HEALTH SCIENCES STANDARD HX00030031 RECAP Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Open Knowledge Commons http://www.archive.org/details/researchesuponveOOmitc SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE. RESEARCHES UPON THE YENOM OF THE RATTLESNAKE: WITH AN INVESTIGATION OP TUB ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE ORGANS CONCERNED. ^^<7v, 'f' 'I Hf i S. WEIR MITCHELL, M.D., lECTCEEK ON PUySIOLOGY IN TUE PUILADELPHIA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. [ACCEPTED FOK PUBLICATION, JULY, I860.] COMMISSION TO WHICH THIS MEMOIR HAS BEEN REFERRED. Feanelin Bache, M. D., eobley dunglison, m.d. Joseph Henky, Secretary S. T. COLLINS, PRINTER, PHILADELPHIA. PREFACE. In the following pages are set forth the results of a long and conscientious experimental study of the venom of the Rattlesnake. During a large part of two years I have given to this work almost all the leisure which could be spared from the everyday exactions of my regular professional duties. » In its progress, I have been constantly aided and encouraged by many friends, principally members of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia; more especially am I in debt to my fellow-members of the Biological Department of the Academy, to Prof. Wm. A. Hammond, and to Mr. Vaux. My thanks are due to the Smithsonian Institution, without the aid of which I should have been unable to procure the serpents which were essential to my purposes. The historical references and the Bibliography owe much to the manuscript notes of Prof. John Le Conte, which were collected with much care and labor, that they might be used in a research which he at one time contemplated. Becoming aware of the investigation in which I was engaged, he most liberally placed at my dis- posal this collection of literary materials. To Drs. Brinton and Kane I am greatly obliged for intelligent assistance in numerous experimental investigations, for which their ready surgical skill so well fitted them, and I am also in debt to Messrs. Cantrell and Picot, for like aid, which, owing to the nature of the service, was not always free from danger. My thanks are further due to Drs. La Roche and Stille, to Dr. Fisher, the librarian of the Academy of Natural Sciences, and to Dr. T. H. Bache, the librarian of the College of Physicians, whose assistance in consulting its extensive collection of American journals has been to me of great service. With the exception of the microscopic delineations, the plates were drawn by Dr. Packard, from my recent dissections, and owe their chief merit to his accurate pencil. The conclusions arrived at in the pages of this Essay, rest alone upon experi- iv PREFACE. mental evidence. That in so varied and so difficult a research, it may be found that I have sometimes been misled, and at others erred in the interpretation of facts, is no doubt to be anticipated. I began this work, however, without precon- ceived views, and throughout its prosecution I have endeavored to maintain that condition of mind which is wanted in experimentation, and that love of truth which is the parent of rational inferences.' S. WEIR MITCHELL. 1226 Walnut St., Philadelphia. ■* The reader who desires further information in regard to the therapeutics of the subject, and to the relative value of the various antidotes still in repute, is referred to a forthcoming paper, by the author, in the North American Medico-Chirurgical Review, in which the whole subject will be con- sidered from a purely medical point of view. The author takes this occasion to mention the omission in the medical portion of the present essay of the composition of Bibrou's antidote. It contains five drachms of bromine, four grains of iodide of potassium, and two grains of corrosive sublimate. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Preface List of Figures CHAPTER I. OBSERVATIONS ON THE HABITS OF THE CROTALUS WHEN IN CAPTIVITY. Inactivity of the Crotalus Habit of fasting Mode of artificial feeding Necessity for water Change of skin Influence of the supply of water upon this process Question of the loss of fangs at this period Supposed power of fascination . Odor of the Rattlesnake CHAPTER II. ANATOMY OP THE VENOM APPARATUS. Osteology of the parts concerned Myology of the parts concerned Position of the venom gland Weight of the gland as compared with Capsule of the gland Its suspensory and other ligaments Receptacle of the poison Microscopical anatomy of the gland Course of the duct Sphincter of the duct . Structure of the fang . Development of the fangs Succession of fangs 6 1 10 the length and weight of the snake 11 11 11 12 12 13 15 15 16 18 CHAPTER III. PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISM OF THE BITE OF THE CROTALUS. Attitude of defence . . ' . Forward motion of the body in striking Distance at which the snake can strike . Elevation of the fangs . 20 20 21 21 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Entrance of the fang into the part struck Mechanism of the parts concerned in the injection of the poison Withdrawal of the fang .... Observation as to the employment of one or both fangs Divergence of the fangs when used in biting Means employed to restrain the wasteful flow of the venom Tenacity of life on the part of the Crotalus (note) Circumstances that sometimes lessen or destroy the danger of the bite CHAPTER IV. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERS OF THE VENOM. Amount of venom in the ducts .... Manipulation (note) ..... Capacity of gland as compared to length and weight of snake Color of the venom of the Piattlesnake Physical characters of venom Consistency of venom ..... Taste and smell of venom .... Reaction of the venom .... Reaction of the mucoijs membrane of the snake's mouth Decomposition of the venom .... Crystals formed during the evaporation of diluted venom Amorphous deposit from venom Chemical examination of Crotalus venom Temperature at which the venom coagulates Its solubility ...... Effect of chemical reagents on the venom Its nitrogenous character .... Observations as to the presence of sulphocyanide of potassium in venom Qualitative analysis of venom .... Observations as to the power of venom to convert stai'ch into grape sugar Is the gland tissue poisonous .... Analogy of the venom gland to the parotid gland Effect of various temperatures on the activity of venom Table of the effect of various temperatures on the activity of venom Inflnence of certain chemical agents on the activity of venom . CHAPTER V. TOXICOLOGY OF THE VENOM OF THE CROTALUS. Action of venom on plants Germination of seeds in venom Action of venom on animal life Development of animalculse in decomposing venom Action of venom on frogs Acute poisoning of frogs Chronic poisoning of frogs Action of the dried venom of the Crotalus on frogs Effect of the venom upon the Crotalus itself Relative susceptibility of cold and warm-blooded animals TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER VI. TOXICOLOGICAL ACTION OF THE VENOM UPON WARM-BLOODED ANIMALS. Action of the venom ou birds ....... Table of symptoms and lesions in seven cases of pigeons poisoned by Crotalus venom Action of venom on rabbits Table of symptoms in eight rabbits Table of lesions in the same Effect of Crotalus venom on dogs Cases which recovered . Fatal cases PAGE 64 67 6T 69 12 CHAPTER VII. ACTION OP VENOM ON THE TISSUES AND FLUIDS. The venom harmless when taken into the stomach Pulmonary absorption of the venom in pigeons with fatal results The wound ..... Effect of the venom on the muscles Effect of the venom on the rigor mortis Ultimate effect of venom on muscles Effect of venom on the heart Effect of venom on the constant arterial pressure Action of venom on the capillary system Action of venom on the intestinal movements . Action of venom on the ciliary movement Action of the venom on the nervous system Direct effect of venom oh nerve trunks Action of the venom on the sensory and motor nerves and upon the nerve centr Effect of the venom upon the calorifacient function Effect of venom on the blood . Effect of venom on the blood in acute poisoning Effect of venom on the blood in chronic poisoning Table of blood changes Loss of fibrin in chronic poisoning Influence on the blood-corpuscles The rate at which the fibrin disappears from the blood Conclusions ..... Altered relation between the blood and tissues . Cause of death .... Conclusions . . . .... Analogy between the symptoms of Crotalus poisoning and those of certain diseases T6 11 11 18 79 79 80 83 86 86 86 87 90 90 91 92 94 94 96 96 97 CHAPTER VIIL CEOTALUS POISONING IN MAN, Table of Crotalus poisoning in man Sex of those bitten Situation of the wound 100 102 102 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Local symptoms .... Local results ..... Constitutional symptoms Fatal cases, mode of death Duration of cases .... Rapidity of recovery in the favorable cases Lesions in fatal cases .... Antidotes ..... ^ General remarks on antidotes . Local therapeutics ^ . Internal treatment Examination of supposed constitutional antidotes Ammonia ..... Olive oil ..... Arsenic ..... Bibron's antidote .... Alcoholic stimulus . . . . Conclusion . . . ; An enumeration op the genera and species of Rattlesnakes, with synonymy and reeer- ENCES. By E. D. Cope ........ Bibliography PAGE 102 403 104 105 105 106 106 108 108 109 113 lis 113 113 113 113 114 IIT 119 121 LIST OF WOOD-CUTS. Figure 1. Portion of craniam of Crotalus ..... Figure 2. Diagram of the bony parts concerned in raising the fang . Figure 3. Palatal view of the muscles of the upper jaw and base of the skull' Figure 4. Side view of the right temporal muscles and venom gland Figure 5. Side view of the left temporal muscles, gland, duct, and fang Figure 6. A. The gland and temporal muscles seen from above. £. Diagram of duct and gland — side view ...... Figure T. Microscopical structure of the venom gland Figure 8. Epithelial cells of the main duct and receptacle at the base of the gland Figure 9. Non-striated muscular fibre-cells of the sphincter of the duct Figure 10. Diagram illustrating the succession of the fangs . Figure 11. Crystals deposited from the diluted venom of the 0. confiuentus (Prof. Hammond) Figure 12. Appearance of muscular fibre after contact with venom . . . . PAGE T 10 11 13 14 14 19 32 80 ' In Fig. 3, p. 9, Description — d is described as tlie spheno-palatine muscle. It should be labelled, Central raphe at the base of the sliuU. INTRODUCTION. Popular tradition has long nourislied a general aversion to serpents. This dread, fostered by the singular qualities of the snake tribe, has become so familiar an idea to most minds, as to lead to the belief that it is of instinctive origin, and not sown, as it surely is, by the hand of traditional prejudice. However produced, dread and disgust seem to have had some influence in preventing physicians in this country from investigating the venom of the species of serpents, whose strange peculiarities and fatal powers have most urged them upon their notice. It has thus happened, that with the exception of the Essays of Barton and Brainard, the cis-Atlantic literature of this subject has been confined to scattered notices and incomplete statements of cases, to be found with difficulty in the pages of our numerous medical journals. Apart from the European and East Indian publications upon snake-bites, we know or have learned but little that is new; and if we except the works of Fontana, Mangili, Bonaparte, and one or two others, in no part of the world has modern science done much to further this inquiry. Such being the case, I conceive that no excuse is required in presenting the results of investigations upon a subject which has peculiar claims on the attention of our countrymen. A large part of what is here set forth has some pretension to be regarded as original research ; but the subject is so ample, and has presented itself under so many points of view, that I can scarcely regard this paper as more than a re-opening of the matter; and I feel that however full it may be upon some points, it is rather the pledge of future labors than a complete exposition of the subject upon which it treats. For the researches which form the novel part of the following essay, I claim only exactness of detail and honesty of statement. Where the results have appeared to me inconclusive, and where further experimental questioning has not resolved the doubt, I have fairly confessed my inability to settle the matter. This course I have adhered to in every such instance, thinking it better to state the known uncertainty thus created than to run the risk of strewing my path with errors in the garb of seeming truths. In the following researches I have made use almost altogether of the single 1 INTRODUCTION. species of Rattlesnake, usually known as the Grotalus durissus. Of this I have had living specimens from Lake George, and from various localities in the Alle- ghanies of Pennsylvania and Virginia. In Mr. Cope's Summary at the end of this Essay, the reader will find all the necessary details as to the zoological characters of this serpent. CHAPTEK I. OBSERVATIONS ON THE HABITS OF THE CROTALUS WHEN IN CAPTIVITY. During a large part of two years, the period which this research has occupied, I was a portion of each day in the room where the reptiles were kept, and conse- quently observed with care such of their habits as could be studied while they were in confinement. In regard to these I have a few observations to make, before considering their physiology and toxicology. It is by no means my intention to give a full account of the habits of the Crotalus, since this would involve a great deal of detail which is to be found else- where, and which would be foreign to the general purpose of this essay. The Rattlesnake of our Northern States, when at liberty, sometimes lives in the company of his fellows, but more frequently alone. I have had, in a single box, from ten to thirty-five snakes, and have never observed the slightest signs of hostility towards one another. Even when several snakes were suddenly dropped upon their fellows, no attempt was made to annoy the new-comers, while the sudden intrusion of a pigeon or a rabbit was met with ready resentment, whenever the snakes were fresh and in vigorous health. The habits of Rattlesnakes, when in confinement, are singularly inactive. Even in warm weather, when they are least sluggish, they will lie for days together in a knotted mass, occasionally changing their position, and then relapsing into perfect rest. The contrast between this ordinary state of repose, or sluggish movement, and the perilous rapidity of their motion when striking, is most dangerously decep- tive. In contrast also with their slow locomotion is the marvellously rapid action of their rattles, which, when annoyed or molested, they will sometimes continue to agitate for hours at a time. It is the general experience of those who have kept rattlesnakes, that they seldom eat in captivity. I have known a snake to exist for a year without food, and although I have made every effort to tempt my own snakes, I have never seen any one of them disposed to avail itself of food, when placed within its reach. Dumeril states that this is the usual experience in the Garden of Plants, but that at the end of six or eight months they commonly accept food. He also adds that the very young pigeon is the food they are most inclined to eat. After tempting the snakes with this, as well as with birds, mice, rabbits, etc., and finding the food as often untouched, I finally gave up the attempt, and con- tented myself with feeding, by force, such of them as seemed feeble and badly nourished. For this purpose, I used milk and insects, which I placed in their throats, while they were properly pinioned. To effect this, the snake was secured, and the lower jaw held in the grasp of a pair of forceps, while a funnel, with a 4 PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY long stem, was thrust down the oesophagus. Into this, insects, such as flies and grasshoppers, were pushed, or milk poured in proper quantity. Yet, even when this precaution of forcible feeding was not employed, the snakes remained healthy, and secreted, as usual, a sufficient amount of venom. To preserve them, however, in good condition, it is absolutely necessary that they should be frequently supplied with water, especially in hot weather, and when they are about to shed their skins. The free snake is said, in this climate, to shed its cuticle in the month of August. My snakes lost their old integuments at different periods, during the summer. In all cases, the old skin became very dark, as the new one formed beneath it. If, at this time, the snakes were denied access to water, the skin came off" in patches. Where water was freely supplied, they entered it eagerly at this period, and not only drank of it, but lay in it for hours together. Under these circumstances, the skin was shed entire — the first gap occurring at the mouth, or near it. Through this opening, the serpent worked its way, and the skin reverting, was turned inside out, as it crawled forth in its new and distinctly-marked outer covering. When the old skin was very loose, the snake's motions were often awkward for a time. It is said to be blind during this period, which is probably true to some extent ; since the outer layer of the cornea is shed with the skin, and there must obviously be a time when the old corneal layer lies upon the new formation. It is also said that the fangs are lost at the same time as the skin. In some instances, this was observed to be the case; but whether or not it is a constant occurrence, I am unable to say from personal observation. It is most probable, as I have elsewhere stated, that not only are the fangs shed when the skin is lost, in summer, but that their loss is a frequent occurrence, like the loss of teeth in certain fish, and takes place at intervals, more or less frequent, certainly oftener than once a year. A general opinion prevails that, immediately after the loss of the skin, the snakes become most virulent. As they are slothful during the period of change, and strike then with reluctance, if at all, and as the loss of the fang involves, to some extent, the accumulation of poison in the gland cavities, this view may be correct. There is no ground, however, for supposing that the effect of this storing up of the venom would be greater at this period than after a similar amount of accumulation at another time. After such numerous and long-continued opportunities of observation, it might be supposed that I should be prepared to speak authoritatively, as to the still disputed power of the snake to fascinate small animals. If the power exist at all, it is probable that it would only be made use of when the serpent required its aid to secure food. We have seen that even the most healthy snakes lose their appe- tite when imprisoned, and beyond this condition, my chances of observation have been limited. Those who are still curious in the matter will find the fullest account of it in the Essay of Dr. B. S. Barton. In despite of the learned and ingenious argument of this author, there are not wanting large numbers, who claim to have witnessed, again and again, the exercise of the power of charming on the part of the Kattlesnake and Black Snake. Dr. Barton, who does not deny that the appearance OP THE VENOM OF THE RATTLESNAKE. 5 of fascination lias been often observed, explains it by supposing that in these cases the pai'ent bird, alarmed at the near approach of danger to her nest of young, hovers anxiously about the snake, as she would about any other cause of danger, and thus sometimes falls a victim to her maternal anxiety. This theory, Dr. Barton believes sufficient to account for the fluttering and strange movements of the bird, and the arguments with which this view is upheld, are certainly entitled to great respect. While the anxiety and terror of the parent bird would readily attract notice, the real object of the snake, and the true cause of the mother's approach to the very jaws of destruction, would be more than likely to escape the notice of such persons as are usually called upon to observe the supposed fact. I have seen but one occurrence that might mislead as to the subject of fascina- tion. I have very often put animals, such as birds, pigeons, guinea-pigs, mice, and dogs, into the cage with a Kattlesnake. They commonly exhibited no terror after their recovery from alarm, at being handled and dropped into a box. The smaller birds were usually some time in becoming composed, and fluttered about in the large cage until they were fatigued, when they soon became amusingly familiar with the snakes, and were seldom molested, even when caged with six or eight large Crotcdi. The mice — which were similarly situated — lived on terms of easy intimacy with the snakes, sitting on their heads, moving round on their gliding coils, undisturbed, and unconscious of danger. Larger animals were not so safe, especially if they moved abruptly and rapidly about the snakes. The birds, mice, and larger animals, often manifested an evident curiosity, which prompted them to approach the snake cautiously. Sometimes this was rewarded by a blow, as was sure to be the case, when a dog indulged his inquisitiveness by smelling the snake with his muzzle. Sometimes the snake retreated, and struck only when driven to bay. Usually, the smaller animals indulged their inquisitive instinct unliurt, and were allowed to live for days in the same cage with the dreaded reptiles.