TREATMENT OF POISONOUS SNAKE-BITES 265 
species, such as the Cobra or Indian Krait, it is preferable to inject 
into the patient three whole doses of serum at once. 
In cases in which the phenomena of serious intoxication have 
already appeared, and when asphyxia threatens, one must not 
hesitate to inject 10 or even 20 c.c. of serum directly into a vein. 
For such an injection it is most convenient to choose a superficial 
vein at the elbow or wrist, or on the back of the hand. 
The introduction of serum into the veins is never dangerous if 
good care be taken not to allow either bubbles of air or particles 
of precipitated albumin to enter. 
It is not advisable to repeat the injections beneath the skin or 
into the veins unless the general symptoms appear to become more 
acute. 
In most cases the local pain, excitement, and attacks of cramp 
and nausea disappear within a few minutes after the first injection. 
Improvement progresses very rapidly, and by the following day the 
patient has recovered. 
The administration of ammonia, alcohol, morphia, or ether by 
the mouth is entirely superfluous. These drugs, as I have already 
stated, may even be harmful to the patient and hinder the effects 
of the serum. All that should be done is to give copious hot drinks, 
tea or coffee, and to cover up the patient warmly in order to induce 
abundant perspiration. 
The bitten member should not be cauterised with red hot iron 
or with chemical agents of any kind, since such cauterisations only 
lead to injuries which are too often prejudicial to the normal action 
of the affected organs. 
Treatment of Poisonous Bites in the Case of Domestic Animals. 
—It often happens that dogs, horses, or cattle are bitten and 
succumb to the poisoning in a few hours or in two or three days. 
Such accidents are especially frequent among sporting dogs, even 
in Europe, in regions in which vipers are found. 
In most cases, dogs, horses, and cattle are bitten on the nose, 
and such bites are immediately followed by a very painful swelling, 
