ANTHRAX. 
injected without force. The metallic wire is removed from the 
needle and the latter adjusted on the syringe, or the needle may 
be introduced first and syringe adjusted after. After the contents 
of the tube have been well shaken the stopper is removed and the 
required amount withdrawn. Care must be taken to see that the 
syringe is working properly. Air bubbles may be removed by 
holding the syringe upright and gently pressing the piston till a 
drop issues from the needle. The second inoculation should be 
made on the opposite side. It is a matter of vital importance that 
the vaccine be introduced in a pure state ; for this reason, if a tube 
be opened, the contents must be used forthwith. If the whole 
contents cannot be employed 'at once, the portion remaining must be 
dispensed with. It is of equal importance that the syringe be 
absolutely clean. New syringes are generally safe enough, but one 
that has been used must be cleaned before and after the inoculations 
are performed. In order to effect this, the syringe is taken to pieces, 
placed in water, and boiled in it for five or ten minutes. Immediately 
before use it is as well to draw up some absolute alcohol : this will 
render syringe and needle sterile. Cheap and easily sterilized 
syringes are procurable from most instrument makers. If the vaccine 
be not pure^ or the syringe not clean^ foreign organisms may be 
introduced, which m^ay render vaccination ineffective, or what is still 
more serious may give rise to virulent blood-poisoning. 
Every care must be taken to see that the first vaccine is properly 
introduced under the skin ; for if this operation be performed 
hurriedly or carelessly no protection will be afforded and death may 
result after the introduction of second vaccine. 
There is no denying that vaccination is attended with certain 
risks, owing to defects in the operation, quality of the vaccine 
employed, and susceptibility of individuals. In sheep aiid cattle 
vaccination has in some cases resulted in death ; in others serious 
illness, swellings, have followed the operation. 
On the Continent the accidents vaccination gives rise to are said 
not to be so frequent as to cause much alarm. Generally speaking, 
the animals inoculated become sufficiently protected to resist natural 
and even experimental infection. It is stated that vaccine sent to a 
long distance is not easy to preserve^ and in order to obtain really 
good results it must be used as soon as possible after preparation. 
Firmis having an interest in or owning a large number of elephants 
and desirous of trying experiments should make some arrangement 
by which they could, on despatch of telegraphic order, be supplied 
with fresh vaccine, syringes, etc. All information and appliances 
can be obtained from the Director of " The Societe du Vaccin 
Charbonneux Pasteur," 14, Rue des Pyramides, Paris. 
