Snake Tales: Cures for Snake Bites
Mechanics’ Institutes and Schools of Arts have been the venue for lectures on a whole range of subjects over the years. These are some accounts of lectures on Snake Bites. Please note, that the I do note endorse the ‘cures’ put forward and urge you to seek medical help in the case of snake bite.
In December 1863, Dr Berncastle have a lecture in snakes in Kiama -
On last Wednesday evening, Dr. Berncastle of Sydney, gave a lecture to the members of the School of Arts here on Snake Bites, and their antidotes. The admission to the lecture was free to the public, and we regret that not withstanding this, the attendance was very small. The lecturer has evidently given a great deal of attention to the treatment of Snakebites, and he has come to the conclusion that the best antidote is a pint of pure spirits. He recommends the patient to take the spirits as soon as the feeling of faintness comes on, and relief will speedily be felt. In addition to the spirits, the lecturer recommends a tight bandage close to the wound to stop the circulation of the blood, and that the wound be well sucked. He says that there is not the least danger likely to result to the one who sucks the wound. The snake's poison he says, proceeds from two fangs situated, one in each jaw, about a quarter of an inch back from the front of the mouth. The poisonous fangs are short and hidden from casual inspection by a little loose flesh which lies along the upper jaw. All the snakes in this colony have not the poisonous fangs, and therefore their bite is not dangerous to life. The handsome carpet snake has not the poisonous fangs, and its bite is consequently quite harmless. The brown and black snakes have the poisonous fangs, and their bite is poisonous. The lecture was an interesting one, and well fitted to remove a great deal of the needless fear with which many regard the snakes of this country. (2)
By 1868 Dr Berncastle was in Victoria giving the same lecture and we can place him at the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute (The Athenaeum), Bendigo, Emerald Hill (South Melbourne) as well as the Hobart Mechanics’ Institute. (3)
Dr Berncastle at the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institution
The Herald, February 7, 1868 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244956586
Snake Bites and their cure. To the Editor of The Herald.
Sir, Considering, after the late trial, that the public must be sorely puzzled to know, what to do to save their lives in case of snake-bite and having devoted, for a number of years, much time to the practical part of the question, I shall be willing to give my lecture on the cure of all snake-bites, with illustrations, etc., free, to any institution, society, or mechanics' institute in or near Melbourne, on any evening that I may be asked to do so during the year. I am,
Sir, yours obediently,
J. Berncastle, M.R.C.P.L.. Etc. 127 Collins street east, 19th June. (4)
The case Dr Berncastle referred to was that of Joseph Shires who was charged with manslaughter. Shires claimed his antidote would be effective against snake bite and William Drummond permitted himself to be bitten by a snake which Shires had with him. Needless to say the antidote did not work and Mr Drummond died. Shires was found not guilty. Dr Berncastle gave evidence at the trial. (5)
Twenty years later, Dr Ellison was doing the rounds of Schools of Arts in Queensland. He advocated the following treatment, in 1885, when he gave a lecture at the Brisbane School of Arts -
He said there was no perfect cure for snakebite. The best plan when a person had been bitten was to tie a ligature as tightly as possible a little above the wound. The ligature should be tightened until it was almost unbearable. Another ligature should be placed about a couple of inches, above the first one. The wound should then be pinched up with the fingers and cut out with a pair of scissors or a knife. Probably two small drops of poison would be found lying on the wound, and these should be washed away with water or Condy's fluid. (6) The author of the article reminded the readers also noted how essential this liquid was - Condy's fluid, without a supply of which no man should go into the bush. (7)
In 1909 and 1910 Professor Morrissey gave some graphic lectures on the same subject in New South Wales -
Professor Morrissey of snake fame lectured in the Literary Institute, Uralla, to a crowded audience. In the presence of a number of reliable residents, Morrisey gave a demonstration of the efficacy of his method of treating snakebite. Two fowls were bitten by two tiger snakes. A person held the fowls while Morrissey applied the snakes. The fowl untreated was found to be dead in 90 seconds after being bitten on the leg. When the second fowl had also been bitten on the leg, Morrissey fixed a ligature, scarified the wound, and applied his antidote. The bird was no worse when the ligature was removed at the close of the proceedings. The demonstration was entirely beyond suspicion, Morrissey leaving to those present to decide which snake was to bite either fowl, and which fowl was to be treated. Morrissey declares that there is sufficient herb from which he extracts his antidote growing in the Uralla district to make enough antidote for all parts of the State. (8)
