not rare in any of the New England states, or wherever pyritous ores are found along the range of the primary rocks of the Appalachian chain. The acid is also found in the ashes of many plants; in certain soils and mineral waters; and Orfila has detected it in the earth of graveyards Its diffusion in minute quantities is very remarkable. The uses of arsenious acid are principally in medicinal preparations, such as Fowler's solution, the basis of which is the arsenite of potash; or it may be given in substance in the dose of 110 of a grain, combined with something to increase its bulk. Exter- nally, arsenious acid is used as a caustic and forms the important ingredient in many "cancer cures." It is, however, a very painful application, and in the large majority of cases this method of removing tumors possesses no advantage over the knife. It may be absorbed from the surface to which it is applied, and give rise to the usual symptoms of arsenical poisoning. Internally, it is used chiefly in skin diseases, and in malarial fevers or the cachexia arising therefrom. In these affections it displays decided efficacy. It is also used occasion- ally in other diseases as a tonic. The symptoms which denote that its use has been carried sufficiently far are a peculiar swelling and stiffness of the face and eyes, and some irritation of the digestive apparatus. The statements of Von Tschudi in regard to the habitual use of arsenic by the peasants of Styria, formerly regarded as unworthy of credit, have been confirmed by subsequent observers. Dr. C. Maclagan has published in the "Edinburgh Medical Journal" for September, 1864, an account of two cases, in one of which between four and five grains, and in the other six grains of white arsenic were taken in his presence. The urine passed by each of these men after taking the dose was analyzed, and found to contain the drug. They stated that they took a dose once or twice a week, and one of them said that the good effects lasted for eight days. They were both healthy. It is said to be given to horses to improve their wind and the smoothness of their coats. Arsenic is sometimes chosen for criminal poisoning on account of its tastelessness. Its symptoms in the majority of cases, however, are tolerably characteristic, and it is almost sure to be detected by proper chemical tests. The symptoms and post-mortem appearances observed in the majority of fatal or severe cases are those of the most viblent gastro-intestinal irritation, with proportionate depression of the circulation, intense burning pain of the stomach, obstinate vomiting, and extreme depression. In a few cases, however, death takes place rapidly by collapse, and there are no characteristic post-mortem appearances. When a poisonous dose of arsenic has been swallowed, recourse should be had to emetics or the stomach pump, unless vomiting takes place spontaneously. Demulcent drinks may be given until the proper antidote can be procured. This is the hydrated sesquioxide of iron, which should be kept at hand in the moist condition by every apothecary. The materials for making a fresh supply, namely, a solution of some persalt of iron, for instance the persulphate or the tincture of the chloride, and water of ammonia, should also be ready, since the oxide is most efficacious when freshly prepared. The two solutions should be mixed, and the resulting precipitate, after being rapidly filtered and washed, administered in the form of a paste. Recently precipitated magnesia has been proposed as an antidote. A mixture of chalk and castor oil is said to mechanically envelop the particles of arsenic and render them harmless. The effect of the peroxide of iron in neutralizing the action of arsenious and arsenic acids is seen in the harmless nature of the chalybeate waters of Wattwiller in Alsace, in which arsenic was found by Lassaigne to the amount of 2-8 per cent. A milder grade of poisoning has resulted from the use of arsenical salts as pigments on wall paper or articles of millinery.
ARSINOË. 1. A concubine of Philip, the son of Amyntas, who became the wife of Lagus, a Macedonian general, and the mother of Ptolemy I., king of Egypt. She was said to have been pregnant at the time of her marriage, and her son Ptolemy was generally regarded as the brother of Alexander. II. A daughter of Ptolemy I., king of Egypt, was married to Lysimachus, king of Thrace, who had cast off his former wife Amastris that he might espouse her. Arsinoe, being determined to secure the Thracian sceptre for her own issue, caused her stepson Agathocles, the son of Maoris, to be put to death. Lysandra, the widow of Agathocles, fled to Syria with her children, and implored Seleucus to avenge the murder of her husband. A war ensued between the Thracian and Syrian monarchs, in which Lysimachus lost his life (281 B. 0.). After this catastrophe Arsinoë sought refuge in Cassandria, a city of Macedonia, where, with her sons by Lysimachns, she remained in security for some time. But Ptolemy Ceraunus, having in 280 assassinated Seleucus and seized the crown of Macedonia, desired to gain Cassandria and get the heirs of Lysimachus into his power; he made an offer of his hand to Arsinoë, who accepted it. No sooner, however, did Ceraunus find himself in possession of the city than he caused the children of Lysimachus to be slain in the presence of their mother. Arsinoë now fled from Cassandria to Samothrace, whence she proceeded to Egypt. Here she was kindly received by her brother Ptolemy Philadelphus, the king, who speedily made her his queen. II. A daughter of Ptolemy Euergetes, wife of her brother Philopator, whom she accompanied to the war against Antiochus the Great in 217 B. C. Some years later a courtier named Philammon put her to death by order of the king: but her murder was subsequently avenged by her friends, who killed Philammon and all his family. She was the mother of Ptolemy Epiphanes by Philopator. IV. A daughter of
