92 ADDER BITE, &C. 



tooth, causes the venom to ooze through the slit, and it is thus 

 injected into the blood. 



I have heard of a reptile, called the slow worm, the bite of 

 which is said to be venomous ; but I never saw one. The snake 

 is perfectly harmless ; the bite of the adder or viper will be at- 

 tended with serious consequences, if a remedy is not speedily ap- 

 plied. The remedy, however, is simple the immediate appli- 

 cation of a little sweet oil rubbed upon the affected part, 

 counteracts the effect of the venom most surprisingly : as I have 

 witnessed it, I speak with confidence. Indeed, I am of opinion, 

 that any vegetable oil (or animal either, perhaps) will answer the 

 purpose ; and have little doubt, that what will cure the bite of 

 the adder will cure the bite of the slow worm also. Yet, for a 

 further illustration of this subject, I will borrow the account of 

 a favourite author. I am aware the same account has already 

 appeared in various publications ; but, from a conviction that 

 much good may result from its becoming generally known, I 

 shall transcribe it without hesitation : 



"One William Oliver, a viper catcher, of Bath, was the first 

 who discovered this admirable remedy. On the first of June, 

 1735, in the presence of a great number of persons, he suffered 

 himself to be bit by an old black viper (brought by one of the 

 company) upon the wrist and joint of the thumb, so that drops 

 of blood came out of the wound ; he immediately felt a violent 

 pain both at the top of his thumb and up his arm, even before 

 the viper was loosened from his hand : soon after he felt a pain, 

 resembling that of burning, trickle up his arm ; in a few minutes, 

 his eyes began to look red and fiery, and to water much ; in less 

 than an hour, he perceived the venom seize his heart, with a 

 pricking pain, which was attended with faintness, shortness of 

 breath, and cold sweats ; in a few minutes after this, his belly 

 began to swell, with great gnpings and pains in his back, which 

 were attended with vomitings and purgings ; during the violence 



