SNAKE POISONS. 261 



for action, and thus help. Nevertheless ligatures alone, no matter 

 how tightly applied, do not prevent the poison getting into the 

 circulation and causing death. But in case of a finger or toe being 

 bitten, amputate at once. It is the King of all cures. In case it is 

 practicable cut out the part bitten at once and delay no time. 



Next to the knife I certainly think the iodide of potash and 

 followed in a few minutes by sweet spirit of nitre, is the best remedy 

 we have. In all cases whisky and spirits ai^e a vevj gi-eat help. If 

 a person is truly under the influence of snake poison, it is scarcely 

 possible, to make him drunk. 



A most careful series of researches have yet to be made on the 

 action of snake venom on the blood, on the nerves, on the muscular 

 coats of the arteries, and veins, and the tissues, and glands. This 

 must be done in the near futui'e, and every part be brought upon 

 the field of the microscope. 



If Iodine be a remedy in general for snake bites and their venom 

 which I am strongly led to believe, then I think I have pointed out 

 a scientific mode of distinguishing it, when bona fide in circulation. 

 It will be admitted that my own case, and the cases stated by Dr. 

 Jefieries bear a powerful evidence in its favor that none can lightly 

 cast aside. Be it the iodine, be it the nitrate of potash or the 

 the spirits, mixing in the blood, and reacting on this venom and 

 poison in the serum, fibres or blood-corpuscles, there seems^little- 

 doubt that the action and destructiA'e energy of this venom on human 

 or animal life is quickly stayed and the subsequent recurrent and 

 most distressing symptoms are greatly alleviated. I claim no specific 

 for snake bites in this my treatment, as I know full well that such 

 a claim is futile ^'just 7iow," but I do claim that it is well worthy of 

 a fair and honest trial, and if it prove a success in treating such 

 deplorable and terrible accidents, I shall feel heartily glad to know 

 that I have been of some use to my fellow men. 



