Treatise on Poisons: In relation to medical jurisprudence, physiology, and the practice of physicChristison, Robert, Sir
Science
Treatise on Poisons: In relation to medical jurisprudence, physiology, and the practice of physic
Christison, Robert, Sir
Medical jurisprudence; Toxicology
After a comparative trial of the most esteemed process, Drs. Fresenius
and von Babo state that they found the one now described as delicate as
any other, and the only method by which the quantity of oxide of arsenic
can be ascertained with accuracy.—The hydrochloric acid used at the
commencement enables the water to dissolve compounds of arsenic which
water alone will not act on; and it farther facilitates solution by
breaking up or dissolving organic textures. The addition of chlorate of
potash prevents the escape of oxide of arsenic during the subsequent
evaporation; which is apt to happen when hydrochloric acid is present.
The subsequent addition of sulphuric acid converts arsenic acid into
arsenious acid, in which shape the sulphuret of arsenic is more readily
formed by the action of hydrosulphuric acid gas, when organic matter
co-exists in the solution. The steps for destroying organic matter
thrown down with the sulphuret at its first formation require no further
commentary: They are the most important particulars in the process for
its main object,—the determination of the quantity of pure
sesqui-sulphuret, and, through it, of the sesquioxide originally in the
subject of analysis.
_Of certain alleged Fallacies in the case of Organic Mixtures._
Before taking leave of the detection of arsenic in organic mixtures, it
is necessary to notice certain alleged fallacies in the way of every
process, arising from arsenic obtaining admission into the subject of
analysis through other means than its intentional addition or its
introduction as a poison into the body. This topic, one of paramount
importance in medico-legal chemistry, has lately undergone careful
investigation during and since the notorious trial of Madame Lafarge.
The results are the following:—
It has been alleged that arsenic may obtain accidental admission into
the subject of analysis, 1, because the reagents used in the processes
may be adulterated with arsenic; 2, because the material of the
apparatus may contain it; 3, because it may have existed in antidotes
administered during life; 4, because it sometimes forms a constituent
part of the human body in the natural state; and 5, because it exists in
the soil of some churchyards.
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account