What is Poison? I answer, that, generally speaking, ’tis taken to be a
malignant Quality in some Vegetables, Minerals, and Animals, a small
Quantity of which is hurtful, and even mortal, _&c._
The Learned in the Faculty tell us, _Poisons_ operate in various
manners; some by dissolving the Blood, others by coagulating it, and
some by corroding and destroying the Solids. The Learned Sir _Hans
Sloane_ says, “Some attack equally all Parts, some only a particular
one. Thus the _Lepus Marinus_ is an Enemy to the Lungs, _Cantharides_ to
the Bladder[33].”
Footnote 33:
_His Voyage._
Some Vegetables again, which prove Poison to Man, serve for Food to
other Animals. Thus, says that learned Gentleman, _Mandragora_ and
_Jusquiamnus_ that feed Hogs, kill Man.
_HEMLOCK_, that is hurtful to Man, is wholesome for Goats; yea, the
_Cassavi Plant_ poisons unprepared; but prepared, is the very Bread of
the _West-Indians_, particularly _Jamaica_ and the hotter Parts, with
which they victual Ships. _Ibid._ Tea is said to be poisonous before it
is cured.
This perhaps may serve to obviate an Objection made against the Goodness
of the Deity, in planting a Tree in Paradise that had such malignant
Influences; because, supposing that it had any Properties, which might
tend to the Dissolution of the human System, yet the same Tree might be
very salutary and useful to other Beings in the Creation.
Having divided _Poison_ into _Three Parts_, I shall, in the next Place
consider them distinctly.
I. _This Contrivance of Divine Wisdom is so universal, that we find, in
the vegetable Kingdom, something more than what is merely analogous to
Poison, both in Land and Water-Plants_; as the _Napellus_, _Cassivi_,
_Nux Vomica_, _Aconite_, _Cicuta Aquatica_, _Solanum Lethale_, _Aconitum
Hyemale_. Some Poisons are of a Narcotic Quality, as Poppy and
Henbane—being taken in too great a Quantity, become poisonous. I shall
only add some Instances of Persons kill’d by eating poisonous Plants,
Roots, and Herbs. The Wife of _W. Matthews_, near _Salop_, who having
gathered a Quantity of _Dog-Mercury_, which she took to be another Herb,
boiled it for their Supper, which very sensibly affected the whole
Family. One of the Children slept from _Thursday_ Night till _Monday_
Evening, then just opened her Eyes, and died immediately. The other two
Children slept about 24 Hours, and, upon their awakening, fell a
vomiting and purging, which, ’tis thought, saved their Lives[34]. A
certain Woman near _Kilkenny_ in _Ireland_, eating by mistake, a
_Hemlock-Root_ among _Parsnips_, was immediately seized with a Raving
and Madness. _Ibid._
Footnote 34:
_Lowthorp_’s Abridg. Vol. II.
Eight young Lads went a fishing to a Brook near _Clonmel_ in _Ireland_,
and there meeting with a great Parcel of _Oenanthe Aquatica succo
viroso_, they mistook the Roots of it for _Sium Aquaticum_ Roots, and
did eat heartily of them. About four or five hours after coming home,
the eldest of them, on a sudden, fell down backwards, and lay kicking
and sprawling on the Ground, foaming at the Mouth; soon after, four more
were seized the same way, and they all died before Morning: not one of
them having spoken a Word from the Moment in which the venenate
Particles surprised the _Genus nervosum_[35]. Of the other three, one
ran stark-mad, but recovered; another had his Hair and Nails fallen off;
the third alone escaped: perhaps it might be owing to a strong
Constitution, and eating less of that fatal Root; or perhaps it might be
attributed to his speedy running above two Miles home (after he saw one
young Man fall) together with his drinking a very large Draught of warm
Milk from the Cow, in his midway, and a violent Sweating, which might
expel many of those venemous Particles. _Ibid._
Footnote 35:
_Ibid._ p. 641.
An Experiment has been made upon a Dog, by giving him the _Nux Vomica_,
which soon poisoned him. The _American Physick Nut_ is said to be so
poisonous, that no Animals make a near Approach to it. Wormwood in
_Persia_ is so venemous, that if Horses, or any other Creatures, eat
thereof, they die immediately; upon which account, say the Duke of
_Holstein_’s Ambassadors, we durst not unbit that day[36]. The _Indians_
have what they call _Juico Juice_ among them, which deprives such as
drink of it of their Reason, and renders them perfect Idiots; tho’ at
the same time it leaves them in the perfect Enjoyment of their Health
and natural Powers.
Footnote 36:
Their Voyages and Travels to _Muscovy_ and _Persia_, p. 228. A. D.
1637.
_CHARCOALS_ prepared from _Vegetables_, have a poisonous Quality; for,
when kindled, they exhale a Vapour, which, if it be kept up, and
confin’d to a close Place, proves fatal. ’Tis said, Charcoal made in
_Cornwal_ affords a manifest arsenical and sulphurous Smell beyond
others; and yet Charcoal is a _commodious_ Fuel.
Even when the sharp Points of Nettles pierce the Flesh, they instil a
kind of venemous Juice into the Wound, which gives a painful Sensation.
The Leaf of a Nettle has some relation to a Sting; ’tis covered with
very sharp Prickles, whose Base, which is a Bladder of a flexible
Substance, has a Hole in the middle, by which this venemous Liquor runs
into the wounded Part, and excites Pain.
This may be easily perceived with a Microscope; if a Man press with the
Finger, the End of those Prickles against its _Base_: for then, thro’
these Prickles which are transparent, this Liquor is manifestly seen to
mount, and to descend, as the ingenious Mr. _Hook_ assures us, he had
often made the Experiment.
In _Carmania Deserta_, towards the _Persian_ Gulph, they have two sorts
of dangerous Shrubs, one called _Gulbad-Samour_, i. e. the Flower that
poisons the Wind, where there are many of these _Shrubs_. The Wind that
passes thro’ them, kills those who are near it. The other is _Kerzehre_,
the _Gall_ of _Asses_, because it kills those Creatures, and others that
eat of it; yea, the Water that falls from it is poisonous. They say,
that Part of its Root which spreads to the East is Poison: for which,
that on the South-side is an Antidote[37].——_N. B._ Is not our Author
mistaken? for can any Poison grow in the delicious Plains of the East,
consecrated to the Service of the Altar and Knee?
Footnote 37:
_Tavernier_, in _Atl. Geo._ p. 349, and 396.
An Overdose of Opium, which is the condensed Juice of Poppies, is
poisonous. The _Turks_ take _Opium_, which they call _Affion_, without
any Preparation, it being merely the Juice of black Poppy, dried in the
Sun, without any purification. It is wonderful, _that use should make
that Liquid which is Poison to us, a Cordial to them_[38].
Footnote 38:
_Wheeler_’s Voyages, p. 203.
The Vapour arising from vegetable Liquors during their Fermentation,
ought not to be approached too near, because it is poisonous: We have
Accounts in the _French_ and _German Transactions_, of People who were
immediately struck dead, by receiving at the Nose the Fumes that issued
from large Vessels of Wine in the State of Fermentation[39].
Footnote 39:
_Boerhaave_, p. 120, 130.
