RHUS. 137 



its course. From the foregoing statement, it would appear that 

 the poison of the Rhus radicans acts in a manner somewhat 

 similar to the contagion of small-pox when communicated to 

 the system through the medium of inoculation. In the case of 

 T. L., the hands and face, having been exposed naked to the 

 poisonous effluvia, may be considered as the immediate seat 

 of inoculation. These accordingly became first disordered by 

 a topical eruption ; in a short time fever supervened, and the 

 eruption extended to other parts of the body in a manner 

 analogous to the inoculation of small-pox" (C. Caldwell, in 

 Horsjield Exp. Diss, on Rhus vernix and R. radicans, Philadel., 



1798). 



The effects of Rhus vernix are thus described by Jacob 



Bigelow: — "The most formidable cases in persons subject to 

 this poison usually commence within twenty-four hours after 

 exposure; sometimes longer, more frequently shorter. The 

 symptoms generally begin by itching and tumefaction in the 

 hands and face, the swelling gradually spreading over different 

 parts of the body like erysipelas. The inflamed parts become 

 elevated, of a livid redness, with burning sensation; contain 

 transparent fluid, which by degrees becomes yellow, and then 

 assumes a purulent appearance. A discharge takes place from 

 the vesicles, giving rise to a yellowish incrustation, which after- 

 wards becomes brown. An insupportable itching and burning 

 is felt ; the parts become excessively swollen; not unfrequently 

 the eyes are closed, and the face has a cadaverous appearance 

 like that in malignant small-pox. It usually reaches its height 

 the fourth to sixth day, after which the skin and incrustations 

 begin to separate from the diseased parts, and the symptoms 

 gradually subside; no scars or permanent traces usually remain. 

 I never knew of an authentic case of its terminating fatally. 

 " In October, 1814, Dr. A. L. Pierson accompanied me to 



* Analogous effects to Rhus radicans and vernix are produced by Nerium 

 Oleander, Inucardium occidental, Zalmia latifolia, Ruta graveolens, the berries 

 of Rhus glabrum, and the Hippomane mancinella. 



