THEIR NATURE AND EFFECTS.
perceived by the naked eye. A burning pain was complained of in the neighbourhood of the bite, which rapidly increased in intensity, and extended so as to affect a circular portion of the integument of the size of mn ordinary saucer; and, judging from the description given of it, it was very similar in character to that produced by the sting of a scorpion.
"At 12.45 A.M., or about a quarter of an hour after being bitten, he complained of a pain in his shoulder shooting towards his throat and chest, and said he was beginning to feel intoxicated ; but there was nothing in his appearance at this time to indicate that he was in any way under the influence of the poison. On the contrary, he was quite calm and collected, and answered all questions intelligently, at the same time that he was fully alive to the danger of his condition. The pupils were not dilated, and they contracted when exposed to the light of a candle ; his pulse was normal, and there was no embarrassment of the respiration. About five minutes after, he began to lose control over the muscles of his legs, and staggered when left unsupported. At about 1 o'clock, the paralysis of the legs having increased, the lower jaw began to fall, and frothy and viscid saliva to ooze from the mouth. He also spoke indistinctly, like a man under the influence of liquor. At 1.10 A.M. he began to moan, and shake his head frequently from side to side. The pulse was now somewhat accelerated, but was beating regularly. The
