Contrary to the general impression, snake-venom when swallowed is a deadly poison, as proved by the experiments of Fayrer, Mitchell, and Reichert.

Death is most likely caused by paralysis of the vital centers through the circulation.

In this country the wounds invariably are on the extremities, while in India the cobra sometimes strikes on the shoulder or neck.
If called on to describe accurately the symptoms of snake-venom poisoning, few medical men could respond correctly.

In most cases the wound is painful, sometimes exaggerated by the mental condition, which is wrought up to a pitch rarely seen in other equally fatal injuries.
It is often difficult to discern the exact point of puncture, so minute is it.

There is swelling due to effusion of blood, active inflammation, and increasing pain.