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Article
September 1, 1883

BITES OF SERPENTS.

Author Affiliations

34 Throop St. Chicago.

JAMA. 1883;I(8):249-250. doi:10.1001/jama.1883.02390080025009

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Abstract

In the article on the Medical and Surgical Practice of the Aborigines of America, contributed by F. Andros, M.D., and published in your issue of Aug. 4, it is stated that some tribes apply the bruised wild onion for the stings of bees and wasps. I am not aware that any similar practice has been recommended in the literature of our profession, though the juice of the common onion is an excellent application for this purpose. It should be thoroughly applied to the wound immediately after the sting has been received. It acts as a very perfect antidote to the poison, prevents swelling and speedily relieves the pain. No treatment for the bite of the rattlesnake could be better than the Indian practice of sucking the wound; and this involves no danger to the operator, for the venom is innocuous when taken into the stomach. The Indians probably acted wisely

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