The next year he repeated the lecture at the Tenterfield School of Arts, where again two fowls were bitten, and the one give the antidote survived. At this lecture - As a final demonstration Professor Morrissey allowed the tiger snake to bite him on the finger, when the same routine was gone through, ;and a complete cure was accomplished, thus demonstrating the efficiency of the antidote as prepared by the Professor. During the lecture, Professor Morrissey imparted some valuable information with regard to the treatment of snake bites, which was most attentively listened to and appreciated. (9)
If you are wondering what qualifications Professor Morrisey had, it seems they were more in the lines of showmanship rather than academia as this report attests - Morrisey is 57 years of age, and a stonemason by trade. He took to snake charming since the death of his wife some years ago. He says he rather likes the life of snake hunting; it affords him some recreation and amusement. Once he was showing a lot of snakes to a crowd where he pinched a somewhat timid man. This man, thinking he had been bitten by a snake, showed all the symptoms of snake poisoning! He occasionally gives lectures - private and public - and earns considerable sums in showing his powers with reptiles before parties who engage him for that purpose. (10)
Snake Tales: Snakes in the building
I found these accounts of snakes in Mechanics’ Institutes. They are from the time when the solution to snakes inside was to capture them and destroy them. Snakes are now a protected species, so remember, if you see a snake in your Mechanics’ Institute, be kind and call a snake catcher.
Bendigo, 1887
A Snake at the Mechanics' Institute. - Last evening a gentleman coming out of the Mechanics' Institute observed a small black snake about 15 inches long crawling up the steps just at the front door. Assistance was procured, and the visitor was "run in" to a glass bottle and secured. It will be handed over to the director of the School of Mines this morning. The snake being a young one, the inference is that there are some more of the family about, probably in the garden in front. Some facetious individuals suggest that the snake was entering the institute in pursuit of knowledge, or perhaps that it was making his way to the museum upstairs to "give himself up," or to visit some of his relatives imprisoned in bottles in that portion of the building. (11)
Mount Magnet, W.A., 1899
On Sunday evening, during the church service in the Mechanics' Institute, the congregation was startled by asnake, about three feet in length, making its appearancefrom below the piano, on which the Rev. B. G. Richardson was playing a hymn. Several gentlemen in thecongregation made an attack on the reptile, but itescaped. Mr. Richardson had a narrow escape, as, intaking his foot from the pedestal, he almost trod on thereptile. Consternation prevailed among the female worshippers, who clambered on the seats. After its retirement the reverend gentleman resumed the service. (12)
Burra, S.A., 1905
Though the weather is not what can be called hot for this time of the year snakes are making their appearance in the hills, and several have been also seen within the municipality. On Saturday Cr. West noticed one, measuring 4ft, strolling from towards the Institute to the avenue. Assistance was called and His Snakeship despatched. It is not known whether Mr. Snake had been on a mission of inspection to the library, or inspecting the Corporation public works, of which Cr. West is chairman. Any how, he lost his life in the venture, and will therefore never trespass again. (13)
Victor Harbour, S.A., 1917
On Tuesday afternoon a snake was discovered coiled up on the steps of the Institute. After the shock of the discovery was got over the hero, in the person of Mr Geo. Woodard, turned up, and with the aid of a couple of large stones (found lying on the side of the road evidently for the purpose) put the reptile out of existence. (14)
Walhalla, 1921
On Thursday, a black snake nearly 3ft. long was discovered and quickly despatched in the vestibule of the Mechanics' Institute; and, on Sunday last, Mr Cliff Gerrard killed a "copper-head" on the river cutting - at the back of the railway station. The reptile measured 5ft. 8in. (15)
Twenty years later, Dr Ellison was doing the rounds of Schools of Arts in Queensland. He advocated the following treatment, in 1885, when he gave a lecture at the Brisbane School of Arts -
He said there was no perfect cure for snakebite. The best plan when a person had been bitten was to tie a ligature as tightly as possible a little above the wound. The ligature should be tightened until it was almost unbearable. Another ligature should be placed about a couple of inches, above the first one. The wound should then be pinched up with the fingers and cut out with a pair of scissors or a knife. Probably two small drops of poison would be found lying on the wound, and these should be washed away with water or Condy's fluid. (6) The author of the article reminded the readers also noted how essential this liquid was - Condy's fluid, without a supply of which no man should go into the bush. (7)
In 1909 and 1910 Professor Morrissey gave some graphic lectures on the same subject in New South Wales -