^ These are the sole facts which I have seen, bearing any relation to the supposed fascinating faculty. They appear to me to lend no strength to the idea of its existence. There is a popular belief which ascribes to the Rattlesnake a most disagreeable odor, and even naturalists have been led to believe that the serpent owed to this its power to lure and stupefy animals. In this matter, I agree with Barton." I have never perceived that any peculiar odor issued from my snake-box, and as to its ability to injure birds, the facts above stated should suffice to disprove it. As usual, however, this pound of error contains its grain of truth. When a Eattle- snake is roughly handled, especiall3' about the lower half of its length, a very heavy and decided animal odor is left upon the hands of the observer. If the snake be vio- lently treated, causing it to throw itself into abrupt contortions, thin streams of a yellow or dark brown fluid are ejected to the distance of two or three feet. This fluid appears to come from glands alongside of the cloaca. Its odor is extremely dis- agreeable, and it is irritant when it enters the eye, although not otherwise injurious. ^ It is proper to add, that the curiosity thus exhibited by animals, and especially by mice and dogs, was as active when the snake was not regarding the intruder, as at other times. - Barton, p. 24. PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY CHAPTER II. ANATOMY OF THE VENOM APPARATUS. The subject of the myology of the Eattlesnake has been considered at length, in several systematic works, and in the monographs referred to at the close of this paper. For the fullest details, it would be necessary to refer the reader to the books in question. Since, however, it is impossible otherwise to convey an accu- rate idea of the mode in which the fangs are employed, I am forced to describe the parts concerned, and the general mechanism of their motions. It is the more necessary to dwell, at least, briefly, on this matter, because some of the French observers have fallen into error, as regards the action of certain of the muscles concerned in the elevation and depression of the fangs. I shall first describe, as shortly as possible, the bones involved ; then the muscles, and lastly the gland and its duct. Thus prepared, we shall next study the mode in which the blow is given, and the mechanism, through the agency of which the poison is ejaculated. The heads of the true serpents are so constructed as to admit of a large amount of movement in • the component bones. Thus the zygomatic bones which support the lower maxillary bones, are loosely articulated to the mastoid bone, which is itself so mobile as to permit of the greatest possible expansion of the throat. Anteriorly the superior maxillary bones are united, by ligaments only, to the inter- maxillaries, and the lower- maxillary bones of each side are also so connected ante- riorly as to permit of their being widely separated, and of one or the other side of the inferior jaw being drawn down to some distance, without involving a corre- sponding motion on the part of its fellow. Finally, the superior maxillary bones, the pterygoid and palate bones admit of considerable movement, so that the arches which they form can be widened or narrowed as circumstances may require. The mobility of these parts is essential to the motions which raise and depress the fang, and to the deglutition of the large animals upon which the snakes are accustomed to prey. The poison fang, when at rest, projects downwards and backwards into the mouth of the serpent. It is firmly anchylosed in the alveolar process, which crowns the summit of the shortened upper maxillary bone. Fig. 1, d, whose pecu- liar brevity is characteristic of venomous snakes. The superior maxillary bone is of a rather irregular triangular shape, abruptly cut ofi:' below to form the alveolar socket. One face of this bone is smooth, and looks inwards and slightly forwards. OF THE VENOM OF THE RATTLESNAKE. 7 A second looks forwards and outwards. This facet is smooth below/ but is exca- vated above into a deep fossa, which in the fresh snake is partially closed by Fio;. 1. Portion of CKANinii of Ckotalus. — Right side. Osteology. Bones concerned in tlie movements of the fang, a, external pterygoid bone ; b, internal pterygoid bone ; c, palatal bone ; d, superior maxillary bone ; e, lachrymal bone. soft tissues, but is still sufficiently remarkable as lying between the eye and nares. In the dry bone this large fossa opens upwards freely through the base of the bone, and thus separates the two surfaces by which the bone articulates with the ecto- pterygoid and lachrymal bones respectively. Anteriorly, the superior maxillar'y bone presents a rounded angle, from which diverge the two lateral sides just described. Posteriorly, the superior maxillary exhibits a third face, which is flat only half way down the bone, and terminates in an abrupt edge forming the poste- rior boundary of the alveolar socket. Anteriorly, and above, the maxillary bone articulates by a ginglymoid joint with the short triangular lachrymal bone. Fig. 1, e, which projects forwards from the anterior external angle of the frontal bone. The articular facet of the maxilla lies at the upper end of its front angle. It moves with great freedom on the concave face of the lachrymal bone, its motion being partially restrained by a short, round, strong ligament, which runs from the posterior and inner edge of the lachrymal bone to be inserted on the back edge of the base of the maxilla, just above the articulation of the ecto-pterygoid bone. The lachrymal bone has itself some movement on its frontal articulation, and by this the maxilla obtains indirectly an additional extent of forward motion. At the upper edge of the posterior surface of the maxillary bone, it receives the expanded and flattened end of the ecto-pterygoid bone, Fig. 1, a. Upon tracing .the line of motion, of which this bone is capable, it will be seen that it lies below the lachrymal joint, and that, consequently, when it moves forwards, the fang must rise, as the superior maxillary rocks on the articulating face of the lachrymal bone. The superior maxillary is indirectly attached to the palate bone. Fig. 1, c, and internal pterygoid, Fig. 1, h, by virtue of the strong connection of these bones with the ecto-pterygoid. This connection is so close that every free motion of either of '■ The parts are described as though in situ. 8 PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY the two former bones must inevitably affect the hitter, and through it again the maxilla and its single tooth.^ The motion of the maxillary bone on its lachrymal articulation will, perhaps, be better undex'stood upon reference to the accompanying diagram of the parts. Diagram of the Bony Parts concerned in raising the Fang. — a, pterygoid bone ; /, m., arrow marking its line of motion ; p, e, pterygoideus esternns muscle ; toms. Nervous system. 1 Moore Male Instep twice bitten Pain, swelling, hemorrhage from bites Continued pain, and swelling to the knee None stated None stated Probably none of moment 2 W. Mayrant Male Throat Swelling and pain Caustics used. Small slough Sudden and exces- sive prostration ; vomiting; locked- jaw; loss of speech Feeble fluttering pulse • 3 W. Mayrant Male Pain Violent vomiting and prostration 4 W. E. Horner Male Bend of elbow, There seems to Itching, pain great. Apparently none Feeble pulse, res- Convulsion ; mind two fang marks have been none felt (see re- marks) except itching swelling piration easy generally clear up to death 5 H. B. Phillips Female Struck twice on foot Inguinal glands en- larged ; great pain and swelling ; mot- tled skin Vomiting, depres- sion, and thirst Feeble, pulse 60; great gen'l swell- ing; great thirst; loss of speech ; tongue swollen Mind clear 6 Post Male Last phalanx of middle finger Small jet of blood from wound; swell- ing Continued swelling up to pectoral mus- cles, followed by great discoloration Pulse 2J- hours af- ter bite 80, not weak; after this it became faster, to 120, and more Excited manner and more feeble 7 J. Trowbridge Male, set. Foot near Swelling and Leg swollen to the Probably none of Pulse rapid 2 J hrs. 12 years small toe pain groin; great paint the usual symp- after bite and discoloration toms, none stated 8 Withmire Male (boy) Ankle Pain and swelling Continued pain and swelling 9 Hammond Male Finger Pain and swelling Pain and swellingdis- appeared after use of antidote, and re- turned in 40 minutes 10 Hammond Female Finger Pain, swelling, Pain, swelling, etc.. Depression and Case too short for (Coolidge) cet. 15 years and discolora- tion to the elbow nausea the later constitu- tioual symptoms to develop 11 John Louis Xantus. (de V(Ssey.) Boy Leg Pain, swelling Increasing pain and swelling Prostration Great prostration 12 Home Male Thumb and fin- No immediate Swelling, pain ex- Incoherence possi- Pulse feeble, The mind confused (the re- ger twice bit- swelling tending rapidly up bly due to drunk- throughout 100 to at first, became porter) ten, four fang wounds the arm, which grew cold and sloughed before death enness and alarm 138 clear; depression, nausea, faint feel- ings; vomiting on the second day 13 Woodhouse Male Finger Pain, shock, and nausea Pain, swelling of hand and arm, and axillary glands, to- sications over the lymphatics on third day Nausea 14 Harlan Male Metacarpal Bleeding from Extensive swelling Repeated and sud- Feeble pulse; difii- Delirium, restless- joint of finger, the punctures; and pain den fainting and cult respiration; ness, anxiety, in- two fang swelling, disco- pallor hiccough somnia, incessant wounds loration thirst 15 Atchison Female Instep, two Slight swelling Intense pain shoot- 2J hours after the Feeble pulse until Delusions, etc., a3t. 12 fang punctures and discolora- ing up the leg bite almost mori- the stimulus acted passed away un- years tion bund; pulse feeble and wavy; surface cold and perspir- ing; face swollen; mind wandering; pupils dilated; subject to sensory delusions der the use of the stimulus 16 Pihorel Male, Twice bitten on Swelling and No increase of the Within 10 minutes The physician removed the ligature adult the palm and discoloration at primary swelling af- pallor, cold sweats, in consequence of the swelling, etc., between the least partially ter removal of the anxious expres- when — thumb and fore- due to the liga- ligature sion, general de- The pulse becameiThe limbs insen- finger on the ture, which was pression feeble (50) but sible, repeated back of the applied 3 or 4 rose to 110 before syncope, pupils thumb, the last minutes after death; noisy res- contracted, mind wound was the bites piration clear single At the seventh hour there was a swell- ing of the lip ; no general tumefac- tion ; great anxiety ; painful and difficult deglutiti on and respiration. POISONING IN MAN. No. Secretions and State of Result of Duration of Mode Local and gene- Local General Remarks. discharges. skin and tempera- ture. disease. disease. of death. ral consequences if recovery occurred. treatment. treatment. 1 Cure At work in 3 days Limited local suppuration Ammonia, liga- ture Ammonia Mild case; alludes to 14 cases of snake bite suc- cessfully treated with ammonia. 2 Cure Within 24 hours Small local slough Caustic Alcohol and red pepper; 2 quarts of whisky given in one night, and renewed as the pulse fell Severe case. 3 Cure In 12 hours Whisky one quart in 10 or 12 hours 4 Dark bilious Extremities Death In about 18 hours, Cups, scarifica- Ammonia, olive In this case the stool, vomiting cold without convul- sions tion, etc. oil, no persistent treatment man was some- what intoxicated when bitten. 5 Constant vomit- ing, lots of speech Cure Much better in 30 hours, well iu 3 weeks Scarifications, blisters Carb. ammonia and arsenic Severe case. 6 None mentioned Death 5} hours, coma Suction follow- ing on incom- plete excision within half an hour, ligature Carb. ammonia and brandy in as large doses as the pa- tient could be pre- vailed on to take 7 Cure Frictions, with olive oil gij of olive oil given every half hour Relates 8 other cases of cure by olive oil, all in- completely told. 8 Nausea and vomiting Recovery 24 hours Repeated appli- cations of tinct. iodine None 9 Recovery 1 hour None Bibron's antidote, given twice (dose gtt. X) No general symp- toms occurred. 10 Recovery Relief in 1 hour Suppuration on back of hand, perhaps from local treatment Suction,ligature, free incisions, iodine injec- tions Bibron's antidote, given twice (dose gtt. X) Expressed distinct relief from the use of the bromine. 11 Recovery Within 48 hours Bibron's antidote, given twice (dose gtt. X) Effects of 2 doses of bromine said to be immediate and well marked. 12 Vomiting on 2d Constant Death Seventeenth day Asthe- Ammonia Chiefly by ammo- A severe case, well day, diarrhoea coldness of nia nia and alcoholic reported 11th day, and extremities from stimuli, with such continuously typhus other remedies as until death state the symptoms de- manded 13 Nausea and vo- Recovery Gradual, the ge- Slough, exfolia- Incision, suction, Took in a few hours miting on move- neral symptoms tion of last pha- ligature, am- one quart of 4th ment during five passed off on the lanx, anchylo- monia proof brandy and days fifth day, the lo- cal results were persistent during some months sis of first joint of finger a ^ pint of whis- ky ; intoxication ensued but lasted only four hours 14 Continual nau- sea & vomiting, pain & stricture at epigastrium Recovery Left his bed in a week, depression passed off on the 2d day Suppuration Ligatures, free excision, am- monia, repeat- ed washing Camphor, ammo- nia, opium, and treatment by symptoms Severe case. 15 Vomiting of bile Cold and Recovery Speedy relief from Remarkable and Scarification, Free use of stimu- took place after perspiring use of stimulus, entire relief cups, local sa- lants, 80 gi-ains of a dose of carb. and sudden and from hooping- line bath, seda- carb. ammonia, ammonia, but complete cure cough, under tive fomenta- and three pints of did not recur within 24 hours which the pa- tient had suf- fered tions brandy in a few hours, without causing intoxica- tion 16 Involuntary uri- Cold and Death 9 hours, some relief Ligature in 3 to 4 Half ounce of olive nary and fecal moist followed the se- minutes, actual oil, a sedative evacuations, vo- vere symptoms cautery within enema, and leech- miting one houi caused by remov-; 18 minutes of es to the throat, after bite ing the ligature, | the bites seem to have been butduringtheSth the whole treat- hour respiration and deglu- ment tition more and more diffi- cult, pulse imperceptible. and death ensued appa- rently from syncope; the mind cle ar to the close 102 PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY Sex. — It is needless to state that men are the most frequent subjects of Crotalus bite, owing to the nature of their occupations, which necessarily bring them within reach of the reptile. Children and women are sometimes bitten, and, as may be seen from the table, even young children may. recover from the effects of the acci- dent. It is not possible or right to infer from this, that young or weakly persons suffer no more than the strong or fully grown, because we do not know how much venom may have been inserted in each case. Thus, a child struck by an exhausted snake would have a far better chance of escape than a vigorous man bitten by a serpent which had been caged for months. This element is, of course, deficient in calculations upon the prognosis of our ordinary maladies, such as typhoid fever and others, since in them the severity of the resultant symptoms alone informs us as to the probable amount of poison received by the system. In the present instance, it is an important, and usually an attainable factor, in estimating the probabilities of any given case, which it never can be in those modes of septic poisoning which we call diseases, and know only through their symptoms. The Situation of the Wound. — In almost every reported case, the wound has been upon an extremity. A woodman steps over a log which conceals a snake; a child thrusts an arm into the hollow trunk, where a serpent lies; or, an intoxicated man, ignorant and reckless, puts his hand into a snake cage, or handles a snake which is benumbed with cold, and to appearance harmless. Another not uncommon cause of bite, is due to want of caution in dealing with serpents which have been wounded, or even decapitated. One of the best of the reported cases, that of Dr. Woodhouse, was thus produced. Local Symi^toms. — The pain of the wound made by the snake is usually the earliest symptom, but it is by no means a constant phenomenon in either men or animals. Thus, while one reporter speaks of the sudden and intense pain, another does not mention it at all, or expressly states that the wound was at first disi'egarded. In most instances, the bite is certainly painful, and when we consider the hooked form of the fangs, the double wound, the injection of a foreign fluid, and the final forci- ble withdrawal of the teeth, we can feel no surprise that, in most cases, pain is felt, and may wonder that it is not felt in all. Certainly we need not look to the specific nature of the venom, to explain the primary pain here described. The succeeding local symptoms are almost inevitably swelling, discoloration, and increasing pain. The reader who has followed this Essay thus far, will have no difficulty in explaining at least two of these symptoms. The swelling is due, not to inflammation, but to a large or small collection of effused blood about the wound. In some loose tissues the amount thus accumulated may be very great, but in other cases the anatomical peculiarities of the part wounded may limit the early extravasation of blood, by confining it under a fascia, of which I have seen repeated examples in animals. The discoloration is to be explained in the same manner. Hemorrhage from the wound may limit, for a time, the last two symptoms. It is, however, a rare occurrence, and depends upon the size of the external opening of the wound inflicted by the fang, and perhaps, also, upon the character of the vessels accidentally encountered by the fang. In one of the dogs whose medical history is recorded in this Essay, the hemorrhage from the fang wounds amounted to several ounces. OP THE VENOM OF THE RATTLESNAKE. 103 In estimating these early local evidences of poisoning in man, .as well as the local signs which follow, it is well to remember that in almost every instance the ligature was applied at once, and very tightly. In animals bitten and not subjected to the ligature the swelling occurs, it is true, but forms much more slowly than is usual in the cases of men. The primary local symptoms thus described increase progressively, so that within a period which varies extremely, the swelling and discoloration extend up the bitten limb, accompanied on their march by pain of the most excruciating character. At this time, and after the first few minutes, the increase in the local symptoms is probably due to the influence of the septic poisoning upon the tissues near the wound, to the irritation thus resulting, and to the direct and indirect effect of the venom upon the local circulation. Thus the extremity becomes larger and more and more discolored until the skin offers every tint of an old. bruise. Vesications appear on the surface, the pain lessens, the local temperature early diminished, falls still lower, and unless the poison has ceased to act, or a potent remedy has interfered, gangrene ensues, and the system, already weakened by the effect of the poison upon its own tissues, dies in the effort to separate the mortified and corrupted part. If, on the other hand, the poison is not present in a dose so large as to insure these fatal effects, or is properly antagonized by medical agents, the sioelling declines, and the pain disappears, with a celerity which every practitioner or o-eporter has assumed to he evidence of Ids own skill, or of the utility of his therapeutic means, hut which, as we shall have reason to see, is in reality, an essential and most striking feature of the Grotalus malady, and is either attributable to none of the remedies employed, or to every one of the scores of them which popular credulity has placed like blunt weapons in the too yielding hand of the physician. It is rather remarkable, that only one reporter. Dr. Woodhouse, has alluded to the occurrence of swelling in the lymphatic glands of the part bitten. His case was in other respects somewhat peculiar, inasmuch as the lymphatic trunks also appear to have been inflamed, which is not a common symptom of Crotalus bite. The venom usually seems to enter the system through the bloodvessels alone, and to sap the life of the parts with which it comes in contact, without of necessity involving the lymph vessels or their glands. Local Residts. — It is not very easy to form a correct estimate of the local conse- quences in the cases which finally recover. This difficulty will be explained uj)on glancing over the column of local treatment in the table, when it will be observed that ligatures, the cautery, excision and incision, alone or combined, were resorted to with a freedom dictated by therapeutic despair or the fears of the sufferer and his friends. It is hence impossible to learn positively how much was due to remedies, how much to disease. It seems, however, to be certain that in many cases slight or extensive local suppurations follow the cure, that in others local gangrene and sphacelus of flesh and bone occur, while in the graver cases, the economy is too seriously deranged to enjoy the power of spontaneously amputating the mass of a limb. The well-known case reported by Sir E. Home {See Table of Crotalus Poison- ing in Man, Case 12), approached most nearly to the condition last described. In 104 PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY this instance the poison produced greai local swelling. When the system began to recover from the primary depressing effects of the venom, it found the bitten arm for the most part dead. Intense inflammation ensued as the patient rallied, but being unequal to the effort of repair, he died before it was accomplished. In connection with the local signs, it is as well to note that no reporter has de- scribed in man the local twitching which is so common in dogs and other animals. The constitutional symi^toms of Crotalus poisoning sometimes declare themselves very early, and if we can believe their reporters, almost immediately after the bite. It is more probable, however, that an interval of several minutes elapses, or that the faintness of terror and pain has been mistaken for the constitutional effects of the venom. In a few instances these symptoms do not announce themselves for twenty or thirty minutes, but aside from these exceptional cases, it seems evident that the general manifestations of the influence of the venom on the system appear with a rapidity which is sufficiently surprising, so that the local symptoms are sometimes overshadowed and forgotten for a time, in the singular phenomena which characterize the systemic disturbance. The principal constitutional effect of the venom is a general prostration of the most appalling character. Sometimes within a few minutes, sometimes within one or two hours, this condition of profound sedation attains its height. The snake strikes and the faintness comes on while the person injured is endeavoring to kill the reptile. Or, as in another instance, he walks for some time and suddenly finds his limbs giving way beneath him. I have looked in vain through the reports for any evidence of a primary stimu- lating power on the part of the poison, but neither in the published cases, or in my own observations, have I met with any early symptoms of excitement which might not with reason be attributed to terror and pain. The condition of prostration referred to, is accompanied by a variety of pheno- mena which are in general such as accompany the action of any sudden and violent depressing agency. The patient staggers or falls, cold sweats bathe the surface, nausea and vomiting ensue, the pulse becomes quick, and rapid, and feeble, the expression anxious, and, in a few cases, the mind slightly disturbed. A patient dying in this condition would probably exhibit no lesion of fluid or solid, and would be an example of acute or primary poisoning, such as sometimes occurs in the early stage of epidemics of cholera or yellow fever. So great, however, is the power of resistance on the part of man, owing, perhaps, in some degree to his bulk, that very early death seems to be a rare incident of venom poisoning, so rare, indeed, that I have met with no reported example of its occurrence. If death does not intervene, the local symptoms soon begin to play a more import- ant role, and the swelling and discoloration extend up the limb, and pass on to the trunk, so that when the arm has been wounded, half of the chest and back have been seen to be discolored, as thoxigh severely bruised. Meanwhile, the signs of general blood-poisoning develop themselves, and within a few hours, or a day, the face and other parts become swollen and puffy. At the same time, the general weakness remains well marked, as shown by repeated syn- cope, the heart quick, feeble, and fluttering, and the respiration labored. OP THE VENOM OP THE RATTLESNAKE. 