410 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
serum may conveniently be injected at one spot. More may be 
introduced under the skin in one place, but it is absorbed more 
rapidly when injected in several places. The arms and legs are 
usually selected because the skin does not adhere firmly to the 
muscles on those parts, and it is therefore easier to inject the 
serum under the skin. Moreover, it circulates much _ better. 
After the serum has been injected, gently rub the injected part 
to make the serum dissipate under the skin. 
If the bite has been promptly treated with permanganate 
and the part ligatured within five minutes of being bitten and 
no symptoms of poisoning have set in, then 20 or 25 c.c. anti- 
Fic. 151.—Injecting serum under the skin of the thigh. Always thrust the needle point up 
towards the body. Do not inject into a ligatured limb below the ligature. 
venene may be injected. But if, after an interval, dangerous 
symptoms appear, then inject a second dose, and even a third 
or fourth. It can do no harm, and will probably make all the 
difference and save the life of the patient. At such critical times 
it is extremely false economy to withhold an extra dose or two 
of serum. Always bear in mind that the more you inject, the 
better the chance of a complete recovery. 
If serious symptoms of poisoning have set in before the applica- 
tion of the serum, it should be injected direct into a vein so that 
it may be carried as rapidly as possible throughout the circulation. 
