_Treatment._—Magnesia must be administered in milk, together with the remedies recommended in poisoning by tartar emetic.
Of the preparations of mercury, corrosive sublimate is the most important to the toxicologist; for although they all possess in a greater or less degree poisonous properties, yet the instances in which the other compounds have been used to destroy life are extremely rare. The treatment in all cases must be the same. It is worthy of remark that mercury, whilst in the metallic state, is destitute of injurious properties, but if oxidized or otherwise rendered fit for absorption, it may give rise to dangerous symptoms. Thus, workers in mercurial mines suffer much, as did those who were employed in silvering looking-glasses by the old process. Large doses (from half a pound to two pounds) have been given in obstinate cases of constipation, intussusception, &c., without any remarkable effect.
CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE (_Oxymuriate of Mercury_, _Chloride of Mercury_, _Bichloride of Mercury_).—This preparation of Mercury, which, more strictly speaking, belongs, like the chlorides of zinc and antimony, to the class Corrosives, is usually met with in the form of imperfect crystalline masses, or as a white powder. It has an acrid, coppery taste, so powerful that but little could be swallowed without the individual becoming aware of it. It is very soluble in water. Three grains is the smallest quantity that has been known to prove fatal; and from this to five grains may probably be stated as the average dose necessary to destroy life. Recovery has taken place after as much as eighty grains had been swallowed. Death has occurred in less than half an hour; while, in some instances, life has been maintained until the sixth day, and in one instance (where between three and four scruples had been swallowed) until the twelfth day. It is probable that the average duration of fatal cases is from twenty-four to thirty-six hours.
_Symptoms._—In the majority of cases the symptoms commence immediately, with an acrid metallic taste, often described as coppery, and a sense of constriction and burning heat in the throat and stomach. The burning pain gradually extends over the abdomen, and is much increased by pressure. There is nausea, with vomiting of the contents of the stomach. These matters are sometimes mixed with blood and stringy masses of mucus. The sickness is accompanied by diarrhœa or dysentery, swelling of the abdomen, and increased pain. The countenance becomes flushed and often swollen, though it is occasionally pallid and anxious; the lips and tongue get white and shrivelled; there is frequently some dyspnœa, while the pulse is small, or wiry and frequent; and death is preceded by faintness, cramps, insensibility, or convulsions.