THE VENOM OF CENTIPEDES 451 



The Ixodes ricinus causes a severe dermatitis, a pustular eruption, 

 also abscesses with oedema. Lymphangitis and fever may ensue as 

 a complication. 



Remove the tick by covering it with oil so that it cannot breathe, 

 then it will detach itself. Cauterize a bad wound. Apply sodi. bicarb, 

 solution or menthol ointment. 



THE YENOM OF CENTIPEDES. 



These belong to the order Chilopoda. 



They have a uniformly segmented trunk with a pair of appendages 

 to each of its twenty-one segments. They live under stones and in 

 shadv places. 



The appendages of the first segment are modified to form jaws, at 

 the base of which the poison gland lies. The duct opens at the apex 

 of the claw; thus a bite shows two minute wounds. 



The venom is for the purpose of killing insects and larv^. It 

 causes itching and intense pain which rapidly affects the whole limb. 

 The area of the bite turns black and hmphangitis may ensue. There 

 may be vomiting, irregular pulse, dizziness and headache. Adults 

 recover in twenty-four hours, some children die. 



Bathe the part in ammonia solution, i in 5. 



Apply fomentations. Administer opium. 



THE YENOM OF LICE AND BUGS. 



The local itching is well known. Their venom is of little 

 importance. 



The part they play in the dissemination of disease is discussed in 

 other sections. 



THE YENOM OF BEES AND WASPS. 



The last abdominal segment of the bee contains a chitinous sheath 

 in which the two barbs lie. A long, bilobed, tubular-coiled poison 

 gland is connected by a duct to the barbs at one end and ramifies 

 amongst the intestinal contents at the other. One part of the poison 

 gland contains an acid, the other an alkaline venom. The acid 

 reaction may be due to formic acid. The peculiar aromatic smell is 

 due to volatile substances. The toxin is noi albuminous and is 

 thought to have an organic base. The amount extracted from the 

 hind parts of two bees in i c.c. of water will kill a mouse or sparrow. 

 The eggs of bees, like those of the viper and toad, contain the specific 

 venom. 



