THEIE NATUEE AND EFFECTS. 155 



second week. But recoveries have been recorded even 

 in severe cases, showing that no change incompatible 

 with life has occurred. It is evident, from the history 

 of these cases that death is due to the loss of blood, 

 and it would therefore be clearly the indication to 

 prevent a fatal result from this cause to transfuse from 

 time to time a small quantity of fresh blood to replace 

 that which has escaped from the vessels. The great 

 muscular weakness which is developed in acute cases of 

 viperine poisoning, affecting especially the heart, would 

 render any attempt to make the patient exert himself 

 especially dangerous. 



In the chronic form of poisoning seen after the bite of 

 the Bungarus fasciatus, nothing at present can be said 

 as to its treatment, though every effort should be made 

 to support the strength of the victim. But the fact of 

 its occurrence so long after the receipt of the injury 

 adds much weight to what has already been urged as to 

 the importance of early and complete excision of the 

 wounded part in all cases of poisonous snake-bite. 



Closely connected with the subject of treatment is the 

 nature of the means that can be employed to prevent 

 loss of life in India from snake-poisoning. Foremost 

 stands the possibility of destroying the noxious reptiles 

 themselves, and the use of rewards in aiding this pro- 

 cess; and as different opinions are held on this subject 

 it n^y be advisable to review the arguments that may 

 be employed. Against the system of granting rewards 



