| children, or in hooping-cough, it is liable to be followed by injurious or even dangerous effects. Accidents from this poison most frequently are observed in children, who sometimes eat the berries. which preceded the stupor, returns when the stupor goes off; and very frequently the stupor is not distinct at any stage, showing that this poison should not be classed with narcotics. Convulsions are not frequently produced by it, unless in children; in adults they are slight, or confined to the muscles of the face; but subsultus tendinum, or catching of the extremities, is frequent. The periods at which the symptoms appear vary much. Giddiness may appear in a few minutes, or not until two or three hours, and the affection of the eyes about the same time, or soon afterward. The delirium may be delayed for some hours. These symptoms may continue for two or three days. They gener ally persist much longer than in cases of narcotic poisoning. In some instances these symptoms, especially the blindness and state of the pupil, giddiness, tremours, and other nervous af 541. The husks and seeds of the berries are very indigestible, and may remain long in the stomach or bowels, whether the case recover or prove fatal, especially if free vomiting has not been early procured. In one case the seeds were vomited towards the close of the third day. (Med. Obs. and Ing., vol. vi., p. 224.) In another case the black husks appeared in the stools after the use of laxatives on the second day. In several other cases adduced by M. BOUCHER, fragments of the fruit were vomited on the second day, and passed by stool on the third, although actively treated from the commencement. But this can occur only when the fruit has been taken accidentally or by mis-fections, continue several days, or even weeks. take; but all cases of poisoning by belladonna 544. D. The appearances after death have not are not of this kind. Even the administration been observed in many instances. In a case of preparations of this plant for medicinal pur- described by GMELIN, the subject of it died poses may be such as to occasion either dan- twelve hours after eating the berries. The gerous or fatal effects, especially in children; body was examined twelve hours after death, and the juices of it may be given with felonious and yet putrefaction had commenced, so that the intentions. They have been so employed, ei- abdomen was swollen, the scrotum and penis ther mixed in wine or in other fluids, in the distended with fetid serum, the skin covered commission of murder; and even to aid the with dark vesicles, and the brain soft. The commission of thefts or robberies; decoctions blood-vessels of the head were gorged, and the and infusions of various parts of the plant hav-blood everywhere fluid, and flowing profusely ing likewise been used for the same purposes, from the mouth, nose, and eyes. M. ROQUES as recorded in numerous works of the preced-describes somewhat similar changes to the ing two centuries. Dr. CHRISTISON remarks, that other species of atropa are probably similar in their properties to belladonna. WILMER quotes instances of frantic delirium having occurred among shepherds, as well as their cattle, from eating the Atropa mandragora, which was used by the ancients in medicine. 542. B. Atropia, the active principle of this plant, is not likely to be employed as a poison. Given to the lower animals, it produced the same symptoms as the berries or the leaves. One tenth of a grain caused in the human subject dryness of the mouth, constriction of the throat, difficulty of swallowing, dilatation of the pupil, headache, and stupor. above, and states them to be usually found after poisoning by this plant, especially the swelling of the abdomen, livid spots on the surface, exudations of blood, or of a bloody froth from the mucous canals, especially the mouth and nostrils, and sudden and rapid putrefaction, preceded by general intumescence of the body. When the berries, husks, or seeds have not been vomited or passed by stool, they are sometimes found in the alimentary canal, and furnish evidence of the nature of the case; when they have been evacuated, and are detected in the discharges, they assist the diagnosis, which is seldom difficult when any part of this plant has been eaten accidentally, or otherwise administered. (See M. RoQUES, Phytographie Médicale, t. i., p. 229, et seq.) 545. E. Treatment-The speedy and complete evacuation of the poison from the stomach, by means of an emetic of zinc, to which capsicum may be added, in order to arouse the paralyzed organ, should be first attempted, especially when the fruit has been eaten. In these cases the stomach-pump ought not to be confided in alone, although it may be required in aid of the emetic, the free operation of which should be duly promoted. The older writers strongly ad 543. C. Diagnosis.