Note 48 — Chapter XII

The great Usefulness of mercurial Frictions, we may even say, the certain Security which they procure for the Patients, in these Cases, provided they are applied very soon after the Bite, have been demonstrated by their Success in Provence, at Lyons, at Montpellier, at Pondacherry, and in many other Places. Neither have these happy Events been invalidated by any Observations or Instances to the contrary. It cannot therefore be too strongly inculcated to those who have been bitten by venomous Animals, to comply with the Use of them. They ought to be used in such a Quantity, and after such a Manner, as to excite a moderate Salivation, for fifteen, twenty, or even thirty Days. E. L. Though this Practice may justly be pursued from great Caution, when no Cautery had been speedily applied to, and no such Discharge had been obtained from, the bitten Part; yet wherever it had, this long and depressing Salivation, I conceive, would be very seldom necessary; and might be hurtful to weak Constitutions. K.