Aconite (Monkshood)(See Plate)

Symptoms

A sensation of burning, tingling, or numbness, in the mouth and throat. Giddiness, loss of power to stand firmly, pain in the region of the stomach, frothing at the mouth, vomiting and purging. The pupils are dilated, the skin cold and livid, the breathing becomes difficult. In some cases delirium and paralysis follow.

Treatment

An emetic should immediately be given, such as a mixture of mustard, salt, and warm water, thus: -

Mustard, I teaspoonful.

Common salt, I teaspoonful.

Warm water, a tumblerful. Or, Sulphate of zinc, 20 grains.

Water, 1 ounce. Given every half hour until the stomach has been emptied of the poison. Acidulous fluids, such as vinegar and water, and cordials should be given freely. External warmth should be kept up by mustard plasters, hot water bottles to the feet, and friction of the surface.

Distinction

The root of this plant is often mistaken for horseradish which it closely resembles; therefore great care should be taken not to allow the two plants to grow in the same garden. The leaves and seeds of the plant are also poisonous.

Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade)

(See Plate.) The leaves, berries, stalks - or extract or tincture made from these - are most commonly met with as causes of poison.

Symptoms

Heat and dryness of mouth, a feeling of tightness in the throat. Nausea, vomiting, giddiness, indistinct or double sight, intense excitement, delirium of a peculiar kind, the patient twists him-seif round and round, butts against the wall with his head, and performs various other antics. These are followed by heaviness and lethargy.

Treatment

Begin by giving freely a mixture of about one part of vinegar to two of water. Then cause evacuation of the stomach by means of emetics, such as: - Mustard, 1 teaspoonful. Common salt, 1 ditto. Warm water, a tumblerful. Taken at a draught. Or, Sulphate of zinc, 20 grains. Water, 1 ounce. Dissolved, and taken as a draught. Promote vomiting by warm water slightly acidulated with vinegar.

The bowels should be emptied by injections of castor oil.

Digitalis Purpurea (Foxglove) (See Plate)

Symptoms

Vomiting and purging, accompanied with severe pain in the stomach. This is followed by a state of lethargy, during which the patient will sleep for hours; this, again, is followed by convulsions. The pupils are dilated and insensible to the stimulating effect of light, the pulse becomes small and irregular; and should the dose have been large, and the proper measures not adopted, coma or insensibility of a severe kind will rapidly set in, and be followed by death.

Treatment

A free use of emetics (see under Hemlock) should be pursued. Drinks containing tannic acid, such as strong tea and infusion of gall-nuts, should be given, if the prostration be great brandy should also be given freely.

All the parts of this plant are poisonous; they owe their poisonous properties to an active principle called digitalin. This, in combination with tannic acid, is rendered innocuous; hence the reason for its administration in cases of poisoning.