The Ultimate Guinea Pig

[gwand]

Man who let snakes bite him 200 times spurs new antivenom hope

Tim Friede was feeling particularly down on the day after the September 11 attacks, so he went to his basement and let two of the world's deadliest snakes bite him.

phys.org

 

[Herpin Man]

The idea of allowing oneself to be bitten repeatedly by venomous snakes in order to build up immunity was made popular by Bill Haast, of the Miami Serpentarium. He was bitten by venomous snakes at least 172 times, and still lived to be 100 years old- but his hands were badly deformed from some of the bites.
However, this plan can backfire. Some people develop a sensitivity, rather than immunity, to the venom. I know two individuals who thought it would be a good idea to allow themselves to be envenomated a few times. Both developed a sensitivity to the venom, and both were told by the doctor treating them that the next bite would likely be fatal.

 

[Colin_T]

Let him try with the Inland Taipan (Australia's most venomous snake, also holds number one in the world). One drop of venom can kill 100 men and it pumps a lot more than one drop into you when it bites. It's venom is so toxic they can't even make an antivenom for it because it kills the horses they inject it into to make the antivenom. One bite from this sucker and your dead in minutes if you don't get immediate help.

 

[GaryE]

However, this plan can backfire. Some people develop a sensitivity, rather than immunity, to the venom. I know two individuals who thought it would be a good idea to allow themselves to be envenomated a few times. Both developed a sensitivity to the venom, and both were told by the doctor treating them that the next bite would likely be fatal.

Somehow, this seems like a metaphor for a whole lot of things in life.

 

[Herpin Man]

Somehow, this seems like a metaphor for a whole lot of things in life.

Indeed.