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E.A. Pierce [15H1], per NYMJ, recommended and described the Gilbert method to treat pleurisy: "In favor of autoserotherapy are, that it is very simple, that it leads to absorption of the exudate in a short period of time in the majority of cases, and it it entirely free from danger so long as we are careful to inject only perfectly clear serum removed from the chest. The simplest technic is to use a large all glass syringe and a long needle. The needle should be introduced into the chest near the upper border of a rib to avoid the danger of injuring the intercostal vessels, and at lease ten cc of fluid should be aspirated into the syringe. If this fluid is clear the needle should be partly withdrawn and its point thruist further under the skin, and the contents of the syringe, not to exceed ten cc, are injected subcutaneously. [It is noted that other writers have commonly reported the use of smaller doses, about 2cc per injection.] If at the end of a few days the fluid in the chest has not begun to recede, or if it stops receding after an initial diminution, the procedure should be repeated. There are no contraindications to the procedure."
E.A. Pierce [15H1] provided detailed instructions for application of the Gilbert method: "Have the patient in a sitting position with the forearm of the affected side across the top of the head. A glass syringe of suitable size, armed with a rather long needle of proper gague is used. [... an all glass syringe of 10cc capacity, and fitted with a slip point 18 gague leur needle is preferable ...] Carefully select a site below the level of the fluid and, having sterilized the skin with tincture of iodin, insert the needle immediately above the upper border of the selected rib, thus avoiding the artery and nerve. Having inserted the needle the desired distance, carefully withdraw the piston until 5-10cc of fluid are obtained. Should no fluid be encountered, insert the needle further, withdraw it, or otherwise manipulate until the fluid is found. Great care should be observed to avoid puncturing the diaphragm. Having filled the syringe with the desired quantity of fluid, carefully inspect the same and, if it be found to be nonpurulent, withdraw the needle so that the point remains just under the skin. then reinsert the needle under and parallel to the skin into the subcutaneous tissue and inject the contents of the syringe. then withdraw the needle and close the puncture with adhesive plaster or collodion."
E.A. Pierce provides this further clarification: "Should the fluid prove to be purulent, do not reinject but treat the case surgically, or according to the method of Duncan by filtration and ingestion." [see also AUTOTHERAPY]

SAFETY OF THE GILBERT METHOD 15H1 EA Pierce [15H1]: "No contraindications have been noted and a careful and extensive study of the literature fails to find mention of any such."