METHODS OF INJECTION. AII 
When symptoms of poisoning have begun to appear, it means 
that the poison has started its deadly work of benumbing 
the nerve cells, or destroying the blood, or both; therefore it is 
imperative that there should be as little delay as possible in 
bringing the serum into actual contact with it. Anti-venene 
serum, if injected direct into the blood-stream, is considerably 
stronger in its power of neutralizing the venom than if injected 
under the skin. This must be carefully borne in mind. 
To medical men and others, experienced in the use of a serum 
syringe, I would recommend that in all cases the serum be 
Fic. 152.—Injecting serum into a vein in the forearm. Select 
one of the surface veins at the back of the hand, arm or 
leg. Push the needle point into the vein along its course, 
and slowly inject. Always inject the serum upwards in 
the direction of the heart. 
injected direct intoa vein. Farmers and people who have had no 
experience in handling a serum syringe would do well to practise 
on animals by injecting salty water. It will do the animal no 
harm and will establish confidence in the operator; for if no 
air-bubbles or sediment be forced into the vein, no injury can 
possibly result. Use a syringe with a transparent barrel. 
Before selecting a vein for injection, apply a temporary 
ligature to make the veins bulge. When the needle is inserted, 
draw out a little blood into the syringe to make certain the vein 
has been punctured, remove the ligature and inject the serum. 