105 In the majority of cases, the slight mental disturbance now j)asses away, and the mind remains singularly clear to the close, whatever the event may be. In other instances, as in Dr. Harlan's case, delirium, restlessness, and insomnia are present, but in general the nervous symptoms of this and of the earlier stage of the malady are confined to slight incoherence, and to rare sensory delusions. The state of the secretions and discharges seems to have been thought of so little moment, that in most of the cases they are not even alluded to. For example, the state of the urine is not spoken of in any one instance. The vomiting is so fre- quent and so enduring a symptom, that it is more constantly referred to ; but of the character of the evacuation thus effected, we learn almost nothing. From the fact that in some of the cases the reporter states that it was necessary to give a purgative to complete the cure, we may, perhaps, infer that in the milder cases, at least, no diarrhoea occurred. In two of the fatal cases, diarrhoea came on late in the disease, and in one we are told that the stools were of a dark bilious cha- racter, but beyond this we are left in ignorance. Four fatal cases are found in the table. Of these, the most rapid was that of the medical man, reported by Dr. Post (Table, Case No. 6) ; the malady ending in death by coma, within five hours and a half. This was the nearest approach to a case of acute or simple primary poisoning, which we have met with in man. M. Pihorel's case (Table, Case No. 16) died quietly in about nine and a half hours, without loss of intellect, but with a rapidly increasing difficulty of breathing and swallowing. Dr. Horner's case (Table, Case No. 4) terminated about eighteen hours after the bite was inflicted. One or two hours before death, the patient had a general convulsion, with involuntary evacuation from the bowels, but without any foaming at the mouth. He appears to have regained his senses after this time. Just before he expired, he complained of pain in the colon, said he felt sleepy, closed his eyes, and died quietly without agony, and without convulsions. In the third of the fatal cases, Sir E. Home's (Table, Case 12), the sufferer rallied from the primary- poisoning, and died on the seventeenth day, with well expi'essed typhous symptoms. The duration of the various cases, and their mode of recovery or death, is of considerable interest. If we analyze the table of sixteen cases, we shall find that, as I have just stated, the four fatal cases terminated in five and a half hours, nine hours, eighteen hours, and seventeen days respectively. If, again, we analyze these four cases with respect to the question of death from primary or secondary poison- ing, we shall discover that Case No. 12 (Home's) survived not only the early effects, but also, to a great extent, the constitutional affection, and perished in the effort to get rid of the gangrenous arm. On examination, the blood proved to be coagulable. It is probable that the blood had survived the infected condition, and was gradually regaining its normal standard. Case No. 4 (Horner) seems to have been a fair representative of those instances of Crotalus poisoning which I have termed secondary or chronic. The patient 14 106 PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY never rallied completely from the depressing eflfect of the venom, but he was found after death to have a perfectly incoagulable blood. Case No. 16 (Pihorel) died in nine and a half hours. It seems to have ended before the blood lost its coagulability, so that, although the veins of the bitten arm contained but little clotted blood, large coagula of loose structure were found in the main venous vessels of the trunk, and in the right auricle. Case No. 6 (Post) was not examined after death. Of the remaining twelve cases of the table, all recovered within variable periods. Where the patient was several days or longer indisposed, the delayed recovery was usually due to the local lesions, rather than to prolonged constitutional malady. In connection with the history of the amelioration or cure, in almost every case, we are struck by one fact, which is of singular value, because its neglect has led to almost every one of the fallacies attending upon the use of the supposed anti- dotes which have attained to a local or general notoriety. If the reader will glance at the Table of Crotalus poisoning in man, and at the column headed " Mode of Recovery," he will observe that in almost every case the relief from urgent symp- toms was sudden, and the completed cure almost nearly so. If, again, he will look at the column in which are grouped the constitutional symptoms, he will certainly feel some astonishment at their gravity in relation to the character of the convalescence. So extraordinary was this contrast, that within a few hours, or a day in most cases, the patient, whom the physician regarded as almost moribund, went on horseback to see him, or was able to move about the house, or engage in his ordinary avocations. The general practical inference will at once suggest itself, upon an examination of the numerous and varied remedies employed. It will then be seen that, under the most different systems of treatment, the several cases grew better, or entirely recovered, with equal abruptness. Are we not driven to the absurd conclusion that each and every remedy is equally useful, or to the more logical inference that sudden relief and rapid recovery are peculiarities which belong to those cases of Crotalus bite in which the amount of venom injected has not been so unusually large as to insure a fatal ending ? The bearings of these conclusions upon the study of antidotes require but little comment, and must at once suggest themselves to every thoughtful physician. It is almost needless to add that the reporters have usually assumed the suddenness of the cures to be due in each case to the peculiar therapeutic means employed. I have already described the local consequences of the bite. The various reports make no mention of constitutional results succeeding recovery. One very curious statement, however, is found in connection with case No. 5 (Phillips). The patient, a female, was suffering when bitten, from a severe attack of hooping-cough, of which she was suddenly and completely cured by the effects of the venom. P. M. Section. — The three cases of post-mortem examination offer very little, save negative information, as to the character of the lesions. The Head. — Dr. Horner found the brain of a healthy consistence, but congested so that the cortical substance was of a deep brown tint. A good deal of serum oozed from the cut surfaces. About a drachm of transparent serum was present in each lateral ventricle. The medulla spinalis was healthy; its tunica arachnoidea OF THE VENOM OF -THE RATTLESNAKE. 107 being somewhat turbid in places, as if from some former cause. The veins of the pia mater and the vertebral veins were full of blood. M. Pihorel makes a similar report of his case. He found some thickening of the cerebral arachnoid, which was also adherent to the pia mater, but to what extent he does not state. The blood of the sinuses and of the dura mater was fluid. The same condition as to fulness of blood, and the same slight excess of serum in the ventricles and sub-arachnoid spaces, existed in Sir E. Home's case. Tliorax. — Dr. Horner found all the thoracic organs healthy, except that the left ventricle of the heart was described as hypertrophied. The heart was nearly empty, owing to the escape of its fluid when the head was opened. M. Pihorel found the walls of the trachea and bronchial tubes congested, a spot of distinct inflammation corresponding to the cricoid cartilage. The trachea and bronchise were full of a red and frothy mucus. The lungs were healthy and crepi- tant, but were somewhat congested ("premier degr6 d'engorgement sanguin"). Two inches below the pharynx the oesophagus was narrowed, but no notable altera- tion of its tissues could be discovered. In Sir E. Home's case the lungs were healthy, the anterior fold of the pericar- dium was dry, resembling a dried bladder. The cavity of this membrane contained half an ounce of serous fluid, frothy from admixture with gases which escaped in bubbles. Abdomen. Horner's Case. — The peritoneum contained a few ounces of serum. The mucous membrane of the stomach was intensely injected with blood, and most remarkably so in the wrinkles of the mucous membrane. It exhibited neither ecchymosis or softening, and contained the articles prescribed in the morning, with but little gas. The mucous coat of the small intestines was dotted "with patches of acute inflammation. These spots were of a lively red and very numerous, especially in the jejunum. This latter intestine had its parietes considerably thickened by an infil- tration of serum, and was partially filled with a dark bilious matter. The colon was sound but contracted, and contained at its head some hard fecal excrement. The liver was yellow and enlarged, which was attributed to the habits of the patient." M. Pihorel found all the abdominal organs healthy. Sir E. Home describes the* stomach in the case of Soaper as turgid with blood. All the other abdominal organs were healthy. In Pihorel's and Home's cases the blood was more or less coagu- lated. In Horner's it was everywhere perfectly fluid. Dr. Horner says that the muscles were of a brownish yellow color throughout the body. The local swelling in Dr. Horner's case was due to serous infiltration ; in that of M. Pihorel, but little swelling existed during life after the ligature was removed, and at the post-mortem inspection the tumefaction of the bite between the two metacarpal bones extended only half an inch around it. The bite on the dorsal face of the thumb was not at all swollen. The muscles in these localities were unaltered. Sir E. Home's case presented at the time of death extensive sloughs of skin on the arm and forearm. A large abscess existed on the outside of the arm, elbow, and forearm. The parts in the immediate neighborhood of the bite and in the palm were healthy, except that there was a little extravasated blood in the 108 PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY areolar spaces. The skin still adhered to the biceps flexor muscle in the arm and to the flexor muscles in the forearm, by a dark-colored cellular tissue. Elsewhere in the arm and forearm, the skin and muscles from the axilla down were separated by a dark fluid of an ofi"ensive odor, containing sloughs of the dead cellular tissue floating in it. " The muscles had their natural appearance everywhere, except on the surface which was next to the abscess. Beyond the limits of the abscess, blood was extravasated in the cellular membrane, and this appearance was observable on the right side of the back as far as the loins, and on the right side of the chest over the serratus major anticus muscle." Dr. Horner's case occurred in Philadelphia, in the month of July, and was ex- amined four and a half hours after death. M. Pihorel does not give the exact date of his case. It took place at Rouen, and from various allusions in the text of his report, it is plain that the weather was cold. The examination did not occur until five days after death, but the cold was so great that the body is said to have been in excellent preservation. Sir E. Home's case occurred in London, during the month of October. It was examined sixteen hours after death. Antidotes. — It might naturally be supposed that the question of antidotes and remedies would be considered fully and experimentally, at the close of this Essay. Such, indeed, was my intention when I began the present investigation, but it soon became clear to me that a just and useful experimental testing of this matter was out of the question until I became thoroughly acquainted with the habits and movements of the Rattlesnake, the precise character of the venom, and its various modes of acting on the system. Portions of this information were to be found scattei'ed through books and journals, but these disjointed studies were incomplete, and it soon grew more and more apparent that a consideration of the entire sub- ject, and a certain familiarity with the powers of the poison must still, of necessity, precede an investigation of antidotes. Impressed with this idea, I have endeavored, in the present paper, to render more easy the still difficult task of examining the therapeutics of Ci'otalus bite. It was well said by a distinguished physician, that there are always a great num- ber of medicines for those diseases which are either very easy or very difficult to • cure. Such has been the fate of Crotalus poisoning to a remarkable degree, for not only have physicians exhausted their ingenuity in the discovery of antidotes, but the popular medicine of log-cabin, or rough border clearings, has contributed to its strange therapeutics, some twenty or thirty plants which owe their reputation to Indian traditions, and to other, and often accidental, circumstances. Each one of these remedies has acquired a local credit ; has passed from the people to the physicians ; has seemed to cure in their hands, as it had done in those of the good wife or herb doctor, and finally, after going the rounds of the daily press and the medical journals, has died a natural death, or received a fatal blow at the bedside of some too deeply injured patient. Accepted upon slight evidence, and thrown aside upon equally feeble proof of inutility, such has been the career of the many and famous antidotes, which in this and other lands have embarrassed the therapeutics of these much-dreaded injuries. While, however, the larger part of the reputed constitutional remedies are OF THE VENOM OP THE RATTLESNAKE. 109 mere sudorifics, or entirely inert, the local therapeutics of Crotalus bite have been always of the most decisive and potent character. Without entering into the his- tory of these means, I desire to assign to them their proper place in the treatment, and also to define the real limits of their utility. We shall, therefore, discuss them in turn, and for this purpose shall divide them into, 1st, Those which remove the poison and the poisoned part, as excision, amputation. 2d. Those which partially remove the venom, and more or less detain it in the wounded part. In this class, we have a variety of agents acting in ways as va- rious, as Scarifications. Suctions. Ligature. Caustics. 3d. Those agents which, being injected into the wound, or wounded part, are supposed to destroy the venom, or to render it innocuous, as injections of iodine. 4th. Local ajjplications of various substances, as alcohol, ammonia, indigo, olive oil, etc. Class 1st. Excision, the only local means which proposes to remove at once and entirely the poison and the poisoned part has been occasionally resorted to. Dr. Harlan, Case 14 of the Table, used it freely. In another instance, in France, even amputation of a finger was promptly and successfully resorted to in a case of Crotalus bite. Excision and amputation are more or less usefully available, as the resort to them is more or less early, and their utility is also increased when a ligature has been so applied as to arrest the local circulation, immediately after the bite. In the French case, the instant ablation of the part was perfectly successful; in Dr. Harlan's case the malady was extremely grave after the operation, and we have, indeed, no means of saying whether or not it proved useful. It seems likely that in so severe a case, the removal by excision of any part of the poison might favorably determine the issue of the almost balanced chances. Necessarily, excision would be unavail- able where the fang had buried itself deeply in a part like the neck. Where the snake has been long confined without using its venom,* so that the amount injected has probably been great, and where the part bitten is a small extremity, excision, or, rather, amputation, would be justifiable. Where, on ac-' count of the serpent being at large, we cannot judge as to the quantity of poison stored up in its ducts, and where excision would affect important parts, it is cer- tainly better to accept for the patient the ordinary prognostic chances of the poi- soning, under a less heroic local treatment. Above all, is it to be remembered that, while it may be good practice to amputate a finger within a few moments of the bite, the value of the operation lessens as we recede from this period, because the poison exerts its power so rapidly, that its effects soon pass beyond the reach of any justifiable operation, and excision then could do only what other and safer means might effect. ' It is curious that the fatal cases found in the journals were nearly all occasioned by the bite of snakes which, during long imprisonment, had accumulated a large amount of venom. 