THE TREATMENT OF SNAKE BITE. 401 



Africa every country resident should have some permanganate 

 and a penknife upon his person. Then, if he or any of his 

 native labourers, or stock should get bitten by a snake, curative 

 measures can be promptly taken. Brunton's First Aid instru- 

 ment is usually carried. This, however, is not a satisfactory 

 instrument for the reason that with the lancet the punctures 

 cannot be deeply and freely scarified without using undue force, 

 which is likety to snap the lancet or make unsatisfactory cuts. 

 Secondly, the permanganate is apt to be spilled and lost at the 

 critical moment by unscrewing the wrong end in error, or 

 bungling when removing the capsule. For bites by long-fanged 

 snakes, the lancet is of small practical value. To meet the 

 need, I have patented a complete First Aid Outfit, which is put 

 up in a small flat metal box, and can be carried without the 

 slightest inconvenience in the waistcoat pocket so as to be ready 

 for instant use. The outfit includes a specially designed lancet- 

 knife, stout ligature, and some chemical tabloids which will 

 instantly neutralise snake venom, and at the same time render 

 the scarified parts antiseptic. This outfit may be had from the 

 publisher of this book, and all chemists, for a trifling sum. Full 

 instructions are included in the outfit. From twenty years of 

 experience of snakes and snake bite, I can safely say this " First 

 Aid Outfit " will meet the needs of the public in all snake-infested 

 countries. 



We will presume that you have been bitten upon the leg a 

 few inches above the ankle. Without one instant's delay, make 

 three or four cuts about a quarter of an inch deep, and half 

 to three-quarters of an inch long, over each fang puncture. 

 There can be no difficulty in finding it, for there will be consider- 

 able smarting, and the punctures will be slightly discoloured. 

 If the bite be actually on the muscles, then cross cuts could be 

 made in addition to the others, as no harm can very well be 

 done. When, however, the bite is upon the back of the hand, 

 wrist, or front surface of the foot, cross cuts should never be 

 made, or you will probably sever one or more sinews and 

 cripple the hand or foot permanently. 



Open the incisions with your fingers and fill the wounds 

 with permanganate crystals and rub them vigorously in. A 

 good plan is to spit on the hollow palm of your hand, pour some 

 permanganate crystals into the fluid, work it into a paste and 



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