But it generally happens in the case of a snake bite that the remedy is not at hand, and hours may elapse before it can be obtained.

In this case the following treatment will work well.

Tie a ligature tightly ABOVE the bite, scarify the wound deeply with a knife, and allow it to bleed freely.

After having drawn an ounce of blood, remove the ligature and ignite three times successively about two drams of gunpowder right on the wound.
If gunpowder be not at hand, an ordinary fusee will answer the purpose: or, in default of this, the glowing end of a piece of wood from the fire.

Having done this, proceed to administer as much brandy as the patient will take.