“I think, says a learned Physician, that God made no Poison, but all
things in the World were made for the Use of Man; their chiefest
_Deleterium_ is either in the Quantity, or some other Circumstance, as
in Lettice, Leeks,—whose _Integra_ are Aliments, the Juices mortiferous.
Those things that are pernicious, by their external Form, as beaten
Glass, Sponges, have not deserved the Brand of Poison; those that are
really lethiferous, are but the Excrescences of Sin, and came in with
the Thorns. The Serpent was rather destructive to the Soul than the
Body.”
Among the Ancients was a Plant that killed Mice with its bare smell,
according to _Pliny_: The Poets feign it to have sprung from the Foam of
the Dog _Cerberus_, when _Hercules_ dragg’d him out of Hell.
The _Aconite Plants_ also are extremely caustic and acrimonious, in
virtue whereof they have produced terrible Inflammations, that end in
Mortification. So great was the People’s Dread of this Plant, for its
venemous Quality, that they durst not touch it and yet, ’tis said, they
made use of it against the Sting of _Scorpions_, which is supposed to be
deadned by the Touch of the Aconite, and restored to its Vigour by that
of _Hellebore_.
_N. B._ The Root of the Plant is said to cure all Diseases
proceeding from Melancholy, as Disaffections from the
_Hypochondria_, _Herpes_ or cutaneous Inflammations.
It is also reported that Arrows dipped in the Juice of _Aconite Plants_,
proved mortal wherever they wounded.
II. _The Globe we inhabit, abounds with Variety of Minerals, of a very
mischievous Nature_; as _Arsenic_, found in Copper-mines; _Orpiment_, a
Mineral found among Copper-mines, in Stones of different Bigness, Colour
and Figure. These, and others of the same venemous Nature, are less or
more dangerous, according as their Salts receive a different Force from
the metallic Particles.
The Mineral Kingdom is very subject to Damps, or noxious Streams, and
often found in Mines, Pits,——and in Kinds various. There are also
Exhalations, a sort of Fumes issuing from Body, and diffusing themselves
in the Atmosphere. Some make difference between Vapours and Exhalations:
The Term _Vapour_, they say, is appropriated to the moist Fumes raised
from Water, and _Exhalation_, to the dry ones emitted from solid Bodies,
as Earth, Fire, Minerals, Sulphur. The nocuous Effluvia sent forth from
them may infect the Air, and cause epidemical Distempers, and even new
Diseases. About Mines and deep Caverns, are frequently found copious
Exhalations continually streaming out, which, in a Moment, destroy any
Animal that comes within their reach; so much as the very Insects
themselves not escaping: Therefore these Places were by the Ancients
called _Gehennæ_, _Averni_,—intimating thereby, that a _Mineral Pit_ was
_Hell_, and that _Subterraneous Exhalations_ were _Steams_ from the
_Fiery Lake_.
_STRABO_ takes notice of a _Cave_ or _Grotto_ in _Natolia_, from whence
issue pestilential Vapours that infect the Air: No sooner is any Animal
put in, but it immediately dies. Bulls have been put in, and suddenly
taken out dead. Sparrows that have been thrown in, dropt down dead
instantly.
The _Turks_ fancy it to be haunted by evil Spirits, because those who
had the Curiosity to enter it, have either _died_ or fallen desperately
_sick_[40].
Footnote 40:
_Strabo Geograph._
Mineral Poisons are more or less dangerous, as their Salts receive a
greater or less Force from the metallic Particles: And hence, as the
most virulent may be mitigated by breaking the Points of the saline
Crystals, the most innocent Minerals may become corrosive, by combining
them with Salts, as is seen in the Preparations of Silver, Antimony,
Iron.
Nothing more fatal than mineral Poison, which often brings swift
Destruction without remedy. To a large Dog, says the learned Dr. _Mead_,
was given a Drachm of _Mercury Sublimate_, mixt with a little Bread, who
after violent Evacuations, died next Morning. The same Gentleman
observes, that in _Arsenic_ is a very noxious quality: the factitious
white is the most violent of all kinds, superior in force to _Mercury
sublimate_.
These mortiferous Steams that flow from the Earth, are called
_Mephites_, _poisonous Damps_; and are very common in Countries fruitful
of Minerals and Mines: _Damps_ happen in most of the _Hungarian-Mines_,
not only in the direct Passages, where they walk on horizontally, but
also in the perpendicular Descents. Now, to guard themselves against the
fatal Effects of these Exhalations, they sometimes clear their way by
Fire and the Bellows, but generally by long Tubes or Pipes, reaching
from top to bottom, thro’ which they let the Air in and out; and by this
Circulation of the Air, they carry on their Work for some time without
Danger.
_CREMNITS_ in _Hungary_ (a small Town, reckon’d the chief of the Berg,
or Mine-Towns) is famous for its Gold-Mine which has been work’d on 900
Years, where the Workmen sometimes are troubled with pernicious Damps,
and many are kill’d by them; and so it happens in the Mines at
_Schemnits_, the fairest of the seven Mine-Towns[41].
Footnote 41:
_Atl. Geograph._ p. 1640, —1, —2, —3.
Among the Minerals known to us, there are many more noxious than
wholesome and the Power of the former to do mischief, is more
efficacious than the Power of the latter to do good; which is evident
from the little Benefit the Miner’s Health receives from any mineral
Effluvia, compar’d with the great and sudden Damps, that are often
caused by the Expirations of _Orpiment_, _Sandarac_, and _white
Arsenic_, which is a deadly Poison, and most fatal of the whole Tribe of
Fossils. Hence the Refiners dread nothing so much as _Arsenic_ in their
Metals; for its Fumes taken into the Lungs kill instantly, and the
oftner ’tis sublim’d, the ranker it grows[42].
Footnote 42:
_Boerhaave’s Theory of Chemistry._
_MERCURY_ is extremely volatile, being convertible into Fumes, even by a
Sand-heat. Those who practise the Art of Gilding, are but too well
acquainted with these mercurial Fumes, which frequently render them
epileptic and paralytic, and sometimes throw them into a Salivation.
This kind of Poison is found in _Friuli_, a Province in _Italy_,
belonging to the Emperor, and also in _Spain_, _Hungary_, _&c._
The miserable People condemn’d, or hired to work in these Mines, all die
in a little time: they are so affected with those venemous Fumes, that
from Tremors they proceed to salivate, then their Teeth drop.—One of
them who had been there six Years, was so full of _Mercury_, that
holding a Piece of _Gold_ in his Mouth a little while, it became of a
_Silver Colour_, and when taken out, it was found heavier than before,
_ibid._ p. 74.
_COPPER_ is another poisonous Mineral, difficult of Fusion, and when
fused, if a single Drop of Water do but fall upon it; or any Vessel it
be cast in, be ever so little moist, it flies into innumerable
Fragments, with incredible Noise, and destroys all the Persons near it.
_Ibid._
_TIN_, the lightest of all Metals, when urged by an easy Fire, it shines
exceedingly; but this Splendor is succeeded by a sulphurous Steam, very
destructive to the Lungs, and throws the Body into a Consumption.
_ibid._
At _Mendip_ in _Somersetshire_, those who are employ’d in melting
_Lead-ore_, if they work in the Smoke, are subject to killing Diseases.
