tis_, or _Red Spirit of
Nitre_ (a straw-coloured fluid, of the consistence of water, and which
gives off dense white fumes on exposure to the air).--_Symptoms produced
in those who have swallowed it._ Much the same as in the case of
sulphuric acid. In this case, however, the surface touched by the acid
becomes _yellowish_. The tongue is mostly much swollen.--_Treatment_.
The same as for sulphuric acid.

2651. _Muriatic Acid, Spirit of Salt_ (a thin yellow fluid, emitting
dense white fumes on exposure to the air).--This is not often taken as a
poison. The _symptoms_ and _treatment_ are much the same as those of
_nitric acid_.

N.B.--_In no case of poisoning by these three acids should emetics ever
be given_.

2652. _Oxalic Acid_, commonly called _Salt of Lemons_.--This poison may
be taken by mistake for Epsom salts, which it is a good deal like. It
may be distinguished from them by its very acid taste and its shape,
which is that of needle-formed crystals, each of which, if put into a
drop of ink, will turn it to a reddish brown, whereas Epsom salts will
not change its colour at all. When a large dose of this poison has been
taken, death takes place very quickly indeed.--_Symptoms produced in
those who have swallowed it_. A hot, burning, acid taste is felt in the
act of swallowing, and vomiting of a _greenish-brown_ fluid is produced,
sooner or later, according to the quantity and strength of the poison
taken. There is great tenderness felt over the stomach, followed by
clammy perspirations and convulsions; the legs are often drawn up, and
there is generally stupor, from which the patient, however, can easily
be roused, and always great prostration of strength. The pulse is small
and weak, and the breathing faint.--_Treatment_. Chalk or magnesia, made
into a cream with water, should be given in large quantities, and
afterwards the emetic draught above prescribed, or some
mustard-and-water, if the draught cannot be got. The back part of the
throat to be tickled with a feather, to induce vomiting. Arrowroot,
gruel, and the like drinks, are to be taken. When the prostration of
strength is very great and the body cold, warmth is to be applied to it,
and a little brandy-and-water, or sal-volatile and water, given.

2653. _Prussic Acid_ (a thin, transparent, and colourless liquid, with a
peculiar smell, which greatly resembles that of bitter almonds).--_Symptoms
produced in those who have swallowed it_. These come on _imme