SALTPETRE (_Potassæ Nitras_). _Dose_--Powdered, five to ten grains.

ACETATE OF POTASH (_Potassæ Acetas_). _Dose_--Ten to fifteen grains,
largely diluted in water. It is more frequently used for this purpose
than the nitrate. It is a most valuable diuretic.


EMETICS.


These are medicines which cause vomiting and evacuation of the stomach.
Some of the agents of this class, termed irritant emetics, produce
vomiting by a local action on the stomach, and do not affect this organ
when introduced elsewhere. Others, which may be termed systemic emetics,
produce their effects through the nervous system, and, therefore, must
be absorbed into the circulation before they can produce vomiting. In
cases of poisoning, it is desirable to empty the stomach as quickly as
possible, hence irritant emetics should be employed, for they act more
speedily. Draughts of warm water favor the action of emetics.

MUSTARD (_Sinapis_) acts promptly and efficiently as an emetic, and may
be employed in poisoning. _Dose_--From one to two teaspoonfuls of
powdered mustard, stirred up in a glass of tepid water. It should be
quickly swallowed and diluents freely administered.

SULPHATE OF COPPER (_Cupri Sulphas_) is a prompt, irritant emetic. It
should be given in doses of ten grains dissolved in half a glass of
water, and its action assisted by the free use of diluents.