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35-
NOTES
MEDICAL  APPLICATION
ELECTRICITY
WILLIAM F. CHANNING. M. D.
"\

yX/02/Or'^
lBm?&
         BOSTON:
PUBLISHED BY DANIEL DAVIS, JR.,
    MAGNETICAL INSTRUMENT MAKER,
      428 Washington Street.
           and
   JOSEPH M. WIGHTMAN,
         33 CORNHIL.L.
1849. 
YL3E
Entered, according to Act of  Congress, in  the year 1849, by
              DANIEL DAVIS, Jr.,
In the Clerk's Office of the District  Court of Massachusetts. •
      1TKREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE 1KD «TF.nF,"TTPE FOUNDRY. 
   This treatise is respectfully inscribed to those Members
of the Medical  Profession who  wish to avail themselves in
their practice of a principle of nature, which occupies a cen-
tral  position, both in regard to organized and unorganized
matter, — which has  already accomplished something for
medical science, but which  is still  undeveloped  in  its  most
important relations to physiology.  No  value is claimed for
these pages beyond their connection with present experience.
They are intended simply to facilitate the application of elec-
tricity to disease in the existing state of our knowledge, and,
if it may  be, to  aid others, especially American practitioners,
in advancing a high department of physiological science.

   The instruments here described, and which these notes are
intended to accompany, are those prepared by Mr.  Daniel
Davis, Jr., of  this city, who is well known to the  medical
profession and the public as a scientific manufacturer. 
 
      MEDICAL APPLICATION

                  OF

ELECTRICITY.
  The introduction of electricity into medical prac-
tice has been made the subject,  within a few years,
of many empirical treatises.  Original and  valuable
sources of information have at the same time been
multiplied, and the European journals, after  a long
interval, are  again filled with cases of the successful
application of this agent.   Professor Wisgrill, in ad-
dressing the Medical Association of Vienna,*  remarks,
that a revolution has now taken place in favor of elec-
tricity, which,  after its  wide celebrity at the com-
mencement of the present century, had fallen into dis-
use  not from the inefficacy of the means, but  from the
mode in which they were employed.   The object of
this work is to  present, in a reliable form, the results
of experience in this revival of electro-medical appli-
cation, to arrive at general  principles, as far as these
can be correctly deduced, and to place the materials

          * Brit, and For. Med. Rev. April, 1845.
              1 
2
MEDICAL  APPLICATION
of practice or investigation in the  hands of all who
look with hope to  the  development of this principle,
now receiving so general attention abroad, which is
so fertile in its applications, so immediate and so safe
in its operation.
   The  subject will  be divided  into  the following
heads:   I. Physiological  Relations  of  Electricity.
II.  Forms of Medical Electricity.  III. Means of
Application,   IV.  General Application  to  Disease.
V.  Special Application to Disease.   In  treating the
last  division, the effort will be made to  give  as full
a statement as  possible  of  applications  heretofore
attempted, whether experimental in  their character, or
established as modes of practice.   The  propriety of
this course will  be acknowledged when it is consid-
ered  that  the use  of electricity  is  comparatively
recent;  that  it  is  acquiring  an important  place  in
scientific regard; and  that the extent of its agency,
standing alone, as it  does,  in  relation to vitality, can
hardly be  anticipated. 
OF  ELECTRICITY.
3
     I. — PHYSIOLOGICAL  RELATIONS  OF
                  ELECTRICITY.


  1. The principle of vitality, in its highest signifi-
cation, has  hitherto escaped analysis.   It is depend-
ent, however, on  physical conditions, and performs
its  functions by the agency of physical  forces.   A
distinction thus exists between the principle itself and
the agents by which its results in the living structure
are accomplished.  This  distinction  is an essential
one, and constitutes the basis  of any system which
proposes to  act directly  on the vital  forces.   The
agents employed by the animal organization are prin-
ciples found universally in nature, and in addition to
these,  a force which is peculiar  to living structures,
the special agent of vitality.  This  is  manifested in
two distinct forms, — in  the nervous  system, and in
the life of  the tissues.  In the former, its action may
be  spoken of as between organized masses ;  in  the
latter,  between organized atoms.   In both cases, it is
characterized by the same peculiarities.  In both, it is
the  product  of a physical organization,  and reacts
with other  physical  principles.  Its  precise connec-
tion with these will now  be more especially consid-
ered.  The  following extract from Faraday, on  the
nature of the nervous influence, treated in connection 
4        PHYSIOLOGICAL  RELATIONS

with  the  electrical endowments of the gymnotus,*
will serve as a fitting  introduction to this subject.
  "2.   " The anatomical relation of the nervous sys-
tem to the electric organs; the evident exhaustion of
the nervous energy during the production of  electri-
city in that organ; the apparently equivalent produc-
tion of electricity, in proportion to the quantity of the
nervous force  consumed ;  the constant direction  of
the current produced,  with its relation to what we
may believe to be an equally constant direction of the
nervous energy thrown into action at the same time —
all induce me to believe that  it is not impossible but
that,  on passing  electricity per force through the
organ, a reaction back upon the  nervous  system be-
longing to it might take place, and that a restoration,
to a greater or smaller degree, of  that which the ani-
mal expends in  the act of exciting a current, might,
perhaps,  be  effected......So, perhaps,  in  these
organs, where nature  has  provided the apparatus  by
means of which the  animal  can exert  and convert
nervous into electric force, we may be able, possess-  -
ing, in that point of view, a power far beyond that of
the fish itself, to reconvert the electric into  the ner-
vous force.
  3.   " With respect to the nature of nervous power,
that   exertion of it which is conveyed  along the
nerves to the various  organs which they  excite into
action, is not the direct principle of life;  and there-
fore I see  no natural reason why we should not be
* Experimental Researches.  Series XV.  Nov. 1838, 
/
OF  ELECTRICITY.
5
allowed, in certain cases, to  determine, as well as to
observe  its  course.    Many  philosophers  think  the
power is  electricity.   Priestley put forth this view in
1774, in  a very striking and distinct  form, both  as
regards ordinary animals and those which  are elec-
tric, like  the torpedo.  Dr. Wilson Philip  considers
that the  agent  is  electricity modified by  vital  ac-
tion.*  . . .   Now, though I am not as yet convinced
by the facts, that the  nervous fluid is only electricity,
still I  think  that  the agent in the  nervous  sys-
tem may be an inorganic force; and, if there be  rea-
son for supposing that magnetism is a higher relation
of force than electricity, so it may well be  imagined
that the nervous power may be of a still more exalt-
ed character, and  yet within  the  reach of  experi-
ment."
   4.  The physical   agent residing  in the nervous
system,  and  also in  the  tissues, bears- a remarkable
analogy to electricity in its three  principal character-
istics, — the exertion of attractive force, the control of
chemical  affinity, and the rapid transmission  of  im-
pulses.   It will be observed  that these analogies  are
much more striking and fundamental than any offered
by magnetism or chemical affinity, where  electricity

  * " Dr. Wilson Philip is of opinion that the nerves which excite
the muscles  and effect the chemical  changes of the vital functions,
operate by the electric power supplied by the brain and spinal mar-
row, in its effects modified by the vital powers of the living animal,
because he found, as he informed me, as early as 1815, that while
the vital powers remain, all these functions can be as well performed
by  voltaic  electricity, after the removal of the nervous influence,
as by that influence itself."
               1* 
6        PHYSIOLOGICAL  RELATIONS

exists  in  other  and undisputed combinations  with
matter.  The impulses connected with volition and
sensation are propagated along the nervous cords with
the same dependence on the  integrity of conductors
as in the case  of galvanism,  though with a modified
law of conduction.  The chemical changes effected
by vital force take place under an affinity like that in
nature, alone  supplied  by electricity.   We not only
find this exerted by the ultimate particles of the  tis-
sues, but we have an  example  of the polar decom-
position of common  salt (chloride of sodium) taking
place between  the secreting  organs  of the stomach
and liver, muriatic acid appearing at  the  one,  and
soda at the other, in  the course  of their natural func-
tions.   This  correlation  of  electro-chemical  pow-
ers in  different  organs  is evidently due, not  to  the
vital force in the tissues of those organs, but to  the
agency of the nerves,  supplying  them, and uniting
their functions.  The 'vital  force, therefore, in both
its manifestations of the nervous  system and of  the
living  tissues, modifies  existing electro-chemical  af-
finities as by the power of electricity itself.
   5. The attractive force, developed in muscular and
other living tissues,, producing  the effect of motion,
bears a close analogy to the  attractive  force  so sud-
denly  communicated to, and  withdrawn from,  the
particles of magnetizable bodies by electricity.  The
mode  of production, however,  of this force in  the
muscular fibres, which  has been  so recently and so
ably discussed by Liebig, furnishes the final and most
conclusive analogy between the agents under consid- 
OF  ELECTRICITY.
7
eration.  This is  concisely presented in the follow-
ing statement by Carpenter.
  6.  " A great variety of evidence has been for some
time  conducting  physiologists  to the  opinion  that
every act of muscular contraction necessarily involves
the death  and  disintegration of  a certain amount
of muscular  tissue, and  it has recently been  argued
by Liebig,  that this disintegration, resulting from the
action of oxygen upon  the elements of which  the
tissue is composed, is the real source of the mechan-
ical power;  by  setting at liberty (so to speak)  the
vital  force,  which  was previously  employed  in a
latent manner in holding  together the components
of the structure.   Certain it  is that the  amount  of
muscular power exercised by an animal, bears a very
close  resemblance (other things being equal) on the
one hand, to the  measure of oxygen introduced into
the system by the lungs, and on the  other  to  the
amount of those  excretions which  seem especially
produced by  this  metamorphosis.   .  .  .   This doc-
trine  may  probably be  extended from  the  muscular
system, in regard to which alone it has been urged by
Liebig, to the nervous, as well  as to the  various  or-
gans of nutrition.  . Many circumstances  lead to the
belief that the  nervous  tissue, when in  a state  of
functional activity, undergoes a rapid waste or disin-
tegration, and a corresponding renewal." *
  7.  Not only then the exertion of muscular power,
but every exertion of vital power, follows the law of
elimination of material  forces,  the development  of

          *  Human Physiology, §§ 377 and 77. 
8        PHYSIOLOGICAL  RELATIONS

which, from latent conditions, is inseparably attended
by a change of form in the associated matter.   An
illustration of  this principle, and of  the  particular
development  of muscular  energy, may be found  in
Smee's battery, described hereafter, (§17,) where the
chemical  affinities are  present, but held in abeyance
till  the  circuit is closed,  when  oxidation  and  the
electrical discharge take place.   In the case of mus-
cular  contraction, according  to   Liebig, the  blood,
replete  with oxygen,  is present  in  the muscle, but
remains  ineffective  until  the volition,  or. nervous
communication, as it  were, closes the circuit, permits
oxidation, and eliminates the attractive force; or, in a
different form  of the  same theory,  discharges  the
agent previously existing as a repulsive force between
the atoms.  It  will be remembered that the contrac-
tile power of the muscular tissue depends  upon  the
arterial condition of the blood.
  8. It has thus been shown that electricity is char-
acterized  by its  ready  assumption of peculiar forms,
in association with matter,  and  by a class of widely
different properties ; and it has also been found  that
the vital force is characterized by this same  series  of
remarkable properties and  energies.    This identity
of action  would make  the conclusion  not  unphilo-
sophical, that these  principles were fundamentally the
same.   This conclusion, however, is  not an essential
one to our subject,  and, as recently  shown by Mat-
teucci, is unsubstantiated by any positive  evidence.
The analogy which has  been pointed out  has  its
important applications ; but, beyond this, even if the 
OF  ELECTRICITY.
9
vital force  should be a form of electricity, we are at
present wholly ignorant of the nature of its modifica-
tion,  and  any  control  which  we may succeed  in
exercising  over it must  still be the work of  experi-
ment.
   9.  After what has been said of the relation of these
principles,  it will be readily conceived that electricity
has a positive reaction upon the vital  force;  and in
this  fact consists  its medical  application.    Wilson
Philip states, " We have seen that galvanism is capa-
ble of performing  all  the functions of the nervous
power, properly so called." *  That is to say,  galvan-
ism can stimulate the muscular movements of animal
and organic life, promote secretion and absorption in
the proper organs, affect  nutrition,  and influence the
capillary circulation, besides  exciting all  other func-
tions to  the  full extent  of their  dependence on the
nervous system.  The  same writer supplies the  fol-
lowing illustration, in his remarks on the application
of galvanism to the digestive  organs and liver :   "I
have repeatedly seen  from it  the same effect on the
biliary system which arises from calomel; a copious bil-
ious discharge from the bowels coming on a few hours
after its employment."  Another remarkable illustration
of functional excitement, by galvanism, is  furnished
by the nerves of special sensation.  If a current be
sent in the  course of the nerves connected with vis-
ion, hearing, or  taste,  these sensations  are  strongly
excited;   a  flash  of  light, a noise,  or  a metallic
flavor, is at once perceived.   The impulses of special
* Vital Functions. » 
10       PHYSIOLOGICAL  RELATIONS

sensation in the appropriate nerves are thus  imitated,
or excited, by the electric current, the  impression
varying in tone with  the  nature of the current, and
receiving its character, as a sensation, from the organ
to which it is conveyed.
   10.  A more  precise view of the  relations of elec-
tricity to the nervous system is furnished by Matteucci,
in the following comparative  statement.*   He ob-
serves, that electricity differs from any other nervous
stimulant, 1st, in that it excites sensation at  onetime,
and contraction at another, according to the  direction
in which it traverses a nerve ;  2d, in that it does not
excite a nerve when passing through it transversely ;
3d, in that neither contraction nor sensation are pro-
duced when its influence upon a nerve is prolonged;
4th, in that it alone has the property of increasing or
diminishing the excitability of a nerve according to
the direction  in which it is made to flow ; 5th, in that
it has the power  of awakening the  excitability of a
nerve after all  other  stimulants have  ceased to act.
Beyond this,  however, as might be anticipated, elec-
tricity reacts with  the  vital agent  of  the tissues, as
well as of the  nervous  system.   Thus,  when a gal-
vanic current is sent  through a limb, in the opposite
direction to  the  motor  nervous current, a  muscular
contraction takes  place, which. Marianini has called
idiopathic, or the result of the immediate stimulus of
galvanism  on  the  muscular tissue;  but, when the
current is sent  in the direction  of the ramification of
the nerves, a stronger, or sympathic contraction takes
* London Lancet.  .September 1847. 
OF  ELECTRICITY.
11
place, which is  the  product of both the electric  and
nervous stimulus.   Thus, when the nerve of a frog is
exposed, contractions  of  the  muscles supplied by it,
are only produced when the current flows through the
nerve in the direction of its ramifications ; but they
are produced in a muscle, in whatever direction the
current flows through its  tissue.*   The production
of  the  bilious  secretion,  in  the  experiment already
quoted from Wilson Philip, is more properly, perhaps,
an  example of the influence of electricity immedi-
ately on a secreting organ.   It will be found, indeed,
hereafter, that the organs  of secretion are, in many
cases,  excited by the  immediate  application  of elec-
tricity  to  their  tissues, without  the  intermediate
stimulus of the  nerves supplying  them.  Thus, in
the  whole  action of  vitalized  particles, in the  se-
creting tissues, in the capillaries where the process
of  nutrition goes  on, in  the  blood  itself, a  new
influence and new affinities are introduced with the
electric agency.  The property of electricity alluded
to by Miiller, and on which one  of its surgical appli-
cations is founded, — that of coagulating the blood, —
is a significant one in  this connection.
   11.  In addition to the vital agencies  employed in
the  system, it is  worthy  of remark, that there are
constant electric currents necessarily taking place, or
tending  to  take place, between  organs differing in
chemical  constitution  and in temperature.   These
currents,  between  the superficial and deep-seated
muscles  and  local currents elsewhere, have  been
• Lond. Med. Gaz. April, 1830.—Braithewaite's Retrospect, No. XV. 
12         FORMS  OF  ELECTRICITY.

observed, and are now admitted  facts in physiology.
They cannot  but  exercise an  important function in
the  stimulation  of the  system.  In  the organs of
secretion, where  different  fluids are separated  from
each other  by a membrane, all the elements of a
galvanic current, of  some energy, are  present;  and
this  must   necessarily  modify  the nature  of  the
secretion, or  react  distinctly  with the  controlling
vital force.    These  considerations  are adduced as
showing the extent  of the  relations' of electricity to
life,  and the  rational ground which exists  for its
application to disease.


    II. —FORMS OF  MEDICAL ELECTRICITY.

   12. Currents of electricity  are  to be considered
chiefly in relation to their quantity and intensity, — two
elements which may be associated in infinitely vari-
able  proportions.   Thus the  electricity from the
electrical machine  has extreme tension, but almost
inappreciable  quantity, while  the electricity  from a
single galvanic pair  has great quantity, but so little
intensity that  it will hardly pass  to an appreciable
extent through  the  animal  system interposed in its
circuit.   Between these extremes, currents can be
obtained, in which the quantity and intensity exist in
any desired proportion.   These properties  have dif-
ferent physiological effects, and this, therefore, is one
of the conditions to be attended  to in the construction
and use of apparatus.   Currents also may be  contin- 
         THE ELECTRICAL  MACHINE.       13

uous, or consist of intermittent shocks, of greater or
less  rapidity.   This  modulation  also exerts an  im-
portant physiological influence, and must be provided
for in the construction  of instruments.  The current
of the galvanic battery,  and induced electrical cur-
rents, do not consist of free electricity, but electricity
modified in its action by intimate association with
the  matter,  organized or unorganized, which it is
made to traverse.   This  gives it,  in  many respects,
apparently a greater physiological  efficiency than the
same quantity  of electricity derived from the  ma-
chine.
   13.  The common electrical machine has been very
nearly dismissed from medical practice, on the ground
of the deficiency  of  its product and the disproportion
between its  quantity and intensity;  the  former, its
quantity, being sufficient only to produce compar-
atively slight vital changes, while the latter, especially
when accumulated in the Leyden jar, is almost disor-
ganizing in its energy.   The great success, however,
which has attended its use in Guy's Hospital,  in the
hands of Dr. Golding  Bird,  in cases of  chorea  and
amenorrhoea, will  not now, with propriety, allow it to
be thus summarily disposed  of.   In some diseases, in
which the nervous system is chiefly at fault, machine
electricity has  peculiar  applications, which  should
not  be overlooked  among the numerous, and often
more efficient forms in which this  agent may  be em-
ployed.   The first mode of application  of machine
electricity is by electrifying  the patient  while seated
on the insulating  stool, and allowing a  silent and insen-
               2 
14         FORMS  OF  ELECTRICITY.

sible discharge,  which, in  the dark,  is  luminous at
prominent  points, to  take  place  from the surface of
the body to the surrounding air.   Of this, Dr. Bird
holds the  following  language:  " During this  dis-
charge,  heat  is  evolved,  the  circulation becomes
quickened, the  secretions   generally  become more
active, and perspiration breaks out.  A  person thus
situated is said to be in an electric bath ; and it is by
no means  improbable that  this might be frequently
employed   with  advantage  in certain  affections in
which  the functions  of the skin  and nervous  mem-
branes are deficient."*  To  concentrate  this  dis-
charge upon a single point,  as  upon  the eye,  or the
surface  of  an* ulcer,  a pointed conductor,  connected
with the rubber  of the machine, may be held a short
distance from  the organ, or  spot to be influenced.
The second mode of application is by drawing  sparks
from the  person so situated, by means of a knob
attached to a rod, and connected, as before, with the
chain from the rubber.  Dr. Bird was accustomed, in
this way, to draw sparks from the  spine of a patient
until a papular  eruption  was  produced, which  he
considered as aiding in the effect.   At  the  moment
preceding  the  passage  of the  spark, a powerful con-
centration of electricity takes place on the part,  and
to this  may  be   ascribed its  efficiency.  The  third
application is  that of the  shock which is made by
means of the graduated jar.   In  this, the conductors
are placed in contact with the body, and the discharge
* Guy's Hosp. Reports. April, 1841 
THE  GALVANIC  BATTERY.         15
takes place  between two balls, attached to the jar,
whose distance from  each other,  upon which the
strength of the shock depends, can readily be adjusted.
The  shock, unlike  that of the battery, or  electro-
magnetic apparatus, is almost necessarily painful, and
will not often  be resorted to.  It has proved efficient
from its very intensity, in suspended  animation, and
also by its passage  across the pelvis in amenorrhoea.
   14. The most  powerful electrical  agency which
can be brought to bear upon the human  system,  is,
undoubtedly,  the  direct current  of the  galvanic bat-
tery, in which the quantity is  proportioned to the
size of the plates, and the intensity  to the  number
employed.  In hospitals and large  establishments the
battery should always have a place, as the full power
of electricity,  in producing any physiological change,
cannot be  tried without it.  The primary,  uniform
current of the battery is, upon  the whole, less of a
mere  stimulant, more  of a re-agent  with the  vital
powers and living  tissues,  than any  substitute that
can be offered for it.
   15.  The  electro-magnetic  apparatus, which has
almost superseded the battery, is generally sufficient
in those cases where  stimulation  of the  nervous
function  is  the object  to be  attained.    The  in-
fluence  of the nervous system has  been extended
by recent observations in  physiology,  so  as to em-
brace even processes  which seem to have the least
relation to vitality.   Vital  changes can therefore  be
effected by the practitioner, in a large class of cases,
by cooperating with the nervous power.  But beyond 
16         FORMS OF  ELECTRICITY.

