_Post-mortem Appearances._—Although the body may be relaxed at the time of death it usually quickly stiffens—frequently in the course of ten or fifteen minutes. The rigor mortis is persistent for some time: in the case of Cook, poisoned by Palmer, the rigidity of the body and limbs was said not to have passed off after two months’ interment. This is not however invariable, as a body may be flaccid or stiff after death from this cause as from any other. The hands are often clenched, and the soles of the feet arched and inverted. The membranes of the brain and of the upper part of the spinal cord are congested; and there is often considerable serous effusions under the spinal arachnoid. The lungs are generally loaded with dark fluid blood. The heart is usually contracted, but sometimes the right cavities are distended like the pulmonary vessels. The blood has been found black and liquid.
_Treatment._—Emetics are to be given at once, and repeated until very free vomiting is induced. If the tetanic spasms have not commenced, the stomach-pump ought to be used. Chloroform is to be given to relieve spasm and pain, but the patient should be disturbed as little as possible, as the least thing induces the tetanic attack. There is no very suitable antidote, but tannic acid, in the form of green or black tea, &c., might be given.
Iodine forms a crystallizable compound with strychnia. Dr. Bennett, of Sydney, has recorded an instance in which he attributed recovery to the employment of tincture of iodine. Hence from thirty minims to a drachm of this tincture combined with the iodide of potassium may be exhibited. In its absence, three or four ounces of animal charcoal, diffused through water, ought to be given.
To prevent the spasms by paralyzing the motor nerves, a solution of curare has been recommended by Dr. George Harley to be injected under the skin; or, if it could be obtained, the active principle of this substance, curarina, would perhaps be deserving of trial.
The patient is to be kept warm and quiet.
To separate strychnia from organic admixture the process modified from Stas, given in the beginning of this book, is the most useful.
_Tests._—Strychnia is a white crystalline solid, very insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol or chloroform or weak acids, and having an intensely bitter taste.