The following list embraces only the more common poisons, together with such antidotes as are usually at hand, to be used until the physician arrives.
POISONS.
Acids.—Hydrochloric acid; muriatic acid (spirits of salt); nitric acid (aqua fortis); sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol).
Antidote.—An antidote should be given at once to neutralize the acid. Strong soapsuds is an efficient remedy, and can always be obtained. It should be followed by copious draughts of warm water or flaxseed tea. Chalk, magnesia, soda or saleratus (with water) or
lime-water, are the best remedies. When sulphuric acid has been taken, water should be given sparingly, because, when water unites with this acid, intense heat is produced.
Oxalic acid.
Antidote.—Oxalic acid resembles Epsom salts in appearance, and may easily be mistaken for it. The antidotes are magnesia, or chalk mixed with water.
Prussic Acid; oil of bitter almonds; laurel water; cyanide of potassium (used in electrotyping).
Antidote.—Cold douche to the spine. Chlorine water, or water of ammonia largely diluted, should be given, and the vapor arising from them may be inhaled.
Alkalies and their Salts.—Ammonia (hartshorn), liquor or water of ammonia. Potassa:—caustic potash, strong ley, carbonate of potassa (pearlash), nitrate of potassa (saltpetre).