------------------------------------------- SECT. VI. _Of the Bite of Venomous Animals_ It has been observed by all diligent inquirers into nature, that poisons are of two kinds, with respect to their effect in the animal œconomy. One kind will destroy if taken inwardly, but not have such ill consequences in wounded parts, externally. Another kind will be fatal in wounds; at the same time it does not affect the viscera. The first which destroys internally, are poisons, either from corrosive minerals, or vegetables; but of the latter, namely what seems inoffensive taken in the mouth, is the poison that follows the bite of most venomous animals whose poison are natural; such is the scorpion, the adder, the rattle snake, &c. whose poison have by various experiments, been found to be attended with no ill consequences internally taken. This was known to the ancients, as well as to us; for we find Celsus,[13] to have spoken of this in his medical works. Footnote 13: _Nam venenum serpentis, ut quaedam etiam venatoria venena, quibus Galli præcipue utuntur non gusto, sed in vulnere nocent. Ergo quisquis, exemplum Psylli secutus, it vulnus exsuxerit, et ipse tutus erit, et tutum hominem præstabit. Medicin. lib. v. c. 27._ Without any farther preface, I shall proceed to give the immediate remedies for such unfortunate accidents as happen by the bite of these animals. _To Cure the Bite of a Rattle Snake._ The poison from this venomous beast, is more deadly than any other of the serpentine tribe. If its venom by a wound is infused into the blood, a mortification, and speedy death must follow. The part bit, should immediately be sucked with the mouth, either of the patient itself, or one who will risk himself to be so much the friend of the wounded. Dr. Mead has recommended, that oil should be held in the mouth all the time of sucking, but we have it from good authority, that the spittle itself is an antidote to that kind of poison. It is needless to say, that the person who sucks the poison, should frequently spit out, as not to run the risk of swallowing it; and care should be taken, that his mouth is free from sores, or wounds. When this is performed for a quarter of an hour, the part should be dressed with _mercurial ointment_ (P). Sweet oil is much recommended, and may be plentifully used as an embrocation to the inflamed part; particularly if the oil is impregnated with camphor. No. XXII _Take oil_ (C) _two ounces; camphor, one scruple; mercurial ointment, one drachm; mix it._