126 On the Bite of a Snake 



by volatile caustic alkali. Similar cures are recorded irt 

 Anderson's Recreations, as having taken place in Pondi- 

 cherry in 1798 and 1799- About the same time my much 

 fsteemcd friend Mr. Pealc, of Philadelphia, added a living 

 rattlesnake to his valuable museum, and invited physi- 

 cians and others to subject animals to its bite, with a view 

 ot determining, by subsequent experiments, the compara-' 

 tivc merits of the different remedies commonly recom- 

 mended for obviating the effects of the bites of venomous 

 animals. The result proved, that the volatile alkali was 

 entitled to a decided preference. Possessed of these facts, 

 I have for some years past embraced every opportunity for 

 ascertaining, bv experiment, how far the bites of snakes, 

 or the stings or bites of other venomous animals, might be 

 alleviated bv this powerful remedy. A few cases have oc- 

 curred in my practice, both from the bites of snakes and 

 from the stings of spiders, \n each of which the result 

 equalled the recorded beneficial effects of similar applica- 

 tions on the other side of our globe. The last was the case 

 of a negro fellow, by nau)e Stepney, \\\\o on the 3d instant 

 was bitten by a rattlesnake at Health Farm, on Charleston 

 Neck. I was not present ; but my provisional directions 

 were so punctually carried into effect as to save a valuable 

 life, that in all probability would otherwise have been lf)st. 

 The experiment was decisive; for though no other appli- 

 cation than the volatile alkali was used, the most excruci- 

 ating agonies of the patient were speedily relieved, and a 

 complete cure obtained in a few days. From full conviction 

 of the efficacy of the remedy, I recommend to planters, and 

 others exposed to the bites of snakes, to have always at 

 hand six or eight ounces of the strongest spirits of harts- 

 horn, well secured ; and in case of a person being bitten by 

 a snake, to give him 60 drops thereof in water, every six or 

 eight minutes, till his pains begin to abate, and then to 

 lengthen the interval between the d(^ses in proportion to the 

 abatement of the pain. The wounded part should also be 

 frequently washed with the same medicine. The spirit of 

 hartshorn is particularly designated, because the planters 

 arc ac(|uainted and generally provided with this medicine, 

 and can command it in all seasons and places ; though it ?s 

 inferior in strength, and slower iu its effects, than strong 

 caustic volatile alkali, yet expcricmce has proved that it is 

 sufficiently strong to effect a speedy and complete cure. 



Oil should not be given before or during the exhibition 

 of the hartshorn ; for it would weaken its effects, or com- 

 bine with it and make soap. That the volatile alkali, pro- 

 perly aduiiuistcred. will in a short time cure the bite of any 



sn;ik(\ 