Professor Morrissey of snake fame lectured in the Literary Institute, Uralla, to a crowded audience. In the presence of a number of reliable residents, Morrisey gave a demonstration of the efficacy of his method of treating snakebite. Two fowls were bitten by two tiger snakes. A person held the fowls while Morrissey applied the snakes. The fowl untreated was found to be dead in 90 seconds after being bitten on the leg. When the second fowl had also been bitten on the leg, Morrissey fixed a ligature, scarified the wound, and applied his antidote. The bird was no worse when the ligature was removed at the close of the proceedings. The demonstration was entirely beyond suspicion, Morrissey leaving to those present to decide which snake was to bite either fowl, and which fowl was to be treated. Morrissey declares that there is sufficient herb from which he extracts his antidote growing in the Uralla district to make enough antidote for all parts of the State. (8)
The next year he repeated the lecture at the Tenterfield School of Arts, where again two fowls were bitten, and the one give the antidote survived. At this lecture - As a final demonstration Professor Morrissey allowed the tiger snake to bite him on the finger, when the same routine was gone through, ;and a complete cure was accomplished, thus demonstrating the efficiency of the antidote as prepared by the Professor. During the lecture, Professor Morrissey imparted some valuable information with regard to the treatment of snake bites, which was most attentively listened to and appreciated. (9)
If you are wondering what qualifications Professor Morrisey had, it seems they were more in the lines of showmanship rather than academia as this report attests - Morrisey is 57 years of age, and a stonemason by trade. He took to snake charming since the death of his wife some years ago. He says he rather likes the life of snake hunting; it affords him some recreation and amusement. Once he was showing a lot of snakes to a crowd where he pinched a somewhat timid man. This man, thinking he had been bitten by a snake, showed all the symptoms of snake poisoning! He occasionally gives lectures - private and public - and earns considerable sums in showing his powers with reptiles before parties who engage him for that purpose. (10)
Snake Tales: Snakes in the building
I found these accounts of snakes in Mechanics’ Institutes. They are from the time when the solution to snakes inside was to capture them and destroy them. Snakes are now a protected species, so remember, if you see a snake in your Mechanics’ Institute, be kind and call a snake catcher.
Bendigo, 1887
A Snake at the Mechanics' Institute. - Last evening a gentleman coming out of the Mechanics' Institute observed a small black snake about 15 inches long crawling up the steps just at the front door. Assistance was procured, and the visitor was "run in" to a glass bottle and secured. It will be handed over to the director of the School of Mines this morning. The snake being a young one, the inference is that there are some more of the family about, probably in the garden in front. Some facetious individuals suggest that the snake was entering the institute in pursuit of knowledge, or perhaps that it was making his way to the museum upstairs to "give himself up," or to visit some of his relatives imprisoned in bottles in that portion of the building. (11)
Mount Magnet, W.A., 1899
On Sunday evening, during the church service in the Mechanics' Institute, the congregation was startled by asnake, about three feet in length, making its appearancefrom below the piano, on which the Rev. B. G. Richardson was playing a hymn. Several gentlemen in thecongregation made an attack on the reptile, but itescaped. Mr. Richardson had a narrow escape, as, intaking his foot from the pedestal, he almost trod on thereptile. Consternation prevailed among the female worshippers, who clambered on the seats. After its retirement the reverend gentleman resumed the service. (12)
Burra, S.A., 1905
Though the weather is not what can be called hot for this time of the year snakes are making their appearance in the hills, and several have been also seen within the municipality. On Saturday Cr. West noticed one, measuring 4ft, strolling from towards the Institute to the avenue. Assistance was called and His Snakeship despatched. It is not known whether Mr. Snake had been on a mission of inspection to the library, or inspecting the Corporation public works, of which Cr. West is chairman. Any how, he lost his life in the venture, and will therefore never trespass again. (13)
Victor Harbour, S.A., 1917
On Tuesday afternoon a snake was discovered coiled up on the steps of the Institute. After the shock of the discovery was got over the hero, in the person of Mr Geo. Woodard, turned up, and with the aid of a couple of large stones (found lying on the side of the road evidently for the purpose) put the reptile out of existence. (14)
Walhalla, 1921
On Thursday, a black snake nearly 3ft. long was discovered and quickly despatched in the vestibule of the Mechanics' Institute; and, on Sunday last, Mr Cliff Gerrard killed a "copper-head" on the river cutting - at the back of the railway station. The reptile measured 5ft. 8in. (15)
A tiger snake was killed at the front door of the Mechanics’ Institute a few evenings ago by Sen. Constable Tatchell. The reptile showed fight at first, but a swift stroke on his backbone settled him. (16)
Frankston, 1923
Snake Despatched. A black snake, over three feet long, was destroyed a few days ago in the grounds of the Mechanics' Institute, Frankston. It is said that snakes are susceptible to music. By the irony of fate, it was a lady musician whose keen eye brought about the downfall of this latest victim to man's vengeance! (17)
Dangerous snakes of Victoria, indicated by Professor McCoy.
