315 



The physiological action of this poison in animals, is probably 

 that of a most powerful sedative, acting through the blood on the 

 nervous centres. 



This is shown by the remarkable fact that its full and complete 

 antidotes are the most active stimulants, of these, alcohol, in some 

 shape, is the first. I cannot better illustrate this important point, 

 than by the two following cases furnished me by Dr. Bearing, in 

 whose experience they occurred. 



1. Mr. B was bitten just above his heel, three quarters of 



a mile from home. The usual symptoms of most acute pain and 

 large swelling immediately followed ; he succeeded, however, in 

 reaching his house, but complained of blindness and universal 

 pain. Brandy was then given, to the amount of a quart in the 

 course of an hour; this produced a little nausea, but not the least 

 intoxication ; in the next two hours another quart had been given 

 followed with relief of pain and subsidence of swelling, but with- 

 out the least intoxication. Stimulants were kept up in small quan- 

 tities during the ensuing forty-eight hours, with the gradual passing 

 ofFof the local and other symptoms. The patient kept his room 

 the three following days, complaining only of a general soreness. 

 After this, was about as usual ; but a few weeks after all his hair 

 fell off. 



2. Miss F was bitten on her middle finger. The usual 



severe symptoms immediately followed ; but brandy, with the 

 addition of a little ammonia, was freely given, and continued 

 in large doses until relief of symptoms, but without the least 

 appearance of intoxication, although in health, the individual 

 could not, probably, have borne a single ounce ; the symptoms 

 gradually disappeared, and on the third day the patient was 

 well, generally, although the finger sloughed. 



These two cases, authentic in every particular, are quite valu- 

 able ; for aside from their physiological relations, it is of no small 

 importance to know that the sure fatality of such an accident can 

 be fully prevented by so simple a remedy. 



I have been desirous of performing some experiments with a 

 view to learn the relations of this poison to the state of anffisihesia 

 in animals. I commenced these a few days ago, but the behavior 

 of the snake was far from being commendable or satisfactory, 

 and I shall postpone them for the present. 