110 PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY Class 2d of local means acts in ways so various as to make it necessary to con- sider these separately. Scarifications. — It is not easy to see how mere incisions could be of much value, unless made expressly so as to cut off the wound from the system, by destroying for a time its vascular connection with the centres. Where ablation or excision is no longer justified, incisions may be made into the part, and so directed as to tra- verse the line of the fang wounds. Suction. Cups. — Suction by the mouth is an ancient practice, and one which is supposed to be effectual. It is not probable that the narrow fang-track would allow of the return of the poison under any suctorial power of which the lips are capa- ble, unless the wound were unusually large. Where a previous incision has been carried deeply through the bitten part, it is possible that suction may remove some of the venom, but as Dr. Pennock has shown, it is more likely that the cups and suction merely delay the constitutional poisoning, by retarding the local circulation and the subsequent distribution of the venom. Either may be thus of value, as Barry proved in regard to cups, but neither can do more than afford time for the administration of general and more permanent local means. Cups are available only in certain localities ; suction by the lips may be used on the small extremities, in advance of all other means. Ligatures. — The first resource in serpent bite has been to tie a ligature around the limb. Of course, there are localities in which this cannot be done, and where only cups can be used. The value of the ligature has been repeatedly tested, not only in this, but in other modes of poisoning, and it is perfectly clear that a ligature tightly applied above the wound will, for a time, secure the system from the con- sequences of the venom inoculation. But this is all which it can do. Time is obtained for the use of other means, both local and general, and then a period arrives when the swelling and interrupted circulation threaten the bitten member with gangrene, and at last the physician reluctantly loosens the band which qua- rantined the deadly material, and the system passes rapidly under its influence. Allowing the ligature — as we must do — to be of the utmost value for a time, can we not derive from its use yet further advantages, without subjecting our patients to the sudden influx of the poison when the guarding band is loosened ? Two pre- cautions will probably insure the requisite end. Let the cord be loosened for a few minutes at a time, and at intervals, with a constant eye to the constitutional symptoms, and let the delay secured by the ligature be used not only to apply local means, but to administer general remedies. This method, which I shall term the iiitermittent ligature, seems to have been first employed by the well known natu- ralist, Prof Holbrook, of Charleston, South Carolina, in conjunction with Dr. Ogier. Their experiments, which were numerous and satisfactory, have never been pub- lished. The precautions in the use of the ligature which I have just recommended have been advocated singly, or together, by several more recent authors, and especially by Drs. Alexander and Jeter. Several writers have recognized the danger of suddenly removing the ligature, and it would be easy to criticize some of the reports of treatment in which the OP THE VENOM OP THE RATTLESNAKE. HI above precautions have been neglected, and where the sudden prostration which ensued was most appalling. Dr. Alexander relates a singular, but instructive case, in which the ligature was retained for sixteen hours. Meanwhile, the parts below were swollen and vesicating, but the system remained unaflfected, and readily passed under the influence of stimulants. Either during the profound intoxication which ensued, or soon after, at all events, sixteen hours from the time of the bite, the ligature was removed. The swelling at once passed the line of the ligating cord, and advanced up the leg to the body. The patient died in two hours after the release of the previously isolated poison. Instructed by this sad case, the reporter directs that the ligature should be merely relaxed, and the pulse kept up with stimulants as required, and that the cord should be tightened or loosened as the symptoms direct. This plan is so clearly recommended by common sense, that it is needless to dwell upon it further. Unfortunately, the ligature can be used only when the bite is on an extremity. In other cases, cups may be similarly employed, but even these are not always available, as where the nose is the part bitten, and moreover, they are not always at hand. Caustics. — These agents are supposed to be useful, not only by destroying the tissues, and so unfitting them for absorption, but also by chemically acting on the venom itself. So far as they do act on the tissues, they are beneficial, when fully applied along or through previous incisions. As to their power to alter the venom, it is clear that the actual cautery does do this effectually, but, as we have seen, potassa, soda, ammonia, and the undiluted mineral acids do not affect its toxic potency. Except, then, as they alter the tissues, it were better to reject them, and to depend upon the actual cautery alone, where such means is deemed of value. Class 2>cl. — Dr. Brainard, some time ago, directed attention to the injection of an iodized solution of iodine, as a means of destroying the activity of Crotalus venom. His process is as follows : Ten grains of iodine and thirty grains of iodide of potas- sium are dissolved in one ounce of water. The bitten part is first cupped, or a ligature is applied on the limb, until the tissues ai'e swollen with serum sufficiently to enable the injection to be diffused through the distended areolar spaces. The sharp point of a trocar, or injecting-tube, is then pushed laterally into the bitten part, and the injection effected by pressing down the piston of the syringe, while the exhaustion of the cup is still carried on. Apart from the antidotal value of this ingenious method, it is clear that the necessary apparatus is not easily procu- rable in time to be of use. Moreover, Dr. Brainard adds that, to render it effectual, we must be provided with cups of various curves adapted to fit the surfaces of the body and limbs. Dr. Brainard states that the iodine does not act as a caustic. M. Reynose, in an admirable paper, has examined the statements of Dr. Brainard, and especially with reference to the action of iodine as an antidote to woorara. He arrived at the conclusion that the iodine was a caustic, and that its value was due to this fact, a conclusion in which his experiments did not entirely justify him. 112 PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY The question of the reality of the influence of the iodine upon the active qualities of Crotalus venom still rests upon rather insecure ground. It certainly seems to have been successful in pigeons, but the fallacies which surround these researches are numerous and bafiling, and the experimentum crucis of mixing the iodine with the venom before innoculating with it, was not made by Dr. Brainard. To set the matter at rest, I have recently made a number of expeidments. It was apparent that if animals previously bitten could be saved by subsequent injections of iodine into the part, they should run no risk when a mixture of venom and the iodine solution was thrown into their tissues. On pursuing this method, I observed, as Dr. Brainard had done, that the local symptoms were slight, or did not appear at all, but whereas his cases recovered, mine died despite the absence of local pheno- mena. The explanation of this latter fact, as well as the full details of numerous observations upon the use of reputed constitutional antidotes, I shall set forth at length in a future essay. At present I can only add that iodine as a local antidote has uniformly failed in my hands, although every means was taken to give it a fair trial. It is proper to state here that Dr. Brainard made use, not of the Cro- talus, but of the Crotalopliorus tergeminus, or prairie Rattlesnake of the west. As yet. Dr. Brainard's antidote has never been employed upon the body of man, except by Dr. Coolidge, who unfortunately used the Bibron treatment at the same time. Class ith. — Consists of various substances which have been applied to the skin on and about the wound, or placed in contact with the raw surfaces of the incisions or excisions. Among them are warm and cold water, ammonia, alcohol, olive oil, etc. My own experiments, and the observations of others, justify us in rejecting them altogether, so far at least as they are supposed to exert specific power. Although, as I have already said, I consider this essay as but a preparation for the full experimental examination of the treatment of serpent bite, I do not wish to conclude without some comment upon the constitutional remedies which I have necessarily been called upon to survey and judge in the course of my researches. A host of these may be dismissed with a word, but before I criticize those of greater pretension, it will be proper to make some statements regarding the misconceptions which have crept into this part of the subject. If, as I have elsewhere urged, we could dismiss from view the mode in which the virus enters the body, and were called upon to consider only the resultant malady, we would as little have dreamed of specifics or real antidotes, as we now do in yellow fever, or ordinary putrefactive poisoning. We should at least have con- fessed that such belonged only to the hopes of therapeutics, and not to its attained realities. Such, however, is the tangible and visible nature of the poison that we have been continually seduced into the idea that we must possess some available and directly efficient means of actually neutralizing its power, when once in the system itself. Apart, then, from the question of local antidotes, which is altogether a different matter, what probability is there that we really possess specific general remedies ? Even here, the knowledge that our local means, however active, and with all our power to place them in direct contact with the venom, are but too ineffectual, should at least have taught us to receive with wise mistrust every account of con- stitutional antidotes. OF THE YENOM OF THE RATTLESXAKE. 113 Antidotes considered with reference to the sj'stem at large, are of only two kinds. Those which meet the poison in the vessels of the economy, and then and there chemically alter it, so as to destroy its potency, and those which, like most of our medicines, are absorbed, circulate, and cotmteract the effects of the poison. Thus a sedative may counteract a stimulant, and vice versa, and each would, in this sense, be for the other a physiological antidote,- but would in nowise correspond with the popular conception of an antidote. The remedies which still hold repute as antidotes are few in number. They are ammonia, olive oil, arsenic (as the Tanjore pill), Bibron's antidote (Bromine), and alcoholic stimuli. The pretensions of ammonia in this connection have been long since settled by the experiments of Fontana on Vipers, and of Brainard on Crotalophorus. I have also tested its supposed utility in cases of animals poisoned by Crotalus venom, and it will answer our present purpose to add that it failed almost uniformly. Notwith- standing the continued faith still reposed in it by some, and the cures attributed to its use, I am convinced that it has no powers which alcohol does not enjoy to a superior degree, and I feel equallj^ sure that its exhibition should never be allowed to sup- plant the use of other and better stimulants. That it has no value as a chemical antidote, the experiments elsewhere related in this paper sufficiently prove, if proof were wanting. Olive oil is another remedj' which has been gravely urged and has received the support of numerous successful cases. What these are worth, or with what allow- ance they should be entertained, has, I trust, been set in clear light by the general argument which I have founded on all the cases which I have analyzed. After the experiments of Fontana on its use in Viper poisoning, it is strange that the most confident should have dared to employ it again. Arsenic, unlike olive oil, certainly does not belong to the class of expectant remedies. Its use in snake-bites comes from the East, where as the " Tanjore pill" it attained great celebrity. This well-known medicine is composed of arsenious acid, three East Indian roots, two of which are purgative, and one an acro-narcotic, mixed with pepper and the juice of the wild cotton plant. Two of the pills, containing each three-fourths of a grain of the arsenic, are given at once, and one at the close of an hour, a rather formidable dose of so active a medicine. Russell (p. 6-5), who examined this remedy, was not satisfied with it, nor am I aware that it has retained its celebrity, or that any one has used it in Rattlesnake bite. Bibron's antidote is a more novel remedy, of the value of which I am not fully prepared to judge. Its history is rather curious. Mr. Xantus obtained it in the first place from Prince Paul, of Wurtemberg, the well-known traveller and natu- ralist. This gentleman stated that it had been invented and employed by Prof. Bibron, of Paris, but neitlier Mr. Xantus or Dr. Hammond has been able to find any printed account of it, nor have I been more successful. The chief evidence in its favor rests upon a considerable number of experiments made by Dr. Hammond and Mr. Xantus, and upon three cases reported by the same observers. Mr. Xantus states one fact which I have been thus far unable to verify, namely, that 15 lU PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY dogs which were under the influence of the antidote, were for some time incapable of being affected by Rattlesnake bites. This exjDerimenter states that after seven- teen experiments, in which three dogs were at different times bitten by seventeen different serpents, he met with no cose in which the antidote failed. These results are not stated with sufficient precision as to the condition of the snake, the number of fang-marks, or the place of the bite, but they are still sufficiently interesting to awaken further research. Dr. Hammond was not so fortunate as Mr. Xantus. He experimented with the antidote on a wolf which was apparently saved by the use of the bromine after being once bitten, but upon another occasion, having been thrice bitten, died sud- denly, exhibiting, however, some evidence of having been aided by the remedy. A dog severely injured by snake-bite was successfully treated by Dr. Hammond with the bromine antidote. One of the cases of man in which Dr. Coolidge (Dr. Hammond's Report) used this antidote, was also treated with local injection of iodine, and must, therefore, be laid aside. The patient expressed herself relieved by the use of the antidote. The case directly reported by Dr. Hammond also seemed to experience great assistance from the antidote, so that even the local symptoms were promptly relieved by its use. No local means seem to have been employed, and the case is thus unusually free from complication. Mr. Xantus' case was said to have been almost hopeless when the bromine was employed. The worst symptoms rapidly subsided when the antidote was given, although but two doses were used. Were it not for our knowledge of the natural history of the malady, and of the strange suddenness with which cases almost mori- bund rapidly amend, we could not fail to be greatly impressed with the evidence thus furnished. As it is, perceiving no obvious adaptation of means to ends, we can only await the issues of a larger and more general experience to determine the question. My own experiments upon the use of this antidote were made on sixteen dogs, and were conducted with scrupulous cai'e. It does not suit my present purpose to enter into the details; it will suffice to state that their results were nearly negative. Of eight dogs bitten and treated with the antidote, two died; while of eight bitten, and not so treated, three died. The last of the reputed antidotes which we shall criticize is alcoholic stimulus. In one form or another this has been employed in India and in this country, and no single remedy is so much in repute along our borders or in our Rattlesnake regions. Perhaps the evidence in its favor is not much better than that which exists for some other means, but its real strength, in the lack of proper and nume- rous reports, lies in its obvious adaptation to the wants of those who seek its aid. Moreover, the experiments on the state of the heart and nervous system of animals, in the first stage of the Crotalus malady, clearly indicate a condition of things which is to be met alone by the use of supporting agents, and these the most rapid and effective which we can command. When, too, we consider the state of a person bitten, and constitutionally affected, we perceive at once that we have to deal with a degree of prostration which instantly OP THE VENOM OP THE RATTLESNAKE. 115 suggests the free use of stimulus. When this is given, and is successful in raising the pulse, the result is commonly a rapid and easy cure, but the amount of alco- holic fluids necessary to secure even partial intoxication is scarcely credible. Quarts of brandy have been thus taken by delicate females and mere children with- out injury, and almost without effect. This alone is, to some extent, evidence in favor of the remedial means under discussion. It is very plain, then, that in the state of profound sedation, or, rather, prostra- tion, which ushers in the general maladj^, stimulants are distinctly indicated. It is also clear that the means thus pointed out is a physiological antidote, a coun- teractive agent, and is to be used to an effect and with certain precautions. When, therefore, a person has been bitten, it would be proper slightly to intoxi- cate him, then to loosen the previously applied ligature or cup, and watching the pulse, and relaxing or tightening the ligating cord to control thus the inlet of the poison, with the aid of the stimulus destroy its effects in detail. Finally, the stimulus should be most cautiously and by degrees abandoned, with continued re- gard to the state of the system. There is a popular, I might almost have said a medical belief, that the condition of perfect protection is complete intoxication. Two or three authors, as Jeter, Alexander, and others, protest against this idea, and with every appearance of right on their side. Profound drunkenness is a condition of sedation and not of excitement, and yet the whole object of using alcohol in snake-bites has been among rational men to stimulate and not to lull or depress the system. In fact, it is well known that per- sons who were at the time " dead drunk," or nearly so, have been bitten by Rattle- snakes, and have obtained thereby no immunity from the effects of the bite. Dr. Brainard, who is opposed to the use of stimulus in Crotalus bite, thinks the evidence in its favor insufficient, and thus sums up his argument against its utility: — "When mixed with alcohol, the venom is rapidly fatal, if inoculated." This opinion is correct, but has no value as in opposition to the constitutional use of stimuli, because they are not to be regarded as chemical antidotes, and their direct reaction with the venom becomes, therefore, a matter of indifference. Dr. Brainard also urges that when venom is injected into the tissues, or intro- duced into the stomachs of birds or small animals bitten, it only hastens death. This, he adds,. is not conclusive, because alcohol is a poison to birds and other small animals. The authority for these statements I have been unable to find. It is not Fontana, and I cannot discover in Dr. Brainard's papers that the conclu- sion here stated is based upon his own experiments. If true, it would have little value, the real point in question being whether stimulation is useful in cases of Crotalus bite. To determine this, we should intoxicate animals and then inocu- late them with known amounts of venom, or first inoculate and then give the stimulant. Moreover, we should resort to as large animals as can easily be managed ; the venom being so fatal to all small animals, and especially to birds, as to give but little time for remedies. Again, in small animals, and particularly in birds, it is not always easy to ascertain and govern the degree of stimulation which may be present or desirable. 116 PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY The last argument against stimulants used hj Dr. Brainard, is the fact that intoxicated persons have died from Crotalus bite. He states that he has authentic information as to four such cases. Now it is plain, as I have urged, that deep drunkenness is not -the condition which we desire, and it is most probable that a person who was in this state would be overcome by the venom with more than common facility, as indeed may be inferred from Dr. Brainard's statement. If, however, the cases which he refers to wei'e only somewhat intoxicated when bitten, it would be very requisite to know whether or not any means were taken to sus- tain the stimulation, without which the primary state of excitement Avould very soon disappear before the terrible depression caused by the poison. The remaining instance of death from a bite given to an intoxicated man is the case of Adam Lake, reported by Dr. Horner. The particulars are as follows: The patient was in the habit of drinking daily from half a pint to one pint of alcoholic liquors, and, as was seen at the autopsy, was constitutionally the worse for this habit. When somewhat intoxicated, he was bitten at the bend of the arm, both fangs entering. Some time, I presume at least two or three hours, passed by before he sought aid, and during this period so little effect was produced that he paid no attention to the wound until the itching annoyed him. From this time he was under treatment, the arm rapidly swelling and becoming painful. Now, Crotalus poison may produce but slight local effects, but when it is in such amount as finally to kill, it does not long delay the exhibition of its influence on the system. Yet in this person, who did afterwards die, some time evidently elapsed without any con- stitutional expression of poisoning. Was this reprieve due to the partial intoxica- tion of the sufferer? Whatever answer we may give, it is quite clear that this was no case to quote against the use of stimulants, since, in addition to what I have urged, we learn yet further that with the exception of a little ammonia and two half-ounce doses of sp. vin. dilut., used late in the malady, he took no stimulants, and "that no regular effort was made to sustain or renew the primary stimulation, which, at first, had so guarded his system. It sometimes happens that the physician finds it impossible to produce stimula- tion in the presence of so potent a sedative as the venom. When this is the case, it is possible that absorption does not occur with sufficient rapidity, or at all events, that cases may occur, where it is necessary to stimulate fully and suddenly. Under these circumstances I would recommend inhalation of the fumes of warm alcohol, or even of ether if used with caution. While advocating the employment of stimuli as rational therapeutic means of meeting a most obvious indication, it is jDroper to admit that cases have been and will be encountered, in which the dose of venom has been so great, that no remedy is of any avail. Such, however, must be rare, and it is on the whole more than probable that the danger from the bite of the Rattlesnake has been over-estimated, and that in a large majority of cases the patient would recover, even if unassisted by any remedy. Where stimulants are of any use, the patient commonly recovers without further difficulty. In some cases, howevei', which attain to the stage of alteration in the blood, we have to deal with conditions which are also present in other cases of OF THE VENOM OF THE RATTLESNAKE. 