-Whatever part or preparation of this plant may have been taken into the stomach, or otherwise administered, dilatation of the pupil is always observed if the dose is poisonous. This symptom precedes the delirium, the character of which is peculiar and diagnostic, especially when viewed in connexion with the state of the pupil, and the dryness, soreness, or constriction of the throat. The delirium is generally gay, extravagant, pleasing, talkative, more rarely furious. It is sometimes attended by uncontrollable laughter, and occasionally by loss of voice. Vision is ob-vised recourse to vinegar, and either it or othscure, the iris is insensible to light, and the eyeball sometimes red and prominent. A state resembling somnambulism has, in rare cases, been observed. The sopor or lethargy produced in the more severe cases generally does not appear for a considerable time after the poison has been taken. Giddiness first occurs, and is followed by the delirium, which may continue for several hours before sopor takes place; but in some instances the sopor has occurred more early, and has been followed by delirium. Occasionally, even in the same case, the delirium, 29 III. er vegetable acids will prove serviceable after the poison has been evacuated. The cold affusion on the head and neck is indicated for the removal of the delirium or sopor; but it should not be continued too long at a time. In some cases tepid affusion may be substituted for the cold. Dr. PEREIRA suggests the administration of nut-galls or green tea. I found full doses of camphor and chloric ether successful in a case in which the inspissated juice, administered by the rectum, proved nearly fatal, tepid affusions having been also administered. urgent, and the mat 546. ii. CanthaRIDES—Cantharis Vesicatoria | tition is often accompanied with a dread of flu-the Blister Beetle or Spanish Fly-Cantharidinids, although the thirst -Vesicatorin.-Cantharides may be poisonous ters vomited consist chiefly of mucus, or flakes of lymph streaked with blood. The priapism is painful and constant, the genital organs being swollen and inflamed. In some instances maniacal delirium, tetanic convulsions, and coma supervene, and terminate life; in others the delirium is less marked, giddiness, faintings, sinking of the pulse and vital powers, and other symptoms of gangrene consequent upon acute inflammation, being present. Death is more immediately produced either by the inflammation and consequent gangrene of the ali gans, or partially of both, or, if the patient live somewhat longer, by the intensity of the nervous symptoms. in any of the forms in which they are employed in medicine—in that of powder, or of tincture, of vinegar, of cerate, ointment, or plaster. Applied topically, they excite the nerves of the part, and irritate and inflame the capillaries, occasioning first a sense of heat, followed by pain, redness, and slight swelling. They are readily absorbed into the circulation, or their active principle, Cantharidin; and, in addition to their local action, they produce very energetic effects upon the vascular and nervous systems, especially on the spinal cord, and upon the urino-mentary canal, or of the genital and urinary orgenital organs.-A. Their local action is irritant and inflammatory; their remote operation is alterative, exciting, irritating, and inflaming, according to the amount and repetitions of the dose; their primary influence being exerted on the nervous systems, their secondary, or consecutive operation, being produced chiefly through the medium of the blood. They are eliminated by the kidneys, on which, and on the urinary bladder and passages, they produce the effects just described. They are thus closely allied in action to several substances comprised under the class of acrid and corrosive poisons, on the one hand, and to many of those belonging to the excitant and irritating classes on the other. The local action of cantharides is nearly the same wherever they are applied, and their remote effects are also the same, whether they are taken into the stomach or applied to the skin denuded of its cuticle, or to a wound, or thrown into a vein. They have destroyed life when taken as an aphrodisiac, or to produce abortion, or accidentally. They are very rarely employed to produce murder or suicide. 