this, the life of the tissues remains, involving chem-
ical changes, and  the exertion of organizing power,
which, like  all other physical agencies, requires, for
reaction, a definite quantity of electricity.   This is a
simple application  of the  law  of electro-chemical
equivalents to physiology.   To act, therefore, directly
upon  secreting organs, to affect the vital condition
of the blood, to influence nutrition at  its  source, to
produce structural change, in the  nerve-centres and
fibres themselves, as well as elsewhere,  in fine,  to
act directly upon the life of the organized atoms, a
relation is needed  between the "quantity" of the
electricity employed,  and the effect to be  produced.
In such cases, where something more is wanted than
the mere  stimulation of  the life, which is actually in
a part, by the supply of  artificial nervous power, the
battery is  needed.
   16.  Many of the  failures which have attended the
application of electricity,  especially since  the  intro-
duction of the electro-magnetic  apparatus, are to  be
ascribed to the want of a proper distinction between
reaction with  the  life of the  nervous system, and
reaction with  the life of  the tissues.  Even in  influ-
encing the nervous system, the  battery is,  occasional-
ly, more  efficient than the electro-magnetic agency ;
some cases of paralysis,  for example,  without  struc-
tural  derangement,  yielding to  the  former  which
resist  the latter.   We  have hence  the   rule, that
the battery  should be resorted  to  after the trial  of
electro-magnetism,  before  abandoning any case  of
disease in which electricity is known to be beneficial. 
GALVANIC BATTERY.
17
Having spoken thus of the superiority of the battery,
in  many  conditions  of disease,  it is  necessary to
state  its disadvantages to  the common practitioner.
It is more expensive than the electro-magnetic appara-
tus. It is with difficulty portable.  It requires frequent
attention, and renewal of  solutions.
   17.  The recent  improvements  in the battery have
done something to remove these objections to its use.
The  figure represents a Smee's  battery,  consisting
                       Fig. 1.
of  twelve pairs  of platinum and amalgamated zinc,
arranged in the same number of heavy glass tumblers.
The solution used to excite ihe battery is sulphuric
acid, diluted with ten  or  twelve parts of water, or,
where a  less quantity of  current  is desired,  with
twenty parts of water.   The zinc plate, so long as it
is well amalgamated, is not acted upon at  all, except
when the galvanic circuit is complete, and the instru-
ment in operation.   It is, consequently, always ready
for  use.   For many  applications, a series of twelve
pairs, enclosed in a box, will be sufficient; but where an
intense current is required, two or more such, in con-
junction,  may be needed.  The elements of this bat-
                2* 
18         FORMS OF ELECTRICITY.

tery are more efficient than those generally referred to
in the cases hereafter  recorded;  and half the number
will frequently produce an equal effect.   The  wires
conveying  the electricity  are  connected  by screw-
cups with the terminal plates of platinum and zinc; or
they may be connected with a less  number of  pairs,
at pleasure.  The wire connected with the platinum
plate constitutes the positive or delivering pole of the
battery ; that from the zinc, the negative pole.
   18.  When  the battery  current  is made  to flow
through the body, there is, at  its commencement, a
greater or less convulsion of the muscles  of the part
interposed,  though  its continued  passage  may  be
nearly insensible.   The current, therefore, frequently
interrupted,  becomes a  more   powerful  stimulant,
while its  capacity of effecting  organic changes is to
the same extent impaired.   The use of the continuous
current of the battery, in  cases of  irregular nervous
action, and in some surgical  applications, is indispen-
sable.
   19.  The current obtained from the electro-magnetic
apparatus,  to  which  attention  will  now be  more
particularly directed,  is one of high intensity  and
small quantity, induced by another current, its oppo-
site in these respects, the product of a single galvanic
pair.   The theory and  facts of electrical induction
will be found elsewhere,* but cannot here be  dwelt
upon.   The  convenience  of this  form of apparatus,
its compactness and cheapness,  and its efficiency in a
large class of cases, have  introduced it into general
*  Davis's Manual of Magnetism,  2d edition. 
       ELECTRO-MAGNETIC APPARATUS.    19

practice ; but its disadvantage consists in the fact that
a large proportion of the quantity of  the  battery has
to be sacrificed to obtain the requisite intensity.  The
current of a single  galvanic pair,  as already stated,
though large  in  quantity, is too inert to pass, to a
sensible extent, through an indifferent conductor, like
the human body, but it  may be made to induce a
secondary  current,  less  in  quantity,,  but  of any
required intensity.
   20.  The form of the single galvanic pair, most
conveniently  used  in  connection with the electro-
magnetic apparatus, is the cylinder battery, a vertical
section of  which is  represented in Fig. 2.  C, C, is a
double cylinder of cop-             Fig. 2.
per,  with  a bottom  of
the same  metal, which
answers the purpose of
a  galvanic plate,  and
forms also the containing
vessel, for  the exciting
solution. There is a mov-
able cylinder of zinc, Z,
which is to be let down into  the solution, whenever
the battery is  to  be put in action.  It  is, of  course,
intermediate in size, as well as in position, to the two
copper cylinders, and  is made to rest upon  the exte-
rior one, by means of three insulating supports.  The
exciting solution used is one of sulphate of  copper,
(blue vitriol,) containing about two ounces of the blue
vitriol to a pint of water.   The copper in the solution
is deposited while the battery is in action, so that it
 
20         FORMS OF ELECTRICITY.

is necessary, occasionally, to add more of the blue
vitriol to the solution, or  to renew it.  The solution
may conveniently remain in the copper vessel, while
the battery is out of action.   The  zinc plate becomes
coated in the battery, so  that it is necessary to clean
it, after using it, with the wire brush, whenever the
metal has   become  thickly  furred.   The coating
should be removed, so as  to expose  again  the  bright
surface  of the zinc.   When the  plate is only tar-
nished, or slightly coated, it will be found difficult to
effect the removal of the deposit, and  it may  be
allowed to  remain, without  cleaning, until  further
use.   The wires  which  convey  the current to the
electro-magnetic  apparatus, are connected, by means
of the screw-cups, P and N, respectively,  with the
copper and zinc plates.
  21. From  the  battery, we pass  to  the electro-
magnetic apparatus, which is shown in  connection
        ._______      Fig. 3.
with  the battery  in   Fig.  3.   It consists,  in its
simplest form, of two concentric helices of wire, and
in the  axis  of both, a rod  of soft iron, or a number
of iron wires.   The current  from  the battery passes 
      ELECTRO-MAGNETIC  APPARATUS.    21

through  the inner helix, which is of coarse, insulated
copper wire; and by so doing, it magnetizes the iron
rod or wires in the centre.
  22.  When this current is interrupted by breaking
the circuit,  and the rod or wires  within lose their
magnetism, a momentary reactive  current is  excited
in the outer helix, which is of fine wire, and wholly
distinct from the inner.  This current possesses  the
intensity requisite  for medical  application.    The
condition of its existence  is  the  interruption  of the
primary current.   An important object of the appara-
tus, therefore, is  to  provide means  for breaking and
renewing the battery circuit, with whatever rapidity
may be required.   When the battery circuit is broken
slowly, the secondary current has the effect of distinct
shocks,  or  convulsions of the system.   When  the
battery current,  on the  other hand,  is broken with
extreme rapidity, the separate impulses almost cease
to  be distinguished, and tonic  contractions of  the
muscles are produced, resembling,  to  some extent,
those from the  uninterrupted current of an intense
galvanic  battery.  Slow,  powerful shocks, however,
 are often less  painful, and  sometimes more  efficient,
 than a weaker and more rapid succession.
   23.  Two methods of breaking the battery circuit
are  provided  in the  instrument.    The  first  is  by
 removing one of the battery wires from the screw-
 cup, in which it is inserted, on the base-board of the
 electro-magnetic apparatus, and drawing it over the
 rasp, or  break-piece, which  is seen  attached to the
 top of the  double  helix.  As the  wire  leaps  from 
22
FORMS OF ELECTRICITY.
tooth to tooth of the rasp, the battery circuit is each
time renewed and broken ; and when the bundle of
iron wires  occupy their place in  the centre of the
helix, vivid  scintillations occur,  at the moment  of
interruption,  and powerful shocks  are obtained from
the handles which are  seen  in  the figure, connected
with the cups of the fine-wire helix.   It will readily
be found, by experiment, from which screw-cup it is
necessary to  withdraw the battery  wire, to obtain the
shocks and scintillations.  On account of the con-
nections of the  machine, it is  the wire only  from
one   screw-cup,  which  will  produce  the  result.
It will be  observed that the screw-cups with which
the battery wires are connected,  are made,  for the
sake of distinction, higher, and with a larger head,
than  those with  which the  handles  are connect-
ed.   The  wires,  or poles, as they are often called,
connecting  the   battery with the electro-magnetic
apparatus,  are of necessity  larger than  those con-
necting the  electro-magnetic  apparatus with the
handles, because they  convey a less intense  current.
This  should  be remembered  in making the  connec-
tions, when the wires furnished  with the instrument
are  of different sizes.
  24.  The second method of breaking the circuit is
the one of  chief importance.  This is effected by the
vibration of  a little armature, or piece of iron, which
is seen supported by a slender spring, over the  poles
of the electro-magnet, M.   When  the  two wires
from  the battery are inserted in their screw-cups, on
the board, the electro-magnet, M, attracts the armature 
      ELECTRO-MAGNETIC APPARATUS.    23

down to itself, and, in so doing, a little platinum sur-
face on the spring is separated from the platinum point
of  the  thumb-screw immediately above it, and  the
battery current, which  is  made to  traverse these,
is  consequently   interrupted.   The  electro-magnet
instantly loses its attractive  power, and  the elasticity
of  the  spring  carries it back  again  to renew  the
contact, as before.   The rapidity of vibration is con-
trolled at pleasure, by the thumb-screw to which  the
platinum point is attached, and which is thus made to
bear, more or less  lightly, on the spring.  The vibra-
tions may be made to amount to several thousand a
minute, and are  then attended  with a humming or
musical sound.
   25.  The bundle of iron  wires in the centre of  the
helix have been referred to, and will be seen at W,
in the figure.  The induced current, in the outer coil,
results in part,  or  indeed chiefly, from the change in
the magnetic  state  of   these wires.   It  therefore
follows  that, by  withdrawing the bundle of  wires
partially from the  helix,  or  by withdrawing a part of
them wholly from the helix, the  shock may be grad-
uated at pleasure,  from one  entirely insensible, to  one
insupportable to most nerves.  This is another very
important provision of the  apparatus, without which
it would be impossible  to apply it  in a manner at
once safe   and  agreeable   to the  great variety of
diseased conditions.
   26.  A compact form  of medical electro-magnetic
apparatus is  exhibited in Fig. 4, in which the battery
and helices  are arranged  in a small  box.  When  the 
24         FORMS  OF  ELECTRICITY.
instrument is transported, the solution must either be
carried in another vessel, or prepared at  the time of
use by dissolving the sulphate of copper.

                       Fig. 4.
   27.  The relative  quantity  and  intensity  of  an
 induced current  remains always  the same  from the
 same coil.  As the intensity of the shock diminishes
 by removing the wires, the  quantity diminishes also.
 To obtain, therefore, a current  of very considerable
 quantity and low  intensity, it is necessary to resort
•to the battery.   A slight modulation, in this respect,
 can be exerted,  however, in the construction of the
 electro-magnetic  coil,  by  employing a  secondary
 helix, of coarser wire,  and of copper, which is a better
 conducting material  than  the  iron  wire  generally
 employed.  Where, however,  mere nervous stimula-
 tion is required,—the principal object  of the electro-
 magnetic apparatus, — the ordinary form will answer
 almost equally well.   It may be  observed here,  in
 connection with the use of the quantity current, that
 the muscular  disturbance and  agitation, produced  by 
      ELECTRO-MAGNETIC  APPARATUS.    25

electricity, depend  chiefly  upon its  intensity,  and
the  interruption of the  current, and  that  a much
larger quantity of electricity, of low intensity,  from
the battery, may be conveyed through the system, to
cooperate with vital action, with hardly any sensible
excitement.
   28.  It must be  acknowledged,  however,   still
further,  that the quantity of  the induced  current,
passing through the body, is, under all circumstances,
exceedingly  small.   I  do not  know that  this has
heretofore been made the  subject  of experiment.
There has, at any rate, been some misapprehension
on this point, even on the part of so distinguished an
electrician as Dr. Golding Bird, who recommends the
electro-magnetic  apparatus  as furnishing a current
in some sort equivalent in quantity to  that from the
battery.*  The wave of the induced current encoun-
ters  great  retardation,  from  passing   through an
imperfect conductor; and however great its  quantity
may be, when conveyed by  a wire to the  galvanom-
eter,  its  effect  is inappreciable by this test, when
passed  through the body.   Thus the  galvanometer
needle  was  deflected 24°,  in  one instance,  by the
secondary current; but the body being  interposed in
the circuit,  no motion could be perceived in the nee-
dle, observed by a microscope, although the shock was
powerfully felt.  On  employing a delicate decompos-
ing  apparatus, a single wave of the  induced current
gave a bulky precipitate of iodide of starch, adhering
* Guy's Hospital Reports, April, 1841.
    3 
 26         FOR M S OF  ELECTRICITY.

 to the little platinum discs of the instrument; but, when
 passed through the  body, it required  fifteen  shocks,
 as strong as could be borne, to discolor one of the
 discs as much as the electricity generated by thirteen
^ turns  of a small  plate machine, being the amount
 required to charge a quart Leyden  jar  of  sixty-five
 inches  coated surface.    Here is  a  comparison  by
 which the quantity of the induced current, passing
 through the body, is  made actually  less  than that
 from the common  electrical machine.   Although the
 intensity, as  well  as the quantity, is less than  in ma-
 chine  electricity, it will be observed, that its physio-
 logical  effect, estimated  by the number of  shocks, is
 vastly greater ; and this difference, inherent, probably,
 in the peculiar character of the  galvanic and induced
 currents,  (<§> 12,) explains  the  beneficial agency of
 electro-magnetism  in   those  cases  where  nervous
 stimulation alone  is required, and where  free elec-
 tricity,  from  the  machine,   is  yet   comparatively
 inefficient.    The  result of  the  battery  current,
 tested in the same  way,  is widely different.  The
 current from a Smee's battery of twelve pairs, passed
 through the body, deflected the galvanometer needle
 48°,  and  this deflection was  not momentary, the
 result of a* single electrical wave, as in the case of the
 electro-magnetic apparatus, but permanent, the record
 of an  almost infinite succession of  similar  waves.
 The current from a Smee's battery  of twenty-four
 pairs,  in like maimer  passed  through  the body,
 deflected  the galvanometer  70°.   The quantity of
 electricity, in these cases, is  immensely  dispropor- 
      ELECTRO-MAGNETIC  APPARATUS.    27

tioned to the  electro-magnetic shock; and yet, dur-
ing  the continuance  of  the current, no sensation,
except one  of warmth, could be  perceived.  At the
commencement of the current, a slight shock was
experienced.
   29.  The following  practical directions may  be
found of use in case of derangement, or other cause
of failure,  in the electro-magnetic apparatus.   It is
necessary that the  conducting  wires should  always
be denuded of their cotton insulating covering where
they screw  into the cups or handles.  They should
also be screwed  in  tightly, so that there may  be
good  metallic  contact.   Where they happen  to
cross one  another, if the wires are bare, they must
not  be allowed  to touch, as  otherwise the current
would flow across, instead of making the circuit  of
the  instrument.   If  the  electro-magnetic  apparatus
will not operate, see,  first, if any  spark is perceptible
on rubbing the  extremities of the  wires from the
battery  together.   If not, the  battery is in fault.
This may  be owing  to a  sediment of copper  at the
bottom of  the battery, making a connection between
the zinc and copper, or to the zinc being somewhere
in  metallic contact with the copper ;  or it may be
owing  to the  foulness of the  zinc plate, or to the
weakness of the copper solution, which, in that case,
will have lost its color.
   30.  If the battery is in action, see next if there is
any spark  when  the  electro-magnetic instrument is
included in the circuit of the battery.   This is done,
when one wire from the  battery  is in  its place,  by 
28         FORMS OF ELECTRICITY.
drawing the other over  the break-piece, as in Fig. 2,
or over its own  screw-cup,  making  and breaking
contact.   It may also be observed,  if  the bundle of
iron  wires is  magnetized, while the battery is con-
nected with  the instrument.   If there is  no spark,
and the wires are  not  magnetized, then the connec-
tions of the instrument,  or  helix of coarse wire, are
at fault.   The  solderings under the' board may be
found to be defective, or there may be some acciden-
tal cross connection.  In the vibrating  armature, see
that the platinum point,  and the spring on which it
bears, are  bright at the  place of contact.   When the
battery current passes, but still there  is no shock with
the bundle of iron wires in its  place, the  fine wire
helix, or  the  solderings  or connections under  the
board,  are at  fault.  If  the helix has  met  with  an
accident, observe if the  fine wire has  been broken,
on any part of  the surface of the helix.   These
directions will be  sufficient to  enable  the operator,
especially when at a distance from the constructor of
the apparatus, to obviate any slight difficulties which
may occur, without further trouble.
  31. Another form of  instrument,  sometimes used
for  medical  application,  is  the   magneto-electric
machine, (Fig. 5.)  In this, the source  of power is a
permanent steel magnet.   The current is obtained by
revolving  a pair  of armatures, surrounded  by a helix
of wire,  between  the  poles of the  U-magnets, seen
in the figure.   This is accomplished  by means of
the  multiplying  wheel.  Shocks  are  experienced
whenever  the induced  current is broken  by a little 
        MAGNETO-ELECTRIC  MACHINE.     29

apparatus on  the  axis.   The  strength  of  shock
depends on the power of the magnet,  and the  rapid-
ity of  the mechanical motion.   Consequently,  by
neutralizing  the magnets,  by placing  small detached

                        Fig. 5.
armatures over  their extremities, or  by turning the
handle  slowly,  the  current is proportionally dimin-
ished.
  32.  The  quantity of  the  electricity  from  this
apparatus is rather greater than that from the electro-
magnetic apparatus.   It is also always ready for  use,
and requires no  battery or solutions.   On the other
hand, it is less easily modulated ; it is more expensive,
and less portable, from its weight and size.   It  will
be found, in  the  following  pages,  to be sometimes
employed  by   the  most  skilful  European  practi-
tioners.
                3* 
30         MODES  OF  APPLICATION.
         III.— MODES  OF APPLICATION.

