What to do in cases of poisoning.

  • Murrell, William, 1853-1912.
Date:
1907
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: What to do in cases of poisoning. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    appear, probably from reabsorption of the poison. When there is a suicidal tendency there may be a renewed attempt in some other form. Be sure of your diagnosis. Some time ago I was called in to see a young lady who was said to have attempted suicide—it was a love affair—with laudanum. I applied the stomach- pump without a moment's delay and then en- quired how much she had taken. They said a large quantity—two doses, so I used the stomach-pump again. I could not detect any smell of laudanum, so I asked how much she had taken altogether, when I found to my dis- gust that it was only six drops! I gave a favourable prognosis and went home. Be cautious in giving a diagnosis, especially if you yourself are not very sure what is the matter, and be still more cautious in giving a prognosis. It is not a wise thing to endeavour to calm the friends by telling them there is no danger,'' or that he will be all right soon, for you may prove a false prophet, and they will not readily forgive you. When you get home jot down a few notes of what happened, noting especially time, doses, &c. The circumstances are fresh in 3'our