Page:AJWall Indian Snake Poisons.djvu/28

13 in the history of cases can be easily accounted for by the fact that it would require a certain amount of intelligence on the victim's part to mention it; and in animals, of course, it is impossible to get proof of a purely subjective condition.

The special symptoms of cobra-poison now rapidly manifest themselves. It man it is very commonly observed that the patient cannot any longer keep his eyes open, and about this time it is found that he is losing power in his legs. When he walks he staggers, and, if left unsupported, falls. The arms seem to retain their strength much longer. In the case of dogs, the animal at this stage can scarcely stand without falling frequently, but there does not seem to be that difference between the anterior and posterior extremities that is observed in the legs and arms of a man. Usually, a dog loses strength equally on his fore and hind legs, and rolls from side to side helplessly.

The order in which the symptoms now occur varies in different individuals. In some, loss of the power of speech and of raising the lower jaw is shown, and afterwards profuse salivation; but the salivation may precede. But whichever may occur first, the tongue and the larynx become speedily paralysed ; the patient is unable to speak or to clear his throat or to swallow ; and the saliva, which is profusely poured forth, trickles down the lips, the patient being no longer able to eject it voluntarily. In dogs it is not unusual for the