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.

  • Robert Eglesfeld Griffith
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.

    560/696 (page 554)
    ACID, BORACIC —ACID, CARBONIC. lamp flame; the facets of the crystals thus formed (on the cooler situations) will be seen in some places with the unassisted eye, but more distinctly by means of a four-power lens. ^ In solution : ammoniacal nitrate of silver produces a lemon-colored (arsenite of silver^ precipitate. Ammoniacal sulphate of copper throws down a fresh, grass- green {arsenite of copper) precipitate. Transmission of sulphuretted hydrogen produces a bright yellow (sesquisulphuret of arsenic) precipitate. Lime-water precipitates a white (arsenite of lime) powder; but this test is not one to bo relied upon. Placed with zinc, and diluted sulphuric acid, in Marsh’s apparatus, the arseniu- retted hydrogen thence arising, when lighted, will deposit metallic arsenic on a piece of glass held within the flame. \^Rcinsch’s Test. — Acidulate the suspected liquid with muriatic acid, and boil ^ copper wire or foil in it for ten minutes. The arsenic is deposited on the copper as a white alloy, from which it can be separated as arsenious acid, by subjecting the copper, cut into shreds, to a low red heat in the bottom of a small glass tube.] The precipitates referred to, if washed and dried, may be treated as directed above for arsenic in the dry or solid condition. In testing suspected matters obtained from the stomach, these (and, in cases of death, the stomach itself) must be cut or broken down, and boiled during, at least, three-quarters of an hour: if not sufficiently fluid, add distilled water. Strain, and with addition of a small quantity of potassa, again boil during a quarter of an hour, and filter. If this liquor manifests either alkaline or acid reaction, neutralize with potassa, or with acetic acid, as may be required j then acidulate it faintly with hydrochloric acid. Solution of nitrate of silver will remove the acid; and solution of muriate of soda will precipitate any excess of silver. The liquor may now be experimented on with the above tests. Treatment.—Abundant draughts of sweet milk, gruel, decoctions of starch, or oily mixtures; tickling the fauces, &c., to induce vomiting; the stomach-pump; emetics of sulphate of zinc. Hydrated sesquioxide of iron (newly prepared, v. process, p. 238,) in large doses is the only antidote of reliance. ' [Light magnesia may be used with advantage, until the hydrated peroxide of iron can be procured.] Afterwards combat any inflammatory symptoms by the usual means, and let the patient subsist, for a long time, wholly on the blandest diet. All arsenical poisons have much the same action, and similar means are to be used for their detection and for counteracting their effects. Acid, Boracio.—This is said to be very virulent; but no instances have been recorded of its fatal effects on man. Tests. — Not very soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, which, when inflamed, burns with a rich green color; soluble in the caustic alkalies. Acid, Carbonic.—This gas is freely liberated in respiration, combustion, and fermentation, as also in the calcination of lime; and is found in coal mines, wells, and cellars. Symptoms.—Great drowsiness, giddiness, difficulty of respiration, loss of muscular power and sensibility, and coma. The whole body, but especially the face, appears swollen and livid; eyes are unusually prominent, and retain their brilliancy for some lime. Tests.—It extinguishes a taper if the proportion be above twelve or fifteen per cent.; lime-water, or a solution of subacetate of lead, is precipitated white by it. Treatment.—Kemove the person into the open air, and elevate the head; dash cold water over him, apply stimulating frictions to the thorax and extremities, and use artificial inflation of the lungs; as soon as the patient can swallow, stimulants may be cautiously administered; but, if there are signs of oppression of the brain, venesection is to be performed.