Should these effects not prove rapidly fatal, the pain will gradually become lessened, though attacks of colic and nausea may come on at intervals for several days. Often the secretion of urine is almost, or even quite, suppressed. After a time there are symptoms of hectic fever, with much depression. The gums and salivary glands also become swollen, there is a coppery taste in the mouth, the breath is very fœtid, and there is severe ptyalism or salivation. This latter effect is the most prominent feature in the _chronic_ form of poisoning, where small and frequently-repeated doses have been given: it often proceeds to such an extent as to cause death, when the patient would otherwise probably recover.
It must not be forgotten that salivation sometimes arises where no mercurial of any kind has been given. Thus arsenic, bismuth, lead, iodide of potassium, opium, &c., may induce it in some very peculiar constitutions. Small medicinal doses (as a few grains of calomel) may also excite it in certain susceptible individuals; and especially in persons suffering from renal disease. It may also occur spontaneously, as in stomatitis or inflammation of the mouth; and very troublesome examples of it may occur in pregnant women.
It is strange that neither in acute nor chronic mercurial poisoning do we observe any marked loss of muscular power. Yet workers in quicksilver (owing to the absorption of the fumes of mercury during respiration) are very apt to suffer from a peculiar kind of paralysis; which commences with inability to direct the hands and arms, and goes on to a shaking or trembling of all parts of the body.
_Post-mortem Appearances._—The appearances produced by corrosive sublimate are confined chiefly to the digestive canal. The mucous membrane of the mouth, fauces, and œsophagus is softened and of a whitish or bluish-grey color. The stomach also presents marks of violent inflammation; beneath the mucous membrane numerous patches of extravasated blood are seen, and frequently corrosion or ulceration has been found. The large and small intestines, the peritoneum, and especially the urinary organs, often appear inflamed. In many instances the bladder has been much contracted.