VENOM OF SERPENTS. 



Dr. B. We are now to consider a very important, 

 though rather obscure function that of absorption, by 

 which different substances, within or without the body, 

 are taken into the circulation, and appropriated to vari- 

 ous purposes. This function is very manifest on the 

 skin, though not so active here as in some other parts. 

 Thus, if mercurial ointment be rubbed on but a small por- 

 tion of the surface, for a sufficient length of time, it will 

 finally affect the whole constitution. It is by absorption 

 that the poisonous matter of contagious diseases, such as 

 small pox, measles, &c. is admitted into the system and 

 produces a similar affection. 



Emily. The poison of the venemous serpents, I sup- 

 pose, is introduced into the circulation in the same way. 



Dr. B. Not precisely the same ; it is absorbed by 

 the skin indeed, but it is necessary thatthe surface should 

 be broken, as it is by the tooth of the animal, merely 

 rubbing it on the sound skin would produce no injurious 

 effects. 1 suppose now you see at once the utility of 

 applying cupping-glasses, over the wound and ligatures 

 above it, as well as the practice sometimes observed of 

 sucking the wound with the mouth. 



Emily. I should think that the circulation in the part 

 being partially stopped by these means, the absorption 

 of the morbific matter is checked, and extracted from 

 it by the latter methpd. But is it not liable to be 

 absorbed from the mouth of the person who sucks the 

 wound ? 



Dr. B. Not if the surface of the living membrane be 

 sound. 



Emily. Still is there no danger of swallowing some 

 of it along with our saliva ? I am sure I never should 

 dare to do it, from this apprehension. 



Dr. B. The lining membrane of the stomach you 

 know, is merely a continuation of that in the mouth, 

 and swallowing the poisonous matter would be equally 

 harmless with holding it in the mouth. The poison oi 

 vipers has been swallowed without giving rise to any im~ 



