22.- Hydrate of Chloral.
Many cases of fatal poisoning have been recorded. This fact need scarcely excite surprise when we remember the extensive adoption of this fashionable drug, and the large doses often taken.
The toxic effects upon the functions are in this order-the cerebral, the voluntary muscular, the respiratory, the heart; and it is only when given in doses sufficiently large to induce a depressing effect upon the heart that any threatening or fatal result is to be feared.
SYMPTOMS.- Faintness, gasping for breath, pulse rapid, weak, irregular in both force and rhythm; heart acts regularly, but with increased frequency and diminished force, jactitation of the limbs, intolerable sense of sinking and oppression at the pit of the stomach, confusion of thought. Later on, imperceptible pulse; suffocative dyspnoea; regular, feeble, intensely rapid heart; urgent thirst, utter prostration of muscular strength; extended limbs; low head; wandering mind.
TREATMENT.- Strychnia is likely to prove an antidote. Fresh air should be freely admitted into the room; the white of eggs given, with a moderate amount of alcoholic stimulant; warmth applied to the extremities and over the cardiac region. A pint of strong coffee should be injected into the rectum.
23.- Deadly Nightshade-Belladonna (Atropa Belladonna).
The poisonous berries of the plant are often gathered and eaten by children, or even cooked the in tarts; the root and leaves are also poisonous. Cases have been reported in which the external use of Belladonna, as in plasters or liniments, has produced the characteristic symptoms of poisoning.
SYMPTOMS.- Dilatation of the pupils, indistinct vision, flushed face, a wild from of delirium, Vertigo, Convulsions, an unsteady gait, an eruption on the skin resembling that of Scarlet-Fever, and then constriction of the fauces and other symptoms follow. Death takes place by Coma. During the early symptoms, a cursory examination of such cases might suggest the idea of commencing Mania.
TREATMENT.- Same as for Aconite. After and emetic, Lime-water, magnesia and water, strong tea or coffee. Opi. is believed to be a direct antidote to Belladonna Doses from three of five or more drops of the pure tincture, noting its effect on the dilated pupil. Opi. and Belladonna produce antagonistic effects. Brandy and other stimulants are also recommended. Apomorphine may be given as an emetic.
24.- Laburnum.
All parts of Cystisus of Laburnum are poisonous, but it is the seeds that usually give rise to accidents, being eaten by children.
SYMPTOMS.- Come on rapidly; vomiting, purging, coma and convulsions.
TREATMENT.- Emetic or stomach-pump; stimulants in moderation; hot strong coffee; alternate hot and cold douche to head and chest.
25.- Gelseminum (Yellow Jessamine).
All the cases of poisoning by this plant have occurred from administration of over-doses.
SYMPTOMS.- These are generally double vision, falling tot he upper eyelids, dimness of sight, staggering gait, paralysis of some parts of the muscular system, blunted sensation in arms and hands, dilatation of the pupils, frothing at the mouth, relaxation of all the muscles, and feebleness of the heart’s action with scarcely perceptible pulse preceding death.
TREATMENT.- The prompt application of the galvanic current speedily relieves. Mustard-and-water, Cayenne pepper, Ammonia, and brandy are of great benefit. If the surface become cold, warm baths, frictions, and hot bricks to the feet are advisable. The danger is soon passed under proper treatment.
26.- Nutmeg.
Taken to procure abortion; sometimes to put off the menstrual pain.
SYMPTOMS.- Giddiness, drowsiness, hallucinations; vomiting and coma.
TREATMENT.- Coffee and stimulants.
27.- Paraffin Oil.
This is generally taken in mistake for something else.
SYMPTOMS.- Collapse, burning in gullet and stomach, thirst, restlessness, coma.
TREATMENT.- Stomach-pump or emetic; warmth to extremities.
28.- Prussic Acid (Acidum Hydrocyanicum).
One of the most rapidly fatal poisons known; in a large dose it acts almost immediately.
The volatile oil of bitter almonds, cherry-laurel water (Aqua Laurocerasi), and noyau, contain Ac.-Hydrocy. They also contain the Cyanide of Potassium-a white salt used in photography-and a deadly poison, yielding Ac. Hydrocy. directly it touches water. For this a solution of Sulphate of Iron has been found to be an efficient antidote.
