Sec. 194. In short there is a Necessity for destroying or expelling the Poison itself, which Mercury effects, and is consequently the Counter-poison of it. That poison produces a general Irritation of the Nerves; this is to be removed or asswaged by Antispasmodics: so that in Mercury, or Quicksilver, joined to Antispasmodics, consists the whole that is indicated in the Cure of this Disease. There really have been many Instances of Persons cured by these Medicines, in whom the Distemper had been manifest in its Rage and Violence; and as many as have unfortunately received the Cause of it in a Bite, should be firmly persuaded, that in taking these Medicines, and using all other proper Precautions, they shall be entirely secured from all its ill Consequences. Those also in whom the Rage and Fury of this Distemper is manifest, ought to use the same Medicines, with entire [45] Hope and Confidence, which may justly be founded on the many Cures effected by them. It is acknowledged however, that they have proved ineffectual in a few Cases; but what Disease is there, which does not sometimes prove incurable? [45] This Advice is truly prudent and judicious; Hope, as I have observed on a different Occasion, being a powerful, though impalpable, Cordial: and in such perilous Situations, we should excite the most agreeable Expectations we possibly can in the Patient; that Nature, being undepressed by any desponding melancholy ones, may exert her Functions the more firmly, and co-operate effectually with the Medicines, against her internal Enemy. _K._ Sec. 195. The very Moment after receiving the Bite, is it happens to be in the Flesh, and if it can safely be effected, all the Part affected should be cut [46] away. The Ancients directed it to be cauterized, or burnt with a red hot Iron (meer Scarification being of very little Effect) and this Method would very probably prove effectual. It requires more Resolution, however, than every Patient is endued with. The Wound should be washed and cleansed a considerable Time with warm Water, with a little Sea-Salt dissolved in it. After this into the Lips and Edges of the Wound, and into the Surface of the Part all about it, should be rubbed a Quarter of an Ounce of the Ointment No. 28; and the Wound should be dressed twice daily, with the soft lenient Ointment No. 29, to promote Suppuration; but that of No. 28 is to be used only once a Day.