THEIK NATURE AND EFFECTS. 13 



in the history of cases can be easily accounted for by 

 the fact that it would require a certain amount of 

 intelligence on the victim's part to mention it; and in 

 animals, of course, it is impossible to get proof of a 

 purely subjective condition. 



The special symptoms of cobra-poison now rapidly 

 manifest themselves. It man it is very commonly 

 observed that the patient cannot any longer keep his 

 eyes open, and about this time it is found that he is 

 losing power in his legs. When he walks he staggers, 

 and, if left unsupported, falls. The arms seem to retain 

 their strength much longer. In the case of dogs, the 

 animal at this stage can scarcely stand without falling 

 frequently, but there does not seem to be that difference 

 between the anterior and posterior extremities that is 

 observed in the legs and arms of a man. Usually, a 

 dog loses strength equally on his fore and hind legs, 

 and rolls from side to side helplessly. 



The order in which the symptoms now occur varies 

 in different individuals. In some, loss of the power of 

 speech and of raising the lower jaw is shown, and after- 

 wards profuse salivation; but the salivation may precede. 

 But whichever may occur first, the tongue and the 

 larynx become speedily paralysed ; the patient is unable 

 to speak or to clear his throat or to swallow ; and the 

 saliva, which is profusely poured forth, trickles down 

 the lips, the patient being no longer able to eject it 

 voluntarily. In dogs it is not unusual for the saliva- 



