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ARSENIOUS ACID. I97

When arsenious acid is swallowed or applied to a denuded sur-
face, it is rapidly absorbed into the system ; hence it is a danger-
ous agent, and in every case it should be carefully used, and its
effects closely watched. It possesses a very powerful antiseptic
property, arresting the process of putrefaction. The stomach
and alimentary canal of persons who have died from its effects
have been found in a perfect state of preservation for a long time
after interment.
Poisonous doses produce great intestinal inflammation, with
ulceration in some cases, and rarely, gangrene. It has also been
detected after death, in the blood, in the urine, and also in the
liver, spleen, kidneys, muscles and stomach. A certain degree
of tolerance in the use of arsenic may be established, when
poisonous doses can be taken with impunity. Such a state may
be produced by the constant legitimate use of the agent, or in the
case of those who begin the habit of arsenic eating at an early
age, and who find this practice of service in increased breathing
power, strength, and improved bodily condition. As long as such
a habit is continued, no ill effects are apparent ; but as soon as the
arsenic is discontinued, symptoms resembling those of poisonous
doses make their appearance.
Arsenious acid acts locally as an escharotic, but while a true
escharotic acts chemically, producing decomposition of the part
to which it is applied, a state incompatible with life, arsenic
destroys the vitality of the organized structure, and its decompo-
sition is the consequence. This distinction should be remem-
bered in the use of arsenious acid in dental practice.
Arsenic is eliminated by the liver, kidneys, intestinal canal and
bronchial tubes; and it is thought that some of the symptoms
produced by it have their origin in the local effects of the poison
on the channels of excretion.
The symptoms of gastro-intestinal arsenical poisoning—the
more common form— are described by Bartholow as follows:
Burning sensation at the epigastrium, and extending over the
abdomen ; violent and uncontrollable vomiting ; excessive dryness
of the mouth and fauces, intense thirst, intestinal irritation,
bloody and offensive stools, retracted abdomen, strangury, sup-