Page:TheAmericanCarbonManual.djvu/73

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THE PIGMENTS EMPLOYED.
63

chromate is thrown off in the saliva, and has not time to inflict any permanent injury. If, however, respiration be made through the nose, the molecules are dissolved in the layer of secretion which lies on the membrane, creating a violent pricking, suffusion of tears, and irresistible sneezing. In time, the membrane begins to be thrown off, and portions of it are carried into the handkerchief used in blowing the nose; this process, when once started, goes on so rapidly, that after a period of six or eight days the septum becomes thin, permeated with openings, and is ultimately detached altogether. Snuff-takers escape this evil.

"On the skin, in its normal state, and intact, the bichromate exercises no baleful influence; the hand may, in fact, be plunged into a hot concentrated solution of the salt, without fear; the hand may also be covered with the salt for an entire day without any observed effect; but if the skin is torn or abraded, however triflingly, by the prick of a pin for example, a sharp pain is felt on contact of the salt, and if it be left in contact with the wound, the caustic character of the salt is brought out intensely, the cutaneous tissue is decomposed, and violent inflammation is established. These symptoms are accompanied with intense pain, especially in winter, when the cold is severe; the action of the salt does not cease until the cauterization has penetrated to the bone.

"When the skin is abraded, and the bichromate has produced ulceration, the best treatment is to wash the part thoroughly with a feebly alkaline water; then, if inflammatory action follows, to poultice, and afterwards freely apply subacetate of lead in solution."

Dr. Taylor recommends for cases where the poison has been taken internally, emetics and carbonate of magnesia or chalk, mixed with water into the consistency of cream.

THE PIGMENTS EMPLOYED.

Considerable latitude in the choice of pigments is permissible, as almost all those employed by the painter are available in preparing the tissue for printing by this process. Where especial effects, resembling artist's drawings, are required, which, in reproductions will