117 putrefactive poisoning, but for wlijch we have no remedies of well determined power. Possibly, tonics, astringents, and continued stimulation might be of some value in supporting the strength until the blood recovers its normal condition. In the foregoing brief indication of my views as to the proper treatment of Cro- talus bite, I have endeavored to make it plain that in the absence of any certain specific, this malady should be treated as the symptoms dictate, and that no other guide can. be safely or conscientiously followed in the present condition of the therapeutics of this mode of poisoning. It would be improper to close these pages without repeating that I have given my views as to treatment, in the briefest and most condensed manner, and that every criticism of the treatment advised by others, and every remedial method recommended by mj'self, rests upon the authority of experiments which I shall detail at length on a future occasion. I sincerely trust that the publication of this essay may induce the physicians of this country to study more zealously, and record more exactly, every case of snake poisoning which may fall under their notice, since, without such aid, it is impossible for the most ardent student to do justice to the subject, and since it is only by a large accumulation of experience, that any fair appreciation of the true value of remedies can be attained. APPENDIX A. AN ENUMERATION OF THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF RATTLESNAKES, WITH SYNONYMY AND REFERENCES. By E. D. cope. That large assemblage of serpents, known as the Viperidaa of Bonaparte, Viperina of Gray, or Solenoglyphes of Dumeril, exhibits the most perfect degree of develop- ment of those points of structure which distinguish all venomous serpents from ■ those that are innocuous. Of the subgroups of genera and species contained in this " famil}'," or " suborder," none is more truly representative than that denominated by the authors just mentioned, Crotalina, Crotalidas, and Crotaliens respectively, and which is characterized by the possession of a deep pit in the maxillary region, in front and below the level of the eye. Preeminent among the Crotalina for size, strength, and power of inflicting injury, are those species in which the tail termi- nates in a jointed corneous appendage, termed the rattle, from which their name of Rattlesnakes is derived. These serpents exhibit two types of form, which are distinguished by the following characters: — Anterior part of the top of the head covered by small scales. Cabpisona. Anterior part of the top of the head covered by nine plates, symmetrically arranged. Crotalus. In the following pages will be given an enumeration of the species of these two genera, under their correct names, with a description of the Gaudisona horrida, the species which has been the subject of Dr. Mitchell's experiments. II. CAUDISONA Laurenti. 1168. Caudisona : Laurenti, Specimen Synopsis Reptilium, p. 92. 1189. Crotalus: Lacepede, Histoire Naturelle des Serpens, II, 130. Nee Linnsei. 1802. " Daudin, Histoire Naturelle des Reptiles, V, 291. 1811. " CuviER, Rfegne Animal, II, *l*l. 1830. " Wagler, Naturlich. Syst. der Amphibien, p. 116. 1831. " ScHLEGEL, Essai sur le Physionomie des Serpens, II, 555. 1842. " Gray, Zoological Miscellany, p. 51. 1843. " FiTziNGER, Systema Reptilium, p. 29. * 1849. " Gray, Catal. Brit. Museum, p. 19. 1853. " Baird et Girard, Catal. Serp. Smiths. Inst., p. 1. 120 GENERA AND SPECIES OP THE RATTLESNAKES. 1854. Crotalus : Dumeeil, Erp. Generale, YII, 1453. 1830. Uropsophus : "Wagler, Natur. Syst. der Amph., p. 176. 1842. " Gray, Zool. Misc., p. 51. 1843. " FiTziNGER, Syst. Rept., p. 29. 1849. " Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus., p. 19. 1843. TJrocrotalon : Fitzi.\gee, Systema Reptilium, p. 29. Caudisona durissa. 1V68. Caudisona durissa: Laxjrenti, Spec. Syu. Rept, p. 93. Esclus. cit. Catesb. et Habitat. 1166. Crotalus durissus : Linn^us, Syst. Nat. Edit., XII, I, 312. Citatio prima; [Amoen. Acad., I, 500, 1148. Crotalo2Dhon(S durissus, descriptio prima, p. 501, nee secunda']. Citatio tertia falsa ; [_Seba II, 95, f. 2, Gaud, terrifica delineoAur']. 1188. " " var. y. Gmelin, Linn. Syst. Nat, I, 1081. 1789. " " Lacepede, Hist Nat Serp., II, 423, Excl. cit Laurenti. Nee " Le Du- rissus," tab. sviii, f. 3, p. 390, ubi C. liorrida (hujus enumerationis) delineatur. 1790. " " Bonnaterre, Opliiologie, p. 2. 1817. " " CuviER, Rfegne Animal, II, 78. 1820. " " Merrem, Syst. Amphib., p. 156. Homonyma accurate enumerata. 1830. " " Griffith, Cuv. Regne Animal, IX, 267. 1853. " " Le Conte, Proc. Acad. Nat Sci. Philada., 1853, 416. 1859. " " Cope, Proc. A. N. S., p. 337. Exclus. homon. C. cascavella Wagl. etspec. "No. 3." 1802. " horridus : Daudin, Hist. Nat Rept, V, 311. Exclus. cit Linn. Laurenti, Lacepede. " " Wagler, Nat Syst. Amph., p. 176. Exclus. homon. C cascavella Wagl. 1837. " " ScHLEGEL, Essai, II, 561. Exclus. cit Laurenti, Wagler, Neuwied. 1854. " " DrjiERiL, BiBRON, VII, 1472. Exclus. cit Linn. Wagl. (in Spix Serp. Braz.), Neuw. ?Gray. Icones — ?Seba, tab. xlv, 4. ?Bonnat, tab. iii, f. 1. Daudin, V, 69, I. ? Schlegel, Essai, tab. xx, xii, xiii, xiv. ?Dum. Bibr., Ixxxiv, bis, 2. ??Cuv. Regne Animal (Edit. Audouin, Blanch. etc.), pi. xxxii. Diet. Sci. Nat. Cloquet, Poiss. et Rept, t xxiv. Habitat. — In Guiana, ? Mexico. Excl. fig. 1, tab. XVIII, etcit Caudisona terrifica. Laurenti, Spec. Syn. Rept, p. 93. Lacepede, Hist. Nat. Serp., II, 130, 390. Kalm. Daudin, Hist Rept, V, 321. : Wagler, Spix Serp. Braz., 60. ' Daud :" Neuw. Naturgeschichte Brazil., p. 435. ?Gray, Catalogue Brit Mus., p. 20. Exclus. cit. Linn. Daudin, Schlegel; et homonym, horridus, adamanteus, rhombifer, Oregonus. BoiE, Isis von Oken, p. 562. Icon. — Seba, xcv, f. I. Spix Serp. Braz., xxiv. Neuwied Naturgeschichte Braz., tab. ? Habitat. — In Brasilia, Guiana. 1768. Caudisona terrifica : 1789. Crotalus boiquira : 1802. " simus : i824. " cascavella 1825. " horridus " 1849. " " 1827. " durissus : Caudisona Loeflingii. 1833. Crotalus Loeflingii: Humboldt, in Humboldt et Bonpland, Recueil d'Observ. de Zoologie et Anat Comp., p. 6. Habitat. — In Venezeula. GENERA AND SPECIES OF THE RATTLESNAKES. 121 Caudisona adamantea. 1799. Crotalus adamanteus: Pal. de Beauvois, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc, lY, 368. 18i2. " " HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herp., Ill, 17. 1853. " " Baikd et Gieard, Catal. Serp. Smiths. Inst., p. 3. 1853. " " Le Conte, South. Med. and Surg. Journ., IX, 664. 1790. " ?hoiTidus: Bonnat. Ophiologie, p. 1. Excl. cit. Linn. Mus. Ad. Fried, et Tab. "1801. " rhombifer: Latreiixe, Hist. Rept, III, 197." 1802. " " Daudin, Hist. Rept., Y, 525. 1854. " " DmiERiL, BiBRON, Erp. Gen., VII, 1471. 1802. " durissus : Shaw, Gen. Zool., Ill, 333. 1853. " temficus: Le Conte, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philada., VI, 419. Exclus. honion. CawJi- sona terrifica Laur., p. 418. 1859. " " Cope, Loc. cit., p. 337. Exclus. homon. terrifica Laur. 1842. ? Crotalus Oregonus : Holbrook, N. Am. Herp., IH, 21. 1853. " " Baird et Girard, Cat. Serp., p. 145. Icones.— ? Shaw, Gen. Zool., Ill, t. Ixxxix. Daudin, Hist. Rept, V, pi. Ix, figs. 22, 23. Holbrook, N. Amer. Herp., Ill, t. ii. U. S. Pacific R. R. Rept. Reptiles, tab. xxiv, f. 2. Habitat. — In "United States" orientalibus circa oram Maris Mexican! et "South Carolina," in America Septentrionali. Caudisona atrox. 1853. Crotalus atrox: Baird et GraARD, Catal. Serp. Smiths. Inst., p. 5. 1859. " " Baird, U. S. and Mex. Boundary Surv. Reptiles, p. 14. TJ. S. Pacific R. R. Rept, X. Whipple's Rept., p. 39. Icones.— TJ. S. and Pac. R. R. Rept. Reptiles, t. xxiv, f. 3. U. S. and Mex. Boundary Survey, Reptiles, t. i. Habitat. — In Texas. Caudisona lucifer. 1852. Crotalus lucifer: Baird et Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philada., p. 177, et (1853), Cata- logue, p. 6. 1858. " " Girard, Herpetology U. S. Expl. Exped., p. 187. 1859. " " Baird, U. S. Pacif. R. R. Report N, Williamson's Report, p. 10. 1859. " " Cooper et Suckley, Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr., p. 295. Icones. — U. S. Pac. R E. Surv. Rept. Reptiles, Williamson's Rept Reptiles, tab. xi. Girard, Herp. U. S. Ex. Exp., tab. xv, figs. 1-6. Habitat. — In Oregon, California. Caudisona Le Contei. 1852. Crotalus Le Contei : Hallowell, Proc. Acad. Nat Sci. Philad., VI, 180. 1853. ■ " " " Rept. Exped. Zuni and Colorado Rivs. Sitgreaves, p. 139. 1859. " " " U. S. Pac. R. R. Rept., X, Williamson's Rept., p. 18. 1853. " confluentus : " Say," Baird et Girard, Catal. Serp. Smiths. Inst., p. 8. Exclus. homon. C. coiifluentus Say. 1859. " ■" Baird, U. S. and P. R. R. Surv. Rept, Whipple's Rept, p. 40. IJ. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. Reptiles, p. 14. 1859. " " Cooper et Suckxet, Nat. Hist. Wash. Ter., p. 295. Icones. — Sitgreave's Exped. Colorado and Zuni, tab. xviii (icon pej.). U. S. Pac. R. R. Surv. Rept. Reptiles, tab. xxiv, fig. 4. DM. Williamson's Rept. Reptiles, tab. iii. Cooper and Suckley, Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr., tab.'xii. Habitat — In Nebraska usque ad " Rocky Mountains," Texas et "New Mexico." 16 122 GENERA AND SPECIES OF THE RATTLESNAKES. Caudisona confluenta. 1823. Crotaliis coufluentus : S.\Y, Long's Exped. Rocky Mts., II, 48. Icon. — Nulla. Habitat. — "Red River," circa foutes. Caudisona tigris. 1869. Crotalus tigris: Kennicott, U. S. et Max. Boundary Surv., II, Reptiles, p. 14. Icon. — Loc. cit., tab. iv. Habitat. — In Eremis Gila et Colorado, "New Mexico." Caudisona lugu^bris. 1859. Crotalus lugubris : Jan, Rev. et Mag. de Zoologie, p. 156. Icon. — Jan Prodrome d'un Iconogr. Descr. Ophid., tab. E, f. 4. Habitat. — In Mexico. Caudisona horrida. 1166. Crotalus horridus : LiNNaitJS, Syst. Nat. Ed. XII, I, 512. Primo cit. Mus. Ad. Er., I, 39, nbi "Frons tecta squamis obtusissimis, palpebras superiores planse magnae" legatur. Porro Catesby Carol. Hist. (A) et Amoenitat. Acad. (B) citantur. (A. "Vijpera caudisona americana," et "V. c. a. minor" describuntur, pp. 41, 42; sed "V. c. a. minor cajjuf scutis magnis instructum habet."^) (B. In. Amoen. Acad., II, 139. G. durissa {hujus enumerationis) (Amoen. Acad., I, 500) citatur! et " Virginianis rattlesnake" denomi- natur !) Secundo cit. Seba, 95, f. 1, ubi C. terrifica delineatur I ! 1802. " " Shaw, Gen. Zool., Ill, 311. 1811. " " CuviER, Regne Animal, II, 18. 1830. " " Gray, Synopsis Rept., p. 18. ?1830. " " GuERiN, Iconogr. R. Anim., tab. n. 23, f. 2. 1831. " " Griffith, Cuv. Regne Animal, IX, 2I»1. 1853. - " " Le Conte, Proc. Acad. Nat. Soi. Philada., VI, 411. 1859. " " Cope, Proc. Acad. Philada., p. 338. "1801, " durissus: Latreille, Hist. Rept., Ill, 190." 1802. " " Daudin, Hist. Rept., V, 304. Exclus. cit. Linn. Laurenti, Lacep. 1825. " " Harlan, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philada., p. 368. Exclus. cit. Linn. Laar. Ibid. Med. and Phys. Res., p. 132. 1831. " " ScHLEGEL, Essai sur le Phys. Serp., II, 365. E.xclus. descrip. color., p. 366, et homon. UropsopJms trisei'iatiis Wagl. et C7-ot. confiuentiis Say. 1839. " " Storer, Report, Rept. Mass., p. 233. 1842. " " HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herp., Ill, 9. Exclus. cit. Linn. 1842. " " De Kat, Zoology of New York, pt. Ill, 55. Exclus. cit. Linn. Say. 1853. " " Le Conte, Southern Med. and Surg. Journ., p. 663. 1853. " ■ " Baird et Girard, Catal. Serp. Smiths. Inst., p. 1. Exclus. cit. Linn. 1854. " " Baird, Serpents of New York, p. 9. Exclus. cit. Linn. 1854. " " DuMERiL et Bibron, Erp. Gen., VII, 1465. Exclus. cit. Linn. Latreille, Wagler. 1859. " " Baird, IJ. S. Pac. R. R. Espl. Surv., X. Whipple's Rept. Reptiles, p. 39. Exclus. cit. Linn. 1859. " " ? Jan, Rev. et Mag. de Zool., p. 153. ' Linnaeus Syst. Nat., in C. miliarii diagnosi. GENERA AND SPECIES OF THE RATTLESNAKES. 123 "1801. Crotalus atricaudatus : Latrehle, Hist. Rept., Ill, 209." 1827. " " ?BoiE, Isis von Oken, p. 562. 1830. " " ?Wagler, Nat. Syst. Amphib., p. m. 1842. " " Gray, Zool. Miseell., p. 51. 1843. Urocrotalon durissus : Fitzinger, Syst. Rept., p. 29. 1849. Uropsoplius durissus: Gray, Catal. Brit. Mus., p. 19. Exclus. cit. Linn, et homon. confiu- entus Say, rliombifer Latr., triseriatus Wiegm. Wagl. Gray. 1826. ? Crotalus Catesbaei Hempr. : Fitzinger, Neue Class, p. 63, fide Gray. 1851. ?Urocrotalon Catesbyanum Fitz. : Diesing, Syst. Helminth., II, 431. Icones. — Catesby, Hist. Car., II, tab. slii. Lacepede, Serp., II, tab. xviii, f 3. Shaw. Zool. Ill, t. Ixxxviii. Daudin, Y, t. Ixviii. Guerin, Iconogr. R. Animal, t. xxiii, f. 2. Schlegel, Essai, XX, f. 15, 16. Diet. Univ. Hist. Nat. Atlas, II, t. xiii, f. 1. Dum. Bibr. Erp. Gen. Atlas, t. Ixxxiv, bis. fig. 1. Holbrook, N. Am. Herp., Ill, t. i. De Kay, Zool. New York, pt. Ill, Atlas, fig. 19. Baird, Serp. New York, t. i, f. 1. TJ. S. Pac. R. R. Expl. Rep. X, Reptiles, t. xxiv, fig. 1. Habitat. — In "United States" orientalibus, usque ad "The Plains." This species may be distinguished by the following peculiarities : — Upon the top of the extremity of the muzzle there are two subtriangular shields (prefrontals) in contact with each other. A large oval shield covers the region over each eye (superciliary). These shields are in contact anteriorly upon each side with a smaller one, which is in contact anteriorly with the prefrontal, and forms upon each side, the external shield of a cross series (post-frontals)' imme- diately behind the prefrontals, which is usually composed of five plates. The remaining part of the upper surface of the head is covered with small subtuber- culous scales. The shields bounding the upper lip (superior labials) are from twelve to fourteen in number, the fourth or fifth the largest ; those bounding the lower lip (inferior labials) thirteen to fifteen. Three rows of scales separate the eye from the supe- rior labials. Two plates in front of the eye (preoculars), the lower usually reach- ing the pit in the side of the face; the upper larger, and separated from the hinder of the two plates between which the nostril is pierced (nasals), by two or more small plates (loreals). The scales of the body are in twenty-three or twenty- five longitudinal rows, all keeled, the row on each side next the shields of the ab- domen (gastrostega) faintly. The ground color above varies from bright yellowish tawny or fulvous to black brown ; beneath from whitish yellow to black gray. A light line extends from the superciliary plate to the angle of the mouth, behind which is a dark band or blotch. Upon each side of the medial dorsal line there are two series of brown or black spots. The spots of the upper or medial series are larger, rhomboid, running obliquely upwards and backwards. They are frequently confluent across the middle line of the back anteriorly; always upon the posterior half of the body. The spots of the lower series encroach slightly upon the gastrostega, and poste- riorly, unite with those of the middle series, to form zigzag cross bands. Ante- riorly they sometimes alternate with the central series, or rather become confluent with an indefinite alternating series, and joining the extremities of the former, enclose the ground color, which thus forms a series of light spots. Of these trans- verse bands or rows of spots there are twenty-one, more or less, from the head to 124 GENERA AND SPECIES OP THE RATTLESNAKES. the anus. In southwestern specimens, a narrow rufous band frequently extends along the median dorsal line throughout the whole length. Tail nearly always entirely black. This species is found from Maine to Kansas, and from Louisiana to Florida. Caudisona molossus. 1853. Crotalus molossns: Baird et Girard, Catal. Rept. Smiths. Inst, p. 10. 1859. " " Baird, U. S. et Mex. Bound. Surv. Reptiles, p. 14. 1854. " ornatus: Hallowell, Proc. A. N. S. Philada., VII, 192, etc. 1859. " " " U. S. Pac. R. R. Expl. Rept, Parlie's Rept Reptiles, p. 23. Iconjes. — U. S. Pac. R. R. Rept Reptiles, xxiv, f. 5. Ibid., Parke's Rept., tab. ii. U. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv., tab. iii. Habitat — In "New Mexico." Caudisona lepida. 1860. Caudisona lepida : Kennicott, MSS. Icon. — Nulla. Habitat. — In Texas australi. Caudisona cerastes. 1854. Crotalus cerastes : Hallowell, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philada., p. 95. 1859. " " " U. S. Pac. R. R. E.xpl. Rept Williamson's Rep. Rept, p. n. 1859. " " Baird, U. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. Reptiles, p. 14. Icon. — U. S.'et Mex. Bound. Surv., pi. iii. Habitat. — In Eremis Colorado et Gila. CROTALUS LiNNiEUS. 1766. Crotalus : LiNNiEus, Syst Nat Ed., XII, 312. 1T88. " Gmelin, Syst Nat., I, 1080. 1T90. " BoNNATERRE, Ophiologie,_p. 1. 1820. " Merrem, Tent Syst Amphib., p. 156. 1827. " BoiE, Isis, p. 562. 1825. Crotalophorus : Gray, Ann. Philosophy, p. 205. 1849. " " Cat Brit Mus., p. lY. 1842. " HoLBROOK, N. Amer. Herp., Ill, 25. 1853. " Baird et Girard, Cat. Serp. Smiths. Inst., p. 11. 1826. Caudisona: Fitzinger, Neue Class. Rept., p. 63. 1830. " Wagler, Nat Syst. Amphib., p. ITB. 1832. " Bonaparte, Saggio, p. 24. 1842. " Gray, Zool. Misc., p. 51. 1843. " Fitzinger, Syst Rept, p. 29. Crotalus miliarius. 1766. Crotalus miliarius : Linn^us, Syst Nat Ed., XII, v. I, 372. 1188. " " Gmelin, Linn. S. N., I, 1080. 1789. " " Laoepede, Hist. Serp., II, 421. 1190. " " Bonnaterre, Ophiol., p. 1. GENERA AND SPECIES OF THE RATTLESNAKES. 125 1802. Crotalus miliarius : Shaw, III, 336. 1802. " " Daudin, Hist. Rept., V. 328. 1817. " " CuviER, Regne Animal, II, T9. 1820. " " Merrem, Syst. Amphib., p. 156. 182T. " " BoiE, Isis, p. 562. ]83'7. " " ScHLEGEL, Essai, II, 569. Exclus. homon. C. tergeminus B&j. 1854. " " DuMERiL, BiBRON, Erp. Gen., YII, lill. 1825. Crotalophorus miliarius : Gray, Ann. Philos., p. 205. 1830. " " " in Griff. Regne Anim., p. Y8. 1842. " " HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herp., p. 25. 1849. " " Gray, Catalogue Brit. Mas., p. IT. 1853. " " Baird et Girard, Cat. Serp. Smiths. Inst., p. 11. 1859. " " Baird, U. S. Pac. R. R. Bxpl. Rep., X. Whipple's Rept., p. 40. 1826. Caudisona miliaria : Fitzingee, Neue Class., p. 63. 1830. " " Wagler, Nat. Syst. Amph., p. 176. 1842. " " Gray, Zool. Misc., p. 51. 1843. " " FiTziNGER, Syst. Rept., p. 29. Icones. — Catesby, Hist. Car., II, t. xlii. ?Bonnaterre, Ophiologie, t. i, f. 1. Schlegel, Essai, t. XV, f. 11, 18. Holbrook, N. Am. Herp., Ill, t. It. Bum. Bibr. Erp. Gen., Ixxxiv, bis. f. 5. U. S. Pac. R. R. Surv. Rept, X, Reptiles, t. xxiv, f. Habitat. — In "United States" circa oram maris Mexicaui, "South Carolina," et Arkansas. Crotalus Ed-wardsii. 1853. Crotalophorus Edwardsii : BAmD et Giraed, Catal., p. 15. 1854. " " DuMERii, BiBRON, Erp. Gen., VII, 1483. 1859. " " Baird, U. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv., p. 15. Icones. — U. S. Pac. R. R. Expl. Rept., X, Reptiles, tab. xxiy, fig. 8. U. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv., t. V, f. 1. Habitat. — In Texas. Crotalus tergeminus. 1823. Crotalus tergeminus : Say, Long's Exped. Rocky Mts., I, 499. 1824. " " BoiE, Isis, p. 270. 1827. " " Harlan, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., V, 372. 1827. " " BoiE, Isis, p. 563. 1854. " " DUMERIL, BiBRON, VII, 1479. 1830. Crotalophorus tergeminus : Gray, Synops. Rept., p. 78. 1842. " " Holbrook, N. Amer. Herp., Ill, p. 29. 1849. " " Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus., p. 18. 1856. " " Baird et Girard, Catal., p. 14. 1842. " Kirtlandii : Holbrook, N. Am. Herp., Ill, 31. 1849. " " Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus., p. 18. 1853. " " Baird et Girard, Catal., p. 16. 1854. " massasauga "Kirtland:" Baird, Serpents of New York, p. 11. 1850. " ? Agassiz, Lake Superior, p. 381. 1830. Caudisona tergeminus: Wagler, Nat. Syst. Amph., p. 176. Icones. — Holbr. N. Am. Herp., Ill, f. 5, 6, Agassiz, Lake Superior, t. vi, f. 8. Baird, Serp. New York, t. i, f. 2. Ibid. U. S. Pac. R. R. Expl. Rep., X, Rept., t. xxv, fig.s. 9, 11. Habitat.— In "Indian Territory," Nebraska, usque ad Michigan et Ohio. 126 GENERA AND SPECIES OP THE RATTLESNAKES. III. The descriptions of the following supposed species do not coincide with those of any species known to modern naturalists : — Crotalus dryinus: Linn^us, Syst. Nat., I, 312 (1766). Quoted by Gmeliu, Lacepede, Bonuaterre, Daudin, Merrem. Crotalus Jiorridus: Boddaert, Nova Acta, VII, 16 (178.3). Quoted by Gmelin, Le Conte. The following names refer to species which I cannot identify with, or distinguish from known species either on account of want of specimens, imperfect descriptions, or references which cannot be unravelled. Crotalus adamanteus : Jan, Rev. et Mag. ZooL, 1859, p. 153. Crotalus atricaudatus : Merrem, Syst. Amphib., 157. Crotalus cumanensis: Humboldt, Hurnb. et Bonpl. Recueil d'Observ., p. 6 (1833). Crotalus durissus: Boddaert, 1. c. Merrem, 1. c. " " var. a Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I, 1081 (1788). Crotalus exalbidus : Boddaert, 1. c. Crotalus Jiorridus: Jan, Rev. et Mag. ZooL, 1859, 153. Crotalus rhombifer: Merrem, 1. c. Caudisona orientalis: Laurenti, Synops., p. 94 {11^9,). = Crotalus sti-epitans Daud., V, 318 (1802). " Said to be Boa canina." Gray, Synopsis Rept, p. 78. Caudisona Gronovii: Laurenti, 1. c. Perhaps Lacliesis mutus, Daud. Uropsophus triseriatus: Waglee, Nat. Syst. Amph., p. 176 (1830). Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus., p. 116. Perhaps Caudisona lucifer. Prof. Jan. Iconogr. descr. Opliid., p. 29, places this species in Cro- talus ( Grotalophorus) 1 Crotalopliorus consors: Baird and Girard, 1. c. Baird, U. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. Reptiles, p. 15. Ibid. U..S. Pac. R. R. Espl. Rep., X, Repl., pi. xxiv, f. 7. The following supposed species, according to Boie, Isis, 1827, 562, is Tropido- notus quincunciatus with a crepitaculum of a Rattlesnake attached : — Crotalus tessellatus : Hermann, Observat. Zool., p. 271 (1804). The following species are not Rattlesnakes : — Crotalus mutus: Linn^us, 1. c. p. 373 et Gmelin, is Lachesis mutus, Daud. Crotalus piscivorus : Lacepede, 1. c. p. 424 (1789)= C. aquaticus, Bonnat. 