  33.  This subject  naturally divides itself into the
modes of applying electricity to the surface, and the
modes of directing it with reference to internal organs.
Nothing is  more distinctive  of electricity than the
variety of  forms in  which it  may be  exhibited, and
of effects, often of the most opposite character, which
it may be made to produce.  The different influences
of quantity and intensity, of the intermittent shock,
and continued current, and of a stronger or  weaker
administration, have already  been referred  to.   In
addition to these, a very different effect  may be ob-
tained from the  same current, by the mode in which
it is applied to the surface,  and especially the direc-
tion in which it is sent through the body, or particular
organs.   The mode of its  application thus becomes
an essential condition  to the successful  use of the
agent.
  34.  When the body is  made part of the  circuit,
by bringing two  handles,  connected  with the poles
of the electric apparatus, in contact  with  the skin,
the current  always flows, by the  shortest route,
between its point of entrance and departure.  It is
not, however, confined to a single line, but is diffused
so as to embrace the  organs immediately around the
axis  of transmission.  By regarding,  therefore,  the
course of the nerves, and the anatomical position of
the organs, the  current  may easily be directed so as 
SURFACE CONDUCTORS.         31
to include them in its circuit, and  to  subject  them
to the influences attending its passage.
   35.  The handles,  or  conductors  used as  the me-
dium  of  communication, are  so constructed  as to
bring a considerable  metallic,  or other conducting
surface, in contact with  the skin.   This is rendered
necessary by the poor conducting power of the latter,
especially in a dry condition.  The skin is sometimes,
also, artificially moistened, to increase its conduction,
and also  to diffuse the electricity, which would be
painful if  concentrated on  a  single point of  the
surface.   Several forms  of  handles used  for differ-
ent purposes, are represented in Fig. 6.  The simple
                       Fig. 6.
cylindrical handle, of German  silver, is  shown at a.
When it is desired to produce   the  most  general
effect upon the system, the cylinder handles may be
grasped by the patient,  the current  then traversing
the arms and chest, from side to side, stimulating the
organs of respiration, and, to a greater or less extent,
the  nerves  supplying  the  principal vital  organs.
Another form is represented in b, where the upper 
32        MODES  OF  APPLICATION.

part of the cylinder  consists of  rosewood,  which
insulates the  metallic portion from the hand of the
operator,  who may wish to direct it.  It may  be
grasped in the hands" or its rounded metallic extrem-
ity  may be placed in contact with any  portion of the
body of the  patient,  the  skin  being  previously
moistened, or, what is preferable,  a moistened cloth
being interposed.   A  form of handle exclusively for
surface application, is seen at c, in  which the shaft is
of  rosewood,  insulating  it  from  the  hands  of the
operator, and  the extremity, a plated,  hemispherical
disc, which may be applied either to  the moistened
skin, or covered itself with moistened cloth or leather.
Another  handle,  for  surface  application,  is  that
containing the  sponge,  represented in d,   in which
the shaft is of glass.  The sponge  may be moistened
with water, spirit,  or a saline,  or  other appropriate
solution, and it then constitutes the mildest and most
                       Fig. 7.
grateful  form of  application.   The slipper, with a
metallic  sole, is  represented in  Fig. 7.  In this case,
the  sole  of the  stocking  may be moistened  with
spirit,  or cologne, and thus  complete  conduction,
without  withdrawing  it from  the foot.  Where two
slippers are  used, the current passes up one limb and
down  the  other.   Where  a  cylinder  handle and
slipper are used, on the same side of the  body, the 
SURFACE CONDUCTORS.         33
current passes up or  down that side.   Handles, or
conductors, of a  peculiar shape, may sometimes be
required,  as  for  the  ear or vagina,  which  will be
described in their connection hereafter.
   36.  In using the sponge handle,  spirit or cologne
will generally be preferred to  water, for moistening
the surface, as counteracting, by their stimulus, any
exposure  to cold.  The solutions may sometimes be
made  to answer an independent purpose, such being
employed in sponging a part as will have a positively
beneficial  action.  Thus, in  cutaneous  diseases, the
skin  may be sponged  with a  solution of  acetate of
ammonia (spirit of Mindererus), or other cooling salt.
So,  also, in  producing  reaction  of the skin, or
excitement of the capillary  circulation,  water  or
spirit  of  ammonia may  be  used.   Metallic salts,
which would be decomposed by  the current, should
be generally avoided,  though  the  decomposition of
powerful  chemical  agents may, at other  times, be
taken advantage  of, in using the battery,  to  subject
the surface  to the action of  principles evolved in
contact with  it, in their nascent state.   In this case,
the substance playing the  part of a  base  in the
combination   is evolved  at  the surface  under the
positive pole, and that playing  the  part of  an  acid, at
the surface under  the negative pole.  An  illustration
of this  will be found, in  the  present section, in the
insensible moxa of  Dr.  Golding  Bird.   When the
 object of application  is  the  skin, the handles are
usually  kept  in motion,  to distribute the influence.
 This  mode  of application, — that  of changing the 
34          MODES  OF  APPLICATION.

position  of the handles  and the direction of  the
current — is also frequently employed in acting upon
internal organs, or in stimulating associated nerves.
  37.  A mode of application used by Wilson Philip,
and  particularly adapted  to the battery,  is, to place
two  thin  plates of metal,  two or  three  inches m
diameter, upon the  surface  of  the body, where  it is
desired to  make electrical  communication.   The
wires of the battery are brought in contact with these
plates, and constantly moved over them,  especially
the  negative  wire,  to avoid  injury to  the  cuticle
beneath.   The plates are previously  dipped in water,
or solution of common salt, as should generally be
done, in using the battery, to aid the diffusion of the
electricity.  Some  irritation of the  skin is,  at  any
rate, produced, especially if the wires are kept  sta-
tionary.
  38.  Application  by the  hand of  the  operator is
frequently an  advantageous  one,  admitting all  the
precision of touch.  In this case, the operator, holding
one handle, himself becomes the medium of electrical
communication, and uses  the hand  which  is disen-
gaged, as a conductor to the surface of the patient's
body.   The other handle is held by the patient.  This
is especially useful as regards the face  and extremities.
In the case of a sprain, in its latter stages, the fingers
of the  operator may thus be employed, to exercise, or
cause to contract,  successively,  the different muscles
connected  with the injured articulation.
  39.  The general or local  bath  is  one of the most
useful and elegant  modes  of  application.    In  this 
            ELECTRICAL EYE-BATH.         35

case, the water being wholly, or in part, the conductor
to the surface,  the  electrical influence is diffused,  so
as to constitute a  most equable and mild  form  of
administration.   Where  the  water  is  to be  made
wholly  the conductor, the two handles are immersed,
so as to  include  the limb or body of the patient in
the straight line between them.  A large portion of
the  current  then   passes through   the intervening
member,  from  the fact  that  the body  is  a better
conductor for electricity than the surrounding water.
W7here  the  current is only partially  to  be conducted
by the water,  the patient may hold one of the handles,
and  the  other may be placed  in the bath.  In this
case, those parts in the  bath  nearest to  the handle
receive the greatest amount of  electricity.  Examples
of the local bath may be  found in the foot  bath, for
ulcerations of the foot;  the hip bath, for diseases of
menstruation; and a very delicate application in the
eye-glass, for  amaurosis,  and  other  diseases of that
organ.  The electrical eye-glass, or bath,  is represented
in Fig. 8.  I  have caused this instrument to be con-
structed,  as a  means of dis-
tributing the electrical  cur-
rent, in  its  application  to
the  eye,  in which case,  a
very powerful  administra-
tion may be resorted to without injury.  The bowl
and  shaft are  of  glass.   A  screw-cup  is adapted
below,  for  connection  with  the  conducting  wire.
Rose-water,  or other  appropriate  solution, may  be
employed, and either the  electro-magnetic or battery
current may be used.
 
36         MODES OF APPLICATION.

  40.  Electro-Puncture — Galvano-Puncture. —
The surgical  application  of electro  or  galvano-
puncture  is accredited to M. Berlioz, in  1816,  but
was introduced, only some years later, in the Hospital
de la Pitie.   It is  now very  extensively used on the
continent.   " This  mode  of applying electricity,"
says Becquerel, "is the most efficacious of all those
that have been employed, since  it permits us to act
directly on the diseased part." *   In  this case, one or
both  of the conductors  consist  of  gold,  silver, or
platinum acu-puncture needles (never of steel), which
are thrust under the skin, or into deep-seated parts, and
made the medium of  the  galvanic discharge.   The
primary  current  of the  battery is here indicated, as
the shocks of the electro-magnetic apparatus would
be in most cases  intolerable,  except  under the influ-
ence of ether.   In aneurism, where coagulation of the
blood is to be effected by this means, the quantity
current of the  battery is  essential.   The severity of
this application will prevent  its use,  except for local
influence,  where  a   current  of  electricity,  passed
through the same parts  from the  surface,  would not
be equally effectual.
   41.  The needles should be of an unoxidizable mate-
rial, and of gold or silver, in preference to platinum, as
better conductors, and therefore less liable to be heat-
ed during the transmission of the current.   Attempts
have been made to varnish the needles, excepting at
the extremity, to prevent the  destruction of the  flesh
* Braithewaite's Retrospect, Part XV. 
ELECTRO-PUNCTURE.
37
in contact with  them.  This, if it could be effected
by japanning, or any other process, would be desirable.
The negative needle is the one which exercises the
greatest  local influence.  Magendie directs that the
insertion of  the  needles should be  accomplished by
a  sudden plunge, rather than by drilling.   Care must
be taken that  they do not touch each other, while
conducting the current, as they would become ignited,
and destroy  the surrounding  tissue.   These needles
should be ordered by the surgeon, of the proper length
and fineness, and may then be mounted with  a slen-
der  wooden  insulating  handle, having  a delicate
screw-cup, or sliding vice, on the end,  for the battery
wires ;  or they  may be made with eyes, into which
the  wires  can be threaded.   The current from the
battery may be  modulated, to   avoid  too  powerful
action,  by  using a very dilute solution,  or  only
partially filling the cups.
   42.  Dr.  Shuster,  in a paper read, on  this subject,
before the French Academy, in  January, 1843,* takes
the ground that electricity is  only useful  as a thera-
peutic agent, when  introduced  into the substance  of
the affected  organs,  by means  of  electro-puncture,
and that it then constitutes one  of the most powerful
and inoffensive  medicinal agents we possess.  He
says, " Electro-puncture, applied to the treatment  of
diseases, acts in several ways, viz. :  First, as a direct
stimulant of sensible  contractility and absorption.
Second,  by causing  small eschars, thus, as it were,
  * Rev. Med. January,  1843. — Lond.  and Ed. Monthly Jour, of
Med. Scienco. Juno, 1844. — Braithewaitc, Part X.
               4 
38         MODES O I"  APPLICATION.

cauterizing, and destroying in detail, a portion of the
tumor.  Third,  by decomposing the aqueous portion
of tumors.  Fourth, by forming, at the will of the
operator, minute openings for the exit of the  fluid
part of the tumors.  Fifth, by producing in the wall
of the cyst, or other cavity,  such a degree of inflam-
mation as will cause obliteration by adhesion, without
giving rise  to any inconvenience, if the patient be
kept under strict surveillance.   Sixth, by coagulating
the blood, and  causing effusion of little masses of
plastic  lymph  into  the  cellular tissue.   Electro-
puncture,  properly applied,  is,  in  the  majority of
cases, attended  with slight  pain only,  is  free  from
inconvenience and  danger  to the patient,  and fre-
quently accomplishes a  cure, when all other means
have failed."
   43.  Galvanic  Moxa. — Another' surgical applica-
tion,  possessed  of very peculiar properties, the in-
stantaneous  or  deep moxa,  was  apparently  first
brought forward byM. Fabre Palaprat, at a sitting of
the French Academy, in February, 1831.  It consists
in galvano-puncture, with fine platinum needles, con-
nected with a battery of large plates.   The circuit is
completed by thrusting the needles into the flesh, when
they  immediately  become  incandescent,  causing  a
pipe of destroyed tissue to separate and fall out in a few
days.  The lesion here  is strictly local, and instanta-
neously produced, a powerful stimulus being given at
the same time to surrounding parts.  It has been used
in arthritic  inflammations  and  tumors, and has been
proposed  as a means of destroying diseased  tissues. 
INSENSIBLE  MOXA.
39
A  battery  of some  intensity would be  required  to
ignite the platinum needles, if merely thrust into the
flesh, without being brought  into contact with each
other.   If, however, the  needles  are made to touch
each other, they  can be readily brought to incandes-
cence by a battery of two or three pairs of large size.
In the case of tumors which can be readily transfixed
by a single needle,  this  may be  readily  ignited by
being made the medium  of a galvanic discharge, the
poles of the  battery being made to touch  its two
extremities.
   44.  Insensible Moxa. —A simple form of galvanic
apparatus  has been lately recommended by Dr. Gol-
ding Bird,* as the means of  producing an insensible
moxa.   The same  fact  has  also  been observed  by
Humboldt.f  Dr. Bird produces two blisters, the size
of a shilling, on  the  surface.  He covers one with
zinc foil, the other with, a  silver plate, and connects
these with a wire.   The whole is  then covered with a
water dressing and oiled  silk.  The surface under the
zinc plate becomes white, and  in forty-eight hours a de-
cided  eschar will appear, which will  begin to separate
at the edges in  four or five days.  The plates being
then removed, the  surface under the silver  will be
found healed.  A common poultice applied to the part
will leave a healthy, granulating  sore, freely discharg-
ing pus.   If any pain is felt during  the process, it
will be referred to the silver plate.  Dr.  Bird knows
of no other way by which an  equally effective dis-

              * Lond. Med. Gaz. June, 1847.
              ♦ Lond, Med. Gaz. May, 1847. 
40         MODES OF APPLICATION.
charge  can be  obtained,  except by  the  moxa,  or
actual  cautery.    The effect  is  ascribed  by  him,
whether correctly or not,  to the corrosive action  of
chloride of zinc, in its nascent state, while forming
under the influence of galvano-decomposition.  When
the  surfaces are not  blistered, the  zinc and  silver
plates form a galvanic arrangement, which depends
for its activity upon the moisture of the skin.   This
use of the insensible current, from a single galvanic
pair, may be considered the prototype of a recent form
of quackery, the "galvanic belts," which are so con-
structed, however, as to fail  in the  production even
of an insensible current.
   45.  Electricity with  Etherization. — The use
of etherization, in  connection with  galvanic applica-
tion,  has  not  yet received attention.    The  most
obvious action  of electricity, during etherization,  is
to rouse the nerves from insensibility.   From exper-
iments  with a rabbit, however, I  am  satisfied  that
electro-puncture may be resorted to when the current
does  not traverse  any important   nerve,  without
terminating  the  state  of general  unconsciousness.
Whether the nerves of the part may not, in this case,
be quickened, so as to communicate impressions  of
pain,  which there may be no power of expressing,
cannot,  perhaps,  well be determined,- without repeat-
ing the experiment  on a human subject.   In the
galvanic moxa. where the current is merely made  to
traverse a conductor passing  through the flesh,  there
can be no interference with the  condition of insensi-
bility.  Whether electricity would  be  applicable  to 
           direction  of  current.        41

the excitement of  uterine contraction,  during  the
administration of ether, remains a  subject for exper-
iment.
   46.  It  has been  stated, ($ 10,)  that the  positive
electrical  current, flowing in  the direction of  the
ramifications of the  nerves, produces  stronger mus-
cular  contractions, than when flowing in the opposite
direction.   For instance, if the cylinder  handles be
held  one in each hand, the sensation will usually be
much stronger in one wrist than the other, owing to
the spasmodic contraction of the muscles of that arm.
This is the arm  by which  the current  leaves  the
system, and this indication constitutes the best meth-
od in the case of the electro-magnetic apparatus, by
which the practitioner can ascertain the direction of
the current, — an object, sometimes, as will be seen, of
considerable importance.   The handle, then, held in
connection with the wrist in which  there  is least
sensation, is the positive  handle, at which the elec-
tricity enters ;  the  handle  held in connection with
the  wrist in which there is most sensation, is the
negative  handle, by which the electricity leaves the
system.
   47.  Becquerel, in speaking of the battery, observes
that,  when currents of no great intensity travel in
the direction of "the  nervous  ramifications, muscular
contraction ensues ; when in  the opposite direction,
pain.   The generalization  from this  is very simple.
In the first case, the function of the nerves of motion
is excited ; in the second,  of  sensation ; each  being
stimulated  when the direction of the galvanic cur-
              4* 
42         MODES OF  APPLICATION.

rent coincides with that of their own proper impulses.
Marianini's  experiment  with  the  frog  has  already
been referred to (<§> 10).   Matteucci and Lauget have
shown that  nerves of sensation and motion may  be
conveniently distinguished by the  different reaction
which electricity, made to traverse them, exerts upon
the connected muscles.  Dr.  Golding  Bird  remarks,
in his  recent  lectures on physiological  electricity,*
" It seems quite certain that, cceteris paribus,  nerves
only convey the influence of a current  in a given and
definite  direction."  This  fact, of the  propagation
of electrical influence by a nerve, in accordance with
its  function, whether  of motion or  of  sensation, will
constantly appear in the cases which are given here-
after, and is an important consideration in directing a
current for  the purpose of reaction,  with a particular
class of  nerves, or  with  particular parts of individual
nerves, as the nerve centres or extremities.
   48.  Becquerel has also remarked that, to rouse or
stimulate an organ, the current should be sent in the
opposite direction to the ramifications  of the  nerves.
This  may, probably, be referred  to  the influence
exerted  on the nerve centres of the organic  nerves,
towards  which the impulse of the current is,  in that
case,   directed, and from which a vital  reaction to the
organ ensues.   To produce the temporary stimulation
of a function,  the  current should coincide with that
of the nervous current of the organ.   It would appear
that a different direction  of  current  should be em-
* Lond. Med. Gaz., May, 1847. 
application  to tissues.        43
ployed to influence  directly nerves of sensation and
nerves of motion ;  but in mixed nerves, the  reflex
action of one series upon  the other will frequently
render the law of direction uniform, whichever func-
tion is to be excited.   These considerations  have an
immediate application  in  paralysis.  The sympathy
here is  so general that in many  cases, which will
hereafter  be specified, it is not only allowable, but
desirable to send the current in both directions.   It is
sometimes, however, an object to act only upon the
muscles ; at others, to  act upon the nerve conductors  ;
and at others, to act upon the spinal cord, or to direct
action principally  to  the  brain.   Where a special
function,  such as the peristaltic action  of the  intes-
tines, is  to be excited, it will be found  desirable  to
send the current in  the direction from the nerve cen-
tres toward the nerve extremities.  So, to stimulate the
capillary circulation, by cooperating with the organic
nerves,  the  current should be  sent in a direction
coincident with  the nervous.   It  will  be observed
that the reaction of the electrical current with the
nervous current, dependent on their  reciprocal  direc-
tions, is a physical reaction, as distinct as that of the
electric current with the magnetic needle, where the
position  of the  latter is always in strict relation, to
the direction of the  former.
  49. Another  mode  of action,  less dependent  on
the  nervous  system,   is the  direct  application  of
electricity to the organs.  It has been stated that
muscular  contraction  could be produced by  the im-
mediate stimulus of electricity upon muscular tissue, 
44         MODES  OF  APPLICATION,

and also that vital  changes in the tissues, could be
effected by the immediate influence of  a quantity
current.  In this mode  of administration,  electricity
may be sent through an organ in different  directions,
either without  reference to the nerves, or cooperat-
ing with them to a greater or less extent.
  50.  The effect of currents of different descriptions
has been  alluded to.   The  current from the battery
will be found necessary to  prodiice immediate, vital
or organic changes in the tissues ;  and its power, in
this respect, leads to a  necessary  caution.  The  in-
fluence of a quantity current is to  produce increased
action  in  a part, and this  without the intermediate
influence of the nervous system.  Consequently, Wil-
son Philip states that he has known inflammation of
the lungs produced in an animal  by continuing the
passage of a powerful  current  beyond a moderate
length of time.  Hence the battery current cannot
be properly applied to many cases of inflammation in
which, on  the other hand, electro-magnetism, which
acts as a simple stimulant and alterative, may be em-
ployed with benefit. To effect nervous stimulation, the
electro-magnetic current is generally sufficient; but to
effect  any  organic change  in  the nervous tissue, as
well as in other organs, the  battery must  be resorted
to.   The different kinds of shock of induced electri-
city will be found all to  have their application.  Thus
the separate shocks, whose influence is to  arouse the
system, would be used in suspended animation, — the
rapid succession of shocks,  producing tonic muscular
contractions,  in some conditions of the  uterus during
parturition. 
RULES OF  APPLICATION.         45
   51.  The strength of the shock to be administered,
or the amount of the continuous current, must  de-
pend upon the temperament of  the  patient, upon the
seat of the disease, and the object to be accomplished.
Different parts of the body differ exceedingly in their
sensibility to electricity.   The hands and the  face
are very sensitive, while the back part of the neck,
which, as a great nervous centre, is frequently used as
the  entering  point  for  the current,  has  hardly any
sensibility.  Individual  sensibility also differs exceed-
ingly, both in healthy and diseased conditions.  The
first rule  to  be adopted, is  to  begin gradually,  and
continue the  application but  a short time.   Five
minutes may be sufficient  for a first application, to
be increased in a week  to  twenty or thirty minutes.
 Electricity may also at first be applied, once a day, or
every other day, and subsequently, perhaps, more fre-
quently.   In paralysis,  where sensation  is deficient,
no such  caution would generally be necessary, and
the  highest powers  of the apparatus  might be early
called into  use.  Another rule should be, to grad-
uate the shock to the  sensations of the patient, let-
ting the application be agreeable  wherever it  is pos-
sible.   Over-stimulation by electricity,  as  by  any
other  agency, produces subsequent  exhaustion,  and
this must, therefore, be carefully avoided.   One case
of extreme nervous sensibility has  come under my
notice, in which it seemed impossible to graduate the
electric  power sufficiently low  to avoid reaction.   In
 this case, the previous exhaustion of nervous energy
. was so complete as to afford no basis for stimulation. 
46        APPLICATION  TO  DISEASE.

