XIII 



SNAKE-POISON 589 



which reacts acid, and contains about 30 per cent of solids, but 

 this varies much according to the state of concentration. Most 

 venoms are tasteless, but Cobra poison is said to be disagreeably 

 bitter. Dried venom keeps indefinitely, and dissolves readily in 

 water. It keeps also in glycerine. It contains albuminous 

 bodies in solution. The venom is, in fact, a pure solution of 

 two or more poisonous proteids, which are the active agents, 

 with a small quantity of an organic acid or colouring matter. 

 The venom is destroyed by reagents which precipitate proteids 

 in an insoluble form, or which destroy them, e.g. silver nitrate or 

 permanganate of potash. Hypochlorites have the same effect. 

 Carbolic acid and caustic potash destroy it only after a day 

 or two. 



" The venom is generally introduced into the subcutaneous 

 tissue, whence it reaches the general circulation by absorption 

 through the lymph and blood-vessels. When introduced directly 

 into a vein, the effects are instantaneous. It is absorbed by the 

 conjunctiva, but, excepting Cobra poison, not by the mouth or 

 alimentary canal, provided there be no hollow teeth or no 

 abrasions. The venom of the various kinds of Snakes acts 

 differently. 



" The symptoms of Cobra poison. Burning pain, followed 

 by sleepiness, and weakness in the legs after half an hour. 

 Then profuse salivation, paralysis of the tongue and larynx, and 

 inability to speak. Vomiting. Incapability of movement. The 

 patient seems to be conscious, but is unable to express himself. 

 The breathing becomes difficult. The heart's action is quickened. 

 The pupil remains contracted and reacts to light. At length 

 breathing ceases, with or without convulsions, and the heart 

 slowly stops. Should the patient survive, he returns rapidly to 

 complete health. 



" The symptoms of Eattle-snake poison. The painful wound 

 is speedily discoloured and swollen. Constitutional symptoms 

 appear as a rule in less than fifteen minutes : prostration, 

 staggering, cold sweats, vomiting, feeble and quick pulse, dila- 

 tation of the pupil, and slight mental disturbance. In this 

 state the patient may die iii about twelve hours. If he recovers 

 from the depression, the local symptoms begin to play a much 

 more important part than in Cobra poisoning : great swelling 

 and discoloration extending up the limb and trunk, rise of 



