Literary notes about hypodermic (AI summary)
In literature, the term "hypodermic" is employed both in its literal medical sense and as a metaphorical device to evoke a sense of invasion or transformation. In works like Bram Stoker’s Dracula [1] and T. H. Pardo de Tavera’s medical treatise [2], the word underscores a clinical procedure—a precise and controlled method of administering substances, reflecting the medical advancements and practices of the time. Meanwhile, in narratives such as Yogananda’s autobiography [3], "hypodermic" takes on a more dynamic quality, conjuring imagery of a needle with an almost aggressive, penetrating action that heightens the emotional intensity of the scene. Additionally, in cultural discussions like Mooney’s exploration of Cherokee ceremonies [4], the term is interwoven with ritualistic practices, suggesting a broader symbolic significance beyond its purely technical definition.