2 VENOMS 



to man and to mammals in general. The study of their venom, 

 too, is of considerable interest, since it should lead to the quest 

 of means of protection sufficiently efficacious to preserve us from 

 their attacks. 



Venomous reptiles are not always easy to distinguish from 

 those devoid of any inoculatory apparatus. For this reason both 

 classes alike have at all times inspired mankind with a lively dread, 

 which is displayed among the various races in legends and religious 

 beliefs. 



In ancient days the cult of the snake occupied a prominent 

 place. In Genesis the serpent is the incarnation of the Evil One, 

 tempting and deceitful. In Greece it was the symbol of wisdom 

 and prudence. In Egypt it was associated with the Sacred 

 Scarabaeus and the flowers of the lotus to represent Immortality ! 



At Rome epidemics ceased when the snake sacred to ^Escu- 

 lapius was brought from Epidaurus. 



According to Kraff, the Gallas of Central Africa consider the 

 snake as the ancestor of the human race, and hold it in great 

 respect. 



In India the cult of the Seven-headed Naja, or serpent-god, 

 was formerly almost as flourishing as that of Buddha. It is still 

 regarded as a crime to kill a Cobra when it enters a hut ; prayers 

 are addressed and food is offered to it. Its presence is an omen 

 of happiness and prosperity ; it is believed that its death would 

 bring down the most terrible calamities on whomsoever should 

 have brought it about, and on his family. 



Nevertheless, in the Indian Peninsula alone, the Cobra, the 

 Krait, and a few other extremely poisonous species of snakes cause 

 every year an average of 25,000 deaths. The number of fatalities 

 from the same cause is likewise considerable in Burma, Indo- 

 China, the Dutch Indies, Australia, Africa, the West Indies and 

 Tropical America generally. 



The temperate regions of the globe are less severely affected ; 