The application of a feeble  primary current from the
battery  might  have given a better  result.  Another
rule is, to use patience in continuing the application.
The restoration of vital power is frequently a slow
process, and though the results  are sometimes sudden
and unexpected, yet the practitioner must be encour-
aged if  he finds steady, though not rapid progress.
Finally, in diseases such as  paralysis, in which elec-
tricity is known to be  beneficial, no case should be
abandoned on the failure of electro-magnetism, with-
out resorting to the battery.   In the Dublin Quarterly
Journal of Medical  Science, for  February, 1847, a
case is  quoted by  Dr.  Donovan,  in which paralysis
of four years' standing was relieved by the use of a
powerful  battery, while a lesser  degree of strength
produced  no effect,


  IV. —GENERAL APPLICATION  TO DISEASE.

  52. Electrical Diagnosis. — Attempts  have been
made to employ the sensations produced by electricity,
in traversing  diseased parts, as a means of diagnosis.
Although nothing reliable has  been accomplished in
this  direction,  the  subject yet deserves notice in a
treatise  like the present, which seeks to embrace all
applications which  hold out any  promise  of useful-
ness.   The  fact  is  well known, that  tissues  and
nerves which  are inflamed, or otherwise  diseased,
are often more  sensitive to the  passage of  electricity
than those in a healthy state.   Some discrimination 
              VITALIZING  POWER.            47

may also probably  be made as to the  character of
sensation  in  different conditions of disease.   This
has suggested the idea of determining  the position
and nature of internal lesions,  by the  electrical  cur-
rent.   Diseases of the spine  and of  the lungs  are
examples of cases in which this experiment has been
tried.   The idea of thus probing deep-seated organs
is one of interest, and calculated to awaken inquiry.
In  some cases,  the rapid administration  of electro-
magnetism would be available for this  purpose  but
for nice distinctions, the continued  current of the
battery would obviously  be  preferable.
   53.  Vitalizing Power.—One of the most common
objects of electrical  application is, to cooperate with
vitality.  This may indeed be  considered the central
principle in the  medical  use of  electricity.   In  the
nervous system, it is illustrated in cases of exhaustion,
prostration, enervation, and paralysis;  in the  tissues,
in gangrene, erysipelas, indolent  sores,  and deficient
nutrition.   It  will  be found,  indeed,  to enter,  more
or less  directly, into  every case  of electrical appli-
cation.   The idea  will  be frequently  suggested to
the  practitioner,  by his  own  observation,  that  the
agent  electricity  works in the direction  of  health,
even in the most opposite affections.    This is ex-
plained  simply by the fact, that  its operation  is to
quicken the vital powers and natural functions of the
part to  which it  is  applied.   Diseased  action, when
local, is  perhaps especially controlled by the supply of
nervous power, previously deficient, which is brought
into action, connecting and harmonizing functions. 
48        APPLICATION TO  DISEASE.

   54.  Reactive  Power. — Electricity  constitutes
the most powerful  means of effecting vital reaction,
in the hands of  the medical practitioner.   According
to Matteucci, the nervous  system responds to electri-
city  after all other  stimulants  have ceased  to  act.
Thus it has a very important application in suspended
animation, narcotism,  and stupor.   Another  equally
important application,  which  has only begun to re-
ceive attention,  is  that to collapse  and the  sinking
stages of disease.
  55. Alterative  Action.—An influence frequent-
ly exerted by electricity  is to  change  the action of
an organ, or the general tone  of the system,  thereby
interrupting  a diseased condition.   The application
of electricity  by the  sponge  handle,  in  cutaneous
diseases, is perhaps  founded on this principle,  causing
the skin to take on a  new action.   So also in some
nervous affections, and perhaps  in applications to the
brain.   As a simple alterative,  electro-magnetism is
most generally applied.
  56. Sedative Action.  — The continuous  current
of the battery exerts often a tranquillizing influence,
harmonizing irregular action of the nervous  system,
at the same time that it adds  to its power.  Thus
convulsions are quieted by the steady current, though
increased  by the  intermittent or  electro-magnetic
shock.
  57. Promotion of  Nutrition. — In deficient nu-
trition, electricity may cooperate  in the  vital trans-
formation and organization of  the  nutritive  matter,
by means of the nervous  system, or by direct action 
        influence  over secretion.      49

on  the tissues  of a  part.   To  produce  increased
action in  the latter case, the battery must be used.
This will be  done  whenever a part needs to be
nourished, or the waste of any organ to be replaced.
As a general  rule, the battery current should be feeble,
and  the application long continued and frequent.
  58.  Promotion  of  Secretion. — Wilson Philip
says, " I cannot  help regarding it  as almost ascer-
tained, that in those diseases in which  the  derange-
ment  is  in  the nervous power alone, where  the
sensorial functions are entire, and the vessels healthy,
and merely  the power of  secretion,  which seems
immediately to depend  on the nervous system, is at
fault, galvanism will often prove a valuable means of
relief." *   The immediate influence of galvanism on
the  tissue of secreting organs will also  appear here-
after.   The battery current  is most efficierit for  this
application, but nervous stimulation may be  effected
also by electro-magnetism.   The current should be
sent along the nerves supplying the organ in the direc-
tion from the nerve centre toward  the nerve  extrem-
ities, where it is desired to produce an immediate stim-
ulation of the  function, and in the opposite  direction
where it is desired to produce gradual and permanent
stimulation.  It may also be sent through and  through
the  organ in different directions.   The strength and
stimulating character of the  application will  vary
with  the  organ.   In  deficient secretion from  the
mucous membrane of the lungs, a gentle and diffused
current will be  indicated.
              * Vital Functions, 2d ed. p. 331.
               5 
50       APPLICATION  to  DISEASE.

  59.  Promotion  of  Absorption. — In  effusion of
serum  or  lymph, in some forms of hypertrophy, in
bony deposits, rheumatic  enlargements, and  every
undue  organic development, with the exception, per-
haps, of some malignant growths, the  power of the
absorbents needs to be quickened, and this may  often
be effected by electrical action.   In this case, the ap-
plication is usually made directly to the  organ, though
the rule still prevails,  in acting through  the nervous
system, that the  vital stimulus, artificially supplied,
directs itself  to,  or  is principally perceived in,  that
function whose  efficiency is  suspended.   In  other
words, the  tendency of the nervous influence seems
to be,  to harmonize  the various  vital  functions, dis-
proportionate  action appearing thus to proceed from
causes acting originally on  the   life of the tissues.
In serous effusion, accompanied  with  inflammation,
the battery  cannot be used,  but a cautious and gen-
tle  application of the  electro-magnetic current may
be effectual.  In other cases of effusion, the battery
will be most efficient.
  60.  Capillary  Circulation.—The  increase of
the capillary circulation, under the influence of the
current, has been referred to.   This takes place in
a very  striking  manner,  when the sponge handles
are  used in connection with the battery.   The skin,
in a short time  after the  application, becomes warm
and  red, especially under  the negative handle, where
the current  passes out in the direction of  the nervous
organic current.    The  excitement of  the  functions
of  the  skin may  be spoken of  in this  connection. 
INFLAMMATION.
51
It will be seen hereafter, that perspiration  frequently
breaks out, and warmth is  established in a part sub-
jected to the influence of the battery.   This takes
place also,  though not so efficiently, under the use
of electro-magnetism.   The arterial  action is proba-
bly  increased  by all  modes  of application, and  is
especially quickened in the smaller  vessels, as may
be presumed, by the  convulsion  of  the shock.
   61.  Digestion and  Menstruation. — The func-
tions of digestion and menstruation are  peculiarly
under the  influence   of  galvanism.   They  will be
treated of  in connection with  their  diseases.  The
application,  in  the case of the diseases of women, is
so simple that it can generally be made by  the pa-
tient without  assistance.   Otherwise,  as a  general
rule, it  may be committed  to a female attendant.
   62.  Use  in  Inflammation. — The tendency  of
the  battery  current is  to produce  increased  organic
action:  the tendency  of a feeble  electro-magnetic
cm-rent  is hardly more than  an alterative stimulant.
Still the application  of electricity is  contra-indicated
by active  and  progressive inflammation, except  in a
few  rare cases.   Dr. Wilson Philip states,  as  a result
of microscopic  observation,* that the  condition of
the capillaries in inflammation is one of distention and
debility, while the arterial action is increased.   Stim-
ulation  of  the capillaries,  therefore, in such cases,
may relieve inflammation, especially  when of a  pas-
sive character.  This power of  stimulating the capil-
* Vital Functions, 2d od, p. 279, 
52       APPLICATION TO  DISEASE".

laries on the surface of the body is peculiarly within
the province of electricity.   In an  advanced  stage
of inflammation, when the capillaries are so burdened
as to stop the circulation, an increase of vital power,
determined  by electricity, may be of important ser-
vice.   So,  also,  electricity may  be  summoned  to
terminate a  condition of things  consequent  upon
inflammation, which is only continued from want of
reactive  power.
  63.  Use   in  Congestion. — The application  of
electricity to an organ in the  early stages of con-
gestion would be inadmissible.   In the later stages,
it may prove beneficial,  aiding the  vital powers  in
the resumption of the natural function of the organ.
The  electro-magnetic  current  alone   is  indicated
here, and great caution,  as  in the  case  of inflam-
mation,  would be required.
  64.  Counter Irritation, Revulsion.—An organ
which is inflamed  or congested may sometimes be
relieved  by  stimulating another  organ connected with
it by position or nervous association.  It frequently
happens in  the  inflammation  of one   organ,  that
neighboring organs  are torpid.   A double  relief can
therefore be obtained,  where it is  possible to stim-
ulate the latter  without  acting upon  the  former.
Electricity,  in most  of  its surface applications, is
easily capable  of being converted into  a rubefacient
or irritant,  with the  advantage of  stimulating into
activity  all  the functions of  the skin.   It can also
be directed  so as to excite specific  internal organs.
For  irritating the skin, the sponge  or metallic han^ 
             MUSCULAR  EXERCISE.           53

dies  may be  used  with the battery, being kept near
each  other,  and  moved  over  the  surface;  or the
metallic  plates of Wilson Philip ($ 37) may  be
employed.   With  electro-magnetism, a metallic han-
dle,  more or less dry, and presenting a comparatively  «
small  surface to  the skin, may be  used.   Sparks
may also be drawn from  the  patient, on the  insu-
lating  stool.  It  has been stated that suppressed
eruptions have been brought  out by this mode  of
revulsion.
   65.   Organic   Contraction. — An  influence  of
electricity, capable  of important applications,  is the
restoration  of organic  contractility  or  tension  in
relaxed tissues.   This applies  not only to  muscular
tissue, but especially to the ligamentous system,  in-
cluding  fibrous  and capsular  ligaments.   Examples
of this will  be given hereafter.
   66.  Muscular  Exercise. — Much advantage, at
times, is derived  from the effect  of  muscular con-
traction  induced  by electricity,  in moving  organs
upon one  another, and very probably in old  inflam-
mations, such as  sprains, in breaking up adhesions.
Single  muscles  on  the surface of the body  can be
made to contract independently of those surrounding
them,  and the fullest play of the parts is thus  se-
cured.   In the application of  an  interrupted  current
to  the  abdomen, the  parietes are contracted in a
variety of directions, as well  as the muscular  fibres
of all the included organs, thus producing a thorough
movement, which,  in some forms of dyspepsia, is
perhaps  one of the most favorable influences.  In
              5 * 
   54       application to  disease.

   paralysis, the  exercise given  to the  muscles is of
   great  importance  in   preserving   the contractility
   of the tissue, and in preventing  the loss of organiza-
   tion and waste of substance.   Electro-magnetism is
»   most applicable  for this  purpose.


     V. —SPECIAL  APPLICATION  TO  DISEASE.

     67.  In  the present  section, the principles already
   laid down  will  be applied  to  the  treatment of dis-
   ease.  Upon  the correct understanding of the gen-
   eral laws  which govern application,  and upon the
   skill and resource of the practitioner, the successful
   use  of  electricity, as  a  remedial   agent, must very
   much  depend.   A writer in the Revue Medico-Chi-
   rurgicale speaks of electricity  as  a principle whose
   direction and activity  are wholly at the control of
   the  operator, and which  can be graduated in a hun-
   dred ways.   This  fertility  of  application,  and the
   constant correspondence of  electricity to  vital states,
   must  be considered as the • groundwork of  its med-
   ical use.  It will  be  frequently seen, even in  suc-
   cessful cases,  quoted   hereafter, that  the nature of
   the  agent  and  the laws of application  have  been
   imperfectly understood;  and  many  of  the failures
   which have  occurred must  be   ascribed  to  this
   source.
     68.  No claim will be made  for electricity as an
   exclusive  medical  agent.   It  is  not  to  supersede,
   but to cooperate with other treatment.  It  is to be 
direction  of  current.         55
introduced into practice with discretion, and  to be
expected to fail under the same conditions with other
remedies, either from its own  inapplicability, or the
want of knowledge and adaptation in the operator.
   69.  The outline of a large number of cases will
be given in connection with the various diseases to
which electricity  has  been applied.   Although  the
objection has  been  felt of omitting many of  the
useful details  of cases, which could not be included
within  our limits, it has been  still considered advi-
sable to  present  such  sketches as could  be  recog-
nized, and which  could, where desirable,  be sought
out  by  the  practitioner for himself.  It  may here
be repeated, that many of the applications  presented
are to  be considered  experimental,  rather than as
confirmed modes of  practice.  These will be readily^
distinguished.
   70.  As  the  direction of the current is one  of  the
important considerations, it will be remembered that,
with the  battery,  the pole or handle connected with
the platinum  plate is the positive pole, or  the enter-
ing pole, of the current, as regards the body  of  the
patient, and  the  handle  connected  with  the zinc
plate, the negative pole.  With the electro-magnetic
apparatus,  the  positive pole is  that which produces
least sensation when applied to an equally sensitive
part of the body  with  the  negative.  The handles
may be  conveniently distinguished by holding them
in different hands, when the  most  pain  and con-
traction will be felt  in the  wrist of the hand  grasp-
ing the negative handle. 
56
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
  71.  No attempt  has been made, in this section, to
group  the  diseases  in a* natural  order.   They are
simply arranged according to the  direction and char-
acter  of  the  treatment.  An index will be furnished
at the end, by which  reference can readily be made
to any special subject.   The  word " electro-magnet-
ism," frequently used,  will be  understood as equiva-
lent to the expression " electricity from  the electro-
magnetic apparatus."

                 NERVOUS SYSTEM.
  72.  Paralysis.—The  application  of electricity
to paralysis,  which was one of the earliest,  is also
one of the most important.   Its remarkable efficiency
in this disease has  been limited  by a want  of dis-
crimination and resource,  which  we can as yet only
imperfectly supply.   Dr. Golding Bird has recently
mentioned the following forms of paralysis as those
in which he  has used  electro-magnetism  with de-
cided  success : *  1.  Partial  paralysis from organic
congestion or  effusion,  which has  been removed.
2. Paralysis  of the portio dura of the seventh pair,
from  exposure to cold.  3.  Paralysis  of  a limb from
the  same  cause.   4.  Paralysis of  one  side  of  the
body,  or a single  limb,  from  exhaustion, as from
lactation, flooding,  &c.  5.  Rheumatic  paraplegia.
6. Paraplegia from  enervation, as in the case of the
seamstresses  of London.   Dr. Bird remarks,  that
electricity, though not  universally successful, is the
* London Lancet.  June, 1846. 
          paralytic  contraction.       57

actual  curative  agent in some of these forms, that
in all  it expedites the cure, and in none  is it inju-
rious.   CcBteris paribus, he finds it most successful in
proportion to the acuteness of the case.  In chronic
cases,  the new muscular  tissue  deposited does  not
stand  in  active relation to the  nervous system,  and
time  is  required  to establish  its function.    Other
forms  of paralysis,  besides  those specified,  as that
from  lead colic, will  be found to have  yielded to
electricity, in the cases hereafter quoted by Dr. Bird.
   73.  All practitioners have  borne testimony to the
uselessness of  electricity during the  existence  of
structural lesions, from which paralysis, in any case,
proceeds.  Dr. Bird cautions against its employment
in recent or  even persistent organic lesions,* stating
that he has known  fatal apoplexy to follow the use
of electricity in cases of ramollissement of the  brain,
or where rigid arteries existed.  Medical  treatment,
in such cases, should be directed to the original cause
of the  paralysis, and the  effect may then often be
rapidly dissipated by electricity.
   74.  Dr, Bird states that he has never seen electrici-
ty do any good in cases of rigid flexure  of the thumb
or fingers.  Under other modes of electrical  applica-
tion, we find, however, that paralytic contraction has
been  successfully combated.    This is  illustrated in
the following  case,  together with the necessity, in
the last  resort, to employ the  higher powers of the
galvanic  battery.  A young  lady, under  the care of
* Lond, Med. Gaz.  June, 1847. 
58
nervous  system.
Dr.  Grapengiesser,*  was  attacked  with  apoplexy,
succeeded by paralysis of the right  side and loss of
speech.   Within four years, she recovered the use of
her foot, and the  power of utterance;  but the arm
remained  contracted, and  the  fingers firmly closed.
" Whenever galvanism  was employed, this  stiffness
of the elbows  and fingers disappeared in a moment,
and she could with ease stretch the fingers and arm;
but  in  order to produce this  effect, a battery of one
hundred pairs was required.''''   The application being
continued for a short time, recovery, though not per-
fect, took place.
   75.  It  must  not be supposed, from this case, that
an overpowering application of electricity  is required,
or allowable, in paralysis.  The application should
be made with care, in the first  instance, to avoid ex-
haustion, and be increased, according to the sensibility
of the patient and the demands of the case.  Where
the battery is used, the  tendency is to  increase the
general action   of the system, and depletion  must
sometimes be  resorted  to, in connection  with  it.
Matteucci recommends  commencing always with a
feeble current,  which   should be  frequently  inter-
rupted,  and  the administration  not too  much pro-
longed, the  patient  resting after  twenty or. thirty
shocks.  He approves the use of electro-magnetism,
and  regards the interrupted cur-rent of the battery as
more efficient   as a stimulant  than  the continued
current.
» Dub. Quart. J. of Med. Sc.  Feb. 1847. —Braithewaite, Part XV, 
CURRENT  IN  PARALYSIS.        59
  76.  Matteucci has shown, as the result of experi-
ment,*  that  the electric  current, passed through a
nerve  in  the direction  of its  ramifications, rapidly
exhausts  its  excitability, whilst the inverse current
increases  it.   An exhaustion  of contractile power,
amounting to temporary paralysis, may be occasioned
in the frog, by the persistent use of the direct current
of the battery.  Regarding some cases of paralysis as
a similar exhaustion of nervous  power, the employ-
ment of  the inverse  current is therefore  indicated.
This is fully borne out by experience.   The direc-
tion of the current in different conditions of paralysis,
as in nerves  of motion or sensation, or in the origin,
course, or expansion of the same nerve, still, how-
ever, requires much additional investigation.
   77.   It has been  stated, inferentially, that a nerve
propagates the influence of an  electric current only
in the  direction of its own nervous current (<§>  47).
Hence the impression of an electric  current, sent in
the direction of the brain, or the nerve centre of any
nerve,  is  transmitted  by  the  nerves  of sensation,
while the influence of an electric current, sent toward
the extremities or surface  of the body, is transmitted
by the nerves of motion,  or  corresponding organic
nerves.   Nevertheless, the  nerves of motion are,  as a
general rule, more permanently stimulated in their
functions by sending  a current in  the inverse direc-
tion toward  the nerve centre.   This is apparently an
excito-motory influence through the stimulus  propa-
* Mcdico-Chirurg. Rev. April, 1845. — London Lancet.  Aug. 1847. 
60
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
gated to the nerve centre, and thence reacting on the
associated nerves of motion.   It would, therefore, in
cases of organic lesion, inflammation, or irritation of
the nerve centres, be especially improper to send the
current in their direction.   On the other hand, in pas-
sive conditions of the nerve  centres, after lesions al-
ready cured, the electric current should  be  directed
toward them, through the paralyzed parts.  A current
passed, for a short distance,  through a nerve,  is suf-
ficient to propagate its impression through the  whole
extent of the nerve.  Thus, in the little finger, if a
shock be passed through  a  single joint, it is  felt to
the shoulder, and occasions contraction through the
whole arm.
   78.  Dr. Dewees, in the New York Journal of Med-
icine,* states, as the result  of his experience, that in
paralysis  resulting from the lesion of organic  nerves,
or when nutrition is deficient, the current of the bat-
tery, which  he prefers, in  all  cases, should be sent
in the direction opposite to  the  ramification  of the
nerves, but that, in "muscular paralysis,"  it  should
be sent in the  same direction with the  ramifications
of the nerves.  He recommends the continued bat-
tery current, where it  is  desirable to exercise an or-
ganizing  power over the muscles, and a resort to the
interrupted current, when stimulation  and exercise
of the nerve and muscle are desired.
   79.  Dr. J. Reid  has  recently  made  experiments!
to show the effect of muscular exercise in preserving

