Chapter IV: Metallic Irritants (3)

_Treatment._--The stomach should be washed out through the syphon tube. Venæsection may be useful, with subsequent transfusion of fresh blood. The nephritis and other symptoms must be treated generally.

_Post-mortem Appearances._--The mucous membrane of the stomach may be inflamed and submucous hæmorrhages may be found. The blood is chocolate in colour and gives the spectrum of methæmoglobin. The spleen is enlarged and chocolate-coloured, and the kidneys acutely inflamed.

_Chemical Analysis._--Chlorate of potash may be separated from organic material by dialysis.

1. If to a solution of the salt a few drops of indigo sulphate be added, and then a few drops of strong sulphuric acid, the indigo-blue is bleached.

2. If a small crystal of the chlorate be heated in a test tube with a drop of strong sulphuric acid, it explodes with detonation.

BARIUM

The chloride, nitrate, and carbonate of barium are all irritant poisons. But besides their irritant action, the salts of barium also appear to act on the nervous system and the heart, arresting its action in systole. The symptoms, post-mortem appearances, and treatment are the same as for the other irritant poisons. Sulphate of magnesia, or other soluble sulphate, should be given to form an insoluble sulphate of baryta. Sulphate of barium is also used like bismuth carbonate for radiography.

_Chemical Analysis._--Sulphuric acid or alkaline sulphate gives a white precipitate with solution of chloride of baryta, insoluble in nitric acid. The salts impart to flame a greenish-yellow colour. The chlorine is detected by nitrate of silver. Dissolve the carbonate in hydrochloric acid, and test as above.

CHROMIUM

Two compounds of this metal are largely used in the arts for dyeing purposes--the neutral chromate and the acid bichromate of potash. The bichromate of potash is a powerful poison, and death may occur from its direct action on the nervous system, without the development of any of the signs of irritation; in other cases, however, well-marked irritant symptoms have been present. Applied externally, it produces deep fistulous sores, especially on the mucous membrane of the septum of the nose, in the workmen who are engaged in its manufacture. These sores are prevented to some extent by taking snuff. Dyers not infrequently suffer severely on their arms when using it in the course of their trade. Death has resulted in _four hours_ after its administration.

_Chemical Analysis._--A solution of the bichromate of potash, added to a solution of acetate of lead, gives a yellow precipitate; with nitrate of silver, a red. The salt boiled with hydrochloric or sulphuric acid and alcohol, gives a green liquid.

_Treatment._--Emetics, magnesia, chalk, demulcent drinks, &c.