[ 16 ] 
Vi. Extra# of a Letter from Stephen Wil- 
liams, M. B. F. R. S. concerning the Vi- 
per-catchers, {mention d in N® 443. of 
thefe Tran factions) and the Efficacy of Oil 
of Olives in curing the Bite of Vipers. 
‘Plymouth, July 2, 1737. 
. tifllliam Oliver, in Prefence of feveral Gen- 
tlemen of the Faculty of Phyfick, fuf- 
fer’d himfelf, on June 26, 173 7. to be bit by a Fe- 
male Viper } which being enraged, fix’d her Fangs in 
the middle Part of his Fore-finger. Blood foon ifl'ued 
out at the Wounds : But that the Poifon might more 
ftrongly appear, the fame Viper immediately bit a 
‘Pigeon in the Breaft, which expired in lefs than half 
an Hour. Another Pigeon was alfo bit by the fame 
Viper, which expired alfo, though not fo foon as the 
firft. M.t.0 liver immediately complain’d of an acute 
Pain in the wounded Part; It foon look’d red, then 
became of a livid Colour : His Finger fwell’d to a 
great’Size, and he could hot bend it. Soon upon this 
liis Hand alfo began to fwell: He complain'd" of Faint- 
liets, and Pains flying to Ms Arm, Shoulder, and Arm- 
pit. In half an Hour’s Time from the Bite, we per- 
fuaded him to try his Specifitik < wtiidh being applied, 
and ftrongly rubbed into the Part affe&ed, procured 
him Immediate Eafe. His Pain leflen’d, his Finger 
became flexible, his Spirits teem’d more chearful : 
The Specifick being feveral times repeated and ap- 
plied, his Pains gradually diminifh’cL The next Day, 
June his Finger and Hand remain’d tumefied, but 
without 