          *  N. Y. Jour, of Med.  May, 1847.
          t Ed. Month. Jour, of Med. Sc. May, 1841. 
        EXCITABILITY  in  paralysis.      61

the nutrition and excitability of a  paralyzed  limb.
The spinal nerves of a frog were cut across so as to
paralyze the posterior extremities.   The muscles of
one of these were daily exercised by a weak battery,
while  those of the other remained quiescent.   The
exercised limb, at the end of two months, remained
of its original size and firmness, contracting vigorous-
ly, while the other limb had  shrunk to one  half of
its  previous size, still  preserving,  however,  some
contractility.   Dr.  Bird remarks,  " From  want of
exercise,  the  muscles of  the affected limb  become
atrophied."  Before  this takes place, "the power of
electricity is very remarkable,  frequently restoring
power to  the  paralyzed  muscles  in  a very  short
time."*   Not  less efficient,  however, is electricity,
as we have seen above, in giving  the  required exer-
cise, and preserving the organization of the  paralyzed
muscle.    For  this  purpose, the  electro-magnetic
shocks are  best adapted.   The hand of the operator
may be used as  one conductor (<§> 38), and  the  con-
traction  of each individual muscle  will follow  the
touch of the finger to the surface of the affected limb.
  80.  Dr. Marshall  Hall has stated that the electric
excitability of muscles  in  paralysis  from cerebral
lesions is increased, but that in paralysis  from spinal
lesions  it  is diminished.   This  has been recently
denied by Dr. Todd,  in  a  paper in the Medico-Chi-
rurgical  Transactions of  1847,  who,  from  a  large
number  of  observations,  arrives  at the following
* Guy's Hospital Reports.  1841.
  6 
62
nervous  system.
conclusions :  1. The irritability of paralyzed muscles
is in direct relation to their state of nutrition.   2.  It
varies with the condition of their nerves more than
with  that  of the muscles  themselves.   3. In  a ma-
jority of cases of  cerebral  palsy, the contractility of
the paralyzed muscles is less  than that of the muscles
of the sound side, on account of diminished nutrition.
4.  No diagnostic  mark  to  distinguish  cerebral from
spinal paralysis can be based on any difference in the
irritability of  the  muscles.   5.  The  irritability of
paralyzed  muscles, under the influence of galvanism,
is an index to the state of their nerves.
   81.  Mr. John Grantham, in a work recently pub-
lished in England,* gives the following, among other
conclusions:  The  galvanic  influence  will  be most
active in the  paralyzed limb, when passed along the
spine.   It restores diminished temperature, decreased
circulation, and lost muscular action, in the  order in
which  they are  here written.  It  has  no effect in
disease  that alters  the  structure of nerves.   It is as-
sisted by  immersion of the  affjected limb in a warm
bath, into which  one of the poles is plunged.   It  is
injurious when much pain  is caused in the  muscles
by its application.   It may  be carried to an  undue
extent,  so as to produce congestion of the brain.
   82. In the valuable report on the use of electrici-
ty in Guy's Hospital,! Dr. Golding  Bird cites a large
number of cases of paralysis  treated by this  agent.
In these, machine electricity, in the form of the spark
       ^                                —          ■—■
           *  Medico-Chirurg. Rev.   Jan. 1845.
           t Guy's Hospital Reports.  April, 1841. 
DROPPED  hands.
63
and  shock ($ 13), was for  the most part employed.
Dr. Bird, however, in  his concluding  remarks, gives
the  decided preference,  in  paralysis,  especially in
chronic cases,  to electro-magnetism.   The  interest-
ing results,  from the use of the spark, still deserve
attention.   Dr. Bird makes  the general remark,  that
in paralysis  from rheumatism or cold, from functional
affections, or the effect of  lesions previously cured,
he has found the application of electricity most  suc-
cessful ; but that he has found it of no  effect in cases
of persistent structural lesions.   Many cases in which
electricity  had  been found useless, were submitted
to post mortem examination, and, in all,  permanent
causes of paralysis were discovered.
   83.  Dropped Hands. — Eleven cases are given, by
Dr. Bird, of dropped hands, mostly connected  with
colica pictonum, in which five were cured,  three
were relieved,  one  improved,  and two received no
benefit.   Sparks  were generally  drawn from  the
upper part of the spine, while the  patient was seated
on the insulating stool, in order to  influence  the axil-
lary plexus.  Medical  treatment was also directed to
associated  complaints of the  patients.   The details
of four of these may be summed up as follows : —
  I.  A  compositor,  aged 19.   Paralysis of extensors
of both hands,  with  amaurosis, preceded by an attack
of lead colic.   After four months of interrupted treat-
ment,  the  paralysis was cured, but  the amaurosis
remained, though the pupils, previously nearly insen-
sible, contracted and dilated readily.
  II, A cooper, aged 29, with  recent  and complete 
64
NERVOUS SYSTEM.
paralysis of extensors.  Weak shocks, from the spine
down the arm.   Within a month, able to resume  his
work.
  III.  A painter, aged 27.   Complete  paralysis  of
extensors.  In fifteen days discharged, well.
  IV.  A plumber, aged  36, with  total paralysis of
the extensors, of a year's standing.  Shocks down
the arms on alternate days.  No improvement after
twenty  days.   Sparks ordered  to be  drawn from
the spine.  In sixteen days, great  improvement, and
soon able to resume work.
  Dr. Bird  states that in chronic cases of this form
of paralysis, sparks  from the spine  are  very often
effectual, when shocks to the arms are of no avail.
  84.  Rheumatic  Paralysis. — In  paralysis from
rheumatism or exposure  to  cold, Dr.  Bird  speaks of
the remarkable influence of electricity, before wasting
of the muscles  has taken place.   In  ten cases given
by him, five were  cured, three improved, and  in two
there  was no  relief.   Those reported in detail may
be summed up as follows : —
  I.  A boy, of 15 years,  with paralysis of motion of
right  arm, preceded  by pain and  swelling of neck.
Medical treatment for nine  months, without benefit.
Twelve  shocks  daily, from the  Leyden jar, to be
passed from the cervical vertebras to the fingers.  In
two months discharged, cured.
  II.  A sailor, aged 32.   Paralysis of right arm and
both hands, from cold affusion  in fever.   Sparks to
be drawn from  spine  and paralyzed muscles thrice a
week.  In seven weeks discharged, cured, 
PARALY SIS.
65
  III.  A man, aged 38, with entire  paralysis of
motion  of  right leg, following rheumatism.  Sparks
alternate days, from the lumbar vertebrae  and  limb.
In six weeks discharged, cured.
  IV. A man, aged  30, with paralysis of  motion of
both hands, from effects of cold water.   Sparks from
spine and  hands.   After a few applications, returned
to his work.
   85.   Paralysis from various Causes. — Dr.  Bird
groups  together  twelve  cases  of paraplegia,  hemi-
plegia, and partial paralysis, from various causes, treat-
ed in Guy's Hospital, excluding those with coexistent
structural lesions.   The result was, no relief in four
cases, relief in two, cure in six.  Details of seven of
these cases may be condensed as follows : —
   I.   A man, aged 30, with hemiplegia of  right side,
of nine months' standing, from a  fall, in which he
struck  his  head.    Paralysis  partial.   Dec.  1837,
shocks  to  be passed twice a week from spine down
leg and arm.  April 3,  1838, cured.
   II.  A woman, aged  26, with paraplegia, following
a recent apoplectic attack.  After several  months'
medical treatment, condition improved.    Sparks or-
dered from  the  lumbar vertebras  and legs.   Rapid
recovery ensued.
   III. A woman, aged  52,  with partial  paralysis of
motion and  feeling of right arm.  Under common
treatment for three  months,  sensation had improved.
Dec. 20, electro-magnetic current  ordered  from neck
to  fingers  thrice  a week.  Jan.  20, 1840, motion
much improved.   Feb. 20, completely well.
                6* 
66
NERVOUS SYSTEM.
  IV. A waiter, aged  46,  with paralysis of motion
of right half of the body, with some loss of sensa-
tion,  of three months' standing.   Sept. 22,  twelve
shocks,  on  alternate days, down  back  and limbs.
Oct.  31, numbness  of only  one  finger remaining.
Returned to his work.
  V.  A boy, of 11 years, with complete paralysis of
motion  on  the right side,  of seven weeks' standing.
Sparks  were drawn from  spine and limbs.  After
first application, walked back  into the ward with the
aid of a stick.   In a few days, completely cured.
  VI. A smith, aged 22,  with  recent complete  pa-
ralysis of motion  of right arm.   Aug.  4, sparks to
be  drawn  from the  upper part of  the spine  and
arm.  Sept. 1, cured.
  VII. A coal porter, with paralysis of right arm and
face.  Nov. 29,  sparks from  spine,  face, and arm.
Dec.  24, arm cured.   Electro-magnetic shocks  to
face in  direction of branches of fifth pair.  Jan. 10,
much improved, and returned  to work.
  86.  Paralysis from Local  Injury. — Dr.  Bird re-
lates four cases, in  two of which there was structural
lesion of the  nerves,  and  no benefit resulted from
electricity.   The other two are as follows: —
  I.  A  shoemaker, aged 50, fell with  his  left arm
bent  under him.    Complete  paralysis  of sensation
and motion ensued.  After three weeks, on June 27,
feeble shocks  were  ordered  from  the  neck  to  the
fingers.   July 13,  upper part  of the arm restored;
numbness still in  the fore-arm.  July 17, sufficiently
recovered to resume work. 
hysterical  paralysis.
67
  II. A  muscular man, of  60,  with partial paralysis
of left arm from  a fall,  injuring  the  shoulder,  six
weeks before.   Nov.  12,  sparks  ordered from  the
shoulder.   Dec. 3, considerably improved, and ceased
to attend.
   87. Limited Paralysis. — In these cases,  Dr. Bird
has  found electricity  generally successful.  A gen-
tleman, aged about 40, applied to him on account of
gradual loss of power in the flexors of the  left fore-
arm.  He found the biceps remarkably atrophied, but
the brachialis antichus in its usual condition.  Strych-
nia  was applied to a blistered surface  over the mus-
cle with  very  little spasmodic excitement.  Electro-
magnetic shocks were then passed from the cervical
vertebras  to the belly of the muscle.  During several
weeks, power gradually  returned  to the  muscle,
and the  arm was  restored ultimately  to its original
 strength.
   88.  Hysterical  Paralysis. — In this affection, in
 which  it is  difficult always to  separate simulated
 from actual paralysis, Dr. Bird has yet seen  recov-
 ery, under electrical treatment, in undoubted cases,
 of which the following  is  an example : A  girl, aged
 15, of  florid appearance, with complete paralysis of
 the lower extremities, following an hysteric  attack.
 After six months, when  admitted, she had regained
 slight  power  of motion  of  the toes.   Menstruation
 regular,  but  painful.  Oct.  6, shocks were  ordered
 from the  sacrum  to the  toes daily.  Oct.   18, no
 remains  of paralysis.   Oct. 23, presented cured.
    89.  Dr. Addison  furnishes another  case of a girl, 
68
nervous  system.
aged  16, at Guy's Hospital,* who,  as a consequence
of suppression  of the catamenia, was attacked with
an hysterical paroxysm  terminating  in coldness and
paralysis of the left  side, involving amaurosis  of the
left eye.   After sparks were drawn for  the first time
from  the  spinal column, she could bend the fingers
of her left hand.   In ten days, she could walk with-
out difficulty.   Shocks were also passed through the
pelvis.  In seven weeks, the catamenia reappeared,
and  her general health  was restored, but the eye
remained  amaurotic.
  90.  In hysterical  paralysis,  where  there  is  any
tendency  to spasm, as in other spasmodic affections,
electricity, in  the form  of the  shock,  may produce
excitement and irregular action, as the writer has had
occasion,  in a  single case,  to observe.   The unin-
terrupted  current from  the  battery,  or the  spark,
though the latter is  generally  less efficient, should
be resorted to under  such circumstances.
  91.  Mr. John  Grantham,  in  two  papers f  giving
some general   views of the  action  of galvanism,
relates the following cases of paralysis and nervous
atony, subjected to that agent.
  I.  A block printer, aged 52, with partial paralysis
and neuralgia of the  right fore-arm.   Galvanism, from
a battery  of forty  pairs, was  passed through the
arm, a flannel  roller applied from  the wrist  to the
shoulder,  and  the patient was directed frequently to
swing a six-pound weight in the  hand.   Heat and

        * Guy's Hospital Reports. Oct. 1837.
        t Lon. Med. Gaz.   Apr. 1837, and Dec. 1838. 
PARALYSIS.
69
sensibility  increased daily during the action of the
galvanism.   In five  or six weeks  he was cured.
Stimulants and other treatment  had been previously
tried ineffectually.   A similar case is  given where a
cure was obtained  simply by medical treatment and
exercise of the arm, as above.
  II.  A  shoemaker, aged 47, with paralysis of the
extensor muscles of the fore-arm, attended with cold-
ness and neuralgic pains.   Stimulants were found of
no avail.   Ptyalism gave some relief to the pain, but
none to the paralysis.   Galvanism from twenty-four
pairs, directed from the shoulder to the hand for three
weeks, effected a cure, with the exception  of numb-
ness of the tip of the middle finger.
  III.  A  woman,  aged 36, with  health  generally
deranged, — painful sensibility  to  light, eyelids in
constant  action, conjunctiva  inflamed,  iris nearly
immovable,  bowels torpid,  secretions deficient, skin
cold and dry.   The cerebral and digestive derange-
ments yielded  to  mercurial treatment, and in five
weeks, under  the  use  of galvanism from eighteen
pairs, passed from  the back of the head to the exit
of the orbitar  nerves;  the  affection of the eye, and
the coldness of the surface, were essentially removed,
so that the patient  returned to her occupation,
  IV.  A woman, aged  29,  was  attacked, in  1835,
with hemiplegia of the left side, and partially relieved
under a depletory and mercurial treatment.   She was
seized again, in 1837, with a painful spasmodic action
of the left arm, which was relieved by medical treat-
ment, but subsided into paralysis.   Galvanism,  being 
70
NKKVOUS  SYSTEM.
applied to the arm, produced cerebral congestion, and
was abandoned.   A further  attack took  place in
1838,  accompanied  with monorrhagia,  which latter
yielded to  the  usual  remedies.    Electricity  from
twelve  galvanic pans, again resorted to, and passed
through the arm, proved very irregular  in  its effects.
The current was then passed from the  lumbar verte-
bras to the left foot,  by means of a hot foot-bath.  A
very powerful effect was thus produced on the left
arm, through  the  medium,  as Dr. Grantham  conjec-
tures, of the grand sympathetic nerve.  Mercury and
carbonate of iron were given at the same time, under
which treatment she shortly recovered the  use of the
arm, though only partially of the fingers.
   V.  A clerk of  the   ordnance department,  with
hemiplegia, the result of rupture  of the  tendo achillis
and subsequent treatment several years before.  Pulse
in right radial artery, eighty-six;  in left radial artery,
seventy-four.  By  depletion and mercurial action, the
general health was improved.  Galvanism from forty-
eight  pairs was then passed  from  the head, neck, and
spine, to the left foot in the bath.   In  ten days, the
warmth of the surface gradually  returned;  the pulse
then rose.   On the  thirteenth day, muscular action
was rapidly developed,    Later, some cerebral  con-*
gestion occurred, which was  relieved by  depletion,
In one month, galvanism was suspended, the patient
being able  to  walk with a cane and  crutch; and two
months later, he returned to his occupation,  still with
some  slight deficiency in  the muscular  power of the
arm and leg. 
LOC AL P ARALYSI S.
71
  92.  M. Marianini  reports several  cases  of paral-
ysis* treated  by the battery in  the  following way:
The first, a young  lady, was  suddenly seized with
paralysis of both lower extremities.   After fifty days
of  ineffectual  medical  treatment,   galvanism  was
resorted  to.  The positive  conducting wire,  from a
battery of fifty-eight small pairs  of copper  and zinc,
was carried round one of the paralyzed limbs, and
the negative was brought  in  contact  with tin foil,
placed on  the instep.  One hundred and  fifty con-
tacts, occasioning slight  shocks,  were administered
to  each limb;  and  also  the  constant  current  was
allowed to flow for so.me minutes.  One of  the wires
was also touched to the  skin, at particular points,
occasioning a  prickling sensation — the first which
had been perceived.   After three days, the number
of pairs was increased to seventy-five, and afterwards
to a hundred pairs of feeble strength.  After twelve
sittings,  decided improvement appeared, and  in  six
more there was a  perfect cure.   The second  case
was a woman, aged  29, who had suffered, for four
years,  from partial  paralysis  of  the  left side.   She
was electrified forty times,  in   the course  of two
months,  with  some  improvement, which continued
without  further use  of the agent,  so that,  twenty
months after,  both sides were  equally  strong.  Five
other cases are referred to, in which  the  same  treat-
ment proved successful.
   93.  Local Paralysis. — Dr. J. M. Neligan.f'who has
  * Revue Med.  (Jan. 1833,) from An. Univ. di Med. di Milano.
  t Month. J. of Med. Sc.  Apr. 1846. — Braithewaite, Part XIII. 
72
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
recently  used electro-magnetism, states that he  has
found no benefit in paralysis referable to the brain or
spinal marrow, but great advantage in local paralysis,
as from the action of lead, from exposure to cold, or
from  pressure  upon  a  nerve.   The following cases
are given: —
   I.  A girl,  of 9  years, with paralysis of the right
sterno-mastoid muscle, from inflammation of  the cer-
vical  fascia,  causing wry neck.   After three weeks'
treatment with iron, directed to  the  general health,
electro-magnetism  was  applied to  the  paralyzed
muscle.  After three or four applications, a  decided
amendment  was  visible;  the  muscle regained  its
power, and the head gradually assumed  its natural
position, the  application being  continued from  De-
cember,  1843,  to May,  1844.
   II.  A  case of painter's colic,  succeeded by almost
complete paralysis of the  muscles of both fore-arms.
On the first application, the hands of the  patient im-
mediately closed on the conductor.  In  four weeks
of daily  application  of  half an hour  each time, he
was completely cured.
   III. A sailor, with paralysis  of •' the right shoul-
der," from the effects  of damp.  Blisters and moxas
had been applied without benefit.   After ten days'
application of electricity, he could use the arm nearly
as well  as ever.    Dr.  Neligan adds  that, in some
apoplectic cases, he has found electricity prove abso-
lutely injurious by its effects in hastening the circu-
lation.
   94. Partial Paralysis of the Face.—H. Montault, 
PARALYSIS.
73
in the Revue Medicate of January,  1830, gives an ac-
count of paralysis of the portio dura of the right side
of the face, with which he had been afflicted.  Active
treatment was immediately  resorted to — depletion,
local irritants, &c.  In a week, the symptoms had ag-
gravated, pronunciation and deglutition being almost
impossible.   Electricity  was  then administered  by
MM.  Sarlandiere  and  Pictionniere.   The  sparks,
brush, and  shock of the  machine were employed,
followed by galvano-puncture, several needles being
passed  into  the  face, and the  current  transmitted
in  the  course of the facial  nerve  and its branches.
Thirty pairs were employed for the space of twenty
to  thirty minutes each  time.   The  right eye  com-
menced to  close  after  the  second application, and
a cure  was  effected by the  sixth, eleven days from
the commencement.
   95.  A writer in the Revue Medico-Chirurgicale of
December,  1847* referring  to a number of failures
in  the use  of electricity for paralysis, of which the
details are not given, calls  attention to the agent, not
for its general efficacy, but for its  remarkable action
in some cases where other remedies  are insufficient.
He  details  a  case  of facial  paralysis successfully
treated by  galvano-puncture, and  apparently similar
to another case in which the  same treatment had no
effect.   A  young woman, of 20, was affected with
paralysis  of the right side of the  face, as a conse-
quence of fright, to the  extent  of unconsciousness.
* Nouv. Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  Dec. 1847.
     7 
74
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
She was unable to shut the right eyelid, and suffered
the usual distortions, the saliva escaping involuntarily
from the mouth.   For several months, every variety
of treatment  was  resorted  to  without  result.   At
length,  acu-puncture, with from thirty to forty-five
small pairs, was  employed, at first daily;  afterwards
every two days.  The  needles  were inserted  in dif-
ferent parts of the face.   Severe pain, contractions,
secretion of tears, and  suffusion and perspiration of
parts  traversed by the  current, ensued.    This was
continued  for  three  months, at  the  end  of  which
time the patient retained hardly a trace  of the dis-
order.   It  may  be  remarked,  that  this  application
seems to have been unnecessarily severe, and that
over-stimulation, from  so  many pairs,  may have
retarded the cure.  It may also be observed, that the
cases referred  to as  unamenable to electricity may
have depended upon persistent organic lesions.
   96.  Paraplegia.—Dr.  Turtelli relates  a case of
paraplegia,* following «ix months after  cerebral in-
flammation.   Energetic diuretics were administered,
also  mix vomica, but without  success.  The shock
from thirty pairs  of plates was passed from the hand
to the foot of the patient.   The  intensity being  too
great, and causing pain  in  the  head, thirst, and anx-
iety, the number of  plates was reduced  to twenty.
Contact was made thirty times.   Improvement mani-
fested itself at the  second  application;  and by  the
seventh, the paralysis had  entirely disappeared.
* Revue Med.  May, 182,5. 
PARAPLEGIA.               75
  97.  In the Gazette Medicale de Paris of 1848 *
Dr. Constantin James gives  the details of a very in-
teresting case of paraplegia, occasioned by the patient,
a girl of 17, falling  forwards at full length,  while
walking in a corridor.  She  first complained of pain
in the knees, and subsequent weakness.   Local and
general treatment was resorted to without effect, and,,
then  the  waters of Neris  Avere  prescribed, at which
place she remained for six months.  Complete para-
plegia ensued.   On  her return to  Paris, powerful
treatment was addressed to the vertebral column, but
with slight benefit.   At length, after three years from
the  first accident,  M. James recommended electro-
magnetism.  At this time, the lower extremities could
not be raised from the bed, and were sensibly wasted,
without, however, muscular  atrophy.  The first ap-
plication was made very cautiously;  the negative han-
dle being placed over the first of the lumbar vertebras,
the  positive  handle over the head of the tibia, suc-
cessively, of both  limbs.  At the end of eight appli-
cations,  there was  a notable  improvement.  Elec-
tro-puncture was then resorted  to, by introducing a
needle, which was connected with the negative con-
ductor, sufficiently deep into  the middle and posterior
part of the lumbar region.  At the tAventieth appli-
cation, the patient was able to take some steps, with
the  use of a cane.   A needle was subsequently in-
serted in each limb, a little below the head of the tibia.
During  the  menstrual periods,  and in case of any

