WORARI POISON. 
137 
imparting a very prickly feel to the fingers ; while on the 
upper surface the hair was so thickly and smoothly laid* 
as to give the appearance of the specimen being a piece 
of natural skin. Such a perfect desquamation of cuticle arid 
hair we have never before met with. 
The microscopical appearances* as described by Mr. Shaw*, 
we found in the main to be correct. The bulbous portion of 
the hair, as originally planted in the follicles, was* however, 
in most of the hairs which we examined, fairly formed next 
to the neck of the hair* but at its extreme end, in many 
instances* it was drawn out into filaments* several of which 
were twisted into minute loops and bands in a singular 
manner. 
The case appears to have been one of Pityriasis, involving 
the hair-follicles* and also the vascular papillae* on which the 
function of the hair depends.] 
ON THE WORARI POISON. 
By Amateur. 
I am reminded, by the very interesting paper on the Urari 
or Worari poison* by Dr. Schomburgk, (which lately appeared 
in your journal), of my indolence. But as your pages have 
been so well filled with other and more important matter* 
no loss has been sustained. As, however* the mode of 
preparation, as given by Dr. S., differs somewhat from that 
of Warburton* I am induced to intrude my quotations. 
What* perhaps, renders this subject one of greater interest 
now than otherwise it would be, is the fact* at least I am so 
informed, that endeavours are being made to introduce it as 
a therapeutic agent. Its action being that of a most powerful 
sedative* it has been thought that in those diseases where 
much nervous excitement exists* as in tetanus* &c.* it will be 
found of service. 
Our author having graphically given the manner in which 
the Indian prepares his arrows* both for the blow-pipe, with 
which he kills birds and the smaller animals* and the bow for 
the larger ones* goes on to describe the action he had witnessed 
in these latter after the introduction of the poison. 
“ In passing overland from the Essequibo to the Demerara, we fell in 
with a herd of wild hogs. Though encumbered with baggage, and fatigued 
with a hard day’s walk, an Indian got his bow ready, and let fly a poisoned 
xxxi. ]9 