1. c. p. 3 (1790), is A^icis- trodon piscivorus, nobis. APPENDIX B, BIBLIOGRAPHY.^ Abbatius (Baldus Angelus). De Admirabili Yiperas natura et de mirificis ejus facultati- bus liber. Ragusse, 158T-91, ia 4. Anatomical description principally of the or- gans of Generation. [S.] AcRELL (JoH. Gust.). De morsura Serpentum. (Linusei Amoenitacad., VI., 97. 1162, in 8.) An excellent dissertation on the bite of ven- omous Sei-pents. [S.] Albertus Magnus. Opus animalium. In fol. 1651. Reports certain erroneous opinions as to tlie viper, and denies its cohabitation with the Lamprey. [S.] Aldovrandus (Ulysses). Serpentum et Draco- num liistoria, libr. 11. Francforti, in fol. 1640. Gives descrijjtions of the viper, etc., with figvires. [S.] Alessandrini. Ricerche sulle glandoli salivali dei Serpenti a denti solcati o veleniferi confron- tate con quelle proprie delle specie non vele- nate di Schlegel. (Journ. polygr. de "Verone, fasc. XXVIII, 47, 18.32.) [S.] Alexander. Medica commentaria. Edinburgh, n, decad. IV, B., 45. [S.] On the employment of L'eau de Luce as a remedy. [S.] Alexander, J. B. Alcohol as an antidote. St. Louis Med. and Surg. Journal, XIII, 116, 1855. Alos, (JoH.) Dissertatio de Viperis. In 4, 1664. Treats of medicines made from the flesh of the viper. [S.] Amatus Ltjsitanxis. Curationum medicarum cen- turias. Cent. I. cur. I, fol. 20. Cent. Ill, cur. 14, fol. 230. [S.] Andeieux. Coup d'oeil sur les accidents causes par la morsure des serpents venimeux, enu- meration des differents moyens employes pour les combattre. Journ. des Conn. Med. et Pharm., 181. 1849. On the action of Mikania Guaco in snake bites. [S.] Anel. Art de sucer les playes sans se servir de la bouche d'un homme. Amsterdam, 1707. [S.] Angelini (Bernardino). Del morasso a Vipera chersea rinvenuto sul territorio Veronese. (Bibl. Ital., VII, 451.) [S.] Anselmier (Victor). Dissertation sur les indica- tions du cautere actuel dans les plaies viru- lentes et envenimees. (Theses de Paris, No. CXXIX), 1854. Reports two successful cases of persons bitten by vipers ; the actual cautery the best mode of local treatment. [S.] AEETj5;trs. De causis et signis acutorum morbo- rum. (Ed. Haller), libr. II, cap. II, 100, in 8, 1772. Speaks of the effect of the bite of the Dipsade and of the employment of theriao as a re- medy for the bite of the viper (136). [S.] Atchison, T. A. Alcohol as an antidote to the venom of the Crotalus. Southern Journal of the Med. and Phys. Sciences, I, p. 47, 1853. Atwell (Joseph). Observations concerning a man and a woman bitten by a viper. (Philos. Trans. No. CCCCLXIV, 275, 1736.) [S.] Reports good results from the employment of oil in viper bites. [S.] AtTDOUX. Observations communiquees a M. Ma- ' As a general rule, the authorities upon the natural history of serpents are not included in the list. For those especially concerning the Rattlesnake, see Mr. Cope's "Genera and Species," p. 119. The works given by Soubeiran in his excellent Bibliography are marked in mine with the letter [S]. 128 BIBLIOGRAPHY. sars cle Cazeles. (Jour, dc Med., XXXII, 442.) Reports a case of viper bite treated by applica- tions of tlie^brnised head of the viper, togetlier with theriac and a vinous decoction of the flesh of the viper and of the bark of the ash tree. Recovery in three days. [S.] Auzoux (L. I. I.). Dissertation sur la Vip6re. (Thfeses de Paris, No. CLXII), 1822. This work gives a general statement of know- ledge relative to the viper. [S.] AviCENNE. Canon Medicinas ex Gerardi Cremo- nensis versione. In fol. II, libr. IV, fen. 6, tract 3, Venetiis, 1608. De regimine mor- sionis universali. Et de effngatione veneno- sorum et de curatione mordicationis Ser- pentum et speciebus eorum. Treats of the venom of the viper and of the treatment of snake-bites. [S.] Bajon. Memoire pour servir a I'histoire de Cay- enne. Maladies de Cayenne, I, 352-355. States that the juice of the Tayove ( Caladium sagittsefolium') and sugar, are useful in snake- bites. [S.] Babicelh. Falsum viperam in coitu masculum occidere, ipsumque a catulis in partu necari. Hortulus genialis BononiiB, in 12mo, 161T. [S.] Barstow. Account of the singular effects from the bite of a Rattlesnake. Philadelphia Med. Museum, III, 61. The milk of a woman bitten by a rattlesnake, said to have caused the death of her child, as well as of two puppies and three lambs em- ployed to draw off the milk. Barton (B. S.). On the supposed powers of Fascination in serpents. [0.] Pamphlet, Phila., 1814. Also, the same in American Phil. Trans., Ill, 1793. Also, General Ob- servations on the Rattlesnake. Am. Phil. Trans., IV, IT 99. Bartram. On the teeth of the Crotalus. Engl. Phil. Trans., abrd. IX, 60, 1793. Bauderon, Brice. Pharmocopee diusee en deux liures, p. 360, in 4, Lion, 1640. [S.] Batjquier (de Saint Ambroix). Observation d'une morsure de vipere. Journ. de Sci. Med., XXVIII, 37Y, 1827. [S.] Batjregard. Anc. Journ. de Med., VI, 233, 1757. A case of viper bite treated successfully with the juice of ash leaves, and poultices of the same, as local treatment. [S.] Beck. Medical Jurisprudence, II, 537. Berard. Gazette de Sant(i, No. 16, 1788. Advises frictions with olive oil in viper bites. [S.] Bernard (Claude). Lecons surles effets des sub- stances toxiques et medicamenteuses, Paris, 1857, p. 388 et seq. Brief account of viper venom. Experiments to prove the power of the viper to destroy its own kind. Berninck (A.). Dissertatio serpentem sistens PriKs. S. F. Freuzel. In 4to. Wittebergte, 1665. [S.] Bertin (J. E.). Ergo specificum vipersB morsus antidotum aleali volatile. Paris, 149, in 4. Haller, dissert., p. vi. No. 218. [S.] Best (J. Ch.). Dissertation sur la morsure de la vipere fer-de-lance. Thfeses de Paris, No. 106, 1823. Treats of the cause of death, and thinks that fright has a great deal to do with the produc- tion and intensity of the symptoms. [S.] Blainville. Observations on Crotalus Poisoning. Bull. " de la Societe Philomatique, Paris, 1825, p. 210. [S.] Boag (W.). General observations on the bites of E. Indian serpents. Asiatic Researches, VI, 103, 1801. BocHART (S.A.MUEL). Hierozoicon, sive de ani- malibus scripturse recensuit suis notis, L. F. C. RosenmuUer, in 4, III, pars ii, lib. iii, 1793-96. Gives the etymology of the word viper, proves that it was known to the Hebrews, and cites many oriental authorities, &c., which make mention of the animal in question. Bonaparte (Lucien). Gaz. Tosc. delle sc. medi- cofis, p. 169, 1843. Analysis of viper venom, the only one on record. Bosc (L. a. G). Vipere Nov. Diet, d'histoire Nat. Deterville, XXXVI, 82, 1819. Natural history of the viper, with discussions as to its habits. [S.] BouE (J. F.). Dissertation sur la morsure de la vipere. Theses de Paris, No. 69, 1823. Advances cases to prove the gravity of the malady of the viper bite. {S ] Bodrdelot (Pierre Miohon). Recherches et ob- servation sur les viperes. Paris, in 12mo., also in English, Philos. Trans., VI, 3013, 1671. [S.] Boyle (Robert). De utilitate philosophiaa expe- BIBLIOGRAPHY. 129 rimentalis. Pars II, Esercitat, II, par 34 Lindaviffi, 1 in 4to, 1692. Eeports cures from using a hot iron, wliicli was brought as near to the wound as it could he borne by the patient. [S. ] Brainaed (David, M. D.). On the nature and cure of the bite of serpents, and the wounds - of poisoned arrows. Smithsonian Reports, 1854, p. 123. Describes woorara, and considers that it owes its poisoning power to a venom. Advocates the use of iodine as an antidote to be injected into and about the track of the wounds made by serpents or by poisoned arrows. Brainard (David). Essay on a new method of treating serpent bites and other poisoned wounds. 8vo. pamphlet, Cliicago, 1854. Much the same as the last paper (vide supra), with new observations on the phenomena of crotalophorous poisoning. Brainard and Green. Comptes Rendus de I'Aca- demie des Sciences, p. 811, 1853. Contains details of obseiTations on the use of iodine in woorara poisoning and in snake-bites . Breintnal (C). Engl. Philosophical Trans, abrd., X, 229. Reports his own case of Crotalus bite. Brickell. New York Medical Repository, Yin, 441, 1805. Gives his own experiments upon the reaction of Rattlesnake venom. Brogiano (Domenico). De Veneno Animantium naturali et adquisito, p. 38, 4to. An extremely interesting dissertation on the effects of viper venom upon the economy of man. Brotonne (De). Ergo specificum viperte morsus an tidotum alcali volatile. Paris, 1718. [S.] Bulletin de Therapeutique, XXXI, 70, 1846. Case of viper bite successfully treated by am- monia. [S.] Burnett (W. I.). Proc. Boston Nat. Hist. Society, IV, 311, 323. On the succession of the fangs in Crotalus, describes his mode of procuring the venom by chloroforming the snake and then pressing on the glands. Also observation of the effect produced by mingling the venom with blood. Burton (Wiliiam). Letter concerning the Yiper Catchers, and their Remedy for the Bite of a Yiper. (Engl. Phil. Trans., No. 443, 1734.) Reports experiments tried on a man to show the utility of olive oil in viper bites. [S.] Camerartjs (Elias). Dissertationes Epistolico physico medicae. Tubingen, 1712, m. 2. He seeks to prove that the viper is not equally venomous in all localities, and cites facts to support this opinion. [S.] 17 Cantor. London Zoological Trans., II, 304. On Pelagic snakes. Action of their venom on the tortoise, etc. Cardose. Des effets d'une piqure faite par la dent d'une vipere morte. Anuales de la Soc. de Med. pratique de Montpellier, serie II, I, 179. [S.] Carminati (B.). Saggi di osservazioni sui veneno della vipera. Opusc. scelti, I, 58, 1778. [S.] Catesby. Natural History of Carolina ; also cited by Mortimer, Engl. Phil. Trans., 1738, p. 8. Advises the actual cautery as a remedy in snake-bites. Early natural history of the Rattlesnake, etc. Cauro. Exposition du moyen curatif des acci- dents produits par la morsure de I'Arraignee 13 guttata on Theridion mal mignatte du department de la Corse, suivi de quelques reflexions sur le mode d'agir de son venin et de celui de la vipfere, in 4to. Theses de Paris, No. 128, 1833. Proposes a secret remedy, camphor and opium, which he describes as useful in spider bites, and which, therefore, he presumes would be valuable in those of the viper. [S.] Caventou. Relation de quelques nouvelles ex- periences faites par M. Desaulx, avec le venin de la vipfere. Archives General de Medecine, serie I, XIII, 518. [S.] Cayal. Rage communiquee par la morsure d'un chien, essais de traitement par I'arsenic, I'hydrogene sulphure et par le venin de la vipfere, mort 70 heures aprfes I'invasion des premiers symptomes ; necropsie. Revue Med., Ill, 387, 1831. [S.] Cazentre (de Bordeaux). Notice sur les pro- prietes therapeutiques de cedron. (Journ. des Conn. Medico-Chirurg., 1850.) States that the cedron is an infallible remedy in serpent bites. [S.] Celsus. De re medica; de medicamentis, lib. Y, cap. XXYII, § 3, Lyon, 1856, in 8. Prefers the suction of poisoned wounds to the ligature, to cups, or to incisions. [S.] Chabert (Jean-Louis). Du Huaco et de ses vertus medicinales in 8, 1853. Reports marvellous effects of mikania guaco in serpent bites, even of the most terrible kind. [S.] Charas (Moise). Nouvelles experiences sur la vipere ou I'un verra vne description exacte de tovtes ses parties, la sovrce de son venin; ses divers effets et les remedes exquis que les artistes peuvent tirer de la vipere tant pour la guerison de ses morsures que pour celle de 130 BIBLIOGRAPHY. pinsieurs autres maladies. Paris, in 8, 1669. [S.] Chaeas (Moise). Svite des novvelles experiences •svr la vipfere, in 8, 1112-90. [S.] Chevalliee (Th.). Lettre sur I'eiEcacite de I'ar- senic sur la morsure des serpents. Sedillot Recueil period de la Soc. de Med. de Paris. Ill, 409. [S.] Christison (K). Treatise on Poisons. 1st Am. from 4tli Edin. ed., Pliila. 1845, p. 484. Clarke (R. W.). Attempt to cure Elephantiasis and Leprosy by the Bite of a Rattlesnake. Lancet, I, 1838 and 18.39, 443. Singular case resulting fatally. Col de Yillars (Elie). Cours de chirurgie dicte aux ecoles de medecine de Paris, III. Traite des plaies, eh. vi, p. Ill, )146. Gives a short description of the symptoms and treatment of viper bites, insists on the necessity of internal treatment, owing to the fact that a part of the venom always enters the Wood. [S.] CoLBATCH (J.). Cure of the Bite of a Viper. London, 1698, 8vo. [S.] Collenutius (Pandolph). Libellus de Vipera Venet, 1506. [S.] Cooper (Samuel). Surgical Dictionary, 1828, p. 214. Describes the viper, his teeth and his bite, and the mode of treatment. [S.] CosTE. Sur les efifets de I'eau de Luce dans la morsure de la vipfere. (Journ. de Med., XXXIII, 524, 1110.) Reports a cure by the use of fomentations of camphorated alcohol and theriac, followed by scarifications, and the application of eau de Luce on the wound. [S.] Coster. Prophylactique du venin de la vipeve. (Clin, des Hopit., Ill, No. 43, 1828.) [S.] Cruger (Daniel). De morsu Viperarum. (Eph. Germ. Acad. Nat. Cur., IV, obs. LXV, 143, 1686.) Treatment of a case of viper bite according to ancient methods, attributes great value to the sperma ranaru7n. [S. ] Davy (John). On Snake Stones. Asiatic Re- searches, XIII, 311, in 4to. Gives analyses of the stones whose application to the wound is supposed in the east to effect a cure of snake-bites. Davy (John). On the poison of three of the poisonous snakes of Ceylon. Davy's Phy- siological and Anatomical Researches, I. 113, London, 1839; and also the author's account of the interior of Ceylon, London, 1821. A highly valuable and interesting detail of experiments on venom poisoning. Decerfs (J. p. B.). Essai sur la morsure des serpents venimeux de la France. Thfeses de Paris, No. 21, 1801. Contains nothing novel except the opinion that the viper bite is not mortal in man, even when no treatment has been employed. [S.] Delacoux. Amputation complete de la jambe gauche produite par une ligature circulaire permanente de ce membre. Acad, de Med. Seances des 30 Juillet et 20 Aout, 1833. Arch. Gen. de Med., 2e ser. II, 581 et 592. [S.] The ligature of the limb was used after a viper bite ; no absorption of venom took place, but the leg became gangrenous, and was finally amputated. A case in which the remedy was probably worse than the disease. [S.] Delpech. Precis elementaire des maladies repu- tees chirurgicales, II, 135 et 136, in 8vo., 1815. [S.] Thinks that the viper bite is rarely dan- gerous. [S.] Demathiis. Moyen de guerir I'hydrophobie. Anc. Journ. de Med., LXI, 365, Mem. de la Soc. de Med., p. 210, 1183. This author treated a dog supposed to be mad by allowing him to be bitten numerous times by a viper. The dog died in four hours. The author supposes that if the bites had been fewer the dog would have been cured ; and infers that the venom is a specific against hydrophobic rage ! [S.] Demetire. Journ. de la Soc. Gall, de Med. ho- moeopathique, V, No. 6, 391, Oct. 1854. Gives the case of a person bitten by a viper. The symptoms seem to have been of an unu- sual nature. The cure is attributed to the fact that some of the venom from the bite in the thumb having been absorbed in homceo- patliio amount, the patient was thus pro- tected from the effects of the remaining poi- son. [S.] Delille. Indication de Therapeutique directe des morsures les plus veneneuses. Journ. de Physiologic Exp. et Pathol., VII, 113. Desbois (de Rochefort). Cours elementaire de Matifere Medicale, II, 280, 1189. Thinks that the effects of the venom of the viper are due to the animal being enraged, and that it acts on the nervous system, pro- ducing a tendency to putrefaction. Advises sudorifics, ammonia, and eau de Luce. Desmoulins. Memoires sur le systeme nerveux et BIBLIOGRAPHY. 131 Pappareil lacrymal des serpents a sonnettes, de Trigonocephales et de qnelques autres serpents. Journ. de Phys., IV, 264, 1824. Treats of the venom gland of serpents, and desires to prove, tliat it is only an adjunct of tlie lachrymal apparatus. [S.] De Veset (Louis) Xanttjs. Cases. — Experiments ■ with Bibron's Antidote. Am. Jom-n. of the Med. Sci., No. LXX, p. 375, 1858. Dezeimeris. Diet, de Medecine, XXX, 822. Contains nothing new. Gives an incomplete bibliography. Drake. On the use of ammonia in cases of serpent bites. West. Journ. Med. & Phys. Sci., I, 60. DuBEBAT. Mort spontauee produite par la mor- sure d'une seule vipere. Bull, de Ther., X, 198, 1836. Case of a woman analogous to that reported by Dr. Lugeal. [S.] Dudley (Paul). Account of the Rattlesnake. Phil. Trans, abrd., VII, 409-410, 1722. On the rattles, on fascination, etc. Duces (Alfred). Sur les Viperes Aspis et Pelias. Mem. de la Soc. de Biologic, II, 115. Gaz. Med., p. 270, 1850. Corrects certain errors in regard to the French vipers ; gives details of their habits, etc. [S.] Duqes (Alfred). Note sur le redressement des crochets dans les Thanatophides. Ann. des Sc. Nat., 3e ser. XVII, 57, au pi., 1852. Gives a new explanation of the mechanism concerned in elevating the fangs. [S.] Dumeril (Constant) et Bibron (E.). Erpeto- logie General e, VI et VII, 1844. At VII, part II, 1399, Natural History and Anatomy of Serpents ; reports case of M. Dumeril, bitten by a viper in 1851. Dumeril (Auguste). Note historique sur la mena- gerie des reptiles du museum. Mem. du Museum, VII, 273. Contains a large amount of information on the habits of snakes, their food, change of skin, etc. Dumont. Vide Aug. Dumeril, p. 276. On the use of cedron as an antidote and pro- phylactic. Duncan. On E. Indian Snake-Bites, strychnia as a remedy in. Lancet, I, 507. DusouRD. Effets remarquables de I'huile d'olive employee a I'interieur et a I'esterieur dans les cas de morsure de vipere. Bull, de The- rapeut, XXVII, 489, 1849. Approves of the internal use of olive oil in snake-bites. [S.] DuTERTRE (Jean Baptiste). Hist. Generate des Antilles habitees par les Fran9ais, in 4to, 1667, 1671. [S.] DuvERNOT (G. L.). Caracteres anatomiques pour distinguer les serpents venimeus. Ann. des Sci. Nat, XXVI, 113, 1830, XXX, 5, 1832. Gives, amongst numerous other matters, de- tails of the anatomy of the head of the viper ; also accounts of experiments upon the poi- soning power of venom long kept in alcohol. Enaux et Chaussier. Methode de traiter les mor- sures des animaus enrages et de la vipfere, in 12mo., p. 101, 1785. Advises cauterization. [S.] Encyclopcedia. See article Serpents, in the British, Edinburgh, and Rees' Encyclop. Erndte (Christ. Henr.). Iter Anglicanum et Batanum, 1714, in 8vo. [S.] Ettmuller (M.). Dissertation de Morsu VipersB, prffis. S. R. Sulzberger, Leipzig, 1665, 1685, in 4to. [S.] Fodere. Medecine Legale, IV, 11 et 12. Cites many eases observed in the hospital at Martinique, which died from the bites of the vipers of the marshes of Bos. Font ANA (Felix). Rieerche filosofiche sopra il veleno della vipera, in 4to, II, Lucca, 1767. Translated into French in 1781, 4to, IT, and into English, by Skinner, in 1787, II, 8vo. This latter is the edition referred to in the foregoing essay. FouoHER (d'Opsonville). Essai philosophique sur les moenrs de divers animaux etrangers, 1783, p. 26, in 8vo. [S.] Franzius (Wolfgang). Historia animalium in qua plerumque animalium praecipuse pro- prietates in gratiam studiosorum, theologise et ministrorum verbi ad usum ii.xovo'Koyixdv breviter accomodantur, in 18vo, Amster., 1665, pars IV, cap. iii, de vipera. Dwells on the reproduction of the viper, on the consequences of its bite, and on the re- medies ; but especially on the viper, theolo- gically considered. [S.] Freiskarn (Paulens). Dissertatio de veneno Viperarum, in 8vo, 1782. [S.] Gaignepain. Dissertation sur les effets du venin de la vipere. Thfeses de Paris, No. 24, 1807. Contains nothing novel. [S.] Gale (B.). Crotalus bite cured by salt. Engl. Phil. Trans, abrd., XII, 224, 1765. 132 BIBLIOGRAPHY. Galen. Opera, XII, Ed. Kuhn, Lipsias, 1826, pp. 311-316. Speaks of various venomoiis serpents, and of tlie use of viper flesh in elephantiasis. [S.] Gaspard (B.). Observations snr la morsure de la vipere. Journ. de Physiol. Bxpt. et Pathol, de Magendie, I, 248, 1831. Eeports a case of a woman who was cured of a tertian by the bite of a viper. Gaspard (B.). On putrefactive poisoning. Journ. de Phys. Exp. et Pathol., YII, "7 et seq. Gazette Salutaire de Bouillon, 1181. Hufeland Neues Annalen, I, 405. Of the use of ammonia locally and interiorly as an antidote. [S.] Gazette de Sante du 5 Novembre, 1822. States that dogs maybe saved from the effects of viper bite by the application of a cataplasm of the fresh stems of the helleborus niger. [S.] Geoffrot et Humatjld. Memoire dans lequel on examine si I'huile d'olive est un specifique contre la morsure des viperes. Mem. de I'Acad. des Sci., 11S1, p. 183. Concludes that olive oil is not a remedy in these cases, or at least that it is a doubtful one. [S.] Gerdy (P. N.). Traite des pausements propre- ment dits, 2e (5dit. p. 152, 1839. Case of viper bite treated by ammonia. Plan of treatment. [S.] Giadorou (Vincent). Observations medico-pra- tiques sur I'efBcacite de V Inula squarrosa contre la morsure de la vipere. Ann. Univ. de Medic, 183T; Gaz. Medic, p. 424, 183'?. [S.] GiLMAN. Soda as an antidote in the bite of the Crotalus. Southern Med. and Surg. Journ., N. S., X, 106. GiLMAN (J.). Action of Crotalus Yenom on Plants. St. Louis Med. and Surg. Journ., XII, 25, 1854. Contains, also, notes on other minor matters connected with serpents. GocKEL (Eberhr). De peste et venenis, in 8vo, 1669, cap. xiv, p. m. 59. GoESLiNG (I. A.) De spissitudine sanguinis multis in morbis temere accnsata. Gntt, 1Y4Y. Affirms that the popular opinion as to viper venom greatly thickening the blood is not correct. Goodyear (Aaron). Death from snake-bite at Aleppo. Engl. Phil Trans, abrd., II, 816- 81T. GoupiL. Sur la vipfere de Fontainebleau et sur les effets de sa morsure. Bull, de la Soc de la Fac. de Med. Cah., 5 Mai, 1809. [S.] Gray (E. W.). Observations on the amphibia of Linnaeus, and especially on the means of distinguishing venomous serpents from those which are not so. Engl. Phil. Trans, at large, LXXIX, 21, lt89. Gray (J. B.). Observations on Vipers. Proc. Zool. Soc, 1834, p. 101. Gray (J. B.). Venomous Water Snakes. Proc. Zool. Soc, 1831, p. 135. Grevin. Deux liures de uenins auxquels il est completement discouru des Bestes veni- menses, theriaqnes, poisons et contre poi- sons. In 4to, Anvers, 1618, chap, x, p. 72. Translations from Nicander in regard to the bite of the viper, etc. [S.] Grimm (J. F. C). Historia symptomatum a morsu Aspidis productorum et medelas. Nova Act. Acad. Cur., IH, 64, IT 67. [S.] Grive (Louis de la). Antiparalfelle des Vipferes romaines et berbes candiotes. Lion, 1632, p. 77. [S.] Gruere (J. B. Victor). Des venins et des ani- maux venimeux. Theses de Paris, No. 9, 1854. [S.] Gives an analysis of the memoir of Prince Lucien Bonaparte. GuBLER (Ad.). Memoire sur I'ictfere qui accom- pagne quelquefois les eruptions syphilitiques precoces. Mem. de la Soc. de Biol., V, 263, 1853. Contains incidental remarks on the icterus consecutive to the bites of serpents. Gulden (Klee). Bald. Timoeus A. Opera Libr. vii, cas. XVIII, p. 323 ; libr. v. Epist. XVI, p. m. 824, in 4to. Cases of viper bite. [S.] Gdrisch (Martin). Consideratio physico-medico- forensis de saliva humana qua ejus natura et usus insimulque morsus brutorum et ho- minis, rabies et hydrophobia, demorsurum delecta et defensio, etc. Lipsise, 1729, p. 181, de morsu viperarum. [S.J GuYON. Le9ons diverses, II, 527. Describes the treatment of the bite of the viper by saliva. [S.] Hafenreferus (Sam.). De cutis affectibus, in 8vo. Tubingen, 1630, libr. iii, cap. viii, p. 461. Relates certain facts in regard to the bite of the viper. [S.] Hall. Expts. on Crotalus venom. Engl. Phil. Trans, abrd., VII, 412, 1727. BIBLIOGRAPHY. 