XVII Chlorate of Potassium, etc.
Chlorate of Potassium produces irritation of stomach and bowels; hæmaturia; melæna; cyanosis, weakness, delirium, and coma.
Post-Mortem.—Blood is chocolate-brown in colour, and so are all the internal organs; gastro-enteritis; nephritis.
Tests.—Spectroscope shows blood contains methæmoglobin; the drug discharges the colour of indigo in acid solution with SO2.
Treatment.—Transfusion of blood or saline fluid; stimulants.
Sulphuret of Potassium (liver of sulphur) occurs in mass or powder of a dirty green colour; has a strong smell of sulphuretted hydrogen.
Symptoms.—Of acute irritant poisoning, with stupor or convulsions. Excreta smell of sulphuretted hydrogen.
Post-Mortem Appearances.—Stomach and duodenum reddened, with deposits of sulphur. Lungs congested.
Treatment.—Chloride of sodium or lime in dilute solution, and ordinary treatment for irritant poisoning.
Fatal Period (Shortest).—Fifteen minutes.