If we exclude from present consideration the bites of mad dogs and other rabid animals, this will reduce and limit the number to those inflicted by wasps, hornets, etc.

The stings of these insects are attended with a sharp pain in the part, very quickly succeeded by an inflammatory swelling, which after a short time generally subsides of itself. Experiments tend to prove that when the little poison-bladder, situated at the base of the sting, has been cut off, a wound with the sting produces then no pain. The poison flows from the vesicle through the sting at the instant when this passes into the flesh. But the exact nature of the venomous fluid is not known. When applied to mucous surfaces, or even to the eye, it causes no disagreeable sensation; but when it is introduced into the skin by means of a needle, it immediately excites very acute pain.

Oil, honey, spirit of wine, and a variety of other local applications have been extolled as specifics for the relief of such stings. However, modern experience does not sanction their claim to this character; in fact, none of these agents either neutralise the poison, or appease with superior efficacy the pain of the sting.

These cases should all be treated on the most rational principal, that is, to extract the sting, taking care in the first instance to cut off the little poison vesicle with scissors, lest in the attempt to withdraw the sting more of the virus be compressed into the part. If possible, the part stung should be immersed in ice-cold water, and afterwards covered with wet cloths that have been dipped in a solution of sugar of lead.

For the treatment of the bite of a viper or mad dog the principal object must be the destruction of the venom, the prevention of its entrance into the vessels, or the removal of it from the wound. Now the plan commonly preferred is that of destroying the envenomed part with caustic, or the actual cautery; or in other words, firing the part with a red-hot iron. When this is done in time, it is said that the poison will be prevented from extending its irritation over the system. The caustic and cautery, it is also conjectured, may have the effect of chemically destroying the venom itself, while they tend to arrest and hinder its passage into the circulation, inasmuch as they destroy the neighbouring absorbent vessels. In France, liquid caustics are preferred, such as the fluid muriate of antimony, the liquor ammonias, or the sulphuric or nitric acids, because their action is quicker, and they more certainly penetrate to the bottom of the wound. Either of these liquids may be applied by means of a thin piece of wood, which is to be dipped in it, and then introduced into the puncture made by the fangs of the animal. This should be repeated in order to make sure that you have gone to the root, or if you can drop a little of the caustic into the cavity so much the better.

When the bite is very narrow and deep, it is a good plan to enlarge the mouth of the wound with a lancet, so that the caustic may be properly introduced, or a little lint may be wet in one of the aforesaid fluids and then pressed deeply into the wound. After the caustic has produced an eschar, the best application is an emollient poultice.

There are, of course, wounds inflicted in almost every conceivable part of the body, upon which it will be wholly unnecessary to dwell. Suffice it to say that the first duty in every case is to remove the cause, and attend to the general instructions already given; but I may hero add one or two formulas, which will be found of great advantage in the treatment of wounds in general. The following is a very useful dressing, to be applied shortly after an injury is inflicted: -

Carbolic acid 1 oz., olive oil 8 oz.; mix and apply once daily. Astringent lotion: sulphate of zinc 1/2 oz., lig. plumbi. dia. 1/2 oz., water 12 oz.; mix and apply twice daily (this forms the white lotion). Of course, when proud flesh appears it must be reduced with caustic, such as the nitrate of silver, blue stone, etc.