There are two animals to which the Italians give the name Tarantula: the one is a species of Lizard, whose bite is reputed mortal, found about Fondi, Cajeta, and Capua; the other is a large Spider, found in the fields in several parts of Italy, and especially at Tarentum--hence the name. “Such as are stung by this creature (the _Aranea Tarantula_),” says Misson, “make a thousand different gestures in a moment; for they weep, dance, tremble, laugh, grow pale, cry, swoon away, and, after a few days of torment, expire, if they be not assisted in time. They find some relief by sweating and antidotes, but _music_ is the great and specific remedy. A learned gentleman of unquestionable credit told me at Rome, that he had been twice a witness both of the disease and of the cure. They are both attended with circumstances that seem very strange; but the matter of fact is well attested, and undeniable.”[1186] Such is the story generally told, believed, and unquestioned, that has found its way into the works of many learned travelers and naturalists, but which is without the slightest shadow of truth. “I think I could produce,” continues the deluded Misson, “natural and easy reasons to explain this effect of music; but without engaging myself in a dissertation that would carry me too far, I shall content myself with relating some other instances of the same kind: Every one knows the efficacy of David’s harp to restore Saul to the use of his reason. I remember Lewis Guyon, in his Lessons, has a story of a lady of his acquaintance, who lived one hundred and six years without ever using any other remedy than music; for which purpose she allowed a salary to a certain musician, whom she called her physician; and I might add that I was particularly acquainted with a gentleman, very much subject to the gout, who infallibly received ease, and sometimes was wholly freed from his pains by a loud noise. He used to make all his servants come into his chamber, and beat with all their force upon the table and floor; and the noise they made, in conjunction with the sound of the violin, was his sovereign remedy.”[1187]