[ANTRELMINTICS.] Even oxide of tin is of doubtful efficacy, as might be expected from its extreme insolubility. Its powers may be heightened by occasionally meeting with acids in the stomach, such as the hydrochloric, and therewith forming a chloride. Two compounds of chlorine with tin are known, one the protochloride, the other the bichloride. Both of these are exceedingly soluble ; the latter so much so that it can with difficulty be kept in the solid state, and more frequently occurs in the liquid state, and is then called the Spiritus fumans Libavii, or butter of tin. The former is much used by dyers, among whom, when in the solid state, it is called salt of tin, and when liquid, spirit of tin. In the former condition, it has some times been mistaken for common salt : it has thus been the source of poisoning, though it is not very active when introduced into the stomach. A few grains of it injected into the jugular vein prove rapidly fatal to dogs. In case of any of it being swallowed, emetics or the stomach-pump, demulcent drinks, such as milk, and, if necessary, moderate venesection, may be employed, followed after a time by vital stimulants. A very weak solution of protochloride of tin in distilled
water is used as a lotion in chronic cutaneous diseases. It has been thought by some to be dangerous to allow fluids containing acids, such as the weak acid wines, or cyder, or even fatty, saline, or albuminous substances, to remain long in tin-vessels, as an injurious action of these on the tin is supposed to occur. If any serious effects have ever followed from such a cause, it is most likely that these vessels were only coated superficially with tip, which being rubbed off, exposed the more potent metal beneath to the solvent power of these substances. It is, therefore, prudent to examine from time to time all copper and other vessels to see that the tinning is entire. For small dishes the German enamelled stew-pan is to be commended.