If the bite is on any part of the hand, the ligature should be made above the wrist, by means of a garter or cord, lapped several times round the arm, and rendered as tight as possible, by a small stick thrust betwixt the folds of the cord or garter, and twisted round very hard, to prevent the circulation of the blood betwixt the part bitten and the other part of the body. Ligatures of the same kind, applied by any one present, or the man himself, will frequently save a person's life, where, by accident, an artery in any of the limbs is wounded, and no surgeon is at hand.
497. _Prevention of Hydrophobia._--As there has been hitherto no remedy discovered which can be said to possess a specific control over this dreadful malady, and therefore little hope can be entertained of a cure for it, our best endeavors should be directed to the _preventive_ treatment. This is to be commenced, then, by completely cutting out the whole wound as soon as possible after the bite of a suspected animal. After this, bleeding should be encouraged by immersion in warm water, or the application of a cupping-glass. Caustic should next be applied to every part of the wound, which is then to be covered with a poultice, and suffered to heal by granulation, or be kept open, and made to suppurate, by irritating ointments. The excision should never be omitted, even though the bitten part have healed, and let the interval since its occurrence be what it may. As for any of innumerable so-called specifics, there is not one that is worth a moment's trial.
498. _To alleviate the Pain occasioned by the Sting of Gnats._--The disagreeable itching occasioned by the sting of these insects, may be removed by volatile alkali, or immediately rubbing and washing the part affected with cold water.
At night, to rub with fuller's earth and water, lessens the inflammation.
499. _Simple and effectual cure for those who may accidentally have swallowed a Wasp._--Instantly, on the alarming accident taking place, put a tea-spoonful of common salt in your mouth, which will instantaneously not only kill the wasp, but at the same time heal the sting.
500. _For the Sting of a Wasp or Bee._--Spread over the part a plaster of salad oil and common salt; if oil be not at hand, the salt may be used, moistened with water or vinegar. Or, keep the part constantly moist with a rag dipped in sal-volatile and cold water, as strong as can be borne without raising the skin. Or, immediately after taking out the sting, get an onion and bruise it, and apply it to the stung place, and it will afford immediate relief. Or, a washerwoman's blue-bag, applied in the same manner, will have a like effect.