C. SUMNER WITHERSTINE, Philadelphia.
NITROBENZENE.—Nitrobenzene (ni trobenzol, essence of mirbane, oil of mir bane, artificial oil of bitter almonds) is an almost colorless oily liquid, having a very sweet taste and the odor of bitter almonds. It is used in the manufacture of perfumes and in tbe aniline industry. It is never used medicinally. It is of in terest to the physician only on account of its poisonous properties.
Poisoning by Nitrobenzene.—The in halation of the filmes of nitrobenzene produce a sense of weariness, headache, numbness in tbe bead, confusion, and drowsiness. There is marked cyanosis, the lips become bluish, and, later, nearly black. Convulsions may ensue and death may follow by asphyxia. When taken internally, the appearance of the symp toms may be somewhat delayed and, in addition to the symptoms before named, the whole body may acquire a bluish color, the pupils dilate; the respiration become rapid, irregular, and shallow; the pulse become accelerated and thready, later imperceptible; the muscles com pletely relaxed, and consciousness may be 1 .st. Dtath has occurred after taking
I., •irops internally.
:tmr.nt of Poisoning by Nitroben poisoning has occurred from inhalation, benefit is obtained from cold plications to the head, warmth applied to :ht. mink and extremities by means of hot-water bags or bottles, stimulants, byp-derinics of strychnine, and the use of massage and artificial respiration. If the poison has been taken internally, the use of apomorphine or other emetics fol lowed by lavage of the stomach and lib eral doses of hydrated oxide of iron, whisky, dilute ammonia, etc., is indi cated.
Case of poisoning by nitrobenzol saved by washing out the stomach and excita tion. B. Graselli and F. Giaroli (Gaz. degli Osp., No. 14, '94).