Arsenic Poisoning

Common white arsenic in the crude form, appears as lumps resembling white earthenware, and is easily obtainable in bazaars all over India. It is used for preserving skin and woodwork, for destroying vermin and as a medicine. It is powdered down, and being practically tasteless, is easily mixed with sweets and food. Being fatal in small doses it is the commonest homicidal poison.

Symptoms:

Are those of a violent irritant, with an interval of half to one hour before symptoms appear. Burning pain in stomach, with vomiting and purging of blood stained matter, followed by numbness and cramps in the muscles. After large doses, collapse and shock precede death from coma.

Treatment:
Give an emetic-white of egg or warm ghee to drink. In severe cases, give treatment for shock i.e. hot bottles and stimulants.