The sale of arsenic and its preparations to the public is properly hedged round with restrictions of all kinds. It is included in Part I. of the Poisons and Pharmacy Act (8 Edward VII., c. 55). No arsenic may be sold to a person under age, nor may it be sold unless mixed with soot or indigo in the proportion of 1 ounce of soot or 1/2 ounce of indigo at the least to every pound of arsenic.
Arseniuretted Hydrogen (arsine, AsH3) is an extremely poisonous gas, and is evolved in various chemical and manufacturing processes. When damp, Ferro-silicon evolves AsH3 and PH3, both very lethal gases. Ferrochrome is used in making steel, and it also evolves PH3, and in such extreme dilution as 0.02 per cent. may cause death.
XXII.—ANTIMONY AND ITS PREPARATIONS
Tartar Emetic (tartarized antimony, potassio-tartrate of antimony) occurs as a white powder, or in yellowish-white efflorescent crystals. Vinum antimoniale contains 2 grains to a fluid ounce of the wine.
Symptoms.—Metallic taste, rapidly followed by nausea, incessant vomiting, burning heat and pain in stomach, purging. Dysphagia, sense of constriction in throat, intense thirst, cramps, faintness, profound depression; in fatal cases, giddiness and tetanic spasms. In chronic poisoning, nausea, vomiting and purging, weak pulse, loss of appetite, debility, cold sweats, great prostration, progressive emaciation. The symptoms in chronic poisoning may simulate gastritis or enteritis. Externally applied, it produces an eruption not unlike that of smallpox.
Post-Mortem Appearances.—Inflammation, softening, and an aphthous condition of the throat, gullet, and stomach, the last reddened in patches. In chronic poisoning, inflammation also of cæcum and colon. Brain and lungs may be congested. Decomposition is hindered for long.
Treatment.—Promote vomiting by warm greasy water, or the stomach-tube may be used. Cinchona bark or any preparation containing tannin, as tea, decoction of oak bark, etc. Morphine to allay pain.
Fatal Dose.—In an adult 2 grains (same as arsenic).