How to Cure a Snakebite, 1303

British Library, Harley 3244, f. 57r (13th c.)

First, bind the extremity with strong and tight bindings. Second, get an old rooster and pluck its bottom and hold it with its bottom on the bite, and if the rooster dies it is a good sign, because it is a sign that the venom has been drawn out of the body, so apply many roosters until you see that the rooster does not die from the venom.

Bernard de Gordon, Lilium medicinae

Does your first-aid kit include a flock of bare-assed chickens? Be prepared!