548. b. The duration of the symptoms depends upon the susceptibility of the individual to the action of cantharides, upon the preparation of it administered, and upon the treatment. The tincture is followed by a more immediate effect than the powder. Even in fatal cases death seldom takes place before three or four days, and it may not occur until after two or three weeks, from the consequence of the inflammation produced in the alimentary canal, or in the urinary passages, or even in the brain, or spinal cord, or their membranes. Sometimes the nervous symptoms do not appear until several days after the ingestion of the poison. The quantity which may be considered sufficient to destroy life depends upon the nature and strength of the preparation. ORFILA has seen twenty-four grains of the powder prove fatal; but as abortion was first produced, it is probable that this circumstance not only accelerated, but also aided this result, which occurred on the fourth day. The smallest quantity of the tincture which has caused death is one ounce, the individual having lived fourteen days. But, while smaller quantities may occasion dangerous or even fatal results, much larger may fail of producing very serious effects, the circumstances so frequently referred to remarkably affecting the issue. Instances have occurred of blistering plaster having been swallowed by mistake. In one case, half an ounce of the plaster, containing two drachms of the powder, was taken, and death occurred in twenty-four hours (Edin. Med. and Surg. Journ., Oct., 1844), the shortest period in which cantharides have been fatal. 547. B. Symptoms.-a. These vary with the mode of exhibiting this poison and the quantity of it administered. When it is taken in large or repeated doses, or to an amount sufficient to produce a sub-acute form of poisoning, heat and pain in the throat, stomach, and intestines are experienced. To these are soon added thirst and pain in the loins, extending along the ureters to the bladder, with a burning sensation in this viscus, a frequent desire to evacuate the urine, which is passed frequently, in small quantity, with difficulty, and sometimes more or less tinged with blood. The pulse is frequent and hard, the skin hot, and the respiration quickened. The nervous system is somewhat excited, painful priapism, with or without satyria- 549. c. The application of cantharides to the sis, being also present. In still larger quantity skin as a vesicant, or external irritant, being the effects are more acute. A violent burning very generally adopted, is in many cases prois felt in the throat, gullet, and stomach, with ductive of fatal consequences, owing to the sepain and tenderness in the epigastrium, extend- verity of the local alterations, to the intensity ing over the abdomen, with sickness and vom- of the inflammation and sphacelation they someitings. To these are added extreme thirst, and times occasion, and to the spreading of these pain in the loins and bladder; dryness and heat effects, and, more rarely, to their influence upon of the mouth, sometimes with fetor or with the urinary organs and nervous system. The ptyalism; and incessant desire to void urine, the mischief thus produced occurs chiefly in infants attempts to evacuate it being attended by ex- or young children of a cachectic habit of body, cruciating pain, and nothing but drops of blood or in those with either a deficiency or an exuor of bloody urine being passed, and excessive berance of blood, or when the application is too tenderness of the whole abdomen. The heat long continued, or is followed by injudicious and constriction of the throat increase, and are topical dressings. It is most likely to occur attended by distressing difficulty of deglutition. when the blister is applied on children infected Violent griping pains of the bowels, with purg-with the more adynamic or malignant forms of ing or with tenesmus, bloody stools, &c., are the exanthemata, especially measles and scargenerally experienced. The difficulty of deglu- let fever and is allowed to remair too long upon the part, or after redness is produced. The admission of the air to the denuded surface, and the application of rancid ointments as dressings, are also often concerned in producing these serious local effects. ceptible; therefore a bland farinaceous or vegetable diet should be adopted, and continued for some considerable time, and flannel worn nearest the skin. 553. iii. CHLORINE AND THE CHLORIDES.-A. 550. C. Appearances on Dissection. In the Chlorine gas produces violent spasm of the glotacute cases, and when death has taken place tis if it be inspired in a pure state.