Bad Medicine

From the Garden of Eden to the jungles of the Amazon, snakes are creatures that have evoked both fear and fascination in human lore, myths, and reality. Fear of snakebites and snakes is grounded in a stark reality as snakes are responsible for an estimated 81,000 to 138,000 deaths each year, with many more suffering from the consequences of their venom. Despite this fear and the high stakes of snake encounters, humanity's quest to understand and counteract snake venom has led to significant medical advancements. A new book, authored by Bob Ashley, Charles F. Smith, and Gordon W. Schuett, entitled, “A Photographic History of Snakebite Treatments: Bad Medicine: Snake Oil, Potions, Elixirs, and Kits,” sinks its teeth into the topic of "Bad Medicine" and explores its fascinating history.

The earliest treatments for snakebites can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where the approaches ranged from mystical to rudimentary medicine. In ancient Egypt, incantations and spells were as much a part of the healing process as the use of plant-based poultices. Similarly, Ayurvedic medicine in India utilized complex herbal mixtures intended to counteract venom. The Greeks and Romans also had their methods, which included the use of the 'Theriaca Andromachi', a complex concoction containing dozens of ingredients, believed to be an antidote not just for snakebites but for poison in general.

While some indigenous cultures believe that snakes are harbingers of evil, others honor snakes as symbols of protection, fertility, and even eternal life. Without knowledge of the scientific method, earlier civilizations relied on myths and miracles as remedies.

Snakes are symbolic across cultures, countries, and centuries, and snakebites are a universal human fear,” says co-author Bob Ashley. “We wanted to chronicle history through this thread of commonality, using beautiful photographs and factual descriptions to highlight the inventive and often hilarious ways humans have responded to snakebites.”

Desperation and human gullibility have nurtured much of the strange history of "snake oil." This new book, published by Eco Publishing, outlines the ruthless charlatan commercial exploitation of two centuries of marketing snakebite first aid kits and devices. It explores the bewildering and often terrifying experiences of venomous snakebites and the ineffective treatments that victims endured.

In addition to the kits, potions, and elixirs photographed for the book, the authors also cover shamanic and religious treatments, cures sought from the natural world – including fermented potions and animal part emetics, and attempts to remedy venom through bodily assaults like bloodletting. The history also includes modern-era approaches with clinical and medical bases.

Mass production of snakebite kits began in the late 1800s. Most of these kits included mechanical devices for cutting into the fang marks, applying a tourniquet, and/or suctioning out the venom. Despite their documented uselessness and the potential harm they can cause, many of these kits continue to be marketed today.

The treatment of snakebites has evolved significantly with the development of antivenoms in the late 19th century. Modern research continues to improve antivenom efficacy, reduce allergic reactions, and address the challenge of treating bites from various snake species.

"A Photographic History of Snakebite Treatments," combines the passions of its three authors: Bob Ashley is ECO Wear & Publishing’s founder and has published more than 40 titles on reptiles and amphibians. He is also the founder of the Chiricahua Desert Museum in New Mexico, a co-founder of the North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show, a former President of the International Herpetological Symposium, and the current Vice President. Charles F. Smith and Gordon W. Schuett both hold PhDs and have collectively published hundreds of papers on life sciences, biology, and reptiles topics, as well as several previous co-authored books.

Their book offers a unique perspective on the evolution of snakebite treatments. It includes details on the marvels of medicine from 1800 - to the present and also slithers into the future as it touches on current research. The photographic chronicle is a captivating read for anyone curious about the history of snakebite treatments over the millennia.