CAMPHOR
Camphor is a concrete vegetable oil obtained from Camphora officinarum (N.O. Lauraceæ). Its employment for the purpose of homicide is rare, but several cases of accidental poisoning from the use of the homœopathic solution have been recorded (British Medical Journal, 1873, vol. ii. p. 617).
The symptoms are—languor, giddiness, delirium, foaming at the mouth, vomiting of blood-tinged fluid, convulsions, gastric irritation, and great abdominal pain. In one case—that of a young lady aged twenty, who took twenty-five drops of “Epps‘ Concentrated Solution of Camphor” for a sore throat—all the above-mentioned symptoms were present; she was also unconscious for several hours, and partially paralysed for several days—perfect recovery from the nervous symptoms not taking place for more than six months.
The homœopathic solution (Rubini‘s) is stronger than that of the British Pharmacopœia in the proportion of 7.2 to 1. For its detection in organic fluids, it may be removed by chloroform; and from fixed oils, by distillation. Water precipitates it from its alcoholic solution.
Post-mortem Appearances.—Those produced by irritants.
Treatment.—Purgation and emetics, to empty the bowel and stomach.