Kalium cyanatum

Volume IV — Appendix

KALI CYANATUM.

(See vol. i, pp. 31, 35 j ii, p. 7*4.)

II. 27. a, A photographer, at. 24, took with suicidal intent an BiH

known quantity about 9 a.m. His neighbours, hearing a fall, entered hi(

room and found him stretched on the ground unconscious. After havinj

vomited some fluid matter, he was taken to the hospital. At ifll*

was in profound coma ; skin cold, covered with viscid sweat ; coidnesH

extremities ; intense cyanosis of face ; eyes protruding, turned upffinl!

and outwards, not covered by lids ; considerable dilatation and absoluR

immobility of pupils ; flow from mouth of a spumo-sanguinok*"

saliva; breath smelling strongly of prussic acid. Trismus was marked i

there were disseminated ecchymoses in bucco-pharyngeal cavity, »iw'

whitish eschar on the r. side of the vault and veil of the palate ; tongue

was drawn back over glottis. Limbs were in complete resolution ; ib'"

was entire loss of sensibility and reflex excitability. Breathing **

very slow, deep, convulsive, and presenting somewhat prolonged piust*

a tracheal rale was perceptible both in respiratory acts and in pauWf

Pulse was very small, 120, and at times intermittent. Sonorous rik

were disseminated throughout chest. Cardiac impulse imperceptible

heart-sounds distinct^ but dull and irregular. Temp. 36*2 only. Involul

tary micturition. 5ss of sulphuric ether was injected subcutaneousl

and stomach then washed out till rhc water had no longer the odouti

bitter almonds. Patient's condition, however, rapidly became won

resp. growing more irregular and pulse smaller notwithstanding d

peatcd injections of ether. He was then placed in a hot bath, ai

iced water was poured over head and nape. Every time water «

poured on head, patient drew deep inspirations; gradually brcathu

oecame deeper and more regular, and all dangerous symptoms had dis- »pptared after an h. At 7 p.m. patient had completely regained consciousness ; and complained of sharp occipital and gastric pains. Convalescence was rapid ; but a general muscular weakness and impairment of speech lasted for a long time. (Muller-Warneck, Berl, Kl. mchtnschrifi^ Feb. 4th, 1878.)