There is a Flight (or Steam) in the Smoke, which falling on the Grass,
poisons the Cattle that eat it. Those who live very near where Lead-ore
is wash’d, can’t keep either Dog or Cat, or any sort of Fowl, but they
all die in a short time[43].
Footnote 43:
_Lowthorp_’s _Abr._ vol. ii. p. 576.
Such are the _mephitical_ Exhalations in a little Cavern in _Italy_,
call’d _Bacca Venosa_, the poisonous Mouth, not far from _Naples_, but
more generally known by _Grotto de Cani_, the _Dog’s Cave_; because the
Experiment of its poisonous Nature is frequently made upon Dogs; tho’ it
be fatal as to any other Creatures that come within the Reach of its
venemous Fumes. This wonderful Cave is (situated at the Bottom of a
Hill) in Dimension, about eight Foot high, twelve long, and six broad.
From the Ground within it, arises _a thin warm Fume_ (visible to the
Eye) which is one continued Steam covering the whole Surface of the
Bottom of the Cave; it does not disperse itself into the Air like Smoke,
but quickly after its Rise, falls back again into the Earth. The Fumes
rise about a Foot high and never higher, and hurt no Creature whose Head
is above that height; but when a little Dog, or the Head of any other
Creature is forcibly held in the Steam, it falls down dead, the Limbs
convuls’d, and trembling; and if left there a little while, it dies, but
if taken out soon, and laid in the open Air, comes to Life again, and
sooner, if thrown into the adjacent Lake.
_CHARLES_ the Great, King of _France_, and Emperor of the _West_ (a
Title of Honour other _Gallick Monarchs_ have had in full view for some
time) made the Experiment upon an _Ass_, whose Head was held in the
Fume, and was soon destroy’d. _Two Slaves_ put in with their Heads kept
down to the Earth, were both soon kill’d. To this, I shall add some
Experiments made by the ingenious Mr. _Addison_, who says——
—“A Dog that has his Nose held in the Vapour (within the Cave)
loses all the Signs of Life in a very little time.” Then he
observes, how long a Dog was expiring the first time, and after
his Recovery, and found no sensible Difference. “A _Viper_ put
in, adds he, bore it nine Minutes the first time we put it in,
and ten the second. When we brought it out after the first
Trial, it took such a vast quantity of Air into its Lungs, that
it swell’d almost twice as big as before, and it was perhaps, on
this Stock of Air, that it lived a Minute longer.
“A Torch, Snuff and all, goes out in a moment, when dipt into
the Vapours or Steams of that Cave——A Pistol can’t fire in it. I
split a Reed, and laid in the Channel of it a Train of
Gun-powder, so that one end of the Reed was above the Vapour,
and the other at the bottom of it; and I found, tho’ the Steam
was strong enough to hinder a Pistol from taking fire in it—that
it could not intercept the Train of Fire, when it once begun
flashing, nor prevent it from running to the very end—fire will
live in it no longer than in Water, because it wraps itself in
the same manner about the Flame, and by its Continuity hinders
any quantity of Air, or Nitre from coming to its succour[44].”
Footnote 44:
_His Works_, vol. iii. p. 8, 97.
Nor are our Mines in _Great-Britain_ altogether free from these fatal
Damps, that have turn’d Coal-pits into Graves. In a Coal-pit belonging
to Lord _Sinclair_ in _Scotland_, seven or eight Men intending to work
in a Place where they had been the Day before, but stepping a little
further, they all fell down dead, as if they had been shot. The Wife of
one of them, venturing to see her Husband, fell down dead as soon as she
came near the Corps[45].
Footnote 45:
_Lowthorp_’s _Abridgment_, vol. ii. p. 373.
III. We come now to the sensible Region, where animal Poisons reign;
that is, Poison drawn from Animals, as the Viper, Asp, Scorpion, Lepus
Marinus: and here we are to encounter with an Army of Serpents, and
their formidable Train.
When we speak of the Poison of Serpents, we must not suppose it diffused
thro’ the whole Body, as some have imagined. Many Errors about the
particular Situation of it, have been happily removed by the Learned Dr.
_Redi_, and Dr. _Mead_, who observes the Viper has always been so
notorious for its Poison, that the most remote Antiquity, made it an
Emblem of what is hurtful and destructive, but were not agreed from
whence the Poison proceeded, whether from the _Saliva_, the _Teeth_, the
_Gall_, _&c._ which leads me to a Passage in the _noble Italian_, who
says:
... That as a certain Learned Society in _Italy_ were debating this
Point, one _Jacobus Sozzi_ (_audiendi gratiâ_) who was allow’d to be
present, stationed himself in a corner of the Place, and hearing some of
them affirm that the Poison was in the Gall-bladder, fell a smiling; and
being ask’d the Reason, he answer’d, that the Serpent’s _Gall_ was an
innocent Part: Whereupon, in their Presence, he drank a Glass of Wine,
mixt with the _Gall of a Viper_, without any ill Effect.
One of the Company said, he came thither with his Body prepared by
Alexipharmicks. He, to convince them of the contrary, try’d the
Experiment upon Dogs, and other Animals, by giving them the _Gall_ of
Vipers to drink in abundance, without any Danger ensuing[46].
Footnote 46:
_Redi nobilis Aretini Experim. in Res Naturales_, pag. 163, 164, 165.
In the Debate about the Seat of the Poison, the famous _Italian_
maintains, that all the _Venom_ of a Serpent consists in a _yellow
Liquor_ contain’d in a Bladder, at the bottom of its Tooth, which
Liquor, upon its biting, by the Pressure of the Bladder, is forced thro’
a Tube within the Tooth, into the Wound, and thence ensue direful
Effects. This Hypothesis he supports by a good number of Experiments
upon various Animals, which were bit by a Viper, after those venemous
Bags were taken out, without any Signs of Poison, or any ill Consequence
at all[47].
Footnote 47:
_Seignior Redi._
Another _celebrated Physician_ maintains, that this _yellow Liquid_ is
not poisonous, that he had given it to Pigeons as Food, without their
being at all disorder’d thereby.—That the Viper’s Bite, he had always
found mortal to Animals, even after the venemous Bag was taken out, as
well as before.—That therefore the Poison must lie in the _irritated
Spirits of the Viper_, which it exhales in the Ardor of its biting, and
which are so cold that they curdle the Blood, and stop the
Circulation[48].
Footnote 48:
_Monsieur Charras._
Both these are ingenious Men; their Systems are opposite, yet both
maintain’d by well-attested Experiments. The Publick, however, give into
the Sentiments of _Seignior Redi_, as answering the best to the
Mechanism of the Parts.
Seignior _Vigani_ has in some measure reconciled these two Learned
Combatants, who alledges, that the _yellow Liquor_ wherewith Dr. _Redi_
kill’d Pullets, _&c._ after the death of the Viper, was either saturated
with the Spirits of the enraged Viper, by whipping it before, or else
(as ’tis probable) in the hot and dry Climates of _Italy_, those
Creatures are more venemous than in colder Countries.
This Poison of Vipers seems to lie in their hollow Teeth, because the
Mountebanks of old, to impose on the People, used to stop those
Cavities, or hollow Places in the Teeth, with some kind of _Paste_,
before they suffered the Vipers to bite them in sight of Spectators;
which was commonly done, and succeeded according to their wish;—and
sometimes, with a Needle scratch’d the Gums, and press’d out the
Poison[49]. _Pliny_ says, they have but one venemous Tooth.
