THEIE NATURE AND EFFECTS. 139 



Place of bite. Percentage of total cases. 



Breast ... ... 1-85 



Ear ... ... ... 1-85 



Perineum ... ... 1*85 



In other words, 94*54 per cent, of persons bitten are 

 ■wounded on the extremities, and it is, therefore, possible 

 to withdraw at once the part bitten from the circulation, 

 without injuring the person in the slightest degree. 

 There is only one way of doing this effectually. At 

 once let a thick india-rubber band — such as is used in 

 Esmarch's bandage for bloodless operations — be firmly 

 bound on the limb above the part bitten. No circula- 

 tion, and, therefore, no absorption can go on after this ; 

 and time can be taken to consider what further pro- 

 ceedings are necessary. An ordinary cord or string, or 

 bandage, is nearly useless compared with the india- 

 rubber band. I have known fatal absorption take place 

 when a string has been applied so tightly as actually to 

 cut the flesh, and apparently strangulate the limb 

 completely, causing acute suffering, evidently from the 

 cord not accommodating itself accurately to the form of 

 the member, and thus leaving a small channel for the 

 ctrculation. The india-rubber band is nearly painless, 

 and properly applied is an absolute safeguard against 

 further absorption. An ordinary piece of cord or string 

 is commonly recommended as the proper application. 

 It is. as I have said, of very slight use indeed, and then 

 only when applied so as to be equivalent to amputation. 