133 Hammond (W. A.).* On the use of Bibron's Anti- dote. Am. Journ. of the Med. Sei., jS'o. LXIX, p. 94, 1858. Hannemann (Jos. Lud.). Dissert, de viperte morsu Miscell. iSTat. Cur. Dec. II, An. VIII, p. 203, 1689. [S.] Hannover, Niitzliche Sammlungen, p. 1365, 1756. Advocates the use of olive oil in viper bites. [S.] Hardee (J. J.). De viperarum morsu dissertatio. Ept. Germ. Acad. Nat. Cur. Dec. II, An. YI, p. 229, 1685. Relates experiments made to test the trutli of Eedis' statements. [S.] Harlan (R.). Medical and Physical Researches, p. 490, Phila., 1835. Experiments with Crotalus on animals, anti- dotes, etc. Harlan (R.). A case of Crotalus bite in man. The North Am. Med. and Surg. Journ., Phila., 1831, XI, 22Y. Interesting case — recovery. Harris. Asclepias as an antidote in venom poison- ing. South. Med. and Surg. Journ., N. S., XI, 414. Hartmann (G. L.). Precis sur I'histoire naturelle des Vipera Berus, Coluber natrix et Anguis Pragilis, lu a la Soc. d'hist. nat. de Saint- Gall., 1819. Neue Alpina, I, 169. Advises as treatment suction, the ligature, and cauterization. Heeret (0. C). Use of Bibron's Antidote. Am. Journ. Med. Sci., 1859, No. LXXVI, p. 574. Reports a case of its use. Helmont (Yan). Ontus MedicinsE. Amsterdam, Elzevir, 1548, in 4, p. 111. Disputes the opinion that the virulence of viper venom is due to the animal being angry. [S.] Hempriez. De absorptione et secretione venenosa, 1822. [S.] Hering (Constantine). The Effects of Snake Poison. Allentown, Pa., and Leipzig, 8vo, 1837. Translated into -English in 1844, in the Brit. Quart. Journ. of Homoeopathy. A collection of wild absurdities in regard to the analysis of venom, and to its use in hy- drophobia, etc. Herodotus. Histoire, Libr. Ill, cap. 109. Speaks of the viper and its mode of propa- gating. [S.] Herran. Graine du Gedron employee dans I'Ame- rique tropicale comme remfede contre la mor- sure des serpents. Journ. de Pharra., 3e serie, XYIII, 296, 1850. Thinks the seed of the Simaba Cedron an in- fallible remedy. [S.] HoDiERNA (JoH. Bapt.). De dente viperae virn- lento epistola, 1651. [S.] Hoffmann (Fried.). Disputatio de saliva et ejus usu medico, in 4to, 1678, cap. Y, p. 18. [S.] Home (Sir. E.). Case of a man bitten by a Cro- talus, with additional cases of E. Indian serpent bites. Engl. Phil. Trans, at large, 1810, p. 75. Horner (Wm.). Death from Crotalus bite — post mortem examination. Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., YIII, 397, 1831. An interesting case. Hubble. Prenanthes Altissima as an antidote. N. Am. Med. and Surg. Journ., I, 447, 1826, from N. Y. Med. and Phys. Journ., Jan. 1826. Ireland (J. P.). Treatment of snake-bites, cases, etc. Med.-Chir. Trans., II, 394. East Indian snakes — arsenic as a remedy. Jagerschmidt. De morb. Serpentarum. Miscell. Nat. Curioso Acad. Dec. II, An. 2, p. 240. Jeter (A. P.). Poisoned wounds, their distinctive features, and classification, with remarks on the classes; and a special treatise on the nature and treatment of the wounds result- ing from the bites of venomous reptiles. Being a report of a committee to the Med. Assoc, of Missouri, 1854. Contains many points of interest, and a num- ber of experiments. JoMARD. Comptes Rendus de I'Acad. des Sci., XXXI, 141, 150, vide Herran. [S.] Journal Encyclopedique, YI, 297, 1772. External and internal use of olive oil in snake bites. [S.] Journal de Med. pratique de Hufeland, Analyse dans. Bibl. Medic, LXXIY, 125, 1821. [S.] Reports two cases of viper bite, illustrating the proper and the improper mode of treat- ment. JussiEU (Bernard de). Sur les effets de I'eau de Luce contre la morsure des viperes. Mem. de I'Acad. Roy. des Sci., ]). 54, 1747. Case of a student bitten in the hand. Cure. [S.] Kalm. Travels in America (Hist. Caudisonte). 1753, II, 490. 134 BIBLIOGRAPHY, KrRKER. Epreuve de la pierre de serpent faites a Vienne par ordre de. S. M. I. Journ. litt. de Nazari, 1668; Collect. Academ. part, etr., VII. Reports favorable results. [S.] Knox. Ou the mode of growth, reproduction and structure of the poison fangs la serpents. Memoirs of the Wernerian Nat. Hist. Soc, V, partii., 411, 1826, pi. KosTEE. Voyage au Brt%il, II, 2i'J. Permanent effects of Crotahis bite renewed at the full and wane of the moon. Krtjzenstein. Dissertatio de oleorum ex vegeta- bilibus expressorum salutariusu medico. Hafn, 1Y73. [S.] K.UTZCHIN (J. C). Dissertatio inauguralis medica de viperarum usu medico. Prses. J. Juncker Hate., Magd. 1744. [S.] Lantiee (Etienne). Dissertation sur la morsure de la vipere et celle des animaux enrages. Thfeses de Strasbourg, 19 Fruct. An. XI,, 1803. An Incomplete abridgment of Fontana's views. Contains no novelty. [S.] Langoni. De venenis, cap. 33 et 61, 1509. [S.] Lapee. Symptomes d'une morsure de Vipfere d6- crits par un medecin qui a failli en etre vic- time. Union. Med., Sept. 1850. [S.] Laurenti (J. N.). Synopsis Reptilium emendata, cum experimentatis circa venena et antidota Serpentum Austriacorum. Vieunte, in 8vo. 1168. Le Brun. Observations sur 1' usage des alcalis volatils contre la morsure de la Vipere, qui tendent i\ prouver que tous les alcalis vola- tils tires des animaux peuvent, ainsi que I'eau de Luce, guerir les personnes mordues par les Viperes. Journ. de Med., XVIII, 150, 1763. Four cases of viper bite terminating favora- bly — three of the number being infants. [S.] Le Conte (J.). On the Venomous Serpents of Georgia. Southern Med. and Surg. Journ., IX, 1853, 645. A very interesting collection of observations, new and old, ou the natural history, habits, and poison of the Georgia serpents. Lemery (Nicolas). Traite universel des drogues simple, p. 812 in 4to., 1598. Gives the symptoms of the bite, the mode in which the venom is supposed to act, and the treatment. Limpeeani (G. Paolo). Relazione di unaVipera che ha partorito i viperiui per bocca — (in Vallisneri, op. Med. fis.. Ill, 1Y33.) [S.] Lindelius (Jon. H.). Dissertatio de Vipera ejusque morsu, in 4to., 1690. Attributes the action of the venom to the anger of the animal, and denies that there is any difference in danger between the bite of the male and female viper. [S.] LiNN^TJS (Caeolus). Coluber Smolandiae. Act. Holm, Coll. Acad, part 6tr., XI, 91, 1112. Insists upon the dangerous character of the bite of this serpent, which is the Vipera Chersea. [S.] Ltjgeol. La morsure d'une seule Vipfere pent entrain er la mort. Bull, de Ther., XXV, 211, 1766. Mangili (Giacomo). Sul. Veleuo della Vipera. Paris, 1809. Bibl. Med., XXXI, 428, 1811. Shows that the young viper may be killed by venom. States that the viper cannot raise its fangs during the first few days of its exist- ence. Of the effects of ammonia given inter- nally for the cure of viper bites. Mangili (Giacomo). Discours sur le venin de la Vipere. Giorn. di fisica chemica, IX, 458, 181T. Ann. de Chimie et de Physique, IV, 159. Contains experiments to show that the venom of the viper is harmless when taken inter- nally. Manzini (Nicolas B. L.). Histoire de I'inocula- tion Preservative de la Fifevre Jaune. Paris, 8vo. 1858. The active element of the substance rised in Cuba supposed to be the venom of a Crotalus. The description of the phenomena of the ino- culation are very curious. The likeness be- tween yellow fever and the Crotalus malady is remarked upon at length, but the essential differences are not sufficiently noted. Martin. Recueil periodique d' observations de M^decine, IV, 412, 1756. [S.] Masaks de Caseles. Vide Audoux. [S.] Mayee (C. a.). Exercitatio historico-medica de Viperarum usu medico. Altdorf, 1727. [S.] Mayerne (Sir Theo. de). Engl. Phil. Tr. abrd., II, 817-818. Marrubium a remedy in viper bite. Mayrant (Wm.). Cases of Rattlesnake bites. Alcoholic stimulants as remedies. Amer. Med. Recorder, VI, 1823, 619. Mead (Richard). Mechanical account of Poisons. 4to. London, 1673. Contains Mead's well-known theories and ob- servations upon viper venom. BIBLIOGRAPHY 135 Meckel (J. Fred.). Snr les glandes de la tete des Serpents. Arch, fiir Auat. und Phys., I, 1. [S.] Mentzelius (Chretien). Observation sur les Vi- peres d'ltalie. Eph. Nat. Cur. germ. dec. II, Ann. 2, obs. vii. Collect. Academ. Ill, 535, ITSS. Observations on tlie habits of the viper, and the arrangement of its teeth. [S.] Mestje. Opera, in f. Venetiis, 1162, p. lOY, 109. 354, 393. Gives brief account of numerous medicines used in oases of viper bites. [S.J Metaxa (Louis). Monographie des Serpents de Rome et de ses environs. In 4to., 1823. Bull, de Perussac, I, 184, 1824. Describes the organs which secrete and con- duct the venom ; also, the nature of this iluid, its effects, and the remedies employed. [S.] Muler (A. Gr.). Ammonia as an antidote in Rat- tlesnake bite. Boston Med. and Surg. Journ., VIII, 1833, 240. MiQUEL. Morsures de Yip5re, moyen de prevenir I'absorption du virus apres la cauterization de la plaie, et de combattre I'engorgement consecutif du membre. Bull, de Ther., XXXV, 283, 1848. Described by Soubeirau as an interesting and suggestive essay. [S.] MoNGiARDiNi. Essai d'experienees sur le mode d'action du venin de la Vipere dans I'c'con- mie animale. Analys. Bibl. Medic, XVI, 25T, 1807. Endeavors to prove that the venom of the viper does not cause death by cardiac para- lysis, and does not attack only the muscular irritability. [S.] Monti. Opusc. Scelti., I. Weigel Bibl. Ital, III, 20T. States that he found useful the topical appli- cation of earth moistened with urine. [S.] Moore (J.). Ammonia as an antidote in the bite of the Rattlesnake. Am. Journ. of the Med. Sci., I, 341, 1821. Reports cases. Morgagni (J. B.). Recherches Anatomique sur le siege et les causes des maladies. Trad. Desormeaus et Destouet, IX, Lett. 59, ch. 294, p. 390, 1824 (1761). Interesting study of the viper bite, &c., from a therapeutical point of view. [S.] Moro. Journ. de Leroux, XXXIX, 278. Used carbonate of ammonia with good effect internally. [S.] Mortimer (Cromwell). Case of Wm. Oliver, who allowed himself to be bitten by Vipers, using olive oil locally as a cure. Engl. Phil. Tr. abrd., IX, 61 et seq., 1736. See Burton and Atwell. MosELEY. Tropical Diseases, etc., p. 34. Jaundice a secondary consequence of snake- bites. MoTTE (La). Chirurgie, Observ., 314. Advises the use of theriac and spirit of wine internally and externally. [S.] MuLLER. De glandularum secernentium structura- penitiori, in fol., 1830, VI, fig. 1, 50. Structure of the venom gland in snakes. NicANDER. Les ffiuvres de Nicandre mMecin et poete grec, traduites en vers fran9ais. En- semble devs liures des venins, auxquels li est amplement discouru des Bestes veni- meuses, theriaques, poisons et contre poisons par Jaques Greuin in 4. Anvers, 1617. [S.] Orfila. Traite de Toxicologie, 5th Ed. Paris, 1852, pp. 840 et seq. A good summary of the present state of know- ledge in regard to venomous serpents. Owen (R.). Cyclopagdia of Anat. and Phys. Ed. Todd. Articles : Teeth and Reptilia. Pare (Ambroise). (Euvres, cap. 22, p. 577, in fol. Paris, 1633. Bite of the viper. Keports his own case. [S.] Patterson (Williams). Pour voyages into the Hottentot country and into Caffraria, in 4to., 1791. Advises the use of the Tanjore pill, and fail- ing this, Madeira wine strengthened with brandy, and given in full doses. Paulet. Observations sur le Vipere de Fontaine- bleau, et sur les moyens de remc^dier a sa morsure, in 8vo., 1805. Report many fatal cases of viper bite, and tends to exaggerate its gravity. Paulus (^gineta). Opera, lib. v, p. 8, in fol., 1532.' Extols the use of garlic and of wine in these cases, etc. [S.] Peroni. Lettera su un caso di morso d'una Vipera instantaneamente fatale, con reflessioni su tale avvenimento. Giorn. della Soc. Med.- Chir. di Parma, XIV, 209. Phillips (H. B.). Case of Rattlesnake bite. Am. Journ. of the Med. Sci., VIII, 546, 1831. Use of arsenic (see Ikeland), favorable result. PiHOREL. Observations sur la morsure d'un ser- 136 BIBLIOGRAPHY pent a sonnettes. Journ. de Phys. expcr. et path, de Magendie, VIII, 9T. Paris, 182T. The well-known case of Drake. PiHOREL. Note sur I'appareil secretaire du venin chez les serpentes a sonnettes. J. de Phys. et Path. Exp. de Magendie, VII, 109. Platt (Thomas). Letter from Florence concern-, ing some experiments there made upon Vi- pers. Engl. Phil. Trans., VII, No. 81, 5060, 1762. PoLETTA (Giov. Bat.) Sul morso della Vipera. Mem. dell' imper. reg. iustit. di Lombardia, II, parte ii, 1, 1821. Failure to cure canine madness by the bite of the viper. [S.] Post. Case of Rattlesnake bite ending fatally. Buffalo Med. Journ. and Monthly Rev., IV, 1848, 115. PotiTEATJ. CEuvres posthumes, III, 73, _1783, in 8vo. [S.] Contains observations on the use of olive oil in viper bites, and reports many cases of seri- ous symptoms resulting from these injuries. [S.] Pravaz. Moyens mecanique propres a prevenir I'absorption du virus. Acad, de Med., Sept. 1828 ; Arch. G^^n. de Med., 7e serie, XVIII, 309, 1828. [S.] Proposes the use of cups which admit at the same time of lotions being employed. Cau- terizes by electricity ; gives experiments on animals. [S.] Prina. Observation sur un empoisonnement par la morsure d'une Vipere, traite avec succes par des ablutions d'eau froide. Gaz. de Sante, 5 Juillet, 1824. An exaggerated statement of a case. [S.] Purple. Cedron as a remedy in snake-bites. N. Y. Journ. of Med., N. S., XIII. 173. PuziN (J. B.). Observations raisonnees sur quel- ques faits de m^decine pratique. These de Paris, No. 84, p. 54, 1809. A case of viper bite tending to show that it may be mortal in cold weather, and that the cessation of the symptoms is not a certain sign of cure. Thinks that the venom acts like a ferment. Qtjenat (Henry). Des animaux venimeux de la France, p. 21, in 8, 1835. A highly colored statement of the symptoms of a case of viper bite. [S.] Raffeneatj (Delule). Indicatious de Therapeu- tique.directe des morsures les plus v^neneuses. Journ. de Phys., etc., de Magendie, VII, 110, 1827. Advises the use of incisions and the cautery in viper bites. [S.] Ramsay (D). Case of snake-bite treated by am- monia. The Med. and Phys. Journ., Lon- don, 1804, XI, 332. Ranby. On the Teeth of the Rattlesnake, and experiments on the action of the venom upon animals. Engl. Phil. Trans, abrd., VII, 416, 1727. Rayger (C). De lapide serpentis pileati contra Viperarum morsum antidotum. Misc. germ. Acad. Nat. Cur., Dec. 1, ann. 4 et 5, p. 2, 1673-74. [S.] Razomowski. Histoire Naturelle du Jorat, I, 118. [S.] Redi (FEANfOis) . Observationes de Viperis scriptse Uteris ad gener. dominum Laurentium Ma- galotti in 18. Amsterd., 1675. Misc. Med. Acad. Nat. Cur., I, 305, 1672. Collect. Acad., Ill, 27, 1755. [S.] Gives his own experiments, and refutes the prevalent errors as to the viper. Redi (FRANyois). Experimenta circa res diversas naturales, speciatim illas qua ex Indiis ad- fertuntur, in 18, p. 4, Amst, 1675. On the inutility of snake stones. [S.] Redi (Fran9AIs). Bpistolis ad aliquas opposi- tiones factas in suas observationes circa Viperas, scriptse ed. D. Alex. Morus et D. Abb. Bourdelot, in 18. Amst., 1675. Collect. Acad., Ill, 85, 1755. Refutes certain views put forth by Charas. [S.] Renealmus (Patjltjs). Observationes, in Svo. Paris, 1606. [S.] Reynoso. Experimental criticism upon Brainard's views as to Iodine as an antidote in poison- ing by woorara. Comptes Rend., XXXIX, 67, and XL, 118, 825, 1153. Richard (Achille). Observations sur la morsure de la Vipere commune, Viixra Berus. Noue. Journ. de M(5d.-Chir. et Pharm., VIII, 279, 1820. [S.] Reports three very serious cases of viper bite. [S.] RiDOLFi (Camillo). Sur I'inutilite de la ligature dans la morsure de la Vipere. Ann. Univ. de M(5d., 1834. Gaz. Med., II, 280, 1834. RiVERius. Observationes, Cent. IV, No. 96. Proposes the use of garlic internally and ex- ternally, and also local treatment by scarifi- cations. [S.] BIBLIOGRAPHY. 137 Robert. Cas de morsure cle Vipere observe et traite a I'Hotel Dieu. Bull, de Ther., VII, 307, 1834. Reports very severe cases treated successfully by ammonia, mercurial frictions, scarifica- tions, ipecacuanlia, leeclies, etc. RoBiNEAU (Desvoidy). Viviparite de la Vipfere rouge. Compte Rend, de I'Acad. des Sci., 21 Oct. 1829; Journ. de Ch. M6dic., Y, 639, 1829. [S.] States tliat it is more dangerous than the gray viper ; thinks nitrate of silver useful in these . cases, and cups and ammonia valueless. [S.] RocHEFORT. Histoire Nat. des Antilles, I, 294. Lyon, 166T. [S.] RoNEAtf (J. B.). Observations sur la morsure de la Yipere. Theses de Paris, No. 121, 1828. Reports fatal cases, and others of great seve- rity. [S.] Rose (De). Remede contre la morsure de la Yi- pfere. Fil. Sobez, de 1846; Gaz. Med. p. 562, 1846. States that he used with success a cataplasm of the Trifolium, lupinella. [S.] Rousseau (Emmanuel). Des serpents venimeux en general, et de la Yipfere en particulier. Gaz. de Sante a I'usage des gens du monde. Three cases of viper bite. [S.] Roux. Hist, de la Soc. Roy. de Med., ad. 1782 et '83, II, 212, 18—. Used the ligature, oil "septiques" (sic), and the cautery in viper bites. [S.] RuDOLPHi (respondente Saiffert). Dissertatio sis- tens spicilegium adenalogias, in 4to. Berlin, 1825. [S.] Rupz. Reclierches sur les empoisonnements pra- tique par les negres a la Martinique. An- nales d'hygieue publique. Paris, 1844, XXXII, 383. Sa-bal (A. M.). Experiments with Bibron's anti- dote. Savannah Journal of Medicine, Sept. 1858 ; Amer. Journal of the Med. Sci., Oct. 1858, p. 575. Sage. Experiences propre ii faire connaitre que I'alcali volatil est le remede le plus efScaces dans les asphyxies, avec des remarques sur les effets avantageux qu'il produit dans la morsures de la Yipere, la rage, etc. Paris, 1777, in 8vo. [S.] Salisbury (J. H.). Action of venom on plants. N. Y. Journ. of Med., XIII, 337, 1854. Sauvages (Fr. Boissier). De venenatis Galliaa animalibus. Montpellier, in 4, 1764. [S.] Sava. Introduction d'une Yipfere dans I'estomac 18 d'un enfant, Filiat Sebez. Gaz. M^d., p. 743, 1843. [S.] Savary. Lettres sur I'Egypte, p. 62, 1788-89. Say. Herpetology, etc. etc. Silliman's Journal, I, 259. ScHLEGEL. TJntersuch der Speicheldrusen bei den schlangen suit gefurchteu Tahnen. Nov. Act. Leop. XIY, 143, 1828 ; Bull, de Fe- russac, XYIII, 462, No. 810. On the structure of the venom gland and fangs. [S.] ScHLEGEL. Materiallen fiir die Stahtarzneikunde, lY, Samml., No. 16. Treatment of snake-bite by the internal and external use of caustic potassa. [S.] ScHUCHMANN (CHRISTIAN). Sur les effets d'une morsure de Yipfere. Eph. Germ. Acad. Nat. Cur., Dec. 11, Ann. YII, Obs. 140, 1688; Collect. Acad. YII, 661, 1766. Cure by the use of theriac and mithridate Tvith moderate heat, as local treatment, and finally with scarifications. [S.] ScHULZE (J. H.). Dissertatio de viperarum in medicina usu. Altdorf, 1727. [S.] ScouTETTEN. Morsure de la Yipere en France pres Metz, suivie d'accidents trfes grave. Trans. Medic, II, 92, 1830. A case treated at first by bleeding, without good results, and finally treated successfully with large doses of quinine. [S.] ScRiBONius (Largus), (in Matthiale Commen- taires). Extols the use of o^uTopitpuXhcv (oxalis), which must be gathered before sunrise, and by the left hand. [S.] Semmedus (JoH. CvR.). Pvgillvs rervm Indica- rvm qvo comprehenditvr historia variorvm simplicivm ex India orientali, America, alliisqve orbis terrarum partibvs allatorvm, cvra, Abrahami Yateri, in 4. Wittemb., 1572, p. 24 et 53. Snake stone and "racine de mungo" useful in viper bites. [S.] Severing (Marc. Aurel.). Yipera Pithya seu de Yiperse natura, veneno, etc., in 4to, 1651. Account of the viper — of his bite, and of the remedies for it. [S.] Shaw. General Zoology. London, 0, III, 368. Contains general information as to the natural history and habits of venomous serpents, etc. SiGAUD. Du Climat et des Maladies du Bresil, p. 394. Use of the venom of the Crotalus in tubercular lepra, with remarks on the effects of the venom of other serpents, p. 431. 