From organic liquids, the antimony may be obtained by boiling them with tartaric acid, filtering, and then applying the tests for antimony.
Treatment.—Milk, magnesia, and infusions containing tannin.
CHLORIDE OF ZINC
This substance is a powerful corrosive. It is employed as a disinfectant, and is sold to the public under the name of “Sir W. Burnett‘s Fluid.” This preparation, which is a strong solution of the chloride of zinc, has caused death by being mistaken for “fluid magnesia,” for “pale ale,” and in one case, on board one of the American steamers, for “mineral water.” Chloride of zinc is also used in the treatment of cancer and other tumours as an external application.
Symptoms.—The symptoms come on immediately after the poison is swallowed. Chloride of zinc acts as a powerful corrosive, accompanied with all the symptoms which have been before described when speaking under the head of corrosive poisons. The nervous system is also powerfully affected.
Post-mortem Appearances.—Those of corrosive poisoning in its most violent form. The mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines are often found hardened, white, opaque, and corrugated.
Chemical Analysis.—Ammonium sulphide gives a white precipitate, which is insoluble in caustic alkalies. Hydrogen sulphide gives a white precipitate in neutral solutions, but no precipitate when the free mineral acids are present. Potassium ferrocyanide gives a white precipitate. Test for chlorine with nitrate of silver.
Treatment.—White of eggs, emetics, followed by demulcent drinks.
CHLORIDES OF TIN
This metal requires but little notice; but the two chlorides—protochloride and the perchloride—form a mixture used in the arts, and known as Dyer‘s Mixture. They act as irritant poisons, but are seldom used as such.