SCORPIONS. 



615 



six or seven inches. Closely allied to the spiders, their aspect is still more repul- 

 sive. Were one of the largest scorpions menacingly to creep up against you, with 

 extended claws and its long articulated sharply-pointed tail projecting over its head, I 

 think, despite the strength of your nerves, you would start back, justly concluding 

 that a creature of such an aspect must necessarily come with the worst intentions. 

 The poison of the scorpion is discharged like that of the snake. Near the tip of the 

 crooked sting, namely, which terminates the tail, we find two or three very small fora- 

 mina, through which, on pressure, the venom of the gland with which they are con- 

 nected immediately issues forth. By means of this weapon, even the small European 

 scorpions are able to kill a dog, while the tropical giants of the race inflict wounds 

 that become fatal to man himself. The sting of several South American scorpions 

 produces fever, numbness of the limbs, tumors on the tongue, weakness of the sight, 

 and other nervous symptoms, lasting twenty-four or forty-eight hours ; but the African 

 scorpions seem to be still more formidable. Mr. Swainson informs us that the only 

 means of saving the lives of English soldiers who were stung by those of Egypt, was 

 the amputation of the wounded limb ; and Professor Ehrenberg, who, while making 

 his researches on the Natural History of the Red Sea, was stung five times by the 

 Androctonus quinquestriatus^ and funestus, says he can well believe, from the dreadful 

 pains he suffered, that the poison of these scorpions may become fatal to women and 

 children. A servant of Mr. Russegger, while emptying a trunk, was stung in the 

 breast by a large scorpion, which had concealed itself among the linen. For hours 

 the pain was dreadful, shooting from time to time through the whole nervous system, 

 and almost depriving the patient of consciousness. A cold perspiration covered his 

 brow, and it was only after the internal and external application of ammonia, one of 

 the chief remedies for sustaining the sinking flame of life, that he at length felt some 

 relief, though he had still to sufier several days from a strong fever. 



The scorpions live mostly on the ground, in gloomy recesses, and even in the nooks 

 and corners of dwelling-houses, so that, in countries v/here they are known to abound, 

 it is necessary to be very cautious in removing stones, pieces of wood, &c. Of a 

 ferocious, cruel disposition, they are not only the foes of all other animals, but carry 

 on a war of extermination among themselves, and are even said to kill and devour 

 their own progeny, without pity, as soon as they are born ; thus rendering good service 

 to the community at large. Maupertuis once inclosed a hundred scorpions — a select 

 and delightful party — in a box. Immediately a furious battle ensued — one against 

 all, all against one — and in an hour's time scarcely one of the combatants survived 

 the conflict. 



The poison of the scorpion is lodged in its tail, but that of the centipede is in its 

 jaws. These are likewise among the pests of tropical climates ; for, although several 

 are found in Europe, yet, from their small size, they are harmless to man. Those of 

 India and South America, on the other hand, are enormous, frequently six or seven 

 inches long, and their sting is no less painful and virulent than that of the dreaded 

 Bcorpion itself. 



