THE HYDROPHOBIA. 9? 



most likely be the result, though the precise time will be very 

 uncertain ; for so capricious is this malady, that, after infection, 

 it sometimes lies dormant, as it were, in the system for months, 

 sometimes for weeks ; while instances, I believe, are not wanting, 

 where it has appeared, in all its terrible symptoms, in the course 

 of a few days. 



It is possible that a person might be bitten by a mad dog, 

 and yet escape the hydrophobia : if, in the act of biting, the 

 animal's teeth pass through a thick woollen coat, or other gar- 

 ment, so that his teeth in passing through are wiped dry, he 

 might inflict a wound without any of the infectious saliva or fluid 

 reaching it. 



Respecting the bite of a mad dog Dr. Vandeburgh very 

 judiciously observes : " not a moment should be lost to destroy 

 the poison from the wound (even if only on supposition of the 

 animal being mad) ; many remedies are recommended but should 

 not be trusted to ; the only effectual method is to destroy the 

 foundation of the poison and give the following course of medi- 

 cine : the part bitten must be entirely cut out with a sharp 

 instrument, and the edges of the wound seared with a red hot 

 iron, to prevent the smallest particle of poison remaining ; 

 afterwards, warm poultices of oatmeal and water to be applied 

 as warm as the patient can possibly bear, to produce a quick and 

 copious discharge of matter or suppuration : the following pills 

 should be given : 



Calomel, one scruple 

 opium, half a scruple 



well mixed and divided into ten pills of equal size, one pill to be 

 taken every four hours ; two drams of strong ointment of quick- 

 silver to be well rubbed in on the thighs and arms morning and 

 evening, which, with the medicine, must be continued till the 

 mouth becomes sore and spitting is produced : when matter dis- 

 charges from the sore, it should also be dressed with strong oint- 