Printed by John Ferres, Government Printer, for the Education Department, Melbourne, Victoria, 1877.
State Library of Victoria Image H99.24/1-2 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/459295
Frankston, 1923
Snake Despatched. A black snake, over three feet long, was destroyed a few days ago in the grounds of the Mechanics' Institute, Frankston. It is said that snakes are susceptible to music. By the irony of fate, it was a lady musician whose keen eye brought about the downfall of this latest victim to man's vengeance! (17)
Dangerous snakes of Victoria, indicated by Professor McCoy.
Printed by John Ferres, Government Printer, for the Education Department, Melbourne, Victoria, 1877.
State Library of Victoria Image H99.24/1-2 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/459295
Wingham, NSW, 1954
Encounter with Snake. Excitement At School Of Arts. Mr. A. C. Beal had a startling experience yesterday afternoon. Going through some papers on his shelf at his office in the Wingham School of Arts, he was suddenly confronted by a 5 ft black snake, which had evidently sought a quiet spot in the box containing the papers....Mr Beal sought the assistance of postal employers next door, and Constable Manley, and between them the unwelcome intruder was carefully carried in the box to a suitable site for execution - which was quite naturally not very far away - and the snake was killed. (18)
Encounter with Snake. Excitement At School Of Arts. Mr. A. C. Beal had a startling experience yesterday afternoon. Going through some papers on his shelf at his office in the Wingham School of Arts, he was suddenly confronted by a 5 ft black snake, which had evidently sought a quiet spot in the box containing the papers....Mr Beal sought the assistance of postal employers next door, and Constable Manley, and between them the unwelcome intruder was carefully carried in the box to a suitable site for execution - which was quite naturally not very far away - and the snake was killed. (18)
Trove list - I have created a list of article on Snakes and Mechanics' Institutes - access it here.
Footnotes
(1) You can read Useful Knowledge here, https://mivic.org.au/newsletter/. I have been editor since issue 56.
(2) Illawarra Mercury, January 5, 1864, see here.
(3) The Herald, February 7, 1869, see here; Bendigo Advertiser, May 23, 1868, see here; The Argus, May 3, 1870, see here; Tasmanian Times, November 28, 1968, see here.
(4) The Herald, June 20, 1868, see here.
(5) The Leader, June 20, 1868, see here.
(6) Brisbane Telegraph, July 27, 1885, see here.
(7) Brisbane Courier, July 25, 1885, see here.
(8) Wagga Wagga Express, January 23, 1909, see here.
(9) Tenterfield Intercolonial Courier, September 20, 1910, see here.
(10) Cessnock Express, August 28, 1909, see here.
(11) Bendigo Advertiser, December 19, 1887, see here.
(12) Perth Inquirer, January 20, 1899, see here.
(13) Burra Record, October 25, 1905, see here.
(14) Victor Harbour Times, October 5, 1917, see here.
(15) Narracan Shire Advocate, March 2, 1921, see here.
(16) Shepparton Advertiser, January 8, 1923, see here.
(17) Frankston & Somerville Standard, April 6, 1923, see here.
(18) Wingham Chronicle, December 14, 1954, see here.
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