136 BRITISH SERPENTS. 
a little down the side. There was very great discol- 
oration. It was about a week before I was able to use 
my arm, and the elbow remained stiff for a couple of 
months.” 
Treatment of adder-bite.—The treatment to be 
of much avail in a severe case must be prompt and 
heroic. It may be divided into two—namely, that 
at the moment of the accident; and the after-treat- 
ment. These may be summed up as follows :— 
A. Immediate treatment.—1. A free incision into 
the flesh at the point of the fang-punctures.} 
bo 
. Sucking the wound, provided that there are no 
sores on the lips or in the mouth. 
3. Applying a tight hgature above the part where 
possible (to prevent the absorption of the 
venom into the system). 
aN 
. The internal administration of large quantities 
of stimulants (brandy, whisky, or ammonia), 
The first three of these, to be of any use, must be 
carried out dmmediately. 
B. After-treatment.—1. Continued administration of 
stimulants. 
) 
. Hot fomentations to the swollen limb. 
Opening of any abscesses that form. 
Hm wil 
. Heart and other tonics, according to the course 
the case runs, at the discretion of the medical 
attendant. 
'Permanganate of potash has recently leen advocated, rubbed 
into the incised wound. 
