person, either to disfigure the features or to destroy the clothes. The parts of the body with which it is brought into contact are stained at first of a white, and afterwards of a dark brown or black color. The smallest fatal dose of concentrated acid recorded, in the adult, is one drachm; but recovery has taken place after as much as two ounces. But it must be understood that the acid proves fatal mainly by its power of corrosion, so that a small dose of the concentrated acid is more dangerous than is a much larger dose of it in the dilute form. ”

“ There is violent, burning pain in the mouth, œsophagus, and stomach, commencing immediately. The burning is followed by retching and vomiting of a dark colored liquid with shreds of mucus, and portions of the mucous membrane of the œsophagus or stomach. The inside of the mouth is shrivelled and more or less corroded unless the agent has been given in a spoon or otherwise passed over the tongue to the back of the fauces. The outside of the lips and mouth will probably present the stains characteristic of the acid used. There is great thirst, difficulty of swallowing, and impeded respiration. ”

“ Arsenic is not a poison that accumulates in the system, but is slowly eliminated from it especially by the kidneys, but partly also by the bile.
The local application of arsenic to the mucous membranes, to wounds, or to surfaces deprived of their cuticle, produces constitutional effects similar to those just described. The only difference is that the symptoms show themselves more slowly. Not a few lives have been sacrificed from the application by ignorant quacks of a mixture of arsenious acid, realgar, and oxide of iron to ulcerating cancers. ”

“ The diagnosis of the effects of irritant poisons is not so difficult as it is in the case of narcotics or other neurotics, where the symptoms are very similar to those produced by apoplexy, epilepsy, tetanus, convulsions, or disease of the brain.
Generally speaking, a person may be supposed to be suffering under the effects of a poison, if soon after taking food or drink, he be seized with violent pain, vomiting, disorder of the alimentary canal, and convulsive movements: or if he be attacked under the same circumstances with vertigo, delirium, or great drowsiness. ”

“ Phosphorus is much more frequently used as a poison abroad than in England; but since restrictions have been put on the sale of poisons, and rat poisons containing it have been more common, cases of poisoning have more frequently occurred, and are likely to do so even oftener in future. The cases which have occurred show that it is a very powerful irritant, and capable of causing death when taken, even in small doses. One grain has caused death; the shortest period in which it has followed the administration of the poison being four hours. ”

“ In women the vagina, uterus and ovaries must be inspected, the brain, spinal cord and thoracic viscera ought likewise to be examined, and portions of the spleen, kidneys, and muscles should be reserved for analysis. No antiseptic or preservative fluid is to be used. When possible it will be best to make the autopsy within twenty-four hours after death; taking care to make the examination patiently, thoroughly, and with a mind free from any bias. Poison may be found in a body, and yet a question may arise as to its having been the cause of death. ”

“ When poison is administered with a criminal intent it is generally in such a dose as to take immediate effect, although this is by no means necessary, as there are numerous substances which accumulate in the system, and when given in small and repeated quantities, ultimately prove fatal. ”

“ The surface of the body gets cold and moist, the pulse small and feeble, and there is great pain over the abdomen, with diarrhœa. Death took place, in the case of a boy, in three hours from the time of swallowing a strong solution of carbonate of potash. Ammonia, by its effect on the air passages, has proved fatal in four minutes. When recovery from the immediate effects of the poison has taken place, death has subsequently ensued from stricture of the œsophagus, producing starvation. By the proper use of bougies, &c., life may occasionally be prolonged for many months, or even for years. ”

“ The more he is disturbed or excited the shorter is the intervals between the attacks; and though a firm grasp seems to afford relief, yet a slight touch, a gust of air, or opening a door, will increase the suffering. ”

“ It must not be forgotten that salivation sometimes arises where no mercurial of any kind has been given. Thus arsenic, bismuth, lead, iodide of potassium, opium, &c., may induce it in some very peculiar constitutions. Small medicinal doses (as a few grains of calomel) may also excite it in certain susceptible individuals; and especially in persons suffering from renal disease. It may also occur spontaneously, as in stomatitis or inflammation of the mouth; and very troublesome examples of it may occur in pregnant women. ”

“ There is great interference with the heart’s action, it beating tumultuously, but death seems to follow paralysis of the muscles of respiration. In some cases, one fatal, occurring in Liverpool, there was much vomiting.
Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) .—All parts of this plant are very poisonous. An infusion of the leaves, exhibited as an enema, has, on several occasions, speedily proved fatal. Persons in attempting to acquire the habit of smoking often suffer from severe nausea, vomiting, great prostration, and insensibility; while in some instances, more severe effects have ensued. ”

“ Bleeding has been recommended; but it is only to be used after the poison has been removed from the stomach, and when from the coma and full pulse we are sure that there is cerebral congestion. In extreme cases artificial respiration must be tried.
The remedies recommended must be perseveringly used, remembering that as long as life lasts hope of recovery is not to be banished. In the great majority of cases the treatment is successful.
Tests.—There are no direct means by which opium may be detected. We endeavor therefore to obtain evidence of the presence of morphia and meconic acid. ”