THE POISONOUS SNAKES OF INDIA. 147 



These depressing influences on the heart are likely to be opera- 

 tive in any case of snake-bite, but in cases of snake poisoning, over 

 and above these non-toxic influences are others directly attributable 

 to the snake venom. Such are (1) general depression of the whole 

 nervous system, (2) the depression of the vasomotor centre, and 

 (3) in viperine poisoning especially, the depressing efiects of 

 hsemorrhages. In either case ■^^'hether a subject has or has not 

 been poisoned syncope is very likely to be met with, and the 

 condition and its treatment demands attention in these pages. 



Explanation of the sijmijtoms. — The symptoms have already been 

 sufiiciently detailed in contrast to the effects of cobra poisoning 

 (page 71), but with an explanation of the symptoms the " raison 

 d'etre " for the treatment called for will become obvious. 



Shock produces a paralysis of the vasomotor nerves (nei-ves that 

 regulate the calibre of blood vessels, and so control blood pressure), 

 especially those of the splanchnic system (the visceral blood vessels 

 in the abdomen). By this paralysis the abdominal vessels dilate, 

 and are then capable of accommodating the whole body content of 

 blood ! All other .parts of the body suffer in consequence, and 

 blood pressure generally is reduced, but the ill-effects of this vicari- 

 ous aneemia and reduced blood pressure are first seen on the vital 

 centres in the brain for the heart, and respiration. These being- 

 underfed strike work. The patient so stricken is unable to stand, 

 turns giddy and falls. The heart beats become weak, and unduly 

 frequent and the breathing also shallow and frequent. The loss of 

 blood in the skin is seen by the pallor of the face, and coldness of 

 the body surface. 



Treatment. — We can assist the restoration of blood to these 

 centres in the following ways : — (1) by general stimulation, 

 (2) determining blood to the starved centres, (3) by invigorat- 

 ing the heart's muscle, (4) by increasing the general blood 

 pressure, and (o) by removing contributory influences to the 

 depression. 



(i) General Stimulation. — Siiitable food is a valuable restorative. 

 Alcohol we have seen is contraindicated where anj' chance of snake 

 poisoning is present, Hot nourishment in the form of soups, 



