1883.] Bite of the North American Coral Snakes. 27 
bite dangerous or fatal in its effects. The somewhat general 
notion that they are harmless is erroneous. Incidentally it ap- 
pears that the popular belief that certain serpents sting with their 
tail extends to the coral snakes. 
2. On the afternoon of June 1, 1882, Mr. William Shindler, 
artist in the U. S. National Museum, was bitten in the index fin- 
ger of the left hand by a specimen of coral snake, Zlaps fulvius, 
received from Gainesville, Florida, which he had placed in his 
room that he might sketch it. The wound was inflicted be- 
tween 2 and 3 o'clock, p.m. The serpent had not been fed for 
two months previously. It clung so firmly to the finger that it 
had to be pulled off. The first symptoms, which appeared imme- 
diately after the bite, consisted of violent pain at the wound, and 
extending up the arm to the left breast. The wound was cauter- 
ized by Dr. J. M. Flint. The symptoms continued without ma- 
terial change to half past four in the afternoon. At that hour, 
according to Mr. Shindler, the first symptoms of drowsiness or 
unconsciousness made their appearance, and remained until the 
morning of the 3d inst. 
At 7.30 P. M. on the day of the bite, Mr. Shindler felt so ill that 
he deemed it prudent to call upon his physician, Dr. L. M. Tay- 
lor, of Washington. Dr. Taylor has kindly furnished me with 
a summary of the symptoms which he observed from the time 
the case came into his hands at the hour stated, until signs of 
recovery appeared, and of the treatment employed. The notes. 
are as follows: 
June 1, 1882, Case of William Shindler. Bite of coral snake; index finger, left 
hand. 
Symptoms.—Finger swollen. Complains of acute pain extending up arm and 
down to region of heart. Partial delirium. Pulse at wrist of injured hand almost 
imperceptible; on other side weak, irregular, compressible. Skin cool, clammy. 
Tongue tremulous, cool, white. Nervous, excitable, garrulous. Eyes dull, stupid in 
expression; pupils contracted. Jactation, nausea, persistent vomiting. 
Treatment —Saturated bandage with strong ammonia water, and applied to 
woun 
Prescription. —Bicarbonate of soda 4 drachms. 
Sub-nitrate of bismuth cometh 
Water sufficient to dissolve soda. Teaspoonful every five min- 
utes. Administered six doses. 
Symptoms.—Nausea returned; vomiting ceased. 
Prescription,—Aromatic arie of ammonia...........++...1 ounce. 
‘French br: 
Teaspoonful every Ans minutes until six or ie Pel had 
been given. Left patient comfortable. Tablespoonful 
every hour during the night. . 
