( l6^ ) 
VI, A Difcourfe of the Viper^ and fome other 
foyfons^ Wrote by Sr. Theodore de Mayerne, 
after Difcourftng with Mr. Pontaeus. Comnm- 
mcated by Sir Theodore de Vaux, M. LX 
and S. R. S. 
THe Venom of a Viper in it felf is not Mortal to a 
Robuft and Sound Body; and tho very unhappy 
and mifchievous accidents attend it; as a great Tumour, 
Tenfion and Weight of the Part, Humidity and Varie- 
ty of Colours, Phrenfies, Convulfions and Vomitings ; 
yet in Eight or Ten days at moft thefe accidents an. 
over, although the Patient may be very iiJ, yet he re- 
covers again ; whilft the Poyfon having run through di- 
vers parts of the body; at laft it always throws it felf 
into the Scrotum^ fwelling it extreamly, caufes a great 
heat and quantity of Urine, very hot and lliarp , by 
which it is difcharged ; this evacuation being the ordina- 
ry and moft certain Crifis of the Difeafe : It is obftrva- 
ble that the perfpiration being obftrudted by the Poyfon, 
a Man bit by a Viper and fwelled up, in three or four 
days fliall weigh almoft as much more then he did before. 
A fickly Perfon under an ill habit of Body, or fear- 
ful, dies Infallibly, and in ftiort time by ' this Venom 
without fpeedy help. 
In the extream Nervous Parts, near the Pulfe and 
Tongue, the bites are dangerous, and accidents very 
painful. 
Frefti Vipers that have not bit, but have the blad- . 
ders of the Gums full of Veqom, are the moft Mifchie- 
vous. 
Moun 
