1. It may be identified by boiling with black oxide of manganese;
chlorine being given off, which is known by its odor, color, and
bleaching properties.
2. When diluted, its presence is ascertained by nitrate of silver
causing a dense white precipitate (chloride of silver). The chloride is
distinguished from other salts of silver by (_a_,) its insolubility in
nitric acid, and in caustic potass; (_b_,) by its being soluble in
ammonia; (_c_,) by its melting and forming a horny mass when dried and
heated.
MIXED ACIDS.—These acids being used for commercial purposes when
mixed—_the nitro-muriatic_ (aqua regia) to dissolve gold, and the
_nitro-sulphuric_ (aqua reginæ) to dissolve silver—might occasion their
being employed as poisons. _Sulphate of indigo_, which consists of a
solution of indigo in strong sulphuric acid, has proved fatal in cases
where it has been accidentally taken.
_Symptoms, Treatment, &c._—The _symptoms_ produced by the mineral acids
are much the same in all cases. There is violent, burning pain in the
mouth, œsophagus, and stomach, commencing _immediately_. The burning
is followed by retching and vomiting of a dark colored liquid with
shreds of mucus, and portions of the mucous membrane of the œsophagus
or stomach. The inside of the mouth is shrivelled and more or less
corroded unless the agent has been given in a spoon or otherwise passed
over the tongue to the back of the fauces. The outside of the lips and
mouth will probably present the stains characteristic of the acid used.
There is great thirst, difficulty of swallowing, and impeded
respiration. The bowels are confined; the urine scanty or suppressed.
Next succeeds great exhaustion, the pulse becomes quick and feeble, and
the skin gets cold and clammy. The countenance is anxious and expressive
of great suffering; death speedily occurs, the intellectual faculties
remaining clear to the last.
These acids may prove fatal without entering the stomach by causing
asphyxia, the chink of the glottis becoming closed by swelling of the
fauces, &c. They have sometimes been administered by the vagina, rectum,
&c., and been poured into the ear during sleep.
Where recovery takes place from their immediate effects there is always
fear of death resulting at the end of one or two years from stricture of
the œsophagus, and even at an earlier period, unless proper treatment
is adopted. Occasionally one of the secondary effects of sulphuric acid
has been profuse salivation.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account