colour and general aspect of white fibrous tissue. Some observations on the nature of these changes will be found in the essays of Sir G. Baker.[1] The facts are communicated by Mr. John Hunter. On examining the muscles of the arm and hand of a house-painter who was killed by an accident, Mr. Hunter found them all of a cream colour, and very opaque, their fibres distinct, and their texture unusually dry and tough. These alterations he at first imagined might have been the result merely of the palsy and consequent inactivity of the muscles, but on finding the same alterations produced by the direct action of sugar of lead on muscle, he inferred that the poison gradually effected a change either on the muscles directly, or on the blood which supplied them.
In a late elaborate inquiry into the pathology of lead-colic, M. Tanquerel has arrived at the conclusion, that "the pathological phenomena are not caused by anatomical changes cognisable by the senses," and that such appearances as may be found are the effects, not the cause, of the disease.[2]
Section IV.—Of the Treatment of Poisoning with Lead.
The treatment of poisoning with lead, and the mode of protecting workmen from its influence, will now require a few remarks.
For the irritant form of poisoning, a safe and effectual antidote exists in any of the soluble alkaline or earthy sulphates. If none of these be at hand, then the alkaline carbonates may be given, particularly the bicarbonates, which are not so irritating as the carbonates. The phosphate of soda is also an excellent antidote. If the patient does not vomit, it will be right also to give an emetic of the sulphate of zinc. In other respects, the treatment does not differ from that of poisoning with the irritants generally.
Colica pictonum is usually treated in this country with great success by a practice much followed here in colic and diarrhœa of all kinds,—the conjunction of purgatives with anodynes. A full dose of a neutral laxative salt is given, and an hour afterwards a full dose of opium. Sometimes alvine discharges take place before the opium acts, more commonly not till its action is past, and occasionally not for a considerable time afterwards. But the pain and vomiting subside, the restlessness and irritability pass away, and the bowels return nearly or entirely to their natural condition. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat the practice. It is almost always successful. I have seldom seen the second dose fail to remove the colic, leaving the bowels at worst in a state of constipation. Dr. Alderson of Hull, who has had many opportunities of treating the workmen of a white-lead manufactory there, says powerful purgatives, such as croton-oil, are highly serviceable in severe cases, and are borne well notwithstanding the extreme debility often present.[3] M. Tanquerel says he has found this treatment more effectual in Paris than any
