Carbolic acid poisoning is not a rare occurrence in general practice, as the acid is commonly used for self-harm and domestic sanitation, leading to accidental ingestions. There is uncertainty about the best treatment method. Emetics may fail due to the poison's anesthetic effect on the stomach lining. Subcutaneous apomorphine may be more effective, but gastric lavage is the main treatment. The choice of lavage fluid is uncertain; while plain water is often used, some agents like sodium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, and alcohol are also proposed. Dr. David L. Macht conducted an experiment to determine the best method. He found that alcohol is not helpful and may even worsen poisoning by promoting absorption. The use of alcohol may have arisen from cases where patients took alcohol before poisoning, leading to recovery, or from its use in skin burns. Plain water lavage is effective, especially if done early. Sodium sulphate is more effective than water alone, possibly by reducing absorption and aiding elimination. Magnesium sulphate may have similar effects but can be harmful if absorbed. Sodium sulphate is preferred over magnesium sulphate in poisoning. The minimum fatal dose of carbolic acid varies, with 23 grains causing death in a 24-year-old and a drachm in a 17-year-old. Food in the stomach can reduce absorption. Alcohol, while not recommended for lavage, may be used to stimulate in cases of collapse. Measures like warmth and hypodermic strychnine are suggested. Brandy or ether may be used for stimulation.Carbolic acid poisoning is not a rare occurrence in general practice, as the acid is commonly used for self-harm and domestic sanitation, leading to accidental ingestions. There is uncertainty about the best treatment method. Emetics may fail due to the poison's anesthetic effect on the stomach lining. Subcutaneous apomorphine may be more effective, but gastric lavage is the main treatment. The choice of lavage fluid is uncertain; while plain water is often used, some agents like sodium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, and alcohol are also proposed. Dr. David L. Macht conducted an experiment to determine the best method. He found that alcohol is not helpful and may even worsen poisoning by promoting absorption. The use of alcohol may have arisen from cases where patients took alcohol before poisoning, leading to recovery, or from its use in skin burns. Plain water lavage is effective, especially if done early. Sodium sulphate is more effective than water alone, possibly by reducing absorption and aiding elimination. Magnesium sulphate may have similar effects but can be harmful if absorbed. Sodium sulphate is preferred over magnesium sulphate in poisoning. The minimum fatal dose of carbolic acid varies, with 23 grains causing death in a 24-year-old and a drachm in a 17-year-old. Food in the stomach can reduce absorption. Alcohol, while not recommended for lavage, may be used to stimulate in cases of collapse. Measures like warmth and hypodermic strychnine are suggested. Brandy or ether may be used for stimulation.