POISONS AND POISONING. 75 



causing death, which it may do in either of two .rays. First, when 

 very strong, by exerting a narcotic influence similar to that of some of 

 the powerful poisons, destroying nervous function, with the symptoms 

 of extreme depression, feeble, flickering or intermittent pulse, cold ex- 

 tremities, dilated pupils, insensibility, collapse, and death. Second, 

 when less powerful, by diffused inflammation of the arcolar tissue, 

 numerous abscesses, gangrene, and extensive sloughing. Immediately 

 after the bite alarming symptoms of an astheuic character and local 

 swelling rapidly takes place ; there is irritation from the first. The extent 

 of the swelling and subsequent gangrene will depend on the potency 

 or amount of the poison introduced. Unless in very large quantities, 

 death ensues so rapidly that the swelling process is not completed. 

 There are many snakes of which the bites are harmless. Post-mortem 

 examination reveals a dark alkaline condition of the blood, intense 

 congestion, of the lungs and spleen, and other conditions indicative 

 of death of the blood (necrccmia). The viscera emit a peculiar sickly 

 odor. 



The treatment may be divided into local and general. Locally every 

 effort should be made to prevent absorption of the poison. If discov- 

 ered at once the bitten part had better be excised. If that is imprac- 

 ticable and a ligature can be applied as in the case of a bite to one of 

 the limbs, no time should be lost in applying it above the injury. It 

 should be made sufficiently tight to as far as possible arrest circulation" 

 in the bitten part. The poison should be extracted by cupping. If 

 tliis is not practicable, or when it has been performed, the wound 

 should be seared with a red-hot iron to destroy as far as possible any 

 of the poison that may remain unabsorbed. The depressing effect of 

 the poison on the general system should be counteracted by liberal 

 drenching with stimulants, wine, brandy, whisky, etc. In the human 

 being preparations of arsenic, bromine, bichloride of mercury, and 

 iodido of potassium in frequently-repeated doses are indicated. In 

 animal practice the alcoholic stimulants and local treatment above 

 described arc likely to meet with best success. In the emergency which 

 arises when such an accident occurs the means at hand must be used to 

 the best advantage. First the application of a tight ligature can nearly 

 always be made; then opening the wound up to its bottom with a pen- 

 knife and encouraging free flow of blood will be likely to wash out at 

 least part of the poison, if done promptly. Capping can not be practiced 

 among cattle with the same facility as it can in the human being, owing 

 to the covering of hair. This obstacle may be overcome by smearing 

 the hair full of tar or balsam on the surface to which the cupping glass 

 is to be applied. The operation may be easily performed, using a jar or 

 bottle with a good-sixed neck, but not so large as to prevent its having a 

 firm seat on the skin around the wound. A piece of cloth dipped in oil 

 ami lighted is dropped into the bottle, the neck of which is quickly 

 applied t< the wound. The llame of the liurning cloth consumes the 