138 BIBLIOGRAPHY. SiJiMONDS. Sur les proprietes medicale du guaco. Journ. de Pbarm., 3e s^-rie, XX, 35T, 1851. Sloane (Sir H.). Engl. Philos. Trans., abrd., IX, 53, 1T33. Droll snake story, etc. Smith (Th.). Structure of the Fang. Engl. Phil. Trans, at large, CVIII, 471, pi. sxii, 1818. SoNNiNi (de Manoncoue). Observations sur les Serpents de la Guyane, et sur I'efficacite de I'eau de Luce pour en gu(^rir. Journ. de Physique, VIII, 469, 1716. Reports oases of snake-bite. [S.] SoNNANi. Experiences faites sur I'hydrophobie avec le veniu de la Vipfsre. Bull, de Th^r. XII, 294, 1S37. This singular treatment failed. [S.] SouBEiRAN (J. L.). De la Vipere de son venin et de sa morsure. 0. Paris, 1855. A well written essay. The Bibliography is excellent, except as regards the Crotalus. SoucHAT (Abbe). Diseours sur les Psylles Hist. de I'Acad. roy. des inscri})t. et belles-lettres, YII, 273, 1733. Gives a history of the Psyllje, and concludes that their power to cure snake-bites was due only to the suction which tliey employed. [S.] Spielmann. Dissert, de animalibus nocivis Alsa- ti£E. Argent. 1768. [S.] Spontonus (J. B.). Conachidnelogia sen discussus de pulvere viperino. Romoe, 1648, in 4to. [S.] Sprengel (Conrad J.). Some observations upon the viper. Engl. Phil. Trans, at large, XXXII, 296, 1722. [S.] Storr (Th. Contr. Christ.) De euris Yiperinis, in foL, 1768. [S.] Stdpanas. Dissert. Viperae et venenorum correc- tio. Basil, 1640. [S.] Tachenius. E.xtrait d'une lettre contenant une experience faite a Venise de la vertu d'une pierre qui guerit la morsure des serpents. Coll. Acad. I, 262 ; Journ. des Savants, 1668. [S.] Tavernier. Remarques touchant la pierre de serpent. Coll. Acad., I, 275, 1755; Journ. des Savants, 1668. Describes the properties of these stones, states wliere they are found, and gives receipt for making artificial snake stones. [S.] Taylor. Effect of Pennyroyal on Crotalus. Engl. Phil. Trans, at large, II, 373, 811, 1665. This plant said to be fatal to the rattlesnake. Tiedemann (Fr.). Ueber Speicheldrusen der Schlangen Mtm. de I'Acad. de Munich, p. 25, pi. ii, 1813. Tixier. Morsure des serpents venimeux, Yipere, morsure de Crotale. Rapport gen. des Trav. de la Soc. des Sci. Med. de Gannat, in 8, p. 25, 1854, par M. Gilliot. General remarks on the habits of the viper, etc. [S.] TowGOOD (J.). Dissertatio de Vipera, Lugd- Bat., in 4, 1718. [S.] Tracy (J. G.). Uvularia grandijiora an anti- dote to the bite of the Crotalus. Trans. Albany Instit., I, 32. Trowbridge. Olive oil an antidote to the bite of the Rattlesnake. Buffalo Med. Journ. and Rev., IV, 20.3, 1848. Reports successful cases. TauDAiNE (de Montigny). Lettre a M. Le Mar- quis de Chesnaie, contenant uue observation sur la guc'rison d'une morsure de Vipere, op^ree par I'alcali volatil. Journ. de Med., XXIV, 162, 1766. Case of a girl, aged twelve, cured in six hours. [S.] Tyson. Anatomy of the Crotalus, etc. Engl. Phil. Trans, abrd., II, 797, 1683. Vallisneri. Risposta in cui dimostra, come nascano naturalmente i viperini et come le Vipere e gli altri animali si fecondino, spie- gaudo come sia quel raro caso accaduto, e levando molti errori antichi, alia suddetta serpe, ed a' serpeutelli spettanti. Opere fisico-mediche. III, 285, 1733. Opposes Limperani's views (vide L.), and states that he found good results from the use of spirits of hartshorn in snake-bites. [S. ] Van Libr. Traits des Serpents et des Vipferes qu'on trouve dans le pays de Drenthe, auquel on a ajout6 quelques remarques et quelques particularites relatives a ces especes de ser- pents et ;\ d'antres, p. 84, in 4. Amster- dam, 1781 (fig.). [S.] Vargas (Don Pedro Firmin de). Semanario de agricultura y artes dirigido a los pArrocos, IV, 397. Madrid, 1798. Observations on the use of milcania guaco [S.] Vater (A.). Dissert, de olei olivarum efScaciaet virtute adversus morsum animalium venena- torum, casu singulari confirmata. Wittemb., in 4to, 1751. [S.] Vater (A.). Dissertatio de antidoto novo ad- BIBLIOGRAPHY. 139 versus viperarum morsus prsestantissimo in Auglia detecto. Wittemb., in 4, 1136. Extols the use of olive oil. [S.] Yeslingius. Observationes de viperaa anatome et generatione. Observ. Anat, a Tti. Bartho- lin o editaj, II, 36, in 4, 1740. Points out with accuracy the seat, etc., of the fang teeth. [S.] Veyrines (C. De). Dissertation sur la morsure de la Vipere et sur son traitement. These, 15 Mars, ISIT. Beports cases, and describes the pathology of snake-bites. [S.] ViREY. Plantes usitees contre les morsures des ser- pents venimeux ; estrait du travail de Moreau de Jonnes sur le trigonocephalus. Journ. de Pharm. et de Chim., Ill, 143, 1817. States that the Euphorbias are the most suc- cessful remedies. [S.] ViKEY. Sur I'aspic rougeatre ou Viptjre des envi- rons de Paris. Journ. de Pharm. et de Chim., Xni, 3S3, 1827. [S.] VoiGT (M. GoDOFREDus). De congressu et partu viperarum, in 12, 1698. [S.] Wagnee (Fred. Aug.). Observations sur les ma3urs de la Vipere commune. Jouru. der Practisch. Heilkunde, p. 3 ; Bull, des Sci. Nat, XXI, 322, 1829. States that the viper bite is not fatal to vipers. [S.] Walker (E. M.). Experiments with Bibron's Antidote. Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., Oct. 1858, p. 568. Reports an interesting case in man bitten by the Trigonocephalus piscivorus. Took whis- key and 20-drop doses of Bibron's antidote ; nearly the whole hand sloughed ; amputation and cure. Thinks the recovery due to the antidote. Weger. Cas de morsure de Vipere, tracbeotomie, guerison. Wochenschrift fiir die Gesammte Heilkundt Casper's, 1839 ; Gaz. Med., VII, 632, 1839. [S.] Whitmire (J.). Iodine an antidote to snake-bites. Northwest. Med. and Surg. Journ., Chicago and Indianapolis, I, New Series (V of the whole series), 396. Williams (J). Seven cases of E. Indian serpent bites, treated with ammonia. Asiatic Re- searches, II, 323. Williams (Stephen). Letter concerning the Viper Catchers, and the efficacy of olive oil in curing the bite of Vipers. Engl. Phil. Trans, at large, p. 27, 1737. Williams (S. W.). The Viola Ovata as a remedy in Crotalus bite. Am. Journ. of the Med. Sci., XIII, 310, 1833. Willis (G.). On the bite of the Viper. Assoc. Med. Journ., No. 83, 1854. Wolff (Weichel). De Paulo a Vipera demorso, in 4to, 1710. WoODHODSE. Case of Crotalus bite, reported by the patient. Sitgreave's Expedition to the Colorado and Zuni Rivers, 1851-52; also in Buffalo Med. Journ. and Rev., VIII, 72, 1853. A well described case of some severity. Wyder (J. F.). Essai sur I'histoire naturelle des serpents deJa Suisse. Lausanne, in 8vo, 1823. Reports cases of viper bite collected by Drs. Schwartz and Lantz. [S."] Xantxjs. See De Vesey. INDEX. A. Abdomen, post-mortem aj^pearances of, 107. Absorption of venom, 16. Absorption of venom by the lungs, tt. Abstinence of snakes in captivity, 3. Acetic acid, effect of, on venom, 33. . Action of venom on warm-blooded animals, 64. Action of venom on tissues and fluids, T6. Acute poisoning, rabbit, 67. Acute poisoning by venom, state of blood in, 89. Acute poisoning of frogs by venom, 55. Acute poisoning of pigeons, 64. Alcohol as a constitutional remedy in Rattlesnake bite, 114. Alcohol as a local treatment, 112. Alcohol does not injure venom, 45. Alcohol, effect of, on venom, 34. Alcohol, warm, inhalation of, 116. Albuminoid compounds in venom, 37. Alexander on the ligature, 110, 111, Alkalies, effect of, on venom, 34. Ammonia as local treatment, 112. Ammonia as an antidote, 113. Amputation as local treatment, 109. Analogy between Crotalus poisoning and other maladies, 97. Analysis of venom, 35. Antidotes, 108, 113. Antidote, Bibron's, 113. Antidotes, classification of, 113. Antidotes, local, 109. Antidotes, observations upon, 112. Arsenic as an antidote, 113. Atchison (Dr.), case of Rattlesnake bite, 100. B. Barton (Dr. B. S.) on fascination, 5. Bernard (Claude), criticism on Fontana, 61. Bibliography — Appendix B, 127. Bibron's antidote, history of, 113. Bichloride of mercury, effect of, on venom, 34. Bite of the Rattlesnake, physiological mechanism of, 20. Bite of Rattlesnake, failure of, from miscalculation of the distance, 25. Bite of Rattlesnake, failure of, from want of force in the blow, 25. Bite of Rattlesnake, failure of, from want of com- plete erection of the fangs, 25. Bite of Rattlesnake, failure of, owing to sudden withdrawal of the fang, 25. Bite of Rattlesnake, failure of, owing to escape of venom between the fang and the extremity of the duct, 22, 25. Blindness, partial, of snake, during shedding of skin, 4. Blood, conclusions as to changes in, 94. Blood, crystallization of, after venom poisoning, 92. Blood, effect of venom on, 89. Blood, globules of, observations on, in acute and chronic poisoning, 91. Blood and tissues, altered relations between, during venom poisoning, 94. Blood, state of, in man after death by Rattlesnake- bite, 106. Boiled venom active, 44. Bonaparte (Prince Lucien), analysis of viper ve- nom, 35. Bone, ecto-pterygoid, 7. Bone, lachrymal, 7. Bone, maxillary, articulations of, 8. Bone, palatal, 7. Bone, superior maxillary, 6. Bones of heads of seri>ents, arrangement of, to permit of swallowing large animals, 6. Brainard (Prof. David), action of venom on blood, 91. Brainard (Prof. David), use of iodine as an anti- dote, 46. Brainard (Prof. David), iodine as a local antidote, HI. Brainard (Prof. David), on alcohol as aii antidote, 115, 116. 142 INDEX. Braiuard (Prof. David), taste of venom, 31. Brickell, acid reaction of Rattlesnake venom, 31. Burnett ( W. J,) on blood-globules in venom poison- ing, 92. Burnett (W. J.) on the fang, 1 6. Burnett (W. J.), ingestion of venom, T6. C. Calorification, action of venom on, 88. Capacity of gland and ducts, relation of, to length and weight of snake, 29. Capillary circulation unaffected by venom, 86. Capsule of venom gland, 11. Caudisona, 119. Caudisona adamantea, 121. Caudisona atros, 121. Caudisona cerastes, 124. Caudisona confluenta, 122. Caudisona durissa, 120. Caudisona horrida, 122, 123- Caudisona loeflingii, 120. Caudisona Le Contei, 121. Caudisona lepida, 124. Caudisona lucifer, 121. Caudisona lugubris, 122. Caudisona molossus, 124. Caudisona terrifica, 120. Caudisona tigris, 122. Caustics as local treatment, 111. Cells of sphincter, 15. Celsus, ingestion of venom (note), 16. Cervical angular muscle, 9. Chemical agents, influence of, on activity of venom, 45. Chlorine water, action of, on venom, 34. Chlorohydric acid, effect of, on venom, 33. Christison (Prof.), dried Cobra venom, active, 59. Chronic poisoning in pigeons, 65. Chronic poisoning in the rabbit, 68. Chronic poisoning by venom, state of blood in, 89. Chronic venom poisoning, 94. Ciliary movement unaltered by venom, 86. Cloak of the fang, use of (note), 22, Closure of the venom duct when not in use, 24. Coagulation of venom, temperature of, 33. Cobra can destroy Cobra, 60. Color of venom, 29. Coil, use of portion of, after striking, 22. Coolidge (Dr.), case, 100. Cope, E. D., genera and species, 119-126. Costo-mandibular muscles, 9. Crotaline, characters of, 36. Crotaliue, preparation of, 36. Crotalophorus, used by Prof. Brainard, 112. Crotalus, 124. Crotalus durissus (see Caudisona, Appendix A), 122. Crotalus Edwardsii, 125. Crotalus, effect of venom on, 60. Crotalus, habits of, in captivity, 3. Crotalus miliarias, 124. Crotalus tergeminus, 125. Cups, use of, in treatment, 110. Curve of venom duct, use of, 24. D. Death, causation of, in acute and chronic poisoning, 95. Death, cause of, in acute cases, 96. Death, cause of, in chronic cases, 96. Death, mode of, in human cases of Crotalus bite, 105. De Blainville, venom gland analogous to parotid, 37. Decomposition of venom, 32. De Yesey — see Xantus, case, 100. Digastricus muscle, 9. Discharges, state of, in human cases of venom poi- soning, 105. Dogs, action of Crotalus venom on, 69. Dogs, cases of poisoning of, by venom, 69 — 72. Dogs, fatal cases of venom poisoning of, 72 — 75. Dried venom, crystals from, 32. Dried venom, poisoning by, 59. Duct of venom gland, curve of, 15. Duct, relations of, to sup. maxillary bone, 24. Duct, terminal papilla of, 18. Duration of cases of venom poisoning in man, 105. Duvernoy, mechanism of the bite, 20. E. Ecchymoses in secondary or chronic poisoning, 94. Echidnine, 36. Ether, inhalation of, 116. Excision as local treatment, 109. Expression of snake when striking, 21. External pterygoid muscle, action of, 8. F. Fallacies in the use of antidotes, 25. Fangs, act of elevation of, 21. Fang, depression of after biting, 22. Fang, development of, 16. Fang, divergence of, during act of biting, 23. Fang, position and action of, in biting, 22. Fang, size of, 16. INDEX. 143 Fang, structure of, 15. Fangs, periodical fall of, 17. Fangs, relation of number of, used in biting, to study of antidotes, 23. Fangs reserve, succession of, 18. Fangs, use of one or both, 23. Fascination, 4. Fascination, author's observations on, 5. Fatal venom poisoning in dogs, 72 — 75. Fermentation, not checked by venom, 49. Fibrin, loss of its coagulating power in chronic poisoning, 89. Fibrin, rate of disappearance of in venom poison- ing, 92. Fontana, amount of venom ejected, 29. Fontana, action of venom on blood, 91. Fontana, action of venom on frogs, 54. Fontana, action of viper venom on viper, 61 Fontana, color of viper venom, 30. Fontana, mechanism of the bite, 20. Fontana on reaction of viper venom, 31. Fontana, taste of viper venom, 30. Forcible feeding of snakes, 3. Frogs, action of venom on, 55. Frogs, chronic poisoning of, 57. Frozen venom, active, 43. G. Gaspard on analogy between venom malady and other diseases, 97. Germination of seeds in venom, 52. Gilman (B. J.), action of venom on plants, 47. Guinea-pig, blood crystals from, after death by venom, 92. H. Hammond (W. A.), case of Rattlesnake bite, 100. Hammond (W. A.) on Bibron's antidote, 113, 114. Harlan (R.), acid reaction of Rattlesnake venom, 31. Harlan (R.), case of Rattlesnake bite, 100. Harlan, ingestion of venom, 76. Head, lesions of, in man, 106. Heart, effect of venom on, 80. Heart force lessened by venom, 83, 84. Hemorrhage from bite in man, 101. Hissing sound made by serpents, 20. Holbrook (Prof) on use of intermittent ligature, 110. Home (SirE.), case, 100. Home (Sir E.), mechanism of the bite, 20. Horner (W. E.), case," 100. I. Ingestion of venom, 76. Inhalation in Rattlesnake bite, 116. Intermittent ligature, 110. Intoxication, how far useful in venom poisoning 116. Iodine as local treatment, 111. J. James on reaction of viper venom, 31. Jaundice of cases of snake-bites, 97. Jeter, capacity of venom duct in Rattlesnake, 29. Jeter, color of Rattlesnake venom, 30. Jeter, ingestion of venom, 76. Jeter on ligature, 110. Jeter, taste of venom, 31. Johnston, Prof Christopher (note), 22. Johnston (Prof. Christopher) on the fang, 16. Jussieu on reaction of viper venom, 31. Lesions in dogs, 72 — 75. Lesions in fatal cases of Rattlesnake bite in man, 106. Lesions in pigeons, 67. Lesions in rabbits, table of, 69. Ligament check, of lachrymal and superior maxil- lary joint, 7. Ligature modifies local symptoms, 102. Ligatures, 110. Ligatures, intermittent, 110. Local consequences in man, 10.3. Local symptoms, 103. Local symptoms absent when venom has been pre- viously mixed with iodine or tannic acid, 46. Local symptoms modified by remedies, 102. Local treatment, applications to wounds, 112. Loss of skin, description of, 4. Loss of skin, relations of, to supply of water, 4. M. Magendie on resemblance of venom malady to putrefactive poisoning, 97. Man, Crotalus poisoning in, 98. Man, Crotalus poisoning in, table of 16 cases, 100. Mangili, dried venom, 59. Mangili on absorption of venom, 76. Manipulations (note), 27. Mayrant (W.), two cases, 100. Mead, action of venom on blood, 91. 144 INDEX. Mead on reaction of viper venom, 31. Mead, taste of venom of viper, 30. Mind, state of, in venom poisoning in man, 105. Miteliill (S. L.) on analogy between yellow fever and venom poisoning, 97. Moore (Dr.), case, 100. Motions of intestines unaltered by venom poison- ing, 86. Mucous membrane of month of Rattlesnake, reac- tion of, 31. Muscles, effect of venom on, "78. Muscles, irritability of under venom poisoning, 79. Muscles, ultimate effect of venom on, 79. Myology of venom apparatus, 8. N. Nerves, duration of irritability in, during effect of venom on, 86. Nerves, motor, action of venom on, 87. Nerves, sensory, action of venom on, 87. Nervous system, action of venom on, 86. Nitric acid, effect of, on venom, 33. O. Odor of Rattlesnakes, 5. Ogier (Dr.), use of ligature as local means, 110. Olive oil as an antidote, 113. Olive oil as local treatment, 112. Orfila, criticism on Fontana, 59. Owen (R.), description of fang, 15. P. Pain of bite, cause of, 101. Paul (Prince, of Wurtemburg), on Bibrou's anti- dote, 113, 114. Phillips (A. B.), case, 100. Pig bitten by Rattlesnake, death (note), 78. Pigeons, action of venom on, 64. Pigeons, acute poisoning of, 64. Pigeons, chronic poisoning of, 65. Pihorel (Dr.), case, 100. Plants, action of venom on, 50. Position of snake before striking, 20. Post (Dr.), case, 100. Pterygoideus externus muscle, function of, during the act of biting, 22. R. Rabbit acutely poisoned, 67. Pianby, mechanism of the bite, 20. Rattlesnakes, genera and species of (Appendi.x A), 119—126. Reaction of venom, 31. Receptacle of venom, 12. Recoveries, mode of, in man, 106. Redi, ingestion of venom, 76. Redi, mechanism of the bite, 20. Reynoso, criticism on Brainard's experiments. 111. Rigor mortis after death by venom, 79. Rotiferfe in venom, 53. Russell, color of venom of Cobra, 30. Russell, experiments on power of Cobra to kill itself and other serpents. Russell on Tanjore pill, 113. S. Salisbury (J. H.), action of venom on plants, 48. Saliva and venom compared, 42. Scarifications as local treatment, 109. Secondary poisoning in frogs, 57. Sex of those bitten, 101. Smith, mechanism of the bite, 20. Solubility of venom, 33. Soubeiran, anterior tendinous insertion of ant. temporal muscle in vipers, 12. Soubeiran, mechanism of the bite, 20. Specific gravity of venom, 30. Spheno-palatine muscle, action of, 8. Spheno-palatine muscle, function of, during the act of biting, 22. Spheno-pterygoid muscle, action of, 8. Sphincter of duct of venom gland, 14. Stimulants, use of, in venom poisoning, 114. Striking, mode of, action of muscles in, 21. Suction, use of, in treatment, 110. Sulphate of magnesia, effect of, on venom, 34. Sulphate of soda, effect of, on venom, 34. Sulphocyanide of potassium, absence of, in venom, 34. Sulphuric acid, effect of, on venom, 33. Symptoms, constitutional, in man, 104. Symptoms, local, in man, 101. Symptoms of venom poisoning in rabbits, table of, T. Tanjore pill, composition of, 113. Tannic acid, effect of, on venom, 33. Taste of venom, 30. Temperatures, effect of various, on activity of venom, 43. Temporal muscles, 9. INDEX. 145 Temporal muscles, action of, 10. Temporal muscles, anterior, compression of venom gland by, during the bite, 22. Tenacity of life in Rattlesnakes (note), 24. Thorax, post-mortem appearances of, 107. Tissue of venom gland, 12. ■ Toxicology of venom of Crotalus, 47. Treatment, local, division of, 109. Trowbridge (J.), case, 100. Twitching of muscles about wound, not described in human cases, 104. Tyson, mechanism of the bite, 20. Venom, action of, on animal life, 52. Venom, action of, on arterial pressure in animals bitten by Rattlesnakes, 83. Venom, action of, on blood-globules, 91. Venom, action of, on capillaries, 86. Venom, action of, on cilia, 86. Venom, action of, on calorifacient function, 88. Venom, action of, on frogs, 54. Venom, action of, on intestinal motions, 86. Venom, action of, on man, 98. Venom, action of, on nerve trunks, 86. Venom, action of, on plants, 47. Venom, albuminous nature of, 34. Venom altered so as to lose virulence, 49. Venom, amount of, iu the ducts, 27. Venom apparatus, anatomy of, 6. Venom, chemistry of, 33. Venom, comparison of, to saliva, 42. Venom, comparative power of, to injure frogs and Rattlesnakes, 63. Venom, decomposition of, 32. Venom, direct action of, on blood, table of, 90. Venom does not convert starch into sugar, 38. Venom, effect of, on blood, 89. Venom, effect of, on fibrin of blood, 92. Venom, effect of, on heart of frog, 80. Venom, effect of, on muscles, 78, 79. Venom, effect of, on pigeons, 64. Venom, effect of, on rabbit's heart, 81. Venom gland, 10. Venom gland, anatomical relations of, 10. Venom gland, are its tissue or infusions poisonous ? 39. Venom gland, capsule of, 11. Venom gland, form of, 10. Venom gland, relations of, to fascia of external pterygoid muscle, 12. Venom gland, size and weight of, 10. Venom gland, structure of, 12. Venom gland, suspensory ligament of, 11. Venom, ingestion of, 76. Venom of Rattlesnake, effect of reagents on, 33. Venom of Rattlesnake, proximate constituents of, 37. Venom of Rattlesnake soluble in water, 33. Venom of viper, analysis of, 35. Venom, physical characters of, 30. Venom, physical and chemical characters of, 27. Venom, power with which it is ejected, 24. Venom, reaction of, 31. Venom, receptacle of, within the gland, 12. Venom, sediment from, 32. Venom, sp. gr. of, 30. Venom, taste of, 30. Venom uninjured by acids and alkalies, 46. Vertebro-raaudibular muscles, 9. Vibriones in venom, 53. Virulency of snakes after shedding the skin, 4. W. Water as local treatment, 112. Withmire (Dr.), case, 100. Woodhouse (Dr.), case, 100. Woodhouse (Dr.), swelling of lymphatic vessels and glands, 103. Wound, bleeding from, 78. Wound made by fang, 77. Wound, situation of, in man, 101. Wound, swelling about, cause of, 78. Wound, twitching about, 79. Wound, veins near, 78. Wyman (Prof. J.) (note), 22. Wyman (Prof. J.), on relation of duct to fang, 19. X. Xantus (J.), on Bibron's antidote, 113. Xantus (J.) — see De Vesey's case, 100. Yellow fever, likeness of, to venom malady, 97. 19 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES This book is due on the date indicated below, or at the expiration of a definite period after the date of borrowing, as -provided by the rules of the Library or by special ar- rangement with the Librarian in charge. DATE BORROWED DATE DUE DATE BORROWED DATE DUE ■ 1 ■ 1 c..,„«,„,oo IQP941 -itohell \ Researches upon the>' --'692 '■! i