THE POISONOUS SNAKES OP INDIA. 149 



(5) Removal of removable contributing causes of cardiac dejpression.^ 

 Cold has a most depressing influence on the heart, and will certainly 

 intensify any tendency to shock caused by other influences. It is 

 most important therefore to promote the body warmth in every way. 

 We can do this by rubbing the limbs alternately, and the body 

 with mustard, and ginger, keeping the parts not being so rubbed at 

 the moment well covered with blankets, until hot water bottles can 

 be got ready, when eight or a dozen should be applied around the 

 patient. Pain again is a powerful agent in the production of shock, 

 and is removable. The judicious administration hj'podermically of 

 sulphate of morphine J to ;^ of a grain, with sulphate of atropine j-Jo 

 of a grain is likely to assist materially in relieving shock from this 

 cause. 



(6) If the heart actually ceases work, artificial respiration should 

 be tried, and also the forcible dilatation of the anus with the 

 forefingers. 



