19,6 Lantin: Methods of Serum Application 637 
This method is of great advantage only when the patient 
is able to retain the serum for a long period. I know specific 
cases in which patients could retain it for from two to four hours, 
if previously given a high enema of starch solution with lau- 
danum. In case of intramuscular injection in patients whose 
bowel movements have already diminished, the serum per rectum 
works well because the serum, being retained for a longer 
Day of disease. 
4 5 6 7 6 3 /0 II 12 13 14- 15 16 !7 18 
Fig. 4. Showing the effect of serum administered intramuscularly and per rectum 
(enema). Patient G. A. 
period in the lumen of the gut, is absorbed in greater amount. 
Many patients prefer this method because it is not painful. 
The rationale of the administration of serum by intramus- 
cular injection can readily be seen. The main purpose is to 
neutralize the toxin as much as possible by specific antibodies 
which are present in the serum. The results are gratifying. 
If the serum is given, the patient, formerly restless, becomes 
quiet, the temperature gradually falls, the colicky pain and 
tenesmus are less severe, and the stools decrease in number. 
These results may be observed in the twenty-four to forty-eight 