Footnote 49:
_Lowthorp_’s _Abridg._ vol. ii. p. 815.
Dr. _Mead_, having given the various Symptoms attending venemous Wounds,
proceeds to the Remedies; and in particular, mentions the _volatile Salt
of Vipers_, as alone sufficient to do the Work, if given in due time, in
proper quantities, and duly repeated[50].
Footnote 50:
_Mechanical Account._
Mr. _Robert Burdet_, an _English_ Merchant at _Aleppo_ (in _Turkish
Asia_) was bit by a Serpent about ten in the Morning, and died about
three in the Afternoon. The People of that Country say, the only Cure in
that Case, is immediately to suck the Wound; but they must rub first
their Gums and Teeth with Oil, that none of the Poison may touch any
place where the Skin is broken, and spit out immediately what they
suck[51].
Footnote 51:
_Lowthorp_’s _Abridg._ vol. ii. p. 814.
The Learned _Batavian_ observes, as a present and effectual Remedy in
the Case of the Bite of a mad Dog, or other venemous Animal, immediately
to burn the affected Part with a hot Iron, or rather thrust deep into
the Wound; for by this means, the Juices about the Part being
coagulated, and an Escar produced, all Communication of the Poison to
any other Vessels is stopt, and thus the Cure may be easily effected.
Not that the hot Iron draws out the Poison, as is vulgarly imagined, but
renders the Parts uncapable of being penetrated, or affected
thereby[52].
Footnote 52:
_Boerhaave_’s _new Method of Chemistry_, part. iii. _proces._ 104. p.
213.
But to come nearer home, and to a cheap and easy Antidote against the
serpentine and canine Venom, by a certain Experiment lately made in
_England_, which was thus, _viz._
... One _William Oliver_, and his Wife from _Bath_, who follow the
Business of catching and selling Vipers, offer’d themselves—to be bit by
any Viper, that should be procured, trusting to the Virtue of a certain
Remedy they had found out by chance in trying things, when the Woman was
once accidentally bitten.——The usual known Medicine, even the _Oil of
Vipers_, having no Effect in assuaging her Pains, they had recourse to
the _common Oil of Olives_, which proved an effectual Remedy. The
Circumstances of the Case were——
On the first of _June 1735,_ in the Presence of a great number of
Persons, the said _William Oliver_ was bit by an old black Viper, or
Adder, (brought by one of the Company) upon the Wrist, and Joint of the
Thumb of the Right-Hand, so that Drops of Blood came out of the Wounds:
He immediately felt a violent Pain, both at the top of his Thumb, and up
his Arm, even before the Viper was loosen’d from his Hand: Soon after he
felt a Pain resembling that of Burning, trickle up his Arm; in a few
Minutes, his Eyes began to look red and fiery, and to water much.
In less than half an Hour, he perceived the Venom seize his Heart, with
a prickling Pain, which was attended with Faintness, Shortness of
Breath, cold Sweats: In a few Minutes after this, his Belly began to
swell, with great Gripings, and Pains in his Back, which were attended
with violent Vomitings, and Purgings.
During the Violence of these Symptoms, his Sight was gone for several
Minutes; but he could hear all the while: He said, that in his former
Experiments, he had never defer’d making use of his Remedy longer than
he perceived the Effects of the Venom reaching his Heart; but this time,
being willing to satisfy the Company throughly, and trusting to the
_speedy Effects of the Oil_, which had never fail’d him, he forbore to
apply any thing till he found himself exceeding ill, and quite giddy.
About an Hour and Quarter after the first of his being bit, a
Chafing-dish of glowing Charcoals was brought in, and his naked Arm was
held over it as near as he could bear it, while his Wife rubb’d in with
her Hand the _Sallad Oil_, turning his Arm continually round, as if she
wou’d have roasted it over the Coals.
He said the Pain soon abated, but the Swelling did not diminish much;
most violent Purgings and Vomitings soon ensued, and his Pulse became so
low and so often interrupted, that it was thought proper to order him a
Repetition of Cordial Potions. He said he was not sensible of any great
Relief from these, but that a Glass or two of _Olive Oil_ drank down
seemed to give him ease: Continuing in this dangerous Condition, he was
put to Bed, where his Arm was again bath’d over a Pan of Charcoal, and
rubb’d with _Sallad Oil_ heated in a Ladle over the Charcoal, by Dr.
_Mortimer_’s Direction.——Whereupon he declared he found immediate Ease,
as tho’ by some Charm——then fell into a profound Sleep, and after about
nine Hours found Rest, awak’d, about six the next Morning, and found
himself very well; but in the Afternoon, on Drinking some Rum and strong
Beer, so as to be almost fuddled, the Swelling return’d with much Pain
and cold Sweats; which abated soon on bathing the Arm as before, and
wrapping it up in a brown Paper soaked in the Oil.
The learned Dr. _Mortimer_, relates the Success of this simple Medicine,
tried afterwards on other Animals, who were purposely bitten, both by
the same, and by fresh Vipers, to experience the Efficacy of it[53].
Footnote 53:
Dr. _Cromwell Mortimer_ R. S. Secr. his _Narrative_ relating to the
Viper-catchers.
In the Sequel, he has occasion to mention a Remedy for the Bite of a mad
Dog, under the Title of _Dampier’s Powder_, the Composition of which is,
_viz._ _ash Colour Groundwort and black Pepper_. It was first published
by Sir _Hans Sloane_, in _Numb. 237_ of _the Transactions_, A. D. 1720,
under the Name of _Pulvis Antilyssus_; where the Manner of giving it,
not only to Men, but to Dogs and Cattle, is accurately set down. The
Doctor says, the _Lichen Cinereus Terrestris_ is accounted exceedingly
efficacious in curing Dogs bitten by mad Dogs; then adds, _viz._
That King _James_, when Duke of _York_, caused this _Lichen Cinereus
Terrestris_ to be given to a whole Kennel of Dogs bit by a mad one,
which were all cured, except one of them, to whom none of it was
given[54].
Footnote 54:
_Philosophical Transact._ Numb. 443, for _Oct. 1736_.
In _Norway_, and on a great Moss near _Warrington_, are many Serpents;
and their Wounds are cured by _Venice-Treacle_.
In _Africa_, they have an odd Way of curing Persons hurt by Poison; they
rub the Venom of Snakes with their own Spittle, between two Stones and
having mixed them well, they scratch upon the Wings of the Stomach, and
to the Part so scratch’d, which is bloody, they apply a small Part of
the Mixture; the rest they take inwardly.——This never fails to expel the
Poison in the Wound, or in any other Part affected with it: In about a
Month’s time a perfect Cure is made; in order to which, when they judge
the Poison is expell’d, they cleanse the Wound, and apply to it the
leaves of _Buchu_, _Dacha_, and other _salutiferous_ Herbs: But they
say, the least Neglect of such a Wound, (be it by a poisonous Arrow, or
any other way) is dangerous[55].
Footnote 55:
_Peter Kolben_’s present State of the Cape of _Good Hope_, and of the
_Hottentots_, writ in _High-German_, and translated by Mr. _Guido
Medley_, p. 304-5.