--a. Mixed after a few days, the mouth, œsophagus, stom- with air it causes a sense of tightness of the ach, and small and large intestines, as well as chest, of suffocation and violent cough, owing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and genital orto the irritation of the bronchi and spasm progans, have been found inflamed, and even, induced by it—a state of artificial asthma. [Chlorare instances, sphacelated in parts. In an in-rine is apt to produce severe pain in the back stance where an ounce of the tincture had been part of the head, and a powerfully depressing taken, and death did not occur until the four- effect upon the circulatory system, as we have teenth day, the villous coat of the stomach was repeatedly witnessed.] This effect, if not exnot inflamed, but it was pulpy and easily de- cessive, generally passes off with increased mutached; but the kidneys were inflamed. In the cous expectoration. When much more diluted most rapidly fatal cases the powder may be de- with air, it occasions a sensation of warmth in tected adhering to the villous coat of the stom- the chest, and promotes expectoration. As a ach. In more prolonged cases, congestion or principal fumigating and disinfecting agent, it increased vascularity of the brain, cerebellum, is liable to produce injurious effects, when air spinal cord, and their membranes have been too strongly impregnated with it is breathed; observed. Ulceration of the bladder in some but it is chiefly in manufactories that it is most instances, and even' sphacelation of the geni-likely to be hurtful, although the irritating eftals, have been mentioned. fects of chlorine are less powerful on those ac sphere of chlorine, where he himself cannot remain above a few minutes. The chief effects produced by inhaling this gas by the workmen are more or less emaciation from the absorption of fat, acidity and disorder of stomach, which are usually corrected by chalk. . 551. D. Treatment.-Cantharides are produc- customed to inhale it. Dr. CHRISTISON was told tive of severe irritation passing into acute or by a chemical manufacturer in Belfast, that his sub-acute inflammation, according to the quan-workmen can work with impunity in an atmotity administered; and their absorption is followed by inflammation of the urinary organs, and by excitement, and sometimes by inflammatory irritation of the nervous centres. The indications of treatment are hence obviously, 1st. To remove the poison by emetics, and by encouraging vomiting; and, 2d. To allay the 554. b. When diluted with air, or aqueous inflammatory action in these parts. When the vapour of 116° F., and applied to the external sufferer is seen sufficiently early, and vomiting surface, it produces' peculiar sensations similar has not commenced, ipecacuanha should be giv- to the stinging of insects, accompanied with en in copious emollient and demulcent draughts, copious perspiration and determination of blood and its operation promoted by tickling the fau- to the skin, and sometimes followed by an erupces, by the tepid infusion of chamomile, &c. tion of minute papulæ. In a pure form, its acThe inflammatory symptoms require general tion on the skin is similar, but more energetic. and local blood-letting; but if there be reason A repeated or prolonged application of the gas to infer that any of the poison still remains on to the skin is followed by soreness of the gums the stomach, the discharge of it should be pro- and mouth, or fauces, occasionally by slight ulcured or attempted previously to resorting to ceration, and generally by a more abundant as depletions, lest absorption be promoted. When well as altered state of the salivary and biliary blood-letting is prescribed, it should be employ-secretions. Mr. WALLACE believed that it traned in a decided manner, and aided by demulcents containing small or moderate doses of camphor and nitre, with opium, henbane, &c. Emollient injections into the large bowels and into the bladder, and warm baths, hip-baths, fomentations, &c., are always beneficial. Oil was once supposed to be an antidote to cantharides; but there is no known antidote to this poison; and oil is now ascertained rather to aggravate than to alleviate the symptoms, by dissolving the active principle of cantharides. 552. Poisoning by the external application of cantharides requires the same treatment as now advised. In these cases, the urinary organs are generally more affected than the digestive canal, and diluents, demulcents, opium with camphor, are chiefly required, unless in the more severe cases, when blood-letting is necessary. But these cases generally soon recover, unless the poison be applied to a very large surface or to a recent wound; and in these the protection of the surface from the air and full doses of opium are requisite. During recovery the digestive and urinary organs long remain irritable, and the nervous system sus quillizes while it excites nervous power; and Professor ALBERS, that it is stimulating locally, and antiphlogistic remotely. Many years ago, I examined its operation with Mr. WALLACE in London (in 1823), and subsequently in Dublin (in 1834), and inferred that it is locally irritant or stimulating, according to the amount of dilution, and remotely alterative as regarded nervous power and glandular action. Whether inhaled or applied to the external surface, it is absorbed, as shown and ascertained by Mr. WALLACE and myself, by the state of the urine. 