Phosphorus Hydrogenatus
by John Henry Clarke — A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica
Phosphoretted Hydrogen. Phosphine. PH 3 . Solution.
Clinical
Amblyopia / Diarrhœa / Hyperæsthesia / Locomotor ataxy / Stammering / Teeth, crumbling
Characteristics
Breunar (quoted by Allen) relates the effects of inhaling this gas, given off in the preparation of some "hypophosphites." The symptoms began to appear after three months in visional disturbances, diarrhœa, paralysis, and a complete state of locomotor ataxia, < on closing eyes. The teeth crumbled without pain. Articulation and swallowing were difficult. The diarrhœa was accompanied by weakness of the anus.
Relations
Electricity antidoted the effects. Compare: Locomotor ataxy, Arg. n., Alm., Helod. Visional defects, Benz. din., Carb. s.
3. Eyes
Flickering points in field of vision, rapidly enlarging and rendering it impossible to fix vision on any object, esp. in reading. Optic nerves very irritable to reflex stimuli.
4. Ears
Auditory hyperæsthesia.
8. Mouth
Teeth, both healthy and carious, crumble, without pain. Ataxia of muscles of articulation, great effort of will required to form the word.
9. Throat
Swallowing somewhat difficult.
12. Abdomen
Shooting pains in limbs and abdomen.
13. Stool and Anus
Diarrhœa with weakness and unsteadiness of arms.
22. Upper Limbs
Weakness and unsteadiness of arms, making difficult to write.
23. Lower Limbs
Limbs unsteady; gait tottering; associated with undercurrent shooting pains in limbs and abdomen.
24. Generalities
Complete expression of ataxia stood with limbs separated; walking wholly impossible when eyes closed would stagger and fall. No anæsthesia; electric irritability of muscles greatly increased.