XIIL SNAKES. 189 



Stimulants, such as ammonia-water and alcohol, are 

 given, not as specifics against the virus, but to excite the 

 action of the heart, to counteract mental depression, and 

 to prevent utter collapse ; and it is probably to the stimu- 

 lating effects of such herbs as Aristolochia indica that we 

 must ascribe such value as they possess in cases of snake- 

 bite. So-called " snake-stones " of charred horn and other 

 porous materials act merely as absorbents. In case 

 of snake-bite, therefore, the only practical thing to do is 

 to stop the spread of the poison ; not to trust to the 

 subsequent administration of antidotes Bind the limb 

 atfected above the bitten part, and tighten the bandage 

 to the utmost ; burn, cauterize, or excise the wound ; 

 administer stimulants to avert collapse, and subsequently 

 diuretics to encourage elimination by the kidneys. 



Even in England we are not quite free from danger 

 from snake-bites, for, as is well known, the adder is a 

 venomous snake. Some five years ago the son of a friend 

 of mine was walking near a river in Surrey, and saw a 

 snake in the grass. Under the impression that it was the 

 harmless water-snake, he stooped to catch it, and was bitten 

 on the forefinger. There being no ammonia in the house 

 close by, he walked a mile to the chemist's nearly faint- 

 ing with the pain, numbness, and giddiness. Here he 

 obtained some ammonia, and then fell down in a faint. 

 Brandy was administered at intervals ; he was got into a 

 fly, and driven home, reaching the house " looking like 

 death, with his extremities cold, and circulation nearly 

 stopping." His arm was enormously swollen and he 

 was in violent pain. This, however, after some hours 

 abated, and the swelling began to go down, but had not 

 entirely subsided for a week or more. Nor was it for 

 some time that the patient fully regained his health and 

 strength. 



