SALTS OF THE METALS: ZINC--SILVER--TIN--BISMUTH--CHROME--IRON.
Two preparations of ZINC must be noticed:
SULPHATE OF ZINC (_White Vitriol_, _White Copperas_.)--This is a very
mild irritant, resembling in its appearance Epsom salts and oxalic acid.
It is very useful as an emetic in scruple or half-drachm doses,
dissolved in any thin fluid.
In one case an ounce was accidentally taken. Great pain in the stomach,
vomiting, and prostration, soon set in. Subsequently there was
gastritis, and recovery only occurred after a prolonged convalescence.
_Treatment._--Vomiting is to be encouraged by milk or albuminous fluids;
after which remedies containing tannin (strong tea, decoction of oak
bark, or tincture of Peruvian bark) are to be given.
CHLORIDE OF ZINC.--A solution of chloride of zinc forms a valuable
disinfectant, but is also a dangerous irritant, or, if sufficiently
strong, a corrosive poison. Sir William Burnett's Fluid consists of gr.
xxv of this salt to the drachm of water. It has been taken in mistake
for fluid magnesia, pale ale, &c., and has caused death.
_Symptoms._--A burning sensation in the mouth and throat is immediately
produced. This is followed by nausea, vomiting, and signs of collapse.
Death has occurred in less than four hours.
_Post-mortem Appearances._--The mucous membrane of the throat and
stomach has been found corrugated, hard, and leathery. In the case of a
sailor who died from about half a pint of Burnett's solution, the body
was livid, the neck swollen, the cerebral vessels were engorged, and the
lungs were congested. The mucous coat of the stomach was of a purple
red, and partially corroded, while the pyloric orifice looked as if
caustic had been applied to it. There were patches of congestion in
different parts of the small intestines.
_Treatment._--Albuminous drinks, followed by some preparation of tannin,
will be needed.
_Tests._--Zinc is distinguished from all other substances by giving a
white precipitate with sulphuretted hydrogen. The solution containing it
must not be too acid or no precipitate will be formed. Zinc also gives
white precipitates with ferrocyanide of potassium and ammonia.
NITRATE OF SILVER (_Lunar Caustic_).--This is a powerful irritant, and
has proved fatal in at least two instances. The antidote is common salt,
which must be given immediately, followed by emetics.
TIN.--The chlorides of tin being employed in dyeing, color-making, &c.,
may lead to their being used as poisons, or being taken accidentally.
Death from their use is rare. They are decomposed by magnesia, which
should therefore be freely administered, followed by albuminous and
mucilaginous drinks.
BISMUTH.--The nitrate or magistery of bismuth has caused death in nine
days, after a dose of two drachms. The symptoms were those of a strong
irritant, but in all probability were caused by some impurity in the
substance. Arsenic is frequently present in this way. As no antidote is
known, vomiting must be promoted and emollient drinks freely given.
CHROME.--The bichromate of potassium is found in the form of orange-red
crystals, which yield a yellow acid solution. It is used as a dye, and
has caused death in more than one instance. Emetics and magnesia or
chalk, must be the remedies employed.
It is well to know that this substance is apt to produce troublesome
sores on the hands of those engaged in its manufacture. Some slight
abrasion begins the lesion, which does not heal, but forms on its
surface a tough slough, which separating, leaves a foul ulcer with hard
edges, and most untractable, behind it.
SULPHATE OF IRON (_Green Vitriol_, _Copperas_).--Although not a powerful
irritant, sulphate of iron has proved fatal when taken in a large dose.
It is sometimes given to procure abortion. The _perchloride of iron_
has also produced alarming symptoms, after being taken for the same
purpose. Dr. Christison relates the case of a man who died in five weeks
from an ounce and a half of the tincture. Magnesia and diluents, freely
administered, must constitute the treatment.