In a case of petroleum poisoning in a child of years, the gait became ataxic. The child became semiuncon scious, as if thoroughly drunk; the pulse rapid and irregular, the respirations very rapid, and the temperature subnormal. Symptoms improved after lavage. H. Conrads (Berl. klin. Woch., Nov. 2, '96).
Nine cases of poisoning with benzin, 4 of which were fatal, observed in a fac tory where a solution of rubber in ben zin was used. Symptoms of poisoning were cephalalgia, vertigo, vomiting, throbbing, anmmia, and, above all, cu taneous hmmorrhages, and sometimes hmmorrhages of the gums, the stomach, and the genital organs. There was no icterus. Progress of these symptoms were subacute, and the disease lasted several weeks. In 1 case, which had terminated fatally, microscopical exami nation of the organs had revealed the existence of fatty degeneration of the heart, the liver, the kidneys, the pelvic organs, and the endothelium of the blood-vessels. From results of experi ments on rabbits, it was concluded that the benzol had been the toxic constitu ent of the benzin in these cases. M. Santesson (Gaz. Ileb. de Med. et de Chir., Aug. 26, '97).
Case of a man who presented some rare limmorrhagie spots on his body, but especially nasal and gingival hmmor rhages, and limmorrhagic pleurisy. He died suddenly in a condition of extreme At autopsy pleural hmmor rhage was found; there was also myo cardiac and endocardiac infarcts, ecchy moses in great abundance on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestine, and two hmmorrhagic centres in the left optic layer and in the pons Onset of symptoms had been character ized by large subcutaneous ecchymotie patches. Patient bad gradually become weakened and been obliged to give up his work, which exposed him for days at a time to benzin-vapors. He had experienced a sort of intoxication, head ache, nausea, and general malaise, which had still persisted after he had left the work-room. M. le Noir and M. Claude (Gaz. Heb. de Med. et de Chir., Nov. 14, '97).
Treatment of Petroleum Poisoning.— Poisonous symptoms demand the evacua tion of the stomach by siphon or emetics, the exhibition of stimulants, and the ap plication of warmth and stimulants to the skin. Artificial respiration may be neces sary.
Case of child. 21 months old, which drank indefinite amount of benzin. In from half to three-fourths of an hour the child was perfectly unconscious; pupils were dilated to maximum; skin was cold and cyanotic; the breathing. was shallow and rapid, and pulse as barely perceptible. Stomach was washed out and milk was thrown into it, injec tions of ether were given, and a luke warm bath was administered, with cold allusions. Urine, passed spontaneously,
was free from albumin and sugar; tem perature was 101.6° F. After a very restless night temperature was 99.5° F.,. but by evening it had risen to 102.5° F. On following day child was conscious, but in middle of the day the temperature was 104.3° F. On the next day the morning temperature was 99.3° F., and the evening 100.7° F. Rapid recovery then followed. Fever was attributed to acute gastritis. Witthauer (Munch. med. Woch., No. 39, '96).
Therapeutics. — Internally the crude oil has been given in teaspoonful doses to children suffering with cough and croup. In chronic bronchial disorders it has been found useful, given internally. Crude petroleum was at one time considered a specific against phthi sis.
Petroleum emulsion commended a, useful in consumption. Many patients, consumptive or subject to other wasting diseases, appear to tolerate its use when codliver-oil cannot be tolerated. It probably checks noxious chemical fer mentation, and the absorption of such noxious fermented residue of digestion into the blood. At all events, it is clear that petroleum does not irritate the nerves supplying the mucous membrane of the stomach, but doubtless cleanses away foul mucus, and leaves the digest ive organs in a more healthy condition to perform their functions naturally. Nutrition is improved, therefore the con dition of the lungs improves when weak ened and diseased. T. W. Blake (Brit. Med. Jour., Nov. 19, '97).
Petrolatum when given internally passes unchanged through the intestinal canal. Whatever beneficial effects it may exert in the stomach and intestine arc due to its lubricating and demulcent properties. A further incidental proof of the non-absorbability of paraffin and its compounds is shown by recent experi ence in its attempted use in surgery. lleyburn (Medical News, Aug. 24, 1901).
Hutchinson has found that it possesses no value as a food. It is not absorbed, for after feeding healthy persons with petroleum, he was able in every instance to recover the entire amount from the aces. It is useful, however, as a pro tective to the intestinal tract and as a vehicle for carbolic acid and other anti fermentatives. As a gastro-intestinal protective it may be given in capsules. Petroleum has been given as a vermi fuge; 20 to 30 drops three times daily are said to expel tape-worms. In cholera, refined petroleum has been given with success in doses of 10 to 20 drops in mint-water or white wine.