EUCALYPTUS OIL POISONING. By Sukgn.-Lieut.-Col. H. P. i.m.s
,
Durbar
Esmonde-Whitk, f.r.c.s.i., Physician, Travanrore.
The dose (according to Whitla's Pharmacy) of the above is 1?4 minims: it has, however, been given according to the same authority by Kesterven in 10 minim doses in combination in typhoid fever. In large doses it is described as a poison affecting the cerebro-spinal system and as causing death through the respiratory tract. What constitutes a large dose ? A case came under my treatment where one and a half ounces of the commercial oil was swallowed by mistake ; within three-quarters of an hour I saw the patient who had no symptoms or signs to denote poisoning. I specify commercial oil, as all that 1 have seen imported from Europe is adulterated. The pure oil is of a different colour and is not transparent. The only pure oil I am acquainted with is that made by the late Mr. Wallace at the West End Laboratory, Ootacamund. As a precaution I administered large doses of tepid water and added some sodium bicarbonate and induced vomiting. The vomited The pulse and matter smelt strongly of the oil. respiration continued normal. After about half an hour, or one and a half hours from the time of taking the oil, the patient complained of giddibut I attriness and inability to walk straight, buted this to the general disturbance due to the The patient, being apparently in no was left with directions way jifleeted by the oil, food and to retire semi-solid .some take to
vomiting.
only
Next morning the patient was quite well. The oil apparently had no effect whatever, but the morning motion smelt faintly of eucalypThere was no mistaking the amount swaltus. lowed, as it was drunk from a measure glass and bolted down under the impression that it was a rather bitter and unplea-ant tonic just then being taken. If 1?4 minims is a pharmacopfeial dose, and 10 minims diluted to one ounce is looked on as a special dose, what can be said of one and a half ounces of the undiluted oil ? Surely this is a large dose, yet it produced no effect whatever. What amount of oil will in the symptoms of poisoning ? an adult produce to rest.
,
Durbar
Esmonde-Whitk, f.r.c.s.i., Physician, Travanrore.
The dose (according to Whitla's Pharmacy) of the above is 1?4 minims: it has, however, been given according to the same authority by Kesterven in 10 minim doses in combination in typhoid fever. In large doses it is described as a poison affecting the cerebro-spinal system and as causing death through the respiratory tract. What constitutes a large dose ? A case came under my treatment where one and a half ounces of the commercial oil was swallowed by mistake ; within three-quarters of an hour I saw the patient who had no symptoms or signs to denote poisoning. I specify commercial oil, as all that 1 have seen imported from Europe is adulterated. The pure oil is of a different colour and is not transparent. The only pure oil I am acquainted with is that made by the late Mr. Wallace at the West End Laboratory, Ootacamund. As a precaution I administered large doses of tepid water and added some sodium bicarbonate and induced vomiting. The vomited The pulse and matter smelt strongly of the oil. respiration continued normal. After about half an hour, or one and a half hours from the time of taking the oil, the patient complained of giddibut I attriness and inability to walk straight, buted this to the general disturbance due to the The patient, being apparently in no was left with directions way jifleeted by the oil, food and to retire semi-solid .some take to
vomiting.
only
Next morning the patient was quite well. The oil apparently had no effect whatever, but the morning motion smelt faintly of eucalypThere was no mistaking the amount swaltus. lowed, as it was drunk from a measure glass and bolted down under the impression that it was a rather bitter and unplea-ant tonic just then being taken. If 1?4 minims is a pharmacopfeial dose, and 10 minims diluted to one ounce is looked on as a special dose, what can be said of one and a half ounces of the undiluted oil ? Surely this is a large dose, yet it produced no effect whatever. What amount of oil will in the symptoms of poisoning ? an adult produce to rest.
