Having ejected from the stomach all the poisonous matter we can by vomiting, and attempted to decompose what remains, we are to pursue such measures as may be calculated to prevent the absorption of the poison into the circulation; it has been already observed that on this account nauseating emetics should be avoided; the reader is now requested to refer to our _exposé_ of the celebrated doctrine of _Majendie_, (_page 86_, _note_) and he will see that _Venesection_ proves one of the most powerful means of exciting the function of absorption; hence in poisoning by arsenic, such an expedient should never be recommended,[231] while a particle of that substance remains in the body; where _Corrosive Sublimate_ has been swallowed, the same precaution is unnecessary. The last indication which remains to be fulfilled is— 3. _To anticipate the occurrence of the Consecutive Phœnomena, and to combat them by appropriate treatment._ This is to be conducted on the general principles of Therapeutics; the treatment must necessarily vary in each particular case. Where the exhaustion of nervous energy is to be feared, as after poisoning by _Prussic Acid_, ammonia, and other diffusible stimulants, together with external warmth, will furnish the best resource; for the same reason Venesection should be performed with great caution and judgment after a narcotic poison. Where, on the other hand, inflammatory action is to be anticipated, it is unnecessary to detail the plan of treatment which may be adopted with the greatest chance of success. In cases where the nervous system is stupified, the symptoms may be combated by vegetable acids, infusion of coffee, &c. but where it is in a state of præternatural excitement, recourse must be had to opiates. ESCHAROTICS:[232] Substances whose application to the animal solids, erodes, or decomposes them. The operation of these bodies may, in general, be considered chemical; for having destroyed the life of the part to which they are applied, they cause, as if by a species of resulting affinity, the elements of the animal matter to enter into a new state of combination; this is well exemplified in the action of caustic potass, where the nascent elements thus disengaged by the decomposition of the animal substance, reunite in proportions to generate an oily matter, which may be observed to form a film over the ulcerated surface, while the excess of nitrogen and hydrogen constitute ammonia, which is disengaged during the action of the caustic; and may be rendered sensible by inverting over the surface, a small jar moistened with muriatic acid, when the fumes of _Muriate of Ammonia_ become visible.[233] Their surgical value consists in their power to remove excrescencies, to establish an ulcer, or to convert an ulcerated surface into a simple sore. IV. OF MECHANICAL REMEDIES.