Snake-wood is very common in the Island of _Ceylon_, (suppos’d to be the
_Taprobane_ of _Ptolemy_) which is much esteem’d by the _East-Indians_,
who, with the Powder of it taken in Water or Wine, cure many Distempers,
and among others, the Stings of Serpents, which abound in that Country.
Their Naturalists say, the Virtue of it was first discovered by a small
Creature, like our Ferrets, which when stung by Serpents, runs and eats
of the Snake-wood, and is cur’d.
Father _Regnault_, speaking of Poisons, mentions several Methods of
Cure, as Incisions, Ligatures, Caustics, Vomits, Oil of Olive, Baths,
Treacle, Juice of Citron.
By a Ligature, which hinders the Poison from spreading.
By Caustics, or red-hot Iron brought within a certain Distance of the
Wound; because Heat attenuates the Poison by its action, and dissipates
it.
This Effect of Poison has some Analogy with that which happens upon
syringing (thro’ Curiosity) some acid Liquor into the Veins of a living
Dog, or other Creature; for in a short time he falls into Convulsions,
and dies. A Decoction of _white Hellebore_ injected into the jugular
Vein of a Dog, as soon as it enter’d the Heart, kill’d as suddenly as if
shot thro’ the Heart with a Bullet. On _January 4, 1679_, a Drachm and a
half of _Spirit of Salt_, diluted in an Ounce and half of Water, and
injected into the jugular Vein of a Dog, kill’d him immediately. We
kill’d a Dog almost in a Moment by injecting into his jugular Vein an
Ounce of _Spirit of Wine_, in which was dissolved a _Drachm of
Camphire_: The same Day we injected warm into the crural Vein of a Cat,
50 Grains of _Opium_, dissolved in an Ounce of Water, which was soon
seized with convulsive Motions, and died within a Quarter of an Hour. We
injected an _Ounce of Oil of Olives_ into the jugular Vein of a Dog,
which suffocated him the same Moment.
_N. B._ In all that were suffocated by Oil, we found their
Lungs fill’d with a very thick Froth[56].
Footnote 56:
Mr. _Benj. Motte_’s Philosophical Transact. abridg. Vol. 1. Part. ii.
p. 220, 221, where you may find many Instances of the same Nature.
* * * * *
The Remarkables here are,
I. _That a small Portion of this venemous Liquid should in so short a
time do such terrible Executions_: That it should so soon infect so
great a Quantity of Fluid, as the whole Mass of Blood in the wounded
Animal. A very learned Physician accounts for it thus, _viz._
“That in the Drop of Poison are pungent Salts, by which little
Bladders in the Blood are prickt, and the elastick Matter in
them being let out, carries those acute Salts thro’ the whole
Region of Fluids; upon which follows a Coagulation[57].”
Footnote 57:
Dr. _Mead_’s Mechanical Account.
All venemous Creatures hurt, by instilling a liquid Poison into the
Wound, suppose the Wound to be given by the Tooth or Tail. The aforesaid
ingenious Physician says, _viz._ “This venemous Juice it self is of so
_inconsiderable a Quantity, that it is no more than one good Drop that
does the Execution_.”——In order, adds he, to examine the Texture of the
Liquor, I enrag’d a Serpent till it bit upon something solid, so as to
void its Poison; whose Parts I view’d with a Microscope as nicely as I
could.
“Upon the first Sight, I could discover nothing but a Parcel of
small Saks nimbly floating in the Liquor, which soon shot out,
as it were, into _Crystals_ of incredible Tenuity and Sharpness,
with something like Knots here and there, from which they seemed
to proceed; so that the whole Texture in a manner represented a
Spider’s Web, tho’ infinitely finer, and more minute; and yet
withal so rigid were these pellucid _Spicula_ or Darts, that
they remain’d unalter’d upon my Glass for several Months[58]”.
——_N. B._ These saline Particles appeared to be Acids.
Footnote 58:
_Ibid._ p. 5-6.
Most surprising this! to see an Army of Flesh and Blood, tremble and
fall before a single Atom of Matter! to see the _Cedars of Lebanon_
demolish’d by the single Stroke of a contemptible Worm. So in the Moral
World. Even in the Paradisaical State, how malignant the Poison of
forbidden Fruit that spread Mortality over the whole human Race, and
will affect Millions; dreadful Effects of once eating forbidden Fruit!
What a World of Evils flows from one Disease or Disorder in the human
Nature! _It was by one false Step the unquenchable Fire was first
kindled._
II. _That Poison is not so dangerous, if it does not mix with the
Blood._ Even that venemous Liquid may be tasted, yea, and swallow’d
without mortal Effects, say some of the Learned. Hence it is, wounded
Persons have been directed to get the Venom immediately suck’d out,
which has been practis’d without ill Consequences to the Sucker.
For this Method of curing venemous Wounds by Suction, _Avicenna_, an old
_Arabian_ Philosopher and physician, is quoted; who says, that those who
suck out the Poison are in no danger, so their Teeth be sound and
perfect, and their Mouths be free from all Ulcers. At _Rome_ was an
Order of Servants whose Office was to suck venemous Wounds, which they
did with Safety and Applause[59].
Footnote 59:
Sr. _Redi_, p. 185.
“Many _acid Substances_ taken into the Stomach, are, by its
action turned into _Alcalious_; so there is no question but
these _saline Spicula_ are, partly by the muscular Motion of the
Fibres, partly by the salival Juice, all broken and dissolved;
or if any escape into the Intestines, the Balsam of the Bile
will be an Antidote for them. _p. 14._”
Creatures reputed venemous, are indeed no Poisons when swallowed, tho’
the Venom may prove so when put into Wounds.
The Venom that falls upon the Skin, is not so mischievous as that which
enters into the Stomach, or is communicated by a Wound. “Yea, the Venom
of a Viper, in itself, is not mortal to a robust and strong Body; and
tho’ very unhappy and mischievous Accidents attend it, as Convulsions,
Vomitings, _&c._” yet in eight or ten Days at most, these are over; tho’
the Patient may be very ill, yet he recovers, while the Poison having
run thro’ divers Parts of the Body, at last always throws itself into
the _Scrotum_, and is discharg’d by a great Quantity of Urine: This
Evacuation being the ordinary and most certain Crisis of the
Disease[60].
Footnote 60:
Philosoph. Transactions abridged by _Lowthorp_, Vol. II. p. 814.
_Noxia Serpentum est admisso sanguine partis._ Lucani Pharsalia.
Amstelod. Edit. p. 266.
The Water—which amphibious Serpents frequent, receives no venemous
Tincture from them. When _Marcus Cato_ commanded in _Africa_ (the
Element of poisonous Animals) he had in his Army a Number of those
Natives called _Psylli_ and _Marci_, the supposed Aversion of Serpents,
and who suck’d the Wounds of those hurt by them. It is said, these
_Psyllians_ inchanted Serpents, who fled at the sight of them, as if
their Bodies exhaled some _corpuscular Effluviums_ that were most
offensive to Serpents, and put them into such pain that made them run.
To these, the General added another Set of Persons, famous for curing
the wounded by other Methods; and all little enough, Serpents being the
Lords of the Country through which they were to pass[61].