555. c. Treatment. It is chiefly owing to its accidental, inhalation in too strong a state of dilution that injurious effects have arisen from this gas. The inhalation of the vapour of warm water, of the spirit of wine, or of ether, has been recommended for the removal of the effects of chlorine; but Dr. PEREIRA states, that he has tried these when suffering himself, without the least benefit. In a case related by KASTNER, Sulphureted hydrogen was said to have afforded great relief; but this agent should be used with great caution, as it is itself a pow❘erful poison. 556. B. Chlorate of Potash was supposed to be an active stimulant and antiseptic, and, in large doses, an irritant poison. I have frequently employed it since 1816, both in public and private practice, especially in the more malignant states of disease, as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and tonic; but I have been much disappointed in its effects, which I have not found such as I expected, or by any means certain. It, however, diminishes the fœtor of the excretions, even those from the skin, as evinced in the putrid and adynamic states of fever, and it is absorbed into the circulation, from which it is excreted chiefly by the kidneys; and it may be detected unchanged in the urine. have employed it in large doses without obtaining other effects than nausea and vomiting. It appears to be locally irritant, and remotely alterative and diuretic. ily manifested by irritable tempe. aments and dyspeptic persons. In these, and in other persons in larger doses, it occasions nausea, loss of appetite, cardialgia or heat of stomach, subsequently colicky pains, relaxation of the bowels, diarrhoea, salivation, diuresis, &c. If this substance, or any of its compounds, be still administered, these effects go on increasing, and are attended by soreness of the mouth, severe colic with diarrhea, emaciation, rapid absorption of the fat surrounding the mammary glands in females; headache, vertigo, sometimes drow siness or stupor. When iodine is taken in smaller doses, so as not to cause injurious irIritation, it acts as a tonic and alterative, and improves both the strength and flesh. But, if too long persisted in, several of the above effects afterward appear. 559. b. In larger or more frequently repeated 557. C. The chlorides and the hypochlorides of doses, the effects are more severe, and amount soda and lime produce effects much resembling to what have been designated iodism. These those caused by chlorine; but these vary re- are generally severe vomiting and purging, colmarkably with the degrees of dilution. In con- icky pains, thirst, and fever; a frequent, small centrated states they are caustic and irritant; pulse, sometimes a dry cough; cramps of the in states of dilution, irritant or stimulant, an- extremities; rapid emaciation, with occasiontiseptic and alterative. I employed these sub- ally a darker hue of the skin and hair, especially stances largely in practice, especially public if the iodine has been taken for a long period.. practice, when they were first discovered, and In some instances wasting of the mamma or found them useful in dysentery and malig- testes, and most of the symptoms of chronic nant forms of disease; the secretions and ex-gastro-enteritis. It is rare, however, to meet cretions in which they remarkably corrected with instances of these effects from iodine, unand improved, while they appeared, particularly less it have been given in a most imprudent when aided by appropriate medicines, to sup- manner, or too long persisted in, and even then port the powers of life. I am, however, unac-something should be imputed to idiosyncrasy. quainted with injury from the administration of them. When taken in excessive doses they are most likely to occasion gastro-enteric irritation, for which albuminous fluids, the whites of eggs, milk, and oleaginous or mucilaginous diluents are the most suitable remedies. If these salts have been taken in very large quantity, emetics or the stomach-pump may be required; and, after they have been evacuated by these means, these fluids should be abundantly exhibited. Acids must be avoided, lest they should disengage chlorinic gas in the stomach (PEREIRA). 558. iv. IODINE, THE COMPOUNDS OF.