  * Nouv. Encyclog. des Sc. Med. (March, 1848,) from  Gaz. Med.
de Paris. • 1848. 
76
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
nervous excitement, the application was interrupted.
In four months  the  cure Avas completed,  and  the
treatment discontinued.   The patient, since married,
has remained permanently Avell.
  98.  The author  remarks, that application of elec-
tricity should not be made during existing lesions of
the spinal  column.  In  doubtful  cases  it should be
employed.   One  of his  associates,  Dr. A., Avas at-
tacked Avith all the symptoms of spinal lesion, com-
plete  paraplegia existing, incontractility of sphincters,
partial paralysis of upper extremities, irregular action
of the muscles of  respiration and of the throat, and
perceptible  strabismus.    Cauteries  applied to  the
spine   were ineffectual.   The  third  application of
electricity, hoAvever, produced amelioration,  and in a
few months the patient Avas convalescent.
  99.  M. James  guards against, too rapidly reversing
the direction of the current,  as producing  too great
commotion, Avithout  benefiting  the  patient.  This
mode of application would have a place, however, in
cases  of great  inaction.   He  objects to using a con-
tinuous application, and prefers the intermittent mode
of administration, particularly avoiding  an  excessive
use of the  agent.   Matteucci  has pointed out the en-
tire exhaustion of nervous poAver, similar to paralysis,
resulting from an excessive use of electricity.   If the
improvement appears to come to an end,  M. James
recommends the  discontinuance of the agent for a
Aveek or two.   The progress is then usually reneAved.
During the treatment, the patient should be placed
upon  a strengthening, regimen, Avith tonics, friction, 
HEMIPLEGIA.
77
exercise to the muscles, &c.   Cold should be guard-
ed against.
   100.  The time of cure of  facial paralysis,  with M.
James, is stated to have been sometimes eight or ten
days, or  even in so short a space as five; but para-
plegia Avas rarely cured before several Aveeks.
   101.  Hemiplegia.—A young woman, in  the care
of  M. Hoering,  of Heilbronn,* Avas affected with
hemiplegia  and difficult utterance, as a consequence
of apoplexy.  A  galvanic current Avas passed through
the larynx, from  side  to side, and also through the
cervical vertebras and  the tongue.  Speech,  and  also
motion of the paralyzed limbs, were  soon essentially
benefited.
   102.  M. Bermond, of Bourdeaux,f relates a case of
hemiplegia, following apoplexy, in a lady, aged 26, in
which the  Leyden  jar  was  successfully employed.
After three  months'  medical  treatment,  the hemi-
plegia remained nearly complete.   The memory  was
slightly impaired, and there was unusual  nervous
irritability.   At  the first sitting, shocks from the jar
were passed from the hand to the foot of the  affected
side.   After fifty moderate  shocks, considerable  im-
provement manifested itself.   After the fourth sitting,
tAvelve days later, the patient  took some steps.   At
the tenth sitting, seven Aveeks from  the  commence-
ment, the  patient walked to the office  of  M. Ber-
mond.  After the eleventh application, a week later,
the cure might be considered  as  almost complete.

  * Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  June, 1847.
  f Revue Med. (June, 1831,) from Jour, de Med. de Bourdeaux.
                 7 # 
78
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
The shocks Avere increased in number, tOAvards the
close, and directed sometimes to a single limb, or to
the tongue.  This case, of which the details are giv-
en, would seem to have been one of unusual discour-
agement.
   103.  Madame  B. * aged 56, in full health, Avas
attacked Avith  apoplexy,  resulting in  hemiplegia of
the left side, Avhich  remained  after relief of  the pri-
mary disease.   Speech Avas difficult, the saliva con-
stantly escaping from the corner of  the  mouth.
Taste and hearing Avere slightly affected, deglutition
difficult, the bladder distended, constipation at first
obstinate, cramps in the paralyzed limbs frequent for
the  first fifteen  days.  Oedema at length appeared
throughout the  left  side.  After  a month, a  slight
improvement had taken place in other respects, Avhen
electricity Avas applied by  M.  Bermond.   After the
first application,  Madame B. Avas able to  stand, and
even to stoop  slightly and recover the erect position.
On the following day, the features had become more
regular, the hearing  had improved,  the oedema di-
minished, and  an abundant perspiration had visited
the  limbs on  the  left  side.   The application Avas
then repeated.   The  circulation increased in  force,
and the third application, Avhich took place tAvo days
later, Avas  followed by rapid  increase of pulse  and
plethoric symptoms, Avhich yielded readily to  active
treatment.  After  tAventy  applications,  the  patient
had essentially recovered, and, in  the opinion  of M.
* Revue Med. (Xov. 1834,) from Bui. Med. de Bourdeaux, 
DROPPED  HANDS.
79
Bermond, Avould  in tAVQ  Aveeks longer have  been
relieved from every trace of disease.   She, hoAvever,
left Bourdeaux.
   104.  Dr. W. M.  Cornell* relates  the  case  of a
journeyman bootmaker, avIio av^s affected  Avith par-
tial paralysis of the left side, accompanied with occa-
sional twitchings.   After four or five months' medical
treatment, Dr.  C. prescribed galvanism, Avhich the
patient  used, every other day, for  six  weeks, at the
end of Avhich time he had  been  apparently free from
the affection for a fortnight.  The current Avas sent
in  various directions, through the  extremities, head,
and trunk, the time of application being about fifteen
minutes.   Dr.  Cornell states that  he  has found gal-
vanism more  useful in cases of some Aveeks' stand-
ing, which  have  been  treated Avith other remedies,
than in very recent ones.
   105.   Dropped Hands. — Dr.  Elliotson,  in the
clinical department of St. Thomas's Hospital,! related
the  case of a manufacturer  of  white  lead, Avith
dropped hands, Avho used  to assist Avhen  other per-
sons  Avere  electrified by  the  machine.  The hand
which  Avas  most exposed  to  electricity, and also
which received the sparks, recovered  much the most
rapidly.   The  patient,  attributing it to the sparks,
requested that  the application might be  made in that
form  to both hands, and, under   these circumstances,
recovered in a short time.
* Br. Med. and Surg. Jour.  1847
t Lancet.  Feb. 1831. 
80
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
    106.  Dr. Elliotson also  reports the case of a pain-
  ter * aged 58, with paralysis of the  hands, from the
  effects of lead.   Shocks  Avere  passed  through the
  hands three times a day, and strychnia also ordered,
  in  small doses.   The improvement  was very rapid,
  although" none of the usual effects of strychnia Avere
  perceptible,  and  its  administration  Avas  suspended
  after  ten  days.   Progress continued,  and in about
  five  Aveeks,  the  patient  Avas discharged  from  St.
  Thomas's Hospital, cured.
    107.  M. Heller, of Stuttgard.f gives the case of a
  carpenter, who, in the  autumn of 1845, fell on his
  back, principally  on  the cervical  vertebras, from the
  roof of a cottage.   There Avas no  external injury, but
  paralysis and tumefaction of the right leg, paralysis
  of the bladder, partial paralysis  of the rectum, con-
  traction of the fingers of both hands, and inability to
  change  his position.   This remained for fifteen days,
  notAvithstanding the use of calomel, arnica, and nitre.
  M.  Heller then had recourse  to electro-magnetism,
  applying it to the hands, neck, bladder, sacral region,
  and right foot.  The application to the bladder, made
  from three to six  minutes, every other day, by means
  of an  insulating  catheter,  with  a metallic  stilette,
'  completely restored voluntary poAver, in seven  appli-
  cations.   The pulse, Avhich had  fallen to thirty and
  thirty-six,  became  normal,  after  the  sixth  general
  application.   After the seventeenth  application,  he
* Lond. Med. Gaz.  Nov. 1830.
t Nouv. Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  Aug. 1846. —Med. Cor. Blatt 
PARALYSIS  OE BOWELS.         81
could be considered cured, and in the spring returned
to his lumber-yard.
   108.  Paralysis of the Bladder.—An instance of
the relief of this affection has just been given.  The
following case  is related by M.  Hoering.*   A  wo-
man, aged 60, suffering from prolapsus uteri,  Avas at-
tacked  Avith paralysis  of the  bladder.   Eight appli-
cations were made, resulting in a perfect  cure;  one
of the  conductors being introduced into the bladder,
enclosed in a caoutchouc catheter.
   109.  Dr. Thomas Radford, in a lecture delivered
in 1844,f reports  the case of a lady,  under the care
of  himself and Dr.  GoodAvin, Avho recovered, after
protracted  labor,  Avith inability to pass  her urine.
The  first application  of galvanism to the  bladder
gave permanent relief.
   110.  Incontinence of Urine.—M. Froriep relates
several  cases of cure  of this  affection,;]; by  passing
electricity into the bladder by means of  a metallic
stylet with  a button  point, enclosed in a gum cathe-
ter.  The other pole Avas applied to the pubes.  The
application  Avas continued fifteen minutes, and was
frequently beneficial the first  day.   The weakness
occasioning the enuresis of children may be treated
in the same Avay.
   111.  Paralysis of  the Bowels.—MM.  Emery,
Cloquet, and Dubois, in their report to the French
Academy, in May,* 1826,§ state that the passage of a
  * Encyclog. de3 Sc. Med.  June, 1847.
  t Prov. Med. Jour.  Dec. 1844. — Ranking's Abstract, Part I,
  X Ed. Med. and Surg. Jour. (1844,) from Froriep's Notizen,
  ) Revue Mod. July, 1826. 
82
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
battery current of twenty-five pairs, from the mouth
to the  anus, is  attended with a sensation of  heat, at
both extremes, flashing before the eyes, and motion
of the  Avhole intestinal canal, which continues, after
the cessation of the current, and terminates, in  a few
minutes, Avith  evacuation.   This took  place, in one
experiment, after only momentary contact.   M. Ma-
gendie had also made similar experiments.
   112. Aldini, by a single  zinc and silver plate, con-
nected by a Avire, and placed respectively in the anus
and mouth  of an ox, recently killed, produced con-
vulsion of the abdominal muscles, and a discharge
of fasces.*   Achard, of Berlin, obtained a similar re-
sult, in repeating the experiment on himself.
   113. The excitement  of the  peristaltic action  of
the intestines has been produced, in numerous  cases
of paralysis, both by  the electro-magnetic shocks and
the galvanic current.  Mr.  Clarke, of Dublin,f  states
that he has  found galvanism more efficient than elec-
tro-magnetism, in exciting  the vermicular motion of
the intestines, as well as the action of the heart, after
these  functions  had ceased,  from asphyxia, in  the
case of animals subjected to the experiment.  This
result also agrees Avith  observation in the case of the
living  subject.  The current  may be  sent  from  the
back of the neck, by means of a surface handle,  and
with less inconvenience to the patient, than by con-
tact Avith  the  tongue, though an acid or  pungent
taste Avill still be perceived  in the mouth.   It is most

       * Golding Bird. — Lond.  Med. Gaz.  May, 1847,
       t  Dub. Hosp, Gaz. — Braithewaite, Part XIII, 
APHONIA.
83
efficient  Avhen the  negative conductor is introduced
within the rectum, though  a  sponge handle  may be
applied superficially.   In a majority of cases, perhaps,
the electro-magnetic apparatus will ansAver the pur-
pose.   A movement in  the boAvels is  generally felt,
in a few moments, and  an evacuation folloAvs, in  a
period dependent on the position of the fascal matter
in the intestines.   In cases of obstinate paralysis,  it
might be necessary to continue a feeble galvanic cur-
rent, until an evacuation Avas effected.   A silver plate,
placed in  the  mouth, and  connected by a Avire with
a  conductor of zinc, introduced  into the  rectum,
may prove a useful expedient in such cases.
   114.  Colica Pictonum. — This disease, which may
be considered  a painful paralysis  of the boAvels, ex-
tending  also  to  the limbs, may  Avith propriety be
treated Avith galvanism, from the outset, both for the
paralysis and the pain,  especially  if of a  spasmodic
character.   Galvanism would be  preferable  to  elec-
tro-magnetism.
   115.  Aphonia.—A case is  reported in the Lan-
cet,*  of  a  criminal, Avho Avas attacked with aphonia,
accompanied Avith  a sAvelling of the throat and fau-
ces, after a fit of epilepsy.   This was persistent, after
sixteen months of medical  treatment, directed to the
mouth and ftiroat.   A battery of from fifty to seventy
pairs  was  then applied, from two to  four hundred
shocks being given, or  contacts made, on each day.
No effect  was produced  till the  third application,
* Lancet.  May, 1843.— Braithewaite, Part VIII. 
84
N E K V OI: S  SYSTEM.
when seventy pairs were used, Avhich produced faint-
ing and some agitation.  This, Avith some overaction
of the system, Avas relieved, subsequently, by bleed-
ing, and in five days the  application Avas reneAved.
After the twelfth application, the  patient had  com-
pletely recovered.
   116.  M. Magendie presented to  the French Acad-
emy, at  its sitting  in  December,  1837,* a  cavalry
officer, Avho had lost his voice  and hearing,  in con-
sequence of a fall from his horse.  The hearing had
been restored  by means  of  electro-puncture.  The
aphonia, Avhich had at first been complete, had given
Avay, so  that  vocal  sounds  could  be produced, but
articulation Avas still  deficient.  He was improving
daily.   The treatment had been continued for a year.
   117.  Dr. Donovan,  of  Dublin, quotes  from Dr.
Grapengiesser,f a case  of restoration of voice,  by
means of a plate of zinc, the size of a shilling, and a
small plate of silver, connected by a wire, and applied
respectively to surfaces blistered for the occasion, one
on each side of the  larynx.   Convulsive movements
of the larynx Avere occasioned, and in  half  an hour
the apparatus Avas removed.  Some  benefit  ensued.
Five days  afterwards, it was applied again,  and al-
lowed to remain all night,  effecting a permanent cure.
   118.  Paralytic Contraction. — A case has already
been quoted (<§> 74) of the  partial cure  of paralytic
contraction of the arm and fingers.   Where this indi-

