a case similarly and successfully treated by myself. I then stated that I considered my patient's life was saved by the im~ of nitric the mediate application acid; this again consestrong quent on the accident of the agent being at hand. I further introduction into the wound of immediate "The added " some escharotic more searching and powerful than nitrate of " silver, causing destruction of the poison before it can be ab' " sorbed, is doubtless the only specific' treatment?a fact " to prevent recourse to worse than useless nostrums, which, " cannot be too widely known. It would also appear essential, " that the agent applied should be a fluid, which will easily " to the bottom of the wound. Although Hontana gravitate " has shown that a mixture of nitrate of silver and venom des" troys the power of the latter, it does not follow that a similar " effect would be produced by the application of caustic to a " bitten part. However firmly applied, nitrate of silver only " acts on the surface, and as its corroding action, equally with " other escharotics, stays the flow of blood, it appears as likely " to do harm by the latter action, as the reverse by its chemical " power; and these remarks are equally applicable to all other " solid escharotics, not excepting the actual cautery."

A second case has now demonstrated the value of the nitric acid. It would be well therefore if the apparent power of the agent were more widely knovvn, and a bottle kept at hand, with the view of further testing, when opportunity?always

sudden?may

occur.

I am, &c., W. J. Mooee, Surgeon,

Hajpootana

BITE. THE TREATMENT OP SNAKE TO THE EDITOR OF THE

"INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE."

Sib,?Your July number contains the report of a case of cobra bite, by Dr. iiiclmrds, terminating successfully under the use of nitric acid as an escharotic. Any one referring to the back numbers of the Gazette, -will find in May 1868, details of

Political

Agency.