Mueller's papers on the pathology and cure of snakebite, published
in our issues for Nov., Dec., Feb, April and May last, and to
press upon them the justice and, we submit, the necessity of
extremely careful consideration of his theory and of the results
shown in the cases in which, acting on it, he has used hypodermic
injections of strychnine for the treatment of snakebite. We
formerly expressed our concurrence in the opinion of Sir Joseph
Fayrer, who wrote: 'I do not say that a physiological antidote is
impossible, all I assert is, that it is not yet found.' We are
indeed pleased to state that we believe such an antidote is now
found and that Dr. Mueller is the happy discoverer. We are of
opinion that his theory as to the pathological changes set up in
the human system by the injection of snake-poison is a sound one
and that the treatment he has suggested and used is correct and
proper, and the one likely to avert death in cases of snakebite,
which would otherwise in all probability prove fatal. We therefore
press the use of hypodermic injections of strychnia in the manner
described by him upon the attention of practitioners who may have
to treat cases in which the symptoms present are the result of
snake or dangerous insect poison, and think that, should the
patients die without its having been used, all will not have been
done to save life that might have been." Without such utterances
repeated from time to time and without the ample space always
allowed in the _Gazette_ to the subject, a record like that now
submitted would not have been possible.
CASE 6.--P. Evans, a girl of 20 years, bitten on wrist by a brown
snake. Symptoms--Staggering gait, drowsiness, &c. Only 1/16th
grain in four injections. Notes furnished by Drs. Mahoney and
Kennedy, of Albury.
CASE 7.--W. Thiplin, a labourer, bitten on hand by brown snake.
Three injections. Notes by Dr. Baird of Healesville.
CASE 8.--Luke Dewhurst, labourer, bitten on hand by tiger snake.
Cured by one injection of m. xv. liq. strychniæ after ammonia had
failed. Notes by Dr. Dutton, of Lillydale.
CASE 9.--P. Moroney, labourer, bitten on thigh at night, snake not
identified. Cured by three injections of 1/12th grain each. Notes
by Dr. Pardey, of Myrtleford.
CASE 10.--Mrs. Skinner, bitten on thigh, at Carrum. Treated by Dr.
Verity.
CASE 11.--Child of Mr. Weeks, aged three years. Treated by Dr.
Degner, of Myrtleford.
CASE 12.--Annie Rankin, servant, at Corowa. Treated by local
chemist.
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