  * Revue Med.  Jan. 1838.
  t Dub. Quart. Jour. Med. Sc.  Feb. 1817. — Am. Jour. Med. So.
1847 
ANJESTH E SI A.
85
cates nervous irritation, the battery alone should be
employed, and frequently the higher poAvers will be
required.   A case  is  reported by M.  Breschet,* at
the  Hotel Dieu, of  spasmodic and permanent con-
traction of the  flexors of the fingers from  a  lancet
incision.   This was treated by galvano-puncture
with twenty-five  or  thirty  pairs,  one needle  being
inserted near  the  origin  of  the flexors, the  other in
the  annular ligament  of the  wrist.   The fingers
gradually unclosed, and,  after twelve applications, a
permanent cure  was effected.
   119.  Anesthesia. —A case of anassthesia, or insensi-
bility, approaching paralysis, is given by Dr. Christo-
phers, of London.f  The subject Avas a woman, Avho,
from the  use  of the cold hip-bath, twenty minutes
at a  time, for  twelve days  in succession, had lost
all sensibility of the  surface from the line round the
body reached by the  water to the  toes.  The sphinc-
ters of the rectum and bladder Avere also slightly im-
paired in their functions.   Stimulating frictions Avere
applied, during  a fortnight, to the surface  and spine,
and  leeches, to  remove  a local tenderness over the
dorsal vertebras, but without giving relief.   The
electro-magnetic shocks  Avere  then administered, at
twenty-two sittings,  of an hour and  a half to tAvo
hours each, at the  end of which  time the cure Avas
complete.   Improvement  commenced  on  the second
application.   The rectum  and  bladder were first
* Braithcwaite, Part IV. from Jour, des Con. Med.
t Lancet.  Aug. 1846.
       8 
86
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
restored, then the sensibility of the thighs and legs,
and, lastly, of the feet and abdomen.   The current
Avas passed  successively  doAvn  the course of the
spine, — from the sacrum down  each limb, — and
from the spine to the abdomen.
  120.  General  Debility.    Atonic  States. — A
condition of nervous  prostration frequently exists,
which is capable  of being benefited by electricity.
In these cases, electro-magnetism, or galvanism, may
be  passed through the arms, and across the body, by
means of the cylinders held in each hand for several
minutes at a time;  or they may be passed from one
hand to the foot; or, lastly, they may be passed doAvn
the spine.  The application of electricity to the brain
also deserves attention  in this connection.   The
nervous exhaustion of the  young is one of the affec-
tions to Avhich  this treatment is applicable.  Weak-
ness, or atonic  condition of  the  throat, may be
treated in  the same  way as aphonia.
  121.  Coldness of Extremities. — When this ex-
ists as a primary  affection, or symptomatic of others,
the capillary  circulation may be excited, and  the ner-
vous power of the part temporarily increased, by the
application of galvanism or electro-magnetism.  In-
creased warmth is one of the first effects of electrical
action.   The sponge handles, moistened with  spirit,
may be moved over  the  skin near each other, or be
separated widely  apart.   The  feet or hands may also
be placed in separate vessels of warm water,  and one
conductor be put in  each.   As a means of reaction,
this is  sometimes of value.   The battery  will be
found most powerful in producing this effect. 
AM auro SIS.
87
   122.  Paralysis  of Special Sensation.   Amau-
rosis. — This is one of the most formidable affections
to Avhich electricity has  been applied.   Dr. Bird ob-
tained no conclusive or satisfactory results at Guy's
Hospital*  Avith  the  mode of treatment, principally
by the  machine, there employed:  in  a majority of
cases no  good  Avas done; in a  feAV there Avas ap-
parently relief,  but no cure.   Dr. Usiglio, of Corfu,
states that he has found no advantage from the use
of electricity in this disease.f  He relates the  case of
a  sailor, aged 56, Avith  amaurosis following  chronic
inflammation, in Avhich  a battery of twenty to  sixty
pairs Avas  employed  unsuccessfully.   The  positive
pole was placed over the closed eyelid, and the neg-
ative on the tongue. More patient and more efficient
modes of treatment, however, have given important
results  in the hands of other practitioners.   Dr. Fi-
nella reported many cases of amaurosis,  Avhich he had
treated  successfully by electricity, to  the sixth and
seventh Scientific  Congresses of  Italy.J  It remains
only to say, with  Magendie, in  introduction to the
following cases, that the name amaurosis probably
includes  several different diseases;  that  complete
amaurosis is Avith difficulty cured; and that it requires
for its treatment the powerful and prolonged exhibi-
tion of electricity.
   123.  M. Magendie reported to the  French Acad-
emy, at its sitting of June 19, 1826,$ several cases of
        * Guy's Hospital Reports.  April, 1841.
        t Revue Med.  March, 1844.
        X Nouv. Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  April, 1847,
       " f Revue Med.  July, 1826, 
88
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
 incomplete  amaurosis benefited or cured  by electro-
 puncture.   These cases,  easily influenced,  he con-
 sidered to be  due to  alteration  of  the ophthalmic
 branch of the fifth pair, and not of the optic nerve.
 He  accordingly attacked the frontal  and suborbital
 branches by means of electro-puncture  needles.  In
 the case of  a young man of 18, he even assailed the
 frontal nerve Avithin  the  orbit,  and  the  lachrymal
 nerve, occasioning an  abundant  secretion of  tears.
 Twelve feeble pairs  Avere  employed.   Considerable
 improvement had taken place in  fifteen applications.
 In other cases, a  highly satisfactory  result had been
 obtained, and in a lady aged sixty, a complete cure
 after three months' treatment.
   124. In his lectures before the College of France,*
 M.  Magendie  also  recommends  acting  upon the
 branches of  the fifth  pair in treating  amaurosis, as
 the most expeditious and efficient method, especially
 in the incipient disease.  He prefers electro-puncture,
 transfixing the nerve Avith  the  needles — a  process
 Avhich he declares  to  be entirely safe.   In complete
amaurosis, M. Magendie, in  1836, had never obtained
a cure; but where  some perception of light remained,
he had been entirely successful.
  125. Becquerel  related to the French Academy, in
 December,  1837,f  the  case  of a man affected  with
almost complete amaurosis, Avho had been  treated by
electro-puncture.   The current was made  to pass
along the  frontal  and suborbital  nerves, " which
* Lancet.  May, 1837.
t Revue Med.  Jan. 1838, 
AM AUR0S 1 S.
89
react with the nerve of special sensation."  In three
months, a notable improvement in the sensibility of
the eyes had taken  place, and  the treatment was
confided to the wife of the patient, in whose hands
he had progressed  so  far, that, at that time, he was
able to walk in the streets without a guide.
   126.  Dr.  H.  Schlesinger gives  a full report * of
the case  of a  young  man, who,  from a blow upon
the back of  the head, experienced severe pain, termi-
nating in unconsciousness, from  which  he recovered
with entire  loss of sight;  the iris  being immovable,
and the pupil undilatable.   Stimulants were applied
for several  days without success.  He  then applied
electro-magnetism,  by means of sponge or  metallic
conductors to  the superior  and  inferior orbital  fo-
ramina, to the  maxillary fossa, and the  gums of the
canine and  molar  teeth,  continuing the   external
application of an  infusion of calamus.   The teeth
and facial muscles  were affected, but not the eyes.'
The application was  then  made  immediately to the
membrane of the eye, and continued until tears Avere
copiously excited.   The sensation of light was per-
ceived during  the  first  application.   Sensations  of
cold and heat,  and also  of prickling,  were present
in subsequent sittings, Avhich usually lasted ten or
tAvelve minutes.  Eight days from  the commence-
ment, some objects could  be distinguished, and the
application Avas suspended for  a week, for the trial of
strychnine ointment;  but no improvement took place.
* Nouv. Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  Oct. 1847.
     8* 
90
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
On reneAving  the application,  colors were soon dis-
tinguished,  and the  iris  was  observed to contract.
The retina  only seemed to be restored in particular
positions Avith reference  to  the current, and the con-
ductors were so placed as to act as far as  possible on
all parts.  Some spasmodic affections  and irritation
of the conjunctiva occurred from  time to time, and
modified  the  application,  but  the  patient gained
steadily;  and,  when removed by his parents,  after
forty-two applications, during a period of two months,
could  move about freely, recognize  the  features of
friends, and distinguish the hands of a watch.   Dif-
ferent  effects were produced on the eye, in this" case,
by the different strength of the current,  and during
different degrees of  sensibility in the organ.   The
sensation  produced by a  moderate current Avas that
of cold; of a stronger one, heat; of a still stronger,
pain, and flashes like  lightning.   Where the paralysis
is  extensive, the light appears white and sparkling;
when  less,  of  a ruddy,   flaming aspect;  and  when
slight, of  a  blue color — indications Avhich may have
their value in determining the  progress of  cure.
   127.  In the Gazette  Medicate de Paris* twelve
cases  of amaurosis, treated by electro-puncture, are
given by  Dr.  Person, of Bourdeaux, which are of
especial value, as showing the conditions of failure,
as  well as  of  success.   The  outlines  of these are
given below.
  I. A dentist,  aged 34, of a bilious  temperament,
* Nouv. Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  July, 1843. 
AM AUR0 SIS.
91
had suffered, for several years, Avith loss of vision, to
the extent of confusion of objects, and want of dis-
tinction betAveen colors, except black and white.  He
Avas especially annoyed by the constant presence  of
muscce volitantes.   The pupils were permanently di-
lated.  For the first fifteen days, under electro-punc-
ture, there was no  improvement; but  it soon after-
wards  manifested  itself, and three weeks  later the
sight Avas restored,  so as to be used even by artificial
light.  This cure had continued two years.
   II.  A man, aged 40, almost  entirely amaurotic for
ten years.  Pupils immovable,  and exceedingly di-
lated.   Submitted to acu-puncture, one of the needles
being inserted in the orbit, and  the other in the back
of the neck.  No  improvement Avas manifested till
the eighteenth sitting, Avhen restoration commenced.
After five months, and one hundred and fifty appli-
cations, of half  an hour each, the sight was entirely
recovered.
   III.  An officer, of 36 years, with amaurosis of six
months' standing, underwent thirty applications with-
out benefit.  A needle was then  passed into the vit-
reous humor of the  eye, and  a slight  current sent
through to the neck.  Perception of light was immedi-
ately restored, but only during the operation.   A simi-
lar result ensued on the folloAving day ;  but pain in the
globe of the eye and in the head  prevented a recur-
rence to the operation, and the amaurosis remained.
   IV.  A  mantua-maker, aged 27, with complete am-
aurosis for five years.  Pupils immovable and  dilated,
and a grayish spot at the bottom of  the eye.  One 
92
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
needle was passed, as in the last case, into  the vitre-
ous humor.   Vision  Avas at once restored for the time
of the operation.   The day folloAving, it was  repeat-
ed, Avith the same result, vision being restored per-
manently,  though  not  perfectly.    This  cure had
remained for eighteen months.
   V.  A  man, aged  34.   The  right eye completely
amaurotic, the  left  partially  so.   In tAvo months'
treatment with electro-puncture, confined to the or-
bit, the left eye Avas entirely restored, and the right
eye partially.
   VI.  A Avoman,  aged 24, Avith complete  amaurosis
for four years.   No  benefit from six applications.
   VII. A woman, aged 30.   Amaurosis for six years.
No relief from tAvelve applications.
   VIII. Amaurosis of infancy (congenital ?).   No re-
lief from seven applications.
   IX.  A man, Avith  amaurosis of tAvo years' standing.
No relief from fifteen applications.
   X.  Amaurosis  for two years.   No relief from fif-
teen applications.
   XI.  A man, recently amaurotic.  No relief from
twelve applications.
   XII. A Avoman, amaurotic for several years.   No
relief from fifteen  applications.
   128.  Dr.  Person  remarks,  that  the seven latter
cases  were  of individuals too  indifferent as  to  the
treatment to follow  it to any  successful result, and
that to cure amaurosis  it requires a greater number
of applications than have  usually been given to it.
The suggestion may be  made,  that the  use  of acu- 
AUDITORY  PARALYSIS.
93
puncture to the back of the neck seems to have been
unnecessary in these cases, unless  some local action
Avas intended on the upper part  of the  spinal  cord.
As a mere  terminus of the voltaic current, a sponge
handle, applied to the neck, would  be preferable.
   129.  The eye-glass for electrical  application (<§> 39)
presents a  means of very  powerful action upon the
eye, Avhich at the same time is diffused  and tends to
allay inflammation.  It  is  here  recommended, as  a
resort, at any rate, in the less severe cases of amauro-
sis.   A very mild  form of application  is,  to   place
a  handle containing a soft  sponge, moistened with
\vater or a saline solution,  in contact with the closed
eyelid.
   130.  Night-Blindness.  —A case of this affection,
in connection with deafness, will be found under the
folloAving head.
   131.  Paralysis of the Auditory Nerve. — A case
has already been presented (<§> 116)  of the cure of this
affection by galvano^puneture.   In Guy's Hospital,
the  treatment by machine  electricity  proved  gen-
erally unsatisfactory.  The most  common mode of
treatment has been, to introduce into  the auditory
canal a slender  conductor, insulated by caoutchouc
or other substance,  except at the  extremity, Avhich
may be either .a sponge, or metallic ball covered with
moistened leather.   One conductor may  be placed in
each ear, and  the current made to  pass between;  or
the second  conductor may be placed upon the tongue,
or in the Eustachian tube.   The conductors may also
be applied  externally,  immediately behind the ear, 
94
NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Both electro-magnetism and galvanism have been suc-
cessfully employed.  The application shoidd be made
Avith gentleness and  caution, as distressing and con-
fusing  sensations may be readily transmitted by the
auditory nerve to the brain.
   132.  In the Annali Universi di Medicina of  De-
cember, 1846,* notes are given of cases of deafness
treated  by Dr. Finella, and reported  by him to  the
Scientific  Congress at Genoa.  The first Avas  of a
sexagenarian, Avho had been confined eleven months
in the fortress of Saluces.   In his  youth he had  suf-
fered from otorrhoea.   Two years  before, he had be-
come night-blind, and six  months  later, nearly deaf.
The positive  pole of the  battery  Avas  applied, by a
proper conductor, to the tympanum, and the negative
to the  tongue.  After the  first application, a slight
discharge  took place from the ear.   This continued
after the  second, on the folloAving  day; but a slight
improvement  in  hearing  Avas  perceived.   On  the
third,  the improvement  continued,  and the sight
gained also.  On the fourth, the hearing  Avas much
improved, and in the  right ear, which had not been
galvanized, as well as the left.  After twelve appli-
cations, the hearing  Avas perfectly  reestablished,  and
the cure remained permanent.  In the second case,
a man, aged 30, had become deaf from  inflammation
of the  ear, folloAving rheumatism two years previous,
The same application of  galvanism Avas used,  and
hearing was restored in both ears,  after the  eleventh
* Nouv. Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  April, 184J. 
AUDITORY  PARALYSIS.
95
operation, although the right ear  Avas never galvan-
ized.   Two other precisely analogous cases are men-
tioned, of gradual deafness, in a man aged 65, and a
woman aged 63, cured in a similar manner.  Dr. Fi-
nella remarks, that the introduction of the conductor
into the  ear as far as the tympanun, is at first very
painful, and should be performed by the patient him-
self.  A sense of titillation  remains in the  ear for sev-
eral days after  the application.   Some SAvelling  of
the membrane of the  meatus takes place,  which ren-
ders it advisable to make  the application only every
other day.
   133.  It is stated, in the  Bulletin general de The-
rapeutique,* that M. Jobert de Lamballe cured  several
cases  of deafness,  following inflammation from cold,
and of recent  paralysis of the acoustic nerve, by the
folloAving process: A needle was introduced,  in a
sheath, into the Eustachian tube, and made to transfix
the Avails.   Another needle Avas introduced into the
external  ear, and  made  to transfix the  tympanum.
A galvanic  current was then passed, for  a moment,
through these, and the application  repeated in eight
days.
   134.  In a notice of a Avork of  Dr. Niney, on this
subject, in the Revue des Specialties,f it is stated that
the author regards the mode of application as of prin-
cipal  importance,  considering the influence upon the
organ of  sensation to be due  to reflected action from
the nervous centre of that organ.  He modifies^ the
* Revue Med.  Sept. 1842.      t Revue Med.  Nov. 1842. 
96
NERVOUS SYSTEM.
application of M. Jobert by introducing tAvo needles,
through a sound containing two channels, into the
Eustachian tube, transfixing  its Avails Avith the one,
and carrying  the  other  into the  inner ear.   In five
cases  treated in  this way, two were moderately ben-
efited, tAvo  Avere  cured,  and  one was progressing
tOAvards a cure.
   135.  A case is reported by M.  Hoering,* in Avhich
a  man, aged 60, with deafness of a year's standing,
Avas cured by twenty applications, by means of an
insulated conductor passed into the external ear.
   136.  Tinnitus  Aurium. — A patient of Dr. Hoe-
ring  had  been affected with typhus fever, and had
been  treated for three months, without success, for
ringing in the ears.   A conductor was passed into
the ear, and with the  first application  the  noise had
diminished.   The cure was complete in about twen-
ty-two sittings.
   137.  Deafness  from  other  Causes. — Dr.  W.
Wright, of London, states that he has found benefit
from  the use  of electricity in producing gradual ab-
sorption of  pus  and  coagulable lymph in  the cavity
of the tympanum; also in exciting the ceruminous
glands to a secretion of Avax;  also in deafness  from
the abuse of  mercury, and from exposure to  cold.
For this purpose, it requires a high degree of  power,
and the use of the battery.
   138.  Suspended Animation.—Matteucci  states,
as a  characteristic  of electricity, that it arouses the
* Encyclog. des So. Med. June, 1847. 
            SUSPENDED  ANIMATION.         97

nervous system after all other stimulants have ceased
to act  (§ 10).   It  stands alone, therefore,  in  its
power of restoring suspended animation.  Dr. Wilson
Philip* points out the necessity of supplying nervous
poAver, after removing any cause of asphyxia, to ena-
ble the lungs and circulation  to  resume their func-
tions, and also to arouse the general vitality of the
system.   This should be done, in the  first instance,
by a current  directed to the lungs and diaphragm;
and in the second, to the brain, and spinal  marroAv.
Wilson Philip urges  that not  more than fifteen or
tAventy pairs of the battery should be employed.
   139.  Drowning. — Leroy d'Etoiles  made experi-
ments,! witnessed by Magendie, for the resuscitation
of  animals,  nearly  drowned,  by introducing long
needles between  the eighth and ninth ribs,  into the
fibres of the diaphragm, and making  them  the poles
of  an  electric current.   Respiration  was  reestab-
lished, and the animals so treated recovered,  Avhile
those left to themselves never revived.
   140.  Dr. Ferguson, surgeon to  the Westmeath
Dispensary, J  relates  the case  of a  man  who  fell
into  the water in a  state of intoxication,  and who
Avas  immersed six or seven minutes.   He was then
carried  half  a mile,  the  stomach-pump  used,  and
ordinary  means  of  restoration exhausted.  Dr.  F.
then cut down to the diaphragm, below the seventh
rib, and applied a battery of fifty pairs.  Spasmodic

 * Vital Functions.
 t Ed. Med. and Surg. Jour.  Jan. 1842. — Braithewaite, Part V.
 X Dub. Med. Press. July and Sept. 1840. — Braithewaite, Part II.
                9 
\)b
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
action  of the diaphragm commenced at once, and,
shortly after, regular respiration  and the circulation
Avere renewed.  The  Gazette des  Hopitaux  Civils
et Militaires, of Paris,  in commenting on this case,
recommends the use of acu-puncture needles, instead
of the  incision,  and applying  the  poles a greater
distance apart.
   141.  Narcotism.— In narcotism, the excitability
of the  nerves  is  impaired, and  the most  powerful
and  stimulating application is often required, as the
electro-magnetic  shocks, the  interrupted current  of
the battery, or the Leyden jar.   A case is  given by
Dr. C. H. B. Williams,  physician to University Col-
lege Hospital,* of a young woman who had  swal-
lowed an ounce and a half of  laudanum.  An emetic
of sulphate of zinc had been administered with effect,
and  the stomach-pump  had been  used.  A state of
coma,   however,  existing,  electro-magnetic  shocks
were passed across the  shoulders, with  the  effect of
instantly restoring the  patient to consciousness, the
object being, at the same  time,  to  influence respira-
tion.   The usual means of reaction being  also em-
ployed, the patient subsequently  recovered.
   142.  The folloAving case is reported by Dr. James
Russell, house physician to King's College Hospital.f
An infant of two months had taken twelve drops of
laudanum.    After  five and  a  half hours,  during
Avhich time  life  had been once considered entirely
extinct, and all remedies exhausted, electro-magnetic

* Lond. Lancet.  July, 1841. — Braithewaite, Part IV.
tLond. Med. Gaz. March, 1843. — Am. Jour, of Lond. Med. Sc.—
Apr. 1843. 
NARC 0TISM.
99
shocks Avere passed from the back of the neck to the
sternum,  reestablishing  respiration, and gradually
extending its influence to other functions.  The sur-
face becoming Avarm, after three hours, the appli-
cation Avas considered no longer necessary ; but half
an hour later, dilatation of the pupils and exhaustion,
without  coma,  ensued,  from  which it was found
impossible to rouse  the  patient, Avho  lingered  for
several hours, and then died.
   143.  Dr. Th. S. Page, of Valparaiso, aided by Dr.
Houstoun, of the English navy, and Dr. Barrabino,
of  the United States navy,* treated the case of a
young man, aged 22, who had taken half an ounce
of  pulverized cubebs, mixed Avith  opium.  A state
of narcotism was  induced, which, after  about fifteen
hours, threatened to  terminate fatally;  respiration
being short and hurried, jaw fallen,  pulse hardly per-
ceptible.   Every mode of producing  reaction had been
exhausted.  Vomiting, cupping, applications of am-
monia, cantharides, and turpentine, to the spine and
feet;  injections of  turpentine  and  ammonia; sina-
pisms  to chest, stomach, and  thighs;   castigation;
forced exercise, and  internal  stimulants, had been
resorted to.   Electro-magnetism was then tried as an
experiment.  The first application,  from the left to
the right side,  through the  heart, produced convul-
sive motions;  and, at  the fourth contact, the patient
cried, " No more."   Reaction  Avas   established, the
pulse  revived, and the surface  became  Avarm,  He
* Lond. Lancet.  Feb. 4, 1843, 
100
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
recovered Avithout  further application.   He had lost
consciousness, until the  shock had aroused him with
the sensation, as he expressed it, of a " gun fired off
within him."
   144.  Mr. Corfe, of Middlesex  Hospital,* reports
the case of a man Avho had taken an  ounce and  a
half of laudanum,  six hours  previously, and was  in
an  almost lifeless  condition.   " After  the stomach
had been relieved of its  contents,  green  tea, with
ammonia,  Avas  injected  therein;  flagellatian,  Avith
thin splints,  and Avet towels, the cold douche, tur-
pentine  stupes,  and  sinapisms,  to  the calves and
abdomen, Avere applied, in succession,  Avithout  the
least  improvement  in his condition.   Electro-mag-
netism, conjointly  Avith  shocks from  the jar, were
then  employed.   The pulse rallied, and respiration
improved at once.   The  result was, that  the  man
soon  began to abuse the operators for " trying speci-
mens" upon him, and recovered.
   145. Dr. M. Barry relates the case of an  infant,
of  nine months,-)-  Avho sAvalloAved  thirty drops  of
laudanum, and Avas not seen  till  seven hours after-
Avard, Avhen in a  state of profound coma.  It Avas
aroused by electro-magnetism, but  fell off Avhen the
current ceased for  a  moment.  The application Avas
continued for four  hours and three quarters, before it
Avas  thought proper  to discontinue  it.  The child
then recovered.
   146. A case of poisoning, by Godfrey's Cordial, is

