14
MANUAL OF VACCINATION FOR THE
(b) Mode of filling them.—Having opened a vesicle in the usual way
in three or four places with the point of a lancet or needle, the tube, held
more or less horizontally, is charged by applying one end of it to the exuding
lymph, which enters immediately by the force of capillary attraction, and as
much lymph is allowed to enter as will occupy one-third of the tube
(sufficient for one vaccination). It is now to be sealed in the following
way :—Make the lymph gravitate towards the middle by holding the tube
vertically, and, if necessary, by giving it a few slight shocks, by striking the
wrist on the arm or table. Then seal the end by which the lymph entered
by applying it to the surface of the flame of a spirit lamp or candle. It
melts over and is sealed immediately. Proceed with the other end in the
same way, but first plunge it suddenly, say half an inch, into the flame (to
expel a portion of the enclosed air and prevent the bursting of the tube by
its expansion) and as quickly withdraw it till it touches the surface as
before, and hold it there till it, too, melts over—care being taken that the heat
of the flame does not for a moment reach the lymph. In no case is a tube
to be laid down till the lymph has been made to pass to the middle of it; for
the fluid would otherwise adhere about the orifice and prevent its being
detached afterwards; and do not delay sealing it for more than five minutes,
or else the lymph will evaporate or become adherent. Care must be taken
that the lymph is quite pure and clear, free from all epithelial scales, pus
globules, and blood discs. Lymph so preserved will retain its virtues
unimpaired for a lengthened period in a cool climate, but does not remain
potent long in the heat of India. Two or three or more tubes can be
charged from one vesicle. In order to obtain the lymph from the tube for
the purpose of vaccinating, the sealed ends are broken off, and the fluid
contents blown out gently by the mouth on to the arm or point of the
vaccinating instruments.
Mode of charging the points.
21. When it is required to charge these, they should be first dropped
into pure or boiling water and allowed to dry, and then charged on both
sides with fresh vaccine from a suitable vesicle. The vesicle having been
pricked and the lymph allowed to exude, the ends of the points are dipped
into the lymph so that both sides are coated for about one third or half an inch.
The lymph should be allowed to dry by placing them on the tin needle box.
When required for use, they should be dipped in pure water to moisten the
dry lymph, and then rubbed on the arm previously prepared by the vaccina-
tion needle. When carried about they should be placed in the tin box
provided for the purpose and carefully packed in cotton wool. Vaccine
points, when used fresh (within two or three days) and in the manner des-
cribed, are very effective.
Directions for the use of Lanoline Paste.
22. During storage and transport, keep the vaccine cool. Make the
scarification in the usual manner. If skilfully performed, no blood should
flow. If this occurs, the blood should be removed by clean pieces of blotting
paper or cloth before inserting the paste. It is better to make two insertions
on each arm. In infants below six months of age, and in delicate children
make one insertion only on each arm, as one successful vesicle will probably,
and two will certainly, give the standard requirement of half a square inch.
In vaccinating several children at one sitting, use two scarifiers—one of which
may be cleaned by an assistant, whilst the other is in use. In opening the
pot do not expose the paste to the direct rays of the sun or to dust. In
taking out the vaccine, use the scoop end of the silver paste measure; but
see that the instrument is perfectly clean before it is put in. Remove a