NAJA TRIPUDIANS Virus of the Cobra

Naja produces a typical bulbar paralysis (L. J. Boyd). Causes no hæmorrhage but only œdema, hence the victims of this reptile frequently bear very little sign of external injury a small scratch or puncture being the only indication where the fangs have worked their havoc. The tissue lying beneath the wound is colored dark purple, and a large quantity of viscid blood-like fluid collects in the vicinity of the wound. An intense burning pain at the spot bitten is the first symptom. In man there follows an interval before fresh symptoms occur. The average is about an hour. Once developed, the symptoms follow a rapid course. A feeling of intoxication is produced, followed by a loss of power over the limbs. The patient is bereft of speech, swallowing, and the control over the movement of the lips. The saliva is ejected in large quantities, the respiration gradually becomes slower and slower, and at length ceases. Conscious all time. Is not a hæmorrhagic or septic, medicine like Lachesis and Crotalus. Its action settles around the heart; valvular troubles. Marked surging of blood upwards, marked dyspnœa, inability to lie on left side. Hypertrophy, and valvular lesions. Organs seem to be drawn together. Very susceptible to cold. With heart symptoms, pain in forehead and temples. Diseases, primarily depending upon degeneration of motor cells. Control of sphincters lost.

Mind.--Broods constantly over imaginary troubles. Suicidal insanity (Aur). Depressed. Aversion to talking. Blurred speech. Melancholy. Dreads to be left alone. Fear of rain.

Head.--Pain in left temple and in left orbital region, extending to occiput, with nausea and vomiting. Hay-fever, with dry larynx. Suffocative spells after sleeping (Lach). Eyes staring. Ptosis of both lids.

Ears.--Illusions of hearing; otalgia; chronic otorrhœa, black discharges; smells like herring brine.

Respiratory.--Grasping at throat, with sense of choking. Irritating, dry cough, dependent on cardiac lesions (Spong; Lauroc) Sticky mucus and saliva. Asthmatic constriction in evening. Asthma beginning with coryza.

Heart.--Dragging and anxiety in præcordia. Feeling of weight on heart. Angina pains extending to nape of neck, left shoulder and arm with anxiety and fear of death. With the heart symptoms pain in forehead and temples. Pulse irregular in force. Threatened paralysis of heart, body cold, pulse slow, weak, irregular, tremulous. Acute and chronic endocarditis. Palpitation. Stitching pain in region of heart. Damaged heart after infections diseases. Marked symptoms of low tension (Elaps, Vipera).

Female.--Neuralgia of left ovary; often serviceable in obscure pain in left groin, especially in post-operative cases; seems to be drawn to heart.

Sleep.--Profound, like a log, with stertorous breathing, a typical reptilian state.

Modalities.--Worse, from use of stimulants; better, from walking or riding in open air.

Relationship.--Compare: Serpent poisons generally. Bungarus Fasciatus (Banded Krait). This venom produces a condition like an acute polioencephalitis and myelitis, both symptomatically and histologically. Lach; Crotal; Spig; Spong.

Dose.--Sixth to thirtieth potency.