2. By constant application of the metal to the surface of the body, necessitated by certain processes in its manufacture and in its application for industrial purposes. M. Michel Levy, however, says in his work, Traité d‘Hygiène, Publique et Privée, that workmen in copper may pass green-coloured urine and yet be as robust and as long-lived as other workmen.
3. The use of certain preparations of this metal as pigment.
4. The use of German silver—an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel—may be rendered dangerous by the action of acid food upon the compound.
5. The use of a salt of copper to give a green fresh colour to certain tinned vegetables and fruits, peas, &c., now introduced into this country from France.
Post-mortem Appearances.—The mucous membrane of the stomach is inflamed, the inflammation extending sometimes into the gullet. The intestines may be found perforated. The lining membrane of the whole alimentary canal presents a deep green colour, distinguished from that the result of a morbid condition of the bile by being turned blue on the addition of ammonia.
Fatal Dose.—Nothing certain is known as to the exact quantity that may prove fatal, as the evidence of the poisonous action of copper is somewhat contradictory. It appears to be more dangerous in small doses than in large ones. Half an ounce of verdigris or subacetate has proved fatal to an adult.
Fatal Period.—The shortest time on record is four hours.
Treatment.—Induce vomiting, and assist the emetic action of the copper salts by the free use of warm water, milk, or any demulcent drink. The stomach tube may be used if vomiting does not occur. As an antidote, large quantities of albumen and iron filings have been given, of which the former appears to be most efficacious.
Chemical Analysis.—The following are the liquid tests for copper in solution:—
1. Ammonia gives a bluish-white precipitate soluble in excess, forming a blue solution.