An appendix to a course of chymistry being additional remarks to the former operations : together with the process of the volatile sale of tartar and some other useful preparations / writ in French by Monsieur Nicholas Lemery ; translated by Walter Harris ...

Add to pag. 309. l. 11. in the Chap. Of Vipers.

I am apt to conceive, that the Venom of Vi∣pers is caused by an affluence of Acid salts, vio∣lently thrown forth, and which by insinuating into the Veins, do by degrees cause a Coagulum in the Bloud, to hinder its Circulation, and the course of the spirits; this opinion is the more probable, in that Coagulated Bloud has been found in the Veins of many Animals, which have been bit by the Viper, and besides the most power∣ful Remedies that cure this Poison, are Volatile Alkali salts, which are proper to dissolve the Coagulum.

As for what may be said, that if this discourse were true, the Natural acidity of the Bloud would Coagulate it sometimes, as it happens to Milk which Curdles of it self; and that this Coagulation would produce the same effects as does the Venom of Vipers; this Objection raises no difficulty at all. For the Bloud circulating

in its Natural way, the Acidity that is in it is so well united to it, that it cannot separate to make a Coagulum, no more than the acidity that is in milk can separate from it, whilest the milk remains in the Teats, for we see it never uses to Curdle there, unless occasioned by some Distemper.

And again, who can doubt but certain Pesti∣lential Airs, or divers Diseases that come from the corruption of the humours of the body, may be able to Coagulate the Bloud, and have the same effect as the venom of Vipers?