      * Lond. Lancet.  Jan. 1844. — Braithewaite, Part IX.
      t Med. Gaz. May, 1847. — Braithewaite, Part XVI. 
NARCOTISM.
101
reported  by  Mr. Tubbs, in the  Medical Gazette.*
He found the child, who Avas three weeks' old, in a
state  of  complete narcotism, from sAvallowing  half
a teaspoonful of Godfrey's Cordial, five hours pre-
viously.   After  a resort to the  usual  means,  the
child was sinking, pupils contracted, the  tempera-
ture of  the  body falling.  Electro-magnetism Avas
then  employed.   Feeble  shocks, sent  through  the
spine and cardiac region, brought on muscular con-
traction, voluntary motions, and a cry.   The appli-
cation was continued for ten minutes, J;he  heart's
action being accelerated,  and the eyes kept open.
Stimulants were  then  administered internally and
externally, and  the little patient  recovered.
   147.  A female, aged 29, was brought into the Mid-
dlesex Hospital f an hour after having swallowed  an
ounce of laudanum.   Unconsciousness and contracted
pupil were present, and the glottis embarrassed Avith
ropy mucus.   The battery at first produced  no ex-
citement, but soon quivering of muscles  of the neck,
and in  half  an  hour  vomiting and  general reaction
ensued.   In  an  hour  longer,  the patient was quite
lively;  but the application was  necessarily  renewed,
occasionally, for five hours, to prevent relapse.
   148.  An excessive  dose of laudanum, administered
in the summer of 1848,  to a workman  in the navy-
yard at Charlestown,  occasioned death.   The most
powerful  electro-magnetic shocks,  applied  four  or
five hours later,  failed to produce  the  slightest mus-

   * Med. Gaz.  Sept. 1847. — Braithewaite, Part XVI.
   t Lancet.  June, 1847. — Br. Med. and Surg. Jour.  1847.
              Q # ' 
102
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
cular contraction.  This loss  of excitability in nar-
cotism, shared  both  by  the nervous  system and
tissues, is  one of the most striking symptoms, and
requires for its  treatment the most energetic  forms
of administration.
   149.  Etherization. — M. Ducros stated, before the
French Academy,* that chickens  and  pigeons, sub-
jected to etherization, and placed upon the insulating
stool  of the  machine, and positively  electrified, re-
covered from insensibility in  about thirty seconds;
Avhereas they  ordinarily remained insensible for seven
or eight minutes.   If subjected to shocks, either from
the machine  or  the  magneto-electric  apparatus, the
recovery  was instantaneous.   Electrification with
negative electricity upon  the  insulating stool rather
retarded than  accelerated restoration.
   150.  Congestive  States. — Dr. Th. S. Page, of
Valparaiso,! after  narrating the case Avhich will be
found under the head of Narcotism, uses the folloAV-
ing language  : " I Avould  beg leave to  add my im-
pression that electro-magnetism  will  not only be
found a most useful agent, in cases like  the above,
but in some forms of disease, particularly those of a
highly congestive character, Avhere oppression of the
organs  and the nervous system prevents reaction and
speedily destroys life.....In practice, I think
we frequently see cases  Avhere death  seems  to be
caused  by  an obstruction  of the  functions  or or-
ganic  movements  which  support  life, more than by

  * Lond. Med. Gaz.  May, 1847. — Comptes Rcndus, Feb. 1847.
  t Lancet.   Feb. 1843.—Am. Jour. Med. Sc. April, 1843. 
TYPHUS.
103
an  exhaustion of  the organic functions,  or  of life
itself."
  151.  These remarks may be extended to collapse,
or sinking conditions of the system, either  from  dis-
ease or violent injury.  Syncope, or fainting, and ex-
haustion,  would  be included in the same, treatment.
Dr. DeAvees, in the New York Journal of Medicine,*
remarks, " In cases of exceeding  prostration, Avhere
the pulse  Avas extinct, I ha\re  Avitnessed a return of
impulse, take place in a few minutes, and  the sense
of Aveakness fully as Avell overcome as by the admin-
istration of  brandy or Avine."
   152.  Typhus. — Dr. Wilson Philip states that Mr.
Knight suggested  to him  " the use of galvanism in
the Avorst cases of typhus, in which there is a univer-
sal  failure of the secreting poAver, and the debility of
the nervous system forms so prominent a feature.  It
may certainly be used Avith  safety, and probably Avith
advantage, in this disease.    The circumstance which
appears to me to  render it doubtful hoAv  far it may
proAre useful  in  typhus, is  that here  the due  supply
of  fluids, as Avell  as  of nervous  influence,  fails."f
The  battery current,  as a stimulant  of  secretion,
might, in  this case, be employed, as Avell as  the arous-
ing application of the electro-magnetic shocks.   The
battery current, however, should not be sent through
congested organs, where an increase  of action Avould
be injurious.  The application would, with propriety,
be directed to the spinal column.

          *  N. Y. Jour, of Med. Sc.  May, 1847.
          t  Vital Functions, 2d ed. p. 309. 
104
NERVOUS SYSTEM.
  153.  It may also be observed here, that the bat-
tery current may exert a  favorable influence, in ty-
phoid conditions, over the  blood and tissues, where
there is a tendency to disorganization and loss of vital
character.   For  this  purpose, the  sponge handles,
moistened Avith  spirit  or ammonia, might  be  moved
freely over the  surface of the body, stimulating the
skin, at the same time that an organizing influence
Avould be  exerted over  the tissues and blood in the
capillaries.
   154.  Asiatic Cholera.—Galvanism was  recom-
mended, in cholera, as early as 1825, by Dr. Ainslie,
in India,* who states, that where the  morbific influ-
ence  was  overpoAvering,  in the commencement, he
" should have recourse  to galvanism  to  supply the
deficiency of nervous influence in the sinking frame."
The  use of electricity  was  subsequently urged, in
England, in 1832, by Dr. Wilson Philip and others,
and some results of interest,  though imperfect, were
obtained.   With the  improved appliances  which
we now possess, this most  powerful  reactive agent
should  be fully  tested in this disease.  Two  cases
are reported, by Dr. Knight, of Edinburgh,! m which
galvanism was used  Avithout effect;  the first pa-
tient  being  in a moribund  state, and the  second
far advanced in the disease.  A Avant of informa-
tion seems also  to have existed, as to the modes of
application.
   155.  Dr. C.  F. Favell, senior physician  of the

            * Lond. Med. Gaz.  Jan. 1832.
            t Lond. Med. Gaz.  March, 1832. 
c H olera.
105
Sheffield Cholera Hospital* reports the two following
cases of cholera, treated in part by electricity.
  L A man, aged 30, was admitted, at 10 A. M., in a
favorable  state for  treatment.  He Avas  ordered two
grains  of mercury every five  minutes,  and to have
mercurial frictions.   At noon, he  Avas sinking rapid-
ly ; stools involuntary; cramps in  the calves; pulse
quick and small.  Port Avine Avas  given, and an injec-
tion of Avarm water, Avith  opium.  At 5 P. M. stools
less copious, pulse indistinct, surface cold, voice much
affected, eyes  sunken, urine  deficient.   Galvanism
was  then applied, from  the  neck to the  pit  of the
stomach, and  from  the wrists to the ankles.   The
pulse  became  more perceptible, and voice strong, Avith
a disposition to sleep.  During the night, the patient
slept;  countenance  improved, pulse one hundred and
twenty and  stronger,  tongue cleaner,  voice  more
natural, urine still  deficient,  no  purging, and little
sickness.  Mercurial treatment continued. No ptya-
lism ensued, but  some dysenteric  symptoms.   The
man recovered in less  than a month.   The reaction,
in this case, was ascribed exclusively to galvanism,
  II.  A man, aged 36, admitted at  9£ A. M., with purg-
ing, vomiting, and cramps; countenance sunk, tongue
sodden and cold, pulse small  and quick.   Sinapisms
and hot sand Avere ordered to  legs and feet, enemata
of opium and alum, and, internally, neutral salts.   At
3 P. M. pulse irregular, sometimes insensible, surface
cold, hands blue, stools  less  frequent.   Galvanism
* Lond. Lancet.  March 2, 1833, 
106            NERVOUS  SYSTEM.

Avas  then passed from the neck to the epigastrium,
for tAventy minutes.  It was then passed to the hand.
The pulse became  stronger and fuller, and the blue-
ness disappeared  from that hand.   Wine and  water
Avere given.   He became  again subsequently Avorse.
Stimulating  injections and frictions Avere ordered,
and the galvanism was repeated.  He then gradually
recovered.
   156.  Dr. Favell states that in every case, in addi-
tion to these, in which galvanism was tried, the most
decided  and  immediate benefit resulted, though he
by no  means cured  all  his  patients.   In cholera,
where  there  is  already  an  excess of secretion,  it
would  seem  that  stimulation  should be  addressed
chiefly to the nervous system; and it may be a ques-
tion whether the uninterrupted battery current should
be employed, except, perhaps, through the limbs, to
allay the spasms of the muscular system.
   157.  Neuralgia. — This disease has been treated
Avith  great  success by  many  applications of elec-
tricity.   M.  Magendie  strongly recommends acu'
puncture in  obstinate neuralgia  of the face.*  One
of the needles constituting the positive  pole should
be inserted by a sudden thrust  near the origin of the
nerve, and  the other needle, connected Avith the neg-
ative pole, should be inserted  near the termination or
expansion of the nerve,  Magendie-uses the magneto^
electric  machine, the application  being seldom more
than a  feAv seconds.   Sometimes it is necessary to
* Medico-Chirurg. Rev. (July, 1841"), from Gaz, Meds 
N E U R A L G I A .
107
pursue the pain to another branch of the same nerve.
The folloAving case deserves attention.
   158.   " M.  Thelin  had been subject  to  frequent
attacks  of most severe neuralgia, affecting the  supe-
rior  maxillary nerve  of the left side, Avhen  he first
consulted M. Magendie.   The pain in the gums, lips,
cheek, and ala nasi, was.insupportable.  The patient
could scarcely utter a Avord, and as for mastication, it
Avas  impossible.  All  methods of treatment had been
tried, and all tried in vain.  What with having many
of his teeth extracted, and being  leeched, and blistered,
and  physicked for  months and  months at a time, his
constitution had suffered severely.   He consulted M.
Magendie on the 5th of March,  1838.  At one sitting
of a  few minutes, the  pain was chasse.  Since that
period, whenever the  neuralgia returned, he repaired
to M. Magendie, and  always  left  him cured of his
suffering.  It  is now several months since he has had
an attack."
   159.  In two cases  of neuralgia of  the tongue, re-
ported by M. Magendie, one of the needles Avas insert-
ed into  the affected side of the tongue, the other into
the  trunk of the facial  nerve, where it enters the
parotid  gland.  In one  case, the  pain in the tongue
immediately  ceased, and fixed  itself  in  the  mental
branch of the inferior maxillary nerve.   The needle
Avas  transferred from the tongue to the skin over the
foramen mentale.   The pain was then driven to the
infra-orbital nerve, and the needle transferred to the
aperture whence the nerve escapes.   The pain  was
thus pursued, and expelled at a single sitting.  In the 
108
NKRVOl'S  SYSTEM.
other case, the pain, driven from the tongue, Avent to
the sub-orbital nerve, and again back to the tongue,
but was ultimately expelled.  M. Magendie has found
electricity  particularly useful  in  neuralgia of  the
branches of the fifth pair.*
   160.  M. James, after referring to the treatment of
M. Magendie,f states that  he himself uses sometimes
electro-magnetism, sometimes the battery.   The nee-
dles, of gold or platinum, are inserted in contact with
the affected nerve.  Their insertion rarely gives pain.
Blood-vessels  should be avoided.   A temporary cure
is effected at once; but a permanent  cure requires
several sittings.
   161. A tailor, aged 47,  under the care of Dr. John
Grantham, %  was attacked, in 1829, Avith severe par-
oxysmal neuralgia of the right facial nerve, attended
with contraction  of  the  facial  muscles.   In 1835,
after the removal of decayed teeth, and salivation, he
Avas relieved  from  pain  for three months.  On  its
return, arsenic was tried, ineffectually;  but carbonate
of iron gave  a second respite of three months.  An
attack, of terrible severity, then  took  place,  Avhich
gradually  declined,   after  the extraction of another
tooth.  Carbonate of iron, and galvanism from twenty-
four pairs applied  to the head, were  next  employed,
which was followed by a respite of two months, Avhen
a return of still greater violence took place.   Exercise
Avas next tried, without much  effect.  A  battery of

   * Mod. Chirurg. Rev.  April,  1846.
  t Ed. Med. and Surg. Jour.  July, 1841. — Braithewaite, Part IV.
  X Lond. Med. Gaz.  April, 1837. 
SCIATIC A.
109
 forty pairs was then employed, the  contact with the
 skin  being  made  with  a  shilling  attached to the
 wires.   The power was  sufficient  to excoriate the
 skin, and the current was  passed through the princi-
 pal nerves of the head and face.  Carbonate of soda
 was  given  daily during  this  treatment.    In two
 months, the patient was better  than at  any previous
 time, and remained well in March, 1837, six months
 afterwards.
   162. Sciatica. — Dr.  E.  Hermel, in  the Annates
 Medico-Psychologiques,  of March, 1844,* states that
 electro-puncture  is efficient  in idiopathic or essential
 neuralgia.   The intensity  of pain is no contraindi-
 cation, and it is not increased by the application.
 Palsy, supervening on essential  neuralgia, is removed
 by electro-puncture.   These conclusions  are illus-
 trated by the following cases, mostly of sciatica.
   I.  A man,  in  the  Hotel  Dieu, aged  44, afflicted
 with   traumatic neuralgia of the sacro-lumbar and
 lesser sciatic nerves, of five months' duration.  Vapor
 baths  had been very useful.   Subsequently,  moxas
 had been  employed without benefit.  The needle,
 connected Avith the  positive pole of a battery of
 twenty pairs,  was  inserted  into the  sacro-lumbar
region, and  the negative needle, a little  below the
external malleolus.   The  applications, which  were
of ten minutes, excited  copious perspiration in the
limb,  which could immediately afterwards be bent
with less pain.  After the  fourth or  fifth  application,
* Lond. and Ed. Month. Jour, of Med. Sc.  June, 1844.
            10 
110            NERVOUS  SYSTEM.

the pain did not return, but electro-puncture Avas still  .
repeated on the three subsequent days.
  II.  A man in the Hotel  Dieu, aged 26, with neu-
ralgia of  the  right  peroneal  nerve, of  fifteen  days'
duration,  accompanied  with  convulsive movements.
Exacerbations  at  night.    The  first application  re-
moved the night pains, and lessened the movements.
After the  third, the punctures became  painful, and
a suppurating  pustule  appeared later, which  was
speedily healed.  No further application Avas made,
and he  left  the hospital cured.   There was no per-
spiration of the limb in this case.
  III. A man with sciatica,  of four months' standing,
was  the subject of a single application.   It is referred
to as having produced a copious sweat.
  IV. A Avoman, at the Hotel Dieu,  aged 70, laboring
under sciatica, of a very aggravated character, of  six
months' standing.   One  application caused  copious
sweating,  and effected a cure.
  V.  A harness-maker, aged 33, at the Hotel Dieu,
with neuralgia of the lumbar plexus,  of  a month's
standing.   It  had  been  relieved by  leeching  and
cupping, but had returned.  One needle was inserted
in the right lumbar region,  the other just  Avithin  the
anterior superior  spine of the ileum.   TAventy pairs
of plates Ave re  used for tAvelve  minutes, which gave
relief.   Some slight  shooting pains remaining,  the
application Avas repeated, three days later, with thirty
pairs of plates.   From  this time he remained well,
and  was dismissed eight days after.
 VI.  A  butcher's  boy.  at  the  Hotel Dieu,  with 
SCIATIC A.
Ill
double sciatica and paralysis, of five weeks' standing.
The  first application  brought  the  pain to an end,
and was followed by  involuntary discharge of urine
during  the  night.   Several  applications were  made
afterwards, and in thirteen days he was cured, and in
twenty-one days dismissed.
   VII. A laborer, aged  45, in the Hotel Dieu,  with
double  sciatica and partial paralysis, of a month's
standing.  He complained of almost total want  of
sleep.   After the first  application of electro-puncture,
a copious sAveat  occurred in both  limbs, Avith imme-
diate relief to the pain, and increased power of motion.
He also slept well.  On the next day, it was repeated
with equal advantage.   Application Avas  suspended for
sixteen days, the vapor  bath  being substituted.  He
was then able to walk with  only a stick;  but,  on
account of a four hours' return of pain  in the  right
thigh, electro-puncture Avas  used for  the third  time,
with the effect  of permanent  relief, until his dis-
missal,  nine  days  later,  a  slight  numbness  only
remaining.
   VIII.  A  man,  aged 27,  with severe sciatica,  of
fifteen days' standing, folloAving meningitis.  Electro-
puncture,  beef  tea,  and  an  anodyne,  Avere  pre-
scribed.   The first application Avas  Avith difficulty
borne for four minutes.   The  next  day, the  patient
better, and  electro-puncture  applied for ten minutes.
The  pain  ceased, but he was  still unable to  stand.
The  next day, electro-puncture for  the third  time.
He  stood  and Avalked.    Two days later,  he Avas
dismissed, cured. 
112
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
   163.  The  following  cases  are related by MM.
Bally and  Meyraux.
  I.  A man, aged  63 years, in  the  Hospital de la
Pitie * in  1825,  having  femoral  neuralgia  of eight
years'  standing,  was subjected to  electro-puncture.
One needle was  inserted in the  lumbar region,  the
other in the middle  of  the  inner part of the thigh.
The patient's constitution was irritable, and strong
contractions Avere produced by a current from four to
six pairs.   After  the  second  application, the intervals
of  paroxysm  became  longer,  and  the   paroxysms
themselves  shorter.   After five applications, he was
completely cured.
  II. A man,  aged 26  years,  with  sciatica,  which
had  prevented an  upright  position for six months,
and on Avhich the usual  treatment, including simple
acu-puncture, had been  exhausted, was subjected by
the  same  physicians to  electro-puncture.   In  ten
applications, the cure Avas complete.
  III. A  man entered the Hospital de la Pitie with
femoral and perineo-tibial neuralgia.   The paroxysms
and  spasms Avere very frequent  and severe.   One
needle Avas inserted above the  great  trochanter,  the
other in the ham.  The  first application  occasioned
relief, and a cure  followed the eighth.
  IV. A man, aged 34, with  neuralgia in the inferior
and  inner  part  of the foot, of  a very  severe and
paroxysmal character.  Cured by eight applications.
   164.  A case of sciatica which resisted all  medical
* Revue Med.  October, 1825. 
SCIATICA.
113
treatment for several months, but yielded to electro-
puncture in  fifteen  days,  is  reported in the Revue
Medico-Chirurgicale of December, 1847.   The  pa-
tient  had been  twice  confined  for some  weeks  to
his bed  by the disease, frequently passing sleepless
nights.   The limb  finally had  wasted  considerably,
and Avas kept in absolute  rest,  as the only condition
of  exemption from  the most severe suffering.   The
patient  was much reduced, by sleeplessness and pain.
Galvano-puncture was then employed, with twenty-
five pairs, gradually increased in number.   The first
application was exceedingly painful, but some hours
of  relief followed its use, so that the operation Avas,
subsequently performed late in the day, that the  res-
pite might be available  to the  patient for sleep.   In
eight days, the patient could stand  upon the limb,
and in fifteen days  the application  was abandoned;
and shortly after, the  patient returned  to  his  home.
At a later  period, his  health was fully reestablished,
without any return  of the affection.
    165.  In the Lancet  of July, 1827, Dr. Marchant,
of Hemsworth, relates  his  own  case, in which the
 pain extended  from the sacrum  to the hip.   Leeches,
blisters, opium, and other  remedies were  employed,
 with some amelioration of the symptoms, but not be-
yond the point at which a crutch could be dispensed
 with.  Sparks Avere then drawn, night and morning,
for fifteen minutes, from the  affected  parts,  which
treatment  was  followed, in  a week, by material im-
 provement, and in three weeks an entire cure.   It is
 stated in the Reports of Guy's Hospital,  that relief
                 10* 
114
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
Avas  often  obtained,  in  sciatica, by  drawing  sparks
from the seat of pain.
  166.  Neuralgic Affection of the Bladder. —A man,
above  40 years of age,  under  the care of Dr. Hoe-
ring,*  suffered  from severe pain of the bladder,  oc-
casioned by  cold,  and aggravated by the  frequent
passage of water.  One conductor, enclosed in a  ca-
outchouc catheter, was inserted in  the bladder, and
the other applied to the  epigastrium.  A cure was
effected by sixteen applications.
  167.  Neuralgic  Rheumatism. — A, correspondent
of the  Boston Medical and Surgical Journal f furnish-