Footnote 61:
_Auli Gellii Noctes Atticæ_, lib. 16. c. 11. p. 161. _Herodot._ lib.
4. _Plutarch in Cato._
The Author of the Description of _Cato_’s marching the Remains of
_Pompey_’s Army through the _Lybian Deserts_, observes, how the Army
being almost choak’d with Thirst, and coming to a Brook full of
Serpents, durst not drink for fear of being poisoned, till convinced by
their Superiors, that their being in the Water, did by no means infect
it: Upon which they refreshed themselves with Water from the Serpentine
River[62].
Footnote 62:
_Redi_, 178. Lucan_’s_ Pharsal.—_Pocula morte carent_—lib. 9.
Add to this, the Example of Queen _Cleopatra_, who, to prevent her being
carried to _Rome_ in Triumph, ’tis said, poisoned herself, by holding a
Serpent to her own Breast. _Galen_ mentioning this Story, relates from
Authors, that she killed herself, by pouring the Poison of an Asp into a
Wound made in her Arm by her own Teeth; as if under Conviction, that the
Poison would not effectually answer the End, without touching the Blood.
_Ibid._ Of which more in the _Second Part_ of this Discourse.
III. _In Serpents is an inexhaustible Store of Poison._ If they
discharge all their Artillery to-day, their Arsenal will be full
to-morrow. ’Tis true, by a speedy repeated Emission of Poison at one
time, the Viper loses its force, probably by a Diminution in Quantity;
but is recruited in a Short space. Thus, one Viper cannot poison six
Creatures, one immediately after another; the Truth of which is
confirmed by uncontestable Facts.——An Experiment was made by Dr.
_Areskine_, when he was at _Paris_.—Having got a large female Viper, he
made it bite six Pigeons, one immediately after another. The first and
second that were bit, died within half an Hour; one a little before the
other; the third lived about two Hours; the fourth seem’d to be very
sick for a while, but recover’d; the fifth and sixth that were bitten,
were no more hurt than if prick’d with a Pin. _Ibid._
The learned _Italian_, Seignior _Redi_, says, that having, at the
Entrance of Winter, a Scorpion sent him to _Rome_ from _Tunis_ in
_Africa_, he irritated it to sting Pigeons and Pullets, without any bad
Effects; but upon the approach of warm Weather, after eight Months
fasting it was provoked to sting two Pigeons successively, which soon
died; but the third and fourth received no hurt from its Wound. The
Author of the _Natural History of Carolina_, speaking of the
_Rattle-Snakes_, says, they can’t renew their Poison as oft as they
will; for he had seen a Person bit by one of them, who never rightly
recovered, and very hardly escaped with Life; and another Person
immediately after being bit by the same Snake, received no more Hurt
than if bit by a Rat. _p._ 129.[63]
Footnote 63:
New Collection of Voyages, printed A. D. 1711.
_N. B._ Poison in different Countries, is more or less dangerous
according as it is exalted and heighten’d by various Degrees of
Heat; for by Increase of Heat, that venemous Quality is
increased.
OBJECTION.
_How is it consistent with Divine Goodness to create such venemous
Animals, that are so dangerous and destructive to their
Fellow-Creatures?_ I answer,
I. _That as the Power of God shines in the Formation of all Creatures,
so does his Goodness in their natural Perfections, which is the Goodness
of their Being._ Every Creature is good, and if any Branch of the
Creation be hurtful to another, ’tis the Effect of moral Evil, and not
any necessary Consequence arising from their Creation.
This noxious Quality in Serpents, is God’s Creature, and must answer
some valuable Purpose, tho’ concealed from an Eye blinded by the Venom
of Sin. Nor must we forget that they seldom hurt their Fellow-Creatures,
but when they are provok’d; and when they hurt, they present us with a
healing Remedy, that is, _the volatile Salt of Vipers, which if rubbed
into the Wound, has been generally applied with Success_.
II. _Their poisonous Liquid must some way be beneficial to themselves._
We are not told what their original Food was; but now they live by
Plunder, and by their Venom they are enabled to make sure of their Prey,
which otherwise might escape, or grow too strong for them, and so they
might starve for want of proper Means to support Life; and what they
take by their venemous Fangs and Stings, is good Nourishment.
Their Poison also, is to them as a Life-Guard. Were there not something
terrible in their Weapons of War, every one would trample upon them. Add
to this, that perhaps their Constitution may be so modify’d and framed,
that this venemous Liquid may be as useful to digest their Food, as our
_Saliva_ is to us in that respect.
III. _SERPENTS, tho’ venemous, are of special Use to Mankind, as they
are Part of the_ Materia Medica, _and bear a great Share in some of the
best Antidotes, or Remedies against Poison_. Vipers make a considerable
Article in Medicine; their Flesh either roasted or boiled, the
Physicians unanimously prescribe as an excellent Restorative,
particularly in Consumptions, Leprosy.——
The learned Dr. _Mead_ recommends the Broth or Jelly of Vipers; or, as
the Antients did, to boil and eat them as a Fish, or at least to drink
Wine, wherein they have been long infused: The Apothecaries sell the
_Pulvis Viperinus_, which is only _dried Vipers pulverized_, Heart,
Liver, and all other Parts, and past through a fine Sieve. Some call it,
_Animal Bezoard_.
_BEZOAR_ is a _Persian_ Word, _Pazahar_, primarily denotes
_Counter-Poison_, and is applied to several chymical Compositions of
that Intention. _Theriaca_, or Treacle, a Name given by the Antients to
various Compositions, is reckoned good against Poison.—The Basis or
Foundation of the Composition is Viper’s Flesh[64].
Footnote 64:
_Cyclopædia._
Even in _Tartary_, an uncultivated Nation, the Viper’s Flesh is reckoned
to be wonderful good Physick. In some of the Rivers of _Siam_, are many
Crocodiles, which the _Siamese_ call _Cayman_, and use them as good
Physick with Success[65].
Footnote 65:
_Struys_’s Voyages, _ad annum_ 1657. I. c. III p. 29.
It is supposed, when Viper-Catchers were hurt, they immediately cured
themselves by rubbing this _volatile Salt_ of Vipers into the wounded
Part. An Experiment was made by enraging a Viper to bite the Nose of a
young Dog: The Part began to swell; to which was applied this _volatile
Salt_, and the Dog was very well next day. The Viper was made to bite
the Dog again in the Tongue, and no Application being made, he died
within a few Hours[66].
Footnote 66:
Dr. _Mead_’s Mechanical Account, p. 17.
One of the first that made use of the Viper in medicinal Purposes, was
(as my learned Author thinks) _Antonius Musa_, the famous Physician to
_Octavius Cæsar_; of whom _Pliny_ tells, _that when he met with
incurable Ulcers, he ordered the eating of Vipers; and by this means
they were quickly healed_. The same Author adds from _Porphyrius_, that
the great _Greek_ Physician _Craterus, very happily cured a miserable
Slave, whose Skin in a strange manner fell off from his Bones_, by
advising him to _feed upon Vipers, drest after the manner of Fish_.
Ibid.
A late eminent Physician, speaking of Vipers, says,——’Tis certain, very
noble Medicines are prepared from them, and a Wine from their Flesh,
singular in consumptive, leprous, and scorbutick Cases: They afford also
a _volatile Salt, the most generous Cordial in Nature_[67].
