A universal formulary containing the methods of preparing and administering officinal and other medicines / by R. Eglesfeld Griffith.

  • Robert Eglesfeld Griffith
Date:
1858
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

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

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    MORPHIA—PHOSPHORUS. an equal weight of well-dried carbonate of potassa, metallic globules of mercury will become visible. In solution : Ammonia throws down a white (ammonio-chloride of mercury) pre- cipitate. Solution of proto-chloride of tin affords a (calomel) precipitate, which, at first, is white, but acquires a leaden color on adding more of the test; when this precipitate (after being well agitated) is dried, minute globules of quicksilver are fftrmed. Transmission of sulphuretted hydrogen produces a (bisulphuret of mer- cury) precipitate, which at first is leaden-colored, then black. Solution of iodide of potassium afibrds an intensely brilliant scarlet (hiniodide of mercury) precipitate. Corrosive publimate may be reduced to the metallic state through galvanic influ- ence, applied as follows: A drop of the suspected fluid being laid on a piece of pol- ished gold, and both it and the gold touched at the same instant by a point of iron (as a thick needle, or the end of a penknife), a small silvery coating of mercury soon becomes apparent on the gold. Being freely soluble in sulphuric ether, addition of this fluid is of much service when the poison is found mingled with organic or other matters. The Bicyanide: When heated in a tube, cyanogen gas is evolved, which, when inflamed at the mouth, burns with a rose-red flame, with a blue halo. Calomel: Is sublimed by heat. When heated along with potassa, or lime-water, it assumes, at first, a black appearance, and then quicksilver globules are observed. The Biniodide: On cautious application of heat, it sublimes in red-colored crys- tals, which soon change to yellow, and subsequently to a dusky hue. On exposure to a sufficient degree of heat, iodine fumes are disengaged. When mixed witli potassa (in equal weights) and heated in a test-tube, decomposition occurs; metallic mercury being sublimed, and iodide of potassium deposited in the tube. Red Precipitate: Exposed to heat in a test-tube, metallic mercury is sublimed; evolution of oxygen being at the same time demonstrable. The Persulphate: Treated in the same manner as the foregoing, sublimation of the mercury takes place; and sulphurous acid gas is perceptibly evolved. ' Treatment.—If vomiting does not alrejidy exist, it must be produced by the ex- hibition of emetics. Various antidotes have been suggested for this poison. The best appears to be albumen of eggs in continuous large doses, and infusion of catechu afterwards; sweet milk; mixtures of flour with water (for the sake of the gluten) in successive cupfuls; iron filings; emetics of tartrate of antimony and potassa have been recommended, to combat ptyalism, when present; but to check excessive salivation, small doses of the chlorate of potassa appear to be the most successful. [The hydrated proto-sulphuret of iron has been proposed by Mialhe, and con- firmed by Orfila, who says, if it be taken immediately after the ingestion of the corrosive sublimate, it destroys completely the poisonous properties of the latter.] Morphia. See Vegetable Poisons. Opium. Nux Vomica. See Vegetable Poisons. Opium. See Vegetable Poisons. Phosphorus.—A corrosive poison. Symptoms are protracted in their appearance. A hot alliaceous taste in the jnouth; acrid burning sensation in the throat and stomach; nausea and vomiting. The vomited matters are of a dark color, and emit white fumes; pulse small and frequent; sometimes violent convulsions. Morbid Appearances.—A general inflammatory appearance of the stomach and intestines, with sphacelated spots in various parts. Tests.—The peculiarity of its odor; its highly inflammable property, when only moderately heated, and, when rubbed on the skin, its property of rendering the latter luminous in the dark. Treatment. — Mixture of magnesia and cold water, in repeated draughts. Pro-