Notes of eight cases as reported to the "Australasian Medical Gazette" for July and November, 1892, by R. P. Banerjee, B.A., G.B.M.S.L., Medical Officer, Salt Mines, Pachhadra, Rajputana, India:—
Case 1.—Bhagwan Singh, aged 30, Hindu male, Sepoy, E. T. Force, was bitten by a viperine snake (echis carinata) at 4 p.m. 10th June, 1892, in the dorsum of left foot. He was removed to the hospital, tight ligature applied, and with the following symptoms:—Heaviness of both legs, staggered if allowed to walk, giddiness, sense of sinking at the pit of the stomach, bleeding from mucous surfaces and old scars; soon fell swooning.
Treatment.—The punctures incised, and blood let out, one-twelfth of a grain of strychniæ; acetas hypodermically injected. Again, the insensibility not gone after 30 minutes, another dose given, and so repeated the third time. The bleeding stopped and the man recovered his senses, but could not raise himself to talk. Many more doses were given under the skin, with hour intervals, and the man recovered the next day; but he was much exhausted and treated for weakness three days, and discharged to duty on the 14th. Punctures were distinct, symptoms well developed. Took one and a half grains of strychnine to effect cure, leaving no after effects of the drug or poison.
Case 2.—Sadig Husain, a Mussulman boy, aged 12 years, bitten on the right ankle, just below the inner malleolus, by echis carinata (Khapar) on the 5th August, 1891, brought in with usual symptoms, as before.
Treatment as before. This case took only one-fourth grain of strych. acet. The boy was weak and sickly. He was discharged cured on the third day, i.e., 17th August, 1891.
Case 3.—Nathey Khan, Mussulman, customs peon, aged 35 years, robust and strong, bitten by echis carinata (yellow variety). Punctures were on the left ankle, over the outer malleolus. Symptoms as before given.
Treatment as before stated. This case took as much as one and three quarter grains of strych. acet. Was admitted on the 9th August, 1891, and discharged on the 12th August, 1891, cured and fit for duty.
Case 4.—Musamat Jewai, Hindu female, a labourer, age 40, strong built. Bitten by kerait (Bungarus coeruleus), about 2-1/2 feet long, above the left knee joint; ligature below the hip was used, but all the symptoms were present and the patient was insensible. Cyanotic marks were seen on the arms, abdomen, back and neck. At first all hopes of recovery were given up, but attempts were made to see if anything could do good.
Treatment.—Punctures scarified and cupping applied. Repeated doses of strychnine acetas hypodermically given, but in quarter grain doses. It seemed marvellous. The cyanotic patches in the skin gradually faded away and the body became warmer. It was wondered if the person had expired, but suddenly the woman called for a drink of cold water to bathe her dry and parching mouth. This was done and she recovered sense. She was admitted on the 3rd September, 1891, and discharged on the 10th. Took three grains of acetate of strychnine to effect a cure.