SNAKE POISONS. 255 



SNAKE POISONS. 



Abstract of paper read befork the Canadian Institute by 

 Dr. J. H. Garnikr, November 5th, 1887. 



Snake poisons have riveted the attention of mankind from the 

 earliest ages, and the Hindoos likely used snakestones even before 

 the first historical mention of men. Snake charming is a profession 

 in all the Indo Malay countries as well as Hindostan proper, and 

 the secrets of their profession are carefully handed down from father 

 to son. All things go by caste in that counti'y and the secrets of a 

 profession never are allowed to pass out of the family and its proper 

 descendants. In North America there are three well marked varieties 

 of poisoning; first, by the Colubrine snake, "-elaps fulvias" and the 

 local varieties of it that exist in various regions of the Southern 

 States; second, by the Co|)p3r head and Cotton mouth, Ancistrodon 

 Contortrix and Ancistrodon Piscivorus. thirdly, by the true rattlers. 

 In Gtnada there may bs two or three species, but they are 

 now becoming very scarce. The only variety in Ontario is the little 

 prairie rattle snake or Massissauga, the Caudisoma Tergemina Of 

 Baird and Girard. The symjjtoms of the bite of rattlesnakes, are 

 extreme pain in the bite, yet with a dead or numb-feeling ; swelling 

 of the adjacent regions ; rapidity of pulse ; laborious breathing ; 

 congestion of the lungs; spitting blood or rusty sputa ; then graclual 

 syncope and failing pulse; extreme drowsines ; faintings and death. 

 The poison is absorbed from the bite, and disseminated through the 

 entire body, blood, nerves, veins, arteries and every tissue is affected. 



We need a remedy that will follow this death dealing poison into 

 every cranny and corner of the system, and neutralize it the moment 

 they meet, there and then. Such a remedy I propose to lay before 

 you to-night, and from the extreme ease of giving it and as, both por- 

 tions of it being easily procured, it is at everybody's command, I hope 

 sincerely it may be given a fair and honest trial. The ingredients 

 ar(^ first Iodide of Potash say one dram to be taken in two ounces 

 or more of cold water, tea, coffee or any similar fluid. Then let it 

 have about ten minutes to get absorbed into the blood and circulation. 

 It is very rapidly passed through the coats of the stomach into the 

 circulation and system. This had best be repeated twice to make 

 sure and have the entire system imjtregnated. Then wse an incom- 



