admitted by the court for the purpose of refreshing the memory whilst
giving evidence. If the medical practitioner is in doubt on any point,
he should obtain technical assistance from someone who has paid
attention to the subject.

In a case of attempted suicide by poisoning, is it the duty of the
doctor to inform the police? He would be unwise to do so. He had much
better stick to his own business, and not act as an amateur detective.

VII.--TREATMENT OF POISONING

The modes of treatment may be ranged under three heads: (1) To eliminate
the poison; (2) to antagonize its action; (3) to avert the tendency to
death.

1. The first indication is met by the administration of emetics, to
produce vomiting, or by the application of the stomach-tube. The best
emetic is that which is at hand. If there is a choice, give apomorphine
hypodermically. The dose for an adult is 10 minims. It may be given in
the form of the injection of the Pharmacopoeia, or preferably as a
tablet dissolved in water. Apomorphine is not allied in physiological
action to morphine, and may be given in cases of narcotic poisoning.
Sulphate of zinc, salt-and-water, ipecacuanha, and mustard, are all
useful as emetics. Tickling the fauces with a feather may excite
vomiting.

In using the elastic stomach-tube, some fluid should be introduced into
the stomach before attempting to empty it, or a portion of the mucous
membrane may be sucked into the aperture. The tube should be examined to
see that it is not broken or cracked, as accidents have happened from
neglecting this precaution. The bowels and kidneys must also be
stimulated to activity, to help in the elimination of the poison.

2. The second indication is met by the administration of the appropriate
antidote. Antidotes are usually given hypodermically, or, if by mouth,
in the form of tablets. In the absence of a hypodermic syringe, the
remedy may be given by the rectum. In the selection of the appropriate
antidote, a knowledge of pharmacology is required, especially of the
physiological antagonism of drugs. Antidotes may act (1) chemically, by
forming harmless compounds, as lime in oxalic acid poisoning; (2)
physiologically, the drug which is administered neutralizing more or
less completely the poison which has been absorbed; (3) physically, as
charcoal. Every doctor should provide himself with an antidote case. The
various antidotes will be mentioned under their respective poisons.

3.