SYMPTOMS.- As it is a direct sedative, it produces almost immediate insensibility, with or without convulsions, and without marked effect on any special organ. The scream or shriek usually heard in animals directly its effects begin, have not been noticed in man. Death occurs by paralysis of the muscles of respiration, the heart struggling to beat to the end. It is potent sedative to the brain and spinal cord, especially acting on the respiratory centres. The poison reaches these centres though the circulation, little more than a quarter of a minute being sufficient to diffuse it over the whole body.
On a post-mortem examination, the eyes have a remarkably bright, life-like appearance, and on first opening the abdomen the odour of the acid, which resembles that of bitter almonds, may be perceived; the blood is fluid, as after most sudden deaths, and the mucous membrane of the stomach is found in a rosy appearance.
TREATMENT.- It is exceedingly rare for a person to recover from a really dangerous dose; and the smallest fatal dose is said to have been 40 minims; but if present when it is taken we should immediately perform cold affusion by dashing the coldest water that can be procured over the face and head, and pouring it from a height from a jug on the back of the head, neck and spine; at the same time, Ammonia, in any form, should be administered; its acts physiologically counteracting the sedative effect of the poison; and as the heart is not paralyzed, if respiration can be restored, the patient may survive. When Ammonia is given by inhalation it should be with caution and is given by inhalation it should be with caution and is given by inhalation t should be with caution and intermission, lest returning respiration be impeded. Carbonate of Potash should also be administered. Artificial Respiration should never be neglected, whatever other remedies are tried, until the cessation of cardiac pulsations. A chemical antidote is moist Peroxide of Iron. Emetics are of no use, in consequence of the volatility of the poison, which is very quickly absorbed.
29. Monkshood Aconite (Aconitum).
This poison may be taken accidentally, as when the root is dug up and eaten by mistake for house radish: it differs, however, by being a smaller root, sooner breaking up into fires, and being externally of a brownish colour.
SYMPTOMS. The first effects usually come on within half an hour after taking the poison, and are numbness and tingling in the lips, mouth, and fauces; tingling and loss of all proper sensation soon extend to the limbs and body generally, for Aconite and its alkaloid, Aconitine, are sedatives to the nerves of sensation; then constriction of the throat comes on, with difficult and hurried breathing vomiting, purging, dimness of sight, dilated pupils, livid skin, and cold extremities.
TREATMENT. In all cases of poisoning by Aconite, and most other vegetables, the stomach is to be first cleared out by an emetic, and then castor oil or other purgative given to clear the intestines. Subsequent treatment must be regulated by the symptoms, and should include coffee as an narcotic, and stimulants. Dilute brandy may be injected into the rectum. According to Fothergill in the advanced stage of Aconite poisoning, Digitalis restores the heart’s action.
30. Foxglove Digitalis (Digitalis)
Poisoning is most likely to arise from too long persistence in the use of this drug, under allopathic medication.
SYMPTOMS. Faintings; irregular, intermitting, or slow and feeble pulse; nausea, headache, vomiting etc.; great depression.
TREATMENT. SImilar to Aconite. If a large dose have been swallowed, an emetic should be speedily given, and in any case the patient must be kept perfectly horizontal, and wine or brandy given him. Galvanism, carefully employed, is probably useful in bad cases.
31. Tobacco.
SYMPTOMS. Fainting; choking; nausea, vomiting; Vertigo; heart failure with fluttering, feeble pulse; cold, clammy skin; extreme depression of the vital powers; delirium; convulsion.
TREATMENT. Strong coffee and brandy should be given; warmth and friction applied to the surface; and artificial respiration resorted to, if necessary.
32. Yew. (Taxus Baccata).
All parts poisonous, but berries mostly eaten, generally in mistake, by children; taken at times to produce abortion.
SYMPTOMS. Convulsions, insensibility, coma, dilated pupils, nausea and vomiting, collapse.
TREATMENT. Emetic of mustard, sulphate of zinc, or Apomorphine.
33. Nux Vomica Strychnia (Nux Vomica).
Next to Prussic Acid, Strychnia is the most energetic of ordinary poisons, except, perhaps, the of some venomous reptiles, like the Cobra. The sixteenth part of a grain has killed a child, half a grain an adult.
LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; LICENTIATE IN MIDWIFERY, LONDON AND EDINBURGH, ETC. PHYSICIAN TO THE READING AND BERKSHIRE HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY.
Author of "The Stepping Stone to Homeopathy and Health,"
"Manual of Homoeopathic Treatment". Editor of "The Homoeopathic World."