harnJful physical state of the rheumatoid affliction. This aspect of 

 bee venom has been fully covered by an American treatise' on the, 

 subject which gives full details. 



Treatment takes the form of hypodermic injections made 

 intracutaneously with bee venom refined by a well-known firm of 

 druggists, but the injections can only be administered by a doctor. 

 The prepared venom is available in various selected strengths even 

 to the thousandth part of the amount normally received from natural 

 bee sting. This ensures that no ill-effects resuh from the treatment 

 even on allergic people as controlled dosage is given from the start 

 and increased in predetermined steps. In fact, so successful has this, 

 been that the preparation can now be obtained in the form of an 

 ointment which can be rubbed into the painful areas with beneficial 

 results. The latter is, of course, more local in its action and is not 

 nearly so effective as the injections. 



When one considers the expensive course of baths and costly 

 treatments which are the recognised manner of dealing with the 

 various forms of this complaint it is surprising that more do not 

 take up such a pleasant occupation as bee-keeping, affording as it 

 does a complete course of treatment free of charge, which is some- 

 times effective within a few months. 



Personal susceptibility. Some people are in regard to being stung 

 what insurance companies call " accident prone," that is they are 

 more likely to become stung than their fellow bee-keepers. Whereas 

 some people can do just what they like with bees and remain un- 

 scathed, others seem to attract them like iron filings to a magnet. 

 This is largely due to their personal aroma being offensive to the 

 bee which has an extraordinarily keen sense of smell. Furthermore, 

 those of a nervous temperament whose actions may be erratic and 

 hasty are very much more vulnerable than placid and easy-going 

 folk. Speaking generally, it would seem that bees are more provoked 

 into stinging women than men. 



The body odour if pronounced irritates the bee, and the smell 

 of perspiration is particularly obnoxious to her and arouses her 

 antagonism towards the offending cause. Those who perspire freely 

 should therefore observe the precautions given later, and avoid having 

 intimate proximity with the bees when very hot, or they will be 

 asking for trouble, and will probably not be disappointed. 



It should not be overlooked that one's health varies from time 

 to time and that occasionally one is a bit " off colour " without 

 being actually ill or unwell. In these circumstances it is wiser 

 whenever possible to keep away from the bees. Not only is there 

 more likelihood of being stung, but the subsequent symptoms 

 may become more adverse. 



Adults are more susceptible than children who, it may be 

 observed, are singularly free of risk, and are in consequence not so 

 often attacked apart from accidental stings. If a bee alights on a 

 child it will not sting unless itself be first attacked, and will presently 



■^Bodog F. Beck. Bee Venom Therapy. 



29 



