The treatment has three objects in view: to remove the poisonous substance, neutralize its further action, and remedy the ill effects already produced. An emetic is the first consideration. A tablespoonful of salt or mustard stirred into a glass of lukewarm water will usually prove effective. This dose should be repeated three or four times. An enema should also be given, the patient kept warm, and, as soon as vomiting ceases, the chemical antidote given.

The following table of the chemical antidotes and further treatment of the most common poisons should be learned and remembered.

Carbolic Acid. Lime water and milk, equal parts, a pint to a pint and a half. Atropine and heart stimulants, such as whisky and strychnine, may be required, given hypodermically.

Nitric or Oxalic Acid. Chalk or whiting, the plaster from walls, milk and lime water. Give whichever can be obtained quickest.

Give an Emetic At Once

Ammonia. Vinegar or lemon juice, followed by castor or olive oil.

Arsenic. The best antidote is tincture of iron, diluted with water, and either baking or washing soda. Lacking this, or till it can be obtained, give milk and white of egg, or flour and water.

Aconite or Belladonna. Strong, hot coffee. Give artificial respiration if necessary.

Bichloride of Mercury (corrosive sublimate). White of egg-white of two eggs to a pint of water. Calomel. The same as bichloride of mercury.

Opium. Strong, hot coffee. Keep the patient awake, using artificial respiration when necessary; permanganate of potash and tannic acid are the best chemical antidotes, but they can rarely be obtained in a hurry.