142 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
blood from the mucous membranes of the mouth, followed by 
vomiting. 
Meanwhile the wound was slowly oozing blood, and the 
muscles in the vicinity were somewhat swollen. He was then 
taken to Dr. Bruce, who declared him to be suffering unmis- 
takably from the effects of virulent poison, which was seriously 
affecting the blood and mucous membranes. During the night 
Williams’ condition gradually became more alarming, and he 
was taken to the Provincial Hospital the following day in a 
state of utter collapse. He steadily grew worse, and blood 
oozed continuously from all the mucous surfaces, viz. the mouth, 
nose, stomach, bladder, and bowels. Then the blood began to 
accumulate in the tissues, and caused large blackish-purplish 
swollen patches under the skin. One eye and its surrounding 
tissues, both forearms for two-thirds their length, a portion of 
the abdomen, hip, and thigh, were all charged with extra- 
vasated blood, presenting a dreadful sight. Other parts, in- 
cluding portions of the back, left eye, and cheek, were slightly 
discoloured. 
The venom of the Boomslang evidently contains a poison 
which acts upon the endothelial cells lining the capillaries. This 
action is particularly characteristic of the poison of the Cvotaline 
(Rattlesnakes), and is most marked after poisoning by the 
South American vipers of the genus Lachesis, and S. African 
adders. 
Flexner has given the name “ hemorrhagins”’ to the con- 
stituents of poisons possessing this action, and regards them as 
special cytolisins for endothelial cells. 
BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. 
Williams rapidly grew worse after the second day in hospital, 
severe abdominal pains setting in and inability to retain even 
water in the stomach. From this time he rapidly grew worse, 
and on the evening of the third day after being bitten I went to 
the hospital, accompanied by Mr. William Armstrong, J.P., who 
took what he believed to be his dying deposition, the doctor 
declaring him to be in an extremely critical condition, which 
might result in death before the morning. He lingered on in 
