Barium Salts
=Chloride of Barium= occurs crystallized in irregular plates, like
magnesium sulphate, soluble in water and bitter in taste. =Carbonate of
Barium= is found in shops as a fine powder, tasteless and colourless,
insoluble in water, but effervescing with dilute acids, and readily
decomposed by the free acids of the stomach. =Nitrate of Barium= occurs
in octahedral crystals, soluble in water.
Method of Extract
poisons.
Tests.--Precipitated from its solutions by potassium carbonate or
sulphuric acid. Burnt on platinum-foil, it gives a green colour to the
flame.
Symptoms.--Besides those of irritants generally, violent cramps and
convulsions, headache, debility, dimness of sight, double vision, noises
in the ears, and beating at the heart. The salts of barium are also
cardiac poisons.
Post-Mortem Appearances.--As of irritants generally. Stomach may be
perforated.
Treatment.--Wash out stomach with a solution of sodium or magnesium
sulphate, or of alum, and give stimulants by the mouth and
hypodermically.
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