This caustic produces destruction of tissue wherever applied. Taken internally, it produces a profound anaemia and general malnutrition, ecchymosis especially. Its action on the liver and kidneys is marked, increasing at first the flow of bile, and finally causing degeneration of the liver, albuminuria, etc. It produces violent tetaniform or epileptiform convulsions, followed sometimes by paralysis. Dilute solutions produce a violent inflammation of mucous membranes, characterized by a profuse muco-purulent secretion.