Footnote 67:
Dr. _Charles Leigh_’s Natural History of —— p. 148.
In _Italy_ is a subterraneous Cavern, called _Grotto de i Serpi_, large
enough to hold two Persons, perforated like a Sieve; out of which, in
the Spring, issues a numerous Brood of young Snakes, of divers Colours.
In this Cave they expose their leprous, paralytic, arthritick Patients,
where the Warmth of the Steams resolving them into Sweat, and then
Serpents clinging variously all around, licking their naked Bodies, they
are soon restored to Health, by repeating the Operation. This
_Serpentine Cave_ was visited by _Kircher_, the celebrated Philosopher
and Mathematician; who says, he saw the Holes, and heard a murmuring
hissing Noise in them, tho’ he did not see the Serpents, it not being
their Season to creep out; yet he saw a great Number of their _Exuviæ_,
or _Sloughs_, and an Elm at a small distance laden with them. The
Discovery was by the Cure of a Leper going from _Rome_, who losing his
way, and being benighted, happen’d upon this Cave, and finding it very
warm, pull’d off his Clothes; and being weary and sleepy, had, says my
Author, the Good-fortune not to feel the Serpents about him, till they
had wrought his Cure. _Musæum Wormian. in Cyclopædia._
IV. _Serpents are not only Physick, but common Food in many Parts of the
World, and esteemed a most delicious Entertainment._ Formerly, nothing
more terrible to Men than these veneniferous Animals, but now (Men being
better acquainted with their natural Qualities) are very familiar to
many People; insomuch that there are but few Persons of Distinction, in
_France_, and other Places, where they may be had, but make use of them,
as _a good and most agreeable Diet_; and the ingenious Virtuoso makes
living Vipers his Domestick Divertisement.
The _Italian_ and _French Physicians_ do commonly prescribe the _Broth_
and _Jelly_ of _Vipers_, to purify and invigorate the Mass of Blood,
exhausted with Age and chronical Diseases.
We read of the _Ophiophagi_, a People so called because they are
_Serpent-Eaters_. It is observed from _Aristotle_, that the
_Troglodytes_, who are _Africans_, not far from the _Arabian Gulph_,
leading a pastoral Life, lived by hunting—and fed on Serpents[68].
Footnote 68:
_Strabo_, lib. 16. Βιος νομαδιχος—_Cluverii Introduct._
Among the _Andesian_ Mountains in _America_, is a Serpent called
_Juanna_, big as a Rabbit, has a spotted Skin, four Feet, and is never
observed to have any Voice, is much eaten by the Inhabitants, and
counted better Meat than Rabbits, as it is prepared by the
_Barbarians_[69].
Footnote 69:
_Ray_, p. 329. _Atl. Geograph. America_, p. 129.
The _Kanina Serpent_ that feeds upon Birds, is eaten by the Inhabitants,
the _Brasilians_, and their _Negro-Labourers_, after they cut off the
Head and Tail. _Ibid._ The _Dutch_, _Portuguese_, and others in that
Country, feed upon the _Lyboya Serpent_; ’tis of a prodigious, large
Bulk, and described in another Place. _Ibid._ In old _Mexico_, we read
how the _Indians_ took a certain Serpent that carried thirty Young’s,
which were each a Finger long, and crept about immediately; and the old
one being above 20 Foot long, served the Natives for Venison[70].
Footnote 70:
_Atl. Geograph. for America_, from _Laet._ p. 628.
_AMERICUS Vespusius_, (a _Florentine_, who was the first, after
_Columbus_, that discover’d _America_, and wrote the History of his four
Years Voyages) says, he saw some Serpents in _America_, which the
Inhabitants commonly feed upon: They were of diverse Colours, and as big
as Kids. In the History of that Country, we find the Natives of the Land
fed upon Adders, Serpents, Toads,——without any Scruple of Mind, or
Injury to their Health.
The Natives of _Tonquin_, a large Kingdom of _India_, beyond the
_Ganges_, in treating their Friends, give them _Arrack_, a rich Cordial,
in which Snakes and Scorpions have been infus’d; and is esteem’d an
Antidote against all Poisons.
_INDIA_ breeds Serpents in abundance of all Sizes, and Variety of most
charming Colours: The People of _Siam_ catch prodigious Numbers of them
in the Woods, and expose them to Sale in the Markets, as Eels in
_England_, for Animal Food[71].
Footnote 71:
_Le Comte_’s Memoirs, p. 504.
Experiments have been made upon Animals, as Pigeons, Chickens—that were
bit by Serpents, which have been eaten without any manner of Hurt, or
painful Sensation; yea, Serpents that were slain have been given to
Dogs, who fed upon them without danger, or any uneasiness[72].
Footnote 72:
Sr. _Redi_, p. 178.
The _Circulatores_, or Dealers in Serpents, devour’d at their Tables
even their Heads, and pour’d the Gall into their Cups when they drank,
laughing at their Neighbours Timidity, who transform their Imaginations
into Bug-bears.
The Inhabitants of Mount _Athos_, between _Macedonia_ and _Thracia_, are
called _Macrobii_, that is _Long-livers_, or long-liv’d; and their
Longevity is attributed to their feeding on Viper’s Flesh, which is a
most elegant Nutritive[73].
Footnote 73:
_C. Gesner_, p. 76.
The _Ethiopians_ are number’d among those who feed upon Serpents, as one
valuable Branch of their sustenance.
In the Kingdom of _Congo_ in _Africa_, the _Negroes_ roast the Adders,
and not only greedily feed upon them, but esteem them as a most
delicious Food[74].
Footnote 74:
_Purchas Pilgrim_, Part ii. l. 7.
_ST. HELENA_, one of the _African_ Islands, abounds with Serpents which
the _Dutch_ eat as a greater Dainty than Eels[75]. We read of a Man who
liv’d at _Colonia Agrippina_ in _Germany_, that fed upon Spiders, as the
most delicate Dish.—_N. B._ This _Cologne_ is called _Agrippina_ from
_Agrippina_ the Mother of _Nero_ (who poison’d _Claudius_ her own
Husband, to make _Nero_ her Son Emperor) and would have the Town
honoured with a _Roman_ Colony, as being the Place of her Birth[76].
Footnote 75:
_Atl. Afric._ p. 741.
Footnote 76:
_Tacitus_’s Annals, Vol. 1. B. iv.
In _Cuba_, an _American_ Island, they were pester’d with many sorts of
Serpents, not so much from the ill Condition of the Soil, as by an old
superstitious Whim of the Savages, who in former Times were not suffered
to kill them, (this being a royal game, and a nice Dish reserved for the
Higher Powers) and were not able afterwards to destroy them, when it
would have been suffered[77].
Footnote 77:
_Heylin_’s Cosmography, B. iv. p. 151.
The _Kalmuck Tartars_ feed very much upon Snakes, Adders and Foxes——The
_Syrians_ eat Crocodiles, which live on the Land only.
