362 Bulletin 83 



the injury, and he further explained that this was because the seri- 

 ous cases seldom reach the physician. Cases in which the fangs 

 have not struck fairly or but glancingly, or through clothing, come 

 in for treatment. From all that the writer can glean from authori- 

 tative sources he believes the above to be correct, since it is doubt- 

 less true that not only is the great majority of the Mexican popula- 

 tion ignorant of the proper treatment for rattlesnake bite, but also 

 that much of the white population is equally so. The principal 

 object of offering information on poisonous snakes in this publica- 

 tion is then to emphasize the proper method of dealing with this 

 emergency, and no less to combat the common, but wrong, method 

 of treatment. 



First of all, notwithstanding a firm rooted popular conviction 

 to the contrary, zvliiskey is not a remedy. It is not only useless, but 

 absolutely harmful, especially if given in large quantities, as is the 

 usual tendency. If you want to finish the job begun by the rattler, 

 take plenty of strong alcoholic stimulant. Small doses at the proper 

 time may be of service. The facts as to whiskey treatment may be 

 reassuring only to some persons who find themselves in a rattle- 

 snake country where bottled "snake-bite" is taboo. 



If one would be prepared to deal properly with snake bite let 

 him carry when in the open at least the following equipment, which 

 should be on the person to be eflrective, not half a dozen miles away 

 in camp, cabin or auto. 



1. A very sharp knife or razor. Best, because it is least bulky 



and can be kept clean, is a good safety razor blade. This 

 could easily be carried sterilized in a waxed paper wrap- 

 ping. 



2. A small vial of crystals of potassium permanganate. 



3. A rubber band, of sufficient size and strength to be used as a 



ligature without the delay of tearing strips of cloth, tying 

 knots, twisting, etc. 



These are the most important — the essential — things. Absorb- 

 ent cotton, sterilized gauze, and some one of several antiseptic so- 

 lutions are next in usefulness. A hypodermic syringe and strych- 

 nine tablets may be valuable for those who understand their use, 

 but if the other things are near at hand at the moment needed, 

 these are not so likely to be wanted. 



Now for the procedure to be followed in the event of being 



bitten : 



1. KEEP COOL, life depends on it. 



2. Place a ligature above the wound at once. If bitten on a 

 finger, ligature only the finger. If on hand or arm, 