-The corrosive action of pure iodine, and of strong solutions, or rather tinctures of it, has been already considered (§ 179, et seq.). It remains only to notice the locally irritant and remotely alterative injurious effects of the compounds of this substance, or of small doses of it, when either too long employed, or given in such forms as produce slow or chronic poisoning. The preparations most likely to produce these effects are the tinctures and the iodides, as the iodide of potassium, or the iodureted iodide, the iodide of sulphur, and the iodide of iron. In some constitutions, any of the preparations of iodine occasion, even before a few doses of either are taken, and although the doses are very small, remarkably depressing effects, and generally without any signs of local irritation. I have met with several instances of this very unusual and severe effect of these preparations in practice, and in three of these, the preparations of colchicum were also injurious in very small doses. In general, iodine is not hurtful unless the dose is considerable, or be repeated too frequently, or its use too long continued. a. The irritating operation of iodine is most read 560. c. In still larger doses the symptoms either approach, or are identical with, those attending the corrosive form of poisoning by iodine (§ 182). When iodinic preparations have either been long continued, or often repeated, especially in large doses, so as to produce not merely an irritant operation, but also a constitutional change-a marked alterative effect, various contingent phenomena, of a more or less severe character, referable either to the nervous system or to the heart and lungs, are apt to appear, especially stupor, tremours, vertigo, faintness, irregularity of the pulse, alarming sinking, shortness of breathing, restlessness, and even death. In these cases the system may be viewed as saturated with the iodine, notwithstanding that the kidneys have been eliminating it from the circulation, as proved by its presence in considerable quantity in the urine; for it has been detected in the viscera and tissues in such circumstances, and even several days after the administration of iodine had been relinquished. The appearances in fatal cases have been already described (ý 183). 561. d. The treatment of the more chronic or acro-alterative form of poisoning by any of the preparations of iodine, consists in the removal of gastro-enteric irritation by local depletions and counter-irritation. Demulcent and mucilaginous substances should be given with the preparations of opium or of poppy; and starch or emollient enemata, with sirup of poppies or the tinctura opii composita, should be thrown up from time to time. Warm baths are generally useful. The diet should be chiefly farinaceous or amylaceous, with or without milk; and during convalescence, the regimen and diet recommended for gastro-enteritis and the more inflam. | matory states of indigestion ought to be adopted. though, when very much diluted, they, as well as the chlorides, diminish both irritation and vascularity in the surfaces to which they are applied. 566. b. The consecutive and remote operation of mercurials vary with the preparation and the modes of employing it. When taken internally in small doses, they promote all the ab the biliary and pancreatic secretions. If the doses be repeated, these effects are not only increased, but others are also added; the mucous surfaces and skin manifest an augmented exhalation, the gums become red and tender, the urinary secretion is increased, and the catamenia promoted; absorption proceeds more rapidly, the pulse becomes somewhat accelerated, and the strength slightly impaired. The repe 562. v. MERCURY, THE PREPARATIONS OF. — The poisonous operation of the bi-chloride has been already considered (§ 215). But life may be destroyed or put in jeopardy by an excessive or prolonged recourse to any of the preparations of this metal.-A. Fluid mercury is inert when swallowed as long as it retains its pure metallic state; but it may be slightly oxydized in the alimentary canal, and thus acquire activ-dominal secretions and excretions, especially ity, especially if it be long retained in the bowels. Many years ago it was the fashion to swallow fluid mercury, and, more recently, large quantities of it were often given in order to remove obstructions. It rarely, however, produced unpleasant effects from having become oxydized. ZWINGER states, that four ounces occasioned profuse salivation four days after swallowing it; and LABORDE records the case of a man who retained seven ounces for four-tition or number of the doses, as well as the teen days, and was attacked with profuse sali- amount of each required to produce these chanvation, ulceration of the mouth, and paralysis ges, vary with