It is commonly believed that the Indian tribes make use of poisoned arrows, but from the reports of Bill and others, this must be a very rare custom.

Ashhurst states that he was informed by Dr.Schell, who was stationed for some time at Fort Laramie, that it is the universal custom to dip the arrows in blood, which is allowed to dry on them; it is not, therefore, improbable that septic material may thus be inoculated through a wound.
Many savage tribes still make use of the poisonous arrow.

The Dyak uses a sumpitan, or blow-tube, which is about seven feet long, and having a bore of about half an inch.

Through this he blows his long, thin dart, anointed on the head with some vegetable poison.

Braidwood speaks of the physiologic action of Dajaksch, an arrow-poison used in Borneo.
Arnott has made observations relative to a substance produced near Aden, which is said to be used by the Somalies to poison their arrows.
Messer of the British Navy has made inquiries into the reputed poisonous nature of the arrows of the South Sea Islanders.
Otis has collected reports of arrow-wounds from surgical cases occurring in the U.S.Army.Of the multiple arrow-wounds, six out of the seven cases were fatal.