PENNY WISE AND POUND FOOLISH. 397 



cases of poisoning by acids when the stomach is so severely 

 burned as to make it impossible for the patient to swallow, 

 water is injected under the skin. Instances are on record in 

 medical literature of as much as four pints of water being 

 absorbed in this way in a day. Owing to no preservative being 

 used in the serum provided in the outfit already mentioned, it 

 can safely be injected in excess. 



Penny Wise and Pound Foolish. 



It is strongly recommended that in all cases of snake bite when 

 even slight poisonous symptoms have manifested, that at least 

 two doses of anti-venene serum of 10 c.c. each or one dose of 

 25 c.c. be injected in several places under the skin of the arms, 

 legs, shoulders, or abdomen. It is always preferable to inject 

 to excess. An extra dose or two will frequently turn the scale 

 from otherwise certain death to life and health. 



The lack of intelligence of some people is really surprising. 

 Rather than expend a few shillings on a reliable remedy for 

 snake bite, they trust to the most absurd methods of treatment, 

 or pin their faith to some worthless popular proprietary " cure," 

 or a mysterious Kafir mixture. Others are content to stock a 

 single dose of serum, trusting to luck that it will effect a cure. 

 Some foolishly rely entirely upon the local application of per- 

 manganate of potash and ligatures. 



20 or 25 ex., at least, of anti-venene and a serum syringe 

 should be in the home of every country resident, and others 

 whose occupations take them where there is risk of being bitten 

 by a venomous snake. In fact, all who can afford it should have 

 as much again handy, and when a case of snake bite occurs, 

 inject a dose, under the skin or into the muscles, and then care- 

 fully watch the effects. If the patient seems to be growing worse, 

 inject the second dose, then if it be possible for him to recover, 

 he will soon begin to rally.* 



The serum should be kept in a cool dark place — the cooler 

 and darker the better. It should be examined every now and 

 again, and if the fluid be observed to be getting increasingly 



* A layman must not attempt to inject direct into a vein unless he 

 thoroughly understands the process. 



