DOMESTIC READY REMEDIES FOR POISONING.
§ 914. Large households, more especially those in which no one possesses any special medical knowledge, would do well to furnish an ANTIDOTE CUPBOARD, for use in cases of emergency. This cupboard may contain:—
(1.) The Multiple Antidote, which consists of saturated solution of sulphate of iron 100 parts, water 800, magnesia 88, animal charcoal 44 parts. It is best to have the animal charcoal and magnesia mixed together in the dry state and kept in a well-corked bottle; when required for use, the saturated solution of sulphate of iron is mixed with eight times its bulk of water, and the mixture of charcoal and magnesia added with constant stirring. The multiple antidote may be given in wine-glassful doses, frequently repeated, in poisoning by arsenic, zinc, opium, digitalis, mercury, or strychnine; it is of no use in phosphorus poisoning, or in poisoning by the caustic alkalies or antimony.
(2.) Calcined Magnesia, for use in poisoning by acids.
(3.) French Turpentine, for poisoning by phosphorus.
(4.) Powdered ipecacuanha in a well-corked bottle; the bottle containing a small pill-box which is cut down, so that when full it contains 30 grains—the proper dose as an emetic. A similar small supply of sulphate of zinc may also be provided.
(5.) A tin of mustard.
(6.) A bottle of vinegar.
If, then, provided with such a supply, any member is known to have taken poison, and yet the precise poison is not known, give a sulphate of zinc or ipecacuanha emetic, and follow it up by the multiple antidote, which is in itself not poisonous.
If Phosphorus has been taken, then give the French turpentine as directed under Phosphorus ([p. 697]).
If Acids, neutralise by the calcined magnesia (see Acids, mineral, [p. 687]).
If Alkalies, neutralise with vinegar (see Alkalies, [p. 688]).