Nitrate of Potassium (Nitre, Saltpetre)—Bitartrate of Potassium (Cream of Tartar)—Alum (Double Sulphate of Alumina and Potassium)—Chlorides of Lime, Sodium, and Potassium.—All these are irritant drugs, and give the usual symptoms.
XVII.—CHLORATE OF POTASSIUM, ETC.
Chlorate of Potassium produces irritation of stomach and bowels; hæmaturia; melæna; cyanosis, weakness, delirium, and coma.
Post-Mortem.—Blood is chocolate-brown in colour, and so are all the internal organs; gastro-enteritis; nephritis.
Tests.—Spectroscope shows blood contains methæmoglobin; the drug discharges the colour of indigo in acid solution with SO2.
Treatment.—Transfusion of blood or saline fluid; stimulants.
Sulphuret of Potassium (liver of sulphur) occurs in mass or powder of a dirty green colour; has a strong smell of sulphuretted hydrogen.
Symptoms.—Of acute irritant poisoning, with stupor or convulsions. Excreta smell of sulphuretted hydrogen.
Post-Mortem Appearances.—Stomach and duodenum reddened, with deposits of sulphur. Lungs congested.