_MITHRIDATE_, formerly one of the Capital Medicines in the Shops, has
the Name from the Inventor, _viz._ _Mithridates_ King of _Pontus_, who
being overcome by _Pompey_, would have poison’d himself; but no Poison
would work upon him, having accustom’d himself to eat Poison; thus
described in an old Doggrel Rhyme, _viz._
_King_ Mithridates _cou’d not poison’d be,
He drinking Poison oft, grew Poison-free_.
After King _Mithridates_ was vanquish’d, _Cneus Pompeius_ found in his
Closet the following Receipt, against Poison, writ with his own Hand, in
this Manner, _viz._
_TAKE two dry Walnut-kernels, as many Figs, of Rue twenty Leaves, stamp
all these together into one Mass, with a Grain of Salt._——Under this
Receipt was writ——_Whoever eats this Confection in the Morning fasting,
no Poison shall hurt him that Day_[78]. In _America_, where Lizards are
very good, they eat them, and so large, that one Lizard is enough to
satisfy four Men. ’Tis very probable that they were eaten in _Arabia_
and _Judea_, since _Moses_ ranks them among the unclean Creatures[79].
Footnote 78:
_Pliny_’s Natural Hist. Tom. ii. B. 23.
Footnote 79:
_Calmet in verbum——Hieronym. contra Jovinian._ lib. ii.
Though the Flesh of venemous Creatures be nutrimental, and eaten with a
good Relish, in many Places, yet it must be allow’d our old
Historiographers in some Things hyperbolize upon the Subject. Thus
_Avicenna_, the great _Arabian_ Doctor, and others, speak of a young
Maid, who was fed with the Flesh of poisonous Creatures, from her tender
Age; by which her Breath became venemous to those who stood by her. And
thus _Porus_, a certain _Indian_ King, is said to use Poison every Day,
that he might kill others. It is a known History, adds he, of a young
Woman, fed with Poison, with which the _Persian_ Kings destroy’d whom
they pleas’d.
Add to this another traditional Opinion, _viz._ that some particular
Persons have an evil Eye, which affects Children and Cattle; yea, that
some have this unhappy Faculty, tho’ at the same Time void of any ill
Design. This has been an old Tradition, as appears from that of the
Poet[80].
Footnote 80:
_Nescio quis teneros oculus mihi fascinat agnos._ See _Martin_ on the
Western Islands, _p._ 122, 123.
On the Mountains of _Ceylon_ in the _East-Indies_, are Serpents of such
vast Size, that they swallow young Cattle: Their Flesh is very delicate,
and has a most pleasing Taste; therefore is very much eaten.
This Island of _Ceylon_ is one of the most charming Situation on the
Earth, the Key and Glory of the _Indies_; the Air so temperate, that,
properly speaking, they feel neither Heat nor Cold; the Vales and Hills
are always covered with Flowers, the Fields cover’d with Fruits of all
Sorts; and in the Woods are Serpents call’d _Lizards_, full three Hands
long, whose Flesh is excellent Meat[81].
Footnote 81:
_Ribeyro_’s History of _Ceylon_, presented to the King of _Portugal_,
1685, translated out of _Portuguese_ into _French_, printed at
_Trevoux_, 1701.
In the second Part is a more ample Description of _Ceylon_.
The _Iguana_ Serpent is amphibious, lays numerous Eggs, grateful to the
Taste, is very good Nourishment, preferable to _Spanish_ Rabbits; and in
the City of _Mexico_ these Serpents are brought to the Markets,
especially in the quadragesimal Days.
A _Spanish_ Historian says, the _Iguanas_ are shap’d like the
_Alligators_, very ugly, as big as Lap-dogs, of several Colours; the
_Spaniards_ observe, that their Flesh tastes like the Pheasants, and
feed upon it with pleasure[82].
Footnote 82:
_Herrera_’s Hist. Vol. ii. p. 14.
The learned _Ray_, speaking of the _Liboya_, that monstrous _American_
Serpent, says, that after it has swallow’d a large Animal, its Head
grows heavy and sleepy, that it can neither run nor fight; the Hunters
finding it in this stupid Posture, soon strangle him with a Rope; and
being kill’d, cut the Carcass into Parcels, and sell the Flesh for Food,
which is reckon’d a delightful Entertainment[83]. The same Author adds,
that both _Africans_ and _Americans_ having cut off the Head and Tail of
the _Kanina_ Serpent, eat the Body as part of their constant Repast.
_Ibid._ 328.
Footnote 83:
_Raii Synopsis_, p. 334,—_Solo reste_—_caroque ejus pro cibo
gratissimo venditur_.
_BRASILIAN_ Serpents call’d _Lizards_ are slay’d, broil’d as little
Fishes, and eaten by the Negroes or Blackmoors that are transported into
that Country from _Africa_.
I am inform’d of a Gentleman of the Law at _Ludlow_, who having prick’d
a living Toad in various Parts, sucks its Moisture, and leaves it as
must a Skeleton as the Purse of a Client.
Thus we see that the Almighty is so far from being chargeable with
Defect of Wisdom and Goodness, in forming of Serpents, that both as Food
and Physick, they may be equally improv’d to our Advantage.
I shall only add one Remark here, that if Serpents, and other venemous
Creatures, are hurtful to us, ’tis only by Accident, that is, they are
not vexatious to us, of Necessity, but through our own Ignorance,
Carelessness, or Mistake; _e. gr._
“The Birds we call _Stares_, safely feed upon _Hemlock_;
_Storks_ feed on Adders, and Slow-Worms; which, and other
hurtful Creatures, would be as harmless to ourselves, had we
always Caution enough to avoid them, or Wit enough to use them
as we should. Thus _Aloes_ has the Property of promoting
Hæmorrhages; but this Property is good or bad, as ’tis used: if
by one that has the _Green Sickness_, it will prove a good
Medicine; if by one subject to a _Dysentery_, or to spitting of
Blood, a pernicious Poison.”[84]
Footnote 84:
Dr. _Neh. Grew_’s _Cosmologia Sacra_, B. iii. cap. 2. p. 103.
And it is very probable, that the most dangerous Poisons skilfully
managed, may be made, not only innocuous, but, of all other Medicines,
the most effectual. Opium corrected, loses its narcotic Quality, and is
safely given in great Doses, in Fluxes, Catarrhs, and convulsive Cases.
It is generally agreed, there is no Part of a Viper, not even the Gall
itself, but may be swallowed without harm; accordingly the Ancients,
and, as several Authors of Credit assure us, the _Indians_ and others at
this day, both of the East and West, eat them, as we do, Eels.
Spontaneous Productions of the Earth were the first Food, and still are
the Sustenance of numerous Nations. It was some time before they came to
the Juices of Cattle, as Milk, and longer before they commenced
carnivorous, and devoured their Fellow-Animals.
Some think the Fruits of the Earth were intended as Man’s sole Food, and
that nothing but Necessity or Luxury first prompted to feed upon Flesh:
And indeed, by the Structure of Man’s Teeth, it looks as if they were
not proper to devour Flesh; and that Nature had rather intended and
prepared them for cutting Herbs, Roots,——than, for tearing of Flesh.
Yea, Children don’t affect Animal Food, till their Palates be vitiated
by Custom; and, further, when we feed upon Flesh, it must be prepared by
roasting or boiling, which makes it harder of Digestion, than all other
Animal Food; and therefore forbid in Fevers, and other Distempers.
----------------------------------------------------------------