Scorpio

Scorpio (species various).

Animal Kingdom.

Class , Arachnida.

Order , Scorpiodia.

Authorities.

1 , All. Hom. Zeit, 15, 63, symptoms quoted from the French; 2 , Morisson, Gaz. des Hôp., 1863, No. 61, from Bull. de Méd. de Norde de France, effects of sting; 3 , Skelton, Observator Medico (of the City of Mexico) Med. Record, 1877, 12, p. 370, effects of sting.

• The bitten part very much swollen, with violent pains, lasting from one to three days, 1.
• When an individual has been stung the symptoms may be grouped in three distinct periods; in the first there is heat and pain at the injured spot, general sleepiness, frequent sneezing, restlessness, and slight strabismus; in the second stage saliva is abundantly secreted, there is meteorism, dilatation of the pupil, and pulse varying between 100 and 120; in the third stage there is trismus or tetanus; the first period occurs soon after the sting, and lasts from a quarter of an hour to an hour; the second a little more than fifteen minutes; and the third may be prolonged to three days. Among the native Indians cases are very frequent, and many of the children die; in all children under four years of age the sting is usually fatal; between six and ten severe, but not mortal, while adults never die. Many persons claim to have been stung without experiencing any symptoms; this, in Dr. Puerte's opinion, is because the clothing has absorbed the virus, a fact he seems to have proved experimentally. When the naked skin receives the virus symptoms of poisoning are sure to follow, 3.
• Complete prostration so that the patient could no longer go about, 1.
• Always acute pains and diminished temperature of part bitten, 2.