The opium-eater may be known by
his attenuated body, withered yellow countenance, stooping posture, and
glassy, sunken eyes.
_Post-Mortem Appearances._--Not characteristic. Turgescence of cerebral
vessels. There may be effusion under arachnoid, into ventricles, at base
of the brain, and around the cord. Rarely extravasation of blood.
Stomach and intestines usually healthy. Lungs gorged, skin livid.
_Fatal Period._--Usually nine to twelve hours; but in many cases, if
life is prolonged for eight hours, recovery takes place.
_Fatal Dose._--Four grains of opium is the smallest fatal dose in an
adult, or one drachm of laudanum; children are proportionately much more
susceptible to the action of opium than adults.
_Treatment._--Stomach-tube, emetics, strong coffee or tea, ammonia to
nostrils. Give 10 grains of permanganate of potassium in a pint of water
acidulated with sulphuric acid, and repeat the dose every half hour.
Belladonna by mouth, or atropine hypodermically. Patient must be kept
roused by dashing cold water over him, flagellating with a wet towel,
walking about, etc. In conditions of collapse, however, this treatment
must not be continued, but everything should be done to preserve the
strength.
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