In the sixteenth century arrows were still
considerably used in warfare, and we find Pare a delineating the
treatment of this class of injuries with the sovereign good sense
that characterized his writings. As the use of firearms became
prevalent the literature of wounds from arrows became meager, and
the report of an instance in the present day is very rare.
Bill has collected statistics and thoroughly discussed this
subject, remarking upon the rapidity with which American Indians
discharge their arrows, and states that it is exceptional to meet
with only a single wound. 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.
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