SNAKE VENOMS, THEIR PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION. 235 



In the cases where recovery has resulted after the use of these 

 measures alone, the explanation undoubtedly is, either that a fatal 

 dose has not been injected or that the snake has been a non-poison- 

 ous one or, perhaps, a lizard. 



The injection of chloride of lime, permanganate of potash or 

 chloride of gold at the site of the bite has been, I know, recommend- 

 ed by Calmette. Martin, however, has shown that this also has no 

 effect in delaying the symptoms if a ligature has not also been 

 applied. When a ligature has been applied along with such an 

 injection, it is the ligature and not the injection which has been 

 beneficial. 



As regards the treatment of Daboia intoxication I know of no 

 specific. These cases have to be treated on general principles — 

 stimulants of a diffusible nature to tide over the stage of cardiac 

 depression might be given. Beyond this I can suggest nothing 

 which would be at all likely to influence these cases for the better. 



I have told you that the whole problem of Ihe physiological action 

 of the venoms of the Kraits and of the Echis has still to be worked 

 out, and that antidotes have still to be got for the poisons of the 

 Daboia, the Kraits and the Echis. Should any of you be in the 

 position to procure living specimens of these snakes, especially 

 Kraits, I earnestly beg of you to send them to me. There is no limit 

 to the number I can receive, and I am willing lo pay any expenses 

 which may be incurred. If you help me in this, I promise you that 

 I shall do my part of the work to the very best of my strength and 

 ability. 



