of nitrite of amyl; strychnine hypodermically.

_Fatal Dose._--When swallowed, from 1 to 2 ounces.

_Method of Extraction from the Stomach._--By distillation at 120 deg. F. The
vapour, as it passes along a glass tube, may be decomposed by heat into
chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and carbon--the first shown by setting free
iodine in iodide of starch, the second by reddening blue litmus-paper,
and the last by its deposit.

_Tests._--Taste, colour, weight; burns with a green flame; dissolves
camphor, guttapercha, and caoutchouc.

=Iodoform.=--Poisoning may result from its use in surgery. It produces
delirium, sleepiness, and coma. It may lead to mental weakness or optic
neuritis.

XXXV.--CHLORAL HYDRATE

It was formerly largely used as a hypnotic, and many fatal consequences
ensued. It is prepared from alcohol and chlorine.

_Symptoms._--Deep sleep, loss of muscular power, diminished or abolished
reflex action and sensibility, followed by loss of consciousness and
marked fall of temperature. Pulse may become quick, and face flushed or
livid and bloated. Prolonged use of this drug may produce a peculiar
eruption on the skin. Supposed to act in the blood by being decomposed
into chloroform and sodium formate. Its effects are due chiefly to
depression of the central nervous system, the medulla being the last
part of the nervous system to be attacked.

_Method of Extraction from the Stomach._--By distillation in strongly
alkaline solutions, when it may be obtained as chloroform and tested as
such.

_Treatment._--Stomach-tube or emetic. Hypodermic injections of
strychnine. Keep patient warm, and inject a pint of hot strong coffee
into the rectum. Nitrite of amyl and artificial respiration.

_Tests._--Heated with caustic potash, it yields chloroform and potassium
formate. The chloroform is readily recognized by its odour, and, if the
solution be concentrated, by separating as a heavy layer at the bottom
of the test-tube.

XXXVI.--PETROLEUM AND PARAFFIN-OIL

Cases of poisoning by petroleum and paraffin are common, and occur
chiefly in children.

=Petroleum= is a natural product, and is a mixture of the higher
saturated hydrocarbons. The crude petroleum is purified by distillation,
and is then free from colour, but retains its peculiar penetrating
odour. Different varieties are sold under the names of cymogene,
gasolene, naphtha, petrol, and benzoline. Benzoline is highly
inflammable, and is often ca