the constitution and idiosyncraof the extremities. I was lately called to a sy of the individual, and the amount of action man who had taken, some time previously, sev-upon the bowels. If the mercurial be continuen pounds' weight of fluid mercury with a suicidal intention. His medical attendant informed me that it produced a painful sense of weight and constriction in the abdomen, the body having been bent forward; but it caused no farther disorder, and continued to pass off at intervals for some days. ed longer, or after these effects commence, or if the doses be larger than are necessary to produce them, the redness and tenderness of the gums pass into swelling; the tongue, which was at first broad and soft at its edges, becomes flabby and swollen; a coppery taste is perceived in the mouth, which, with the gums, is sore and tender; salivation, more or less profuse, supervenes; the salivary glands are tender and swollen, the teeth are loosened, the breath betrays a peculiar odour and fetidity; the pulse is now more accelerated, the strength much 563. It was not unusual, during the last and preceding centuries, to wear belts with fluid mercury around the body for months, or even years; but the practice was not always devoid of harm; for, in some cases, profuse salivation, and other specific effects of this metal, appear-impaired, and emaciation more rapid as the saled either suddenly or with great severity. very rarely required either for this or any other distemper. During salivation, the urine, according to Dr. PEREIRA, does not contain a trace of albumen. The mercurial action alters the secretion of the salivary glands, and causes it to approach more nearly the fluids exhaled from inflamed serous membranes. ivation proceeds and increases; the quantity 564. B. The injurious effects of mercurial va- of saliva discharged sometimes amounting to pours have been shown in the article on ARTS several pints in the twenty-four hours. Such AND EMPLOYMENTS, as causing Disease (§ 24, et may be said to be the first stage of chronic poiseq.); and the tremor mercurialis, with the sev-soning by mercurials, as frequently produced eral cachectic and cerebral symptoms associated formerly for the purpose of curing certain diswith it, is there described. This form of shak-eases, especially the venereal disease; but now ing palsy-tremblement mercuriel-is chiefly met with in workmen whose employments subject them to mercurial vapours. If the emanations still continue to operate, in any circumstance of their evolution, various cachectic symptoms, vertigo, loss of memory, imperfect and unsteady action of the muscles, slight atonic convulsions, and even delirium, epilepsy or apoplexy, terminating in death, are the not infrequent results. Salivation, ulceration of the mouth and gums, hæmorrhages, and emacia-na appear after a more or less liberal recourse tion are frequently also produced by mercurial vapours. In 1810, the Triumph man-of-war, and a small vessel, received on board several tons of quicksilver at Cadiz. Owing to the rotting of the bags the mercury escaped, and the whole of the crews became more or less affected. In the course of three weeks 200 men were salivated, and two died. All the lower animals in the vessels-cats, dogs, sheep, fowls, rats, mice, and cockroaches-were destroyed. 565. C. The mercurial compounds are all injurious, not excepting even the sulphurets, when taken in excessive quantities, or when their use, even in small doses, is very long continued.a. The local action of mercurials is irritant and alterant; but the bi-chloride and nitrates, in states of more or less concentration, pass beyond this state of action, and are, as shown above (§ 215, et seq.), caustic and corrosive, al 567. D. The first stage of poisoning by mercurials is generally such as now described; but occasionally other and more serious phenome to any of them, and assume the features of distinct maladies. An acquaintance with these contingent effects of the constitutional action of mercurials is of great importance to the practitioner. They are not so much owing, in most instances, to the preparation employed as to the idiosyncrasy, or the state of health of the individual; a scrofulous constitution, the venereal taint, and other causes favouring their occurrence. The maladies which may be ranked under the first stage of chronic poisoning by mercury are, first, what has been called mercurial disease-Morbus mercurialis, hydrargyrosis, cachexia mercurialis, &c., and which presents various forms or states; and, second, what has been named pseudo-syphilis, or cachexia syphiloidea, or what is supposed to be syphilis modified by the mercurial disease. 568. 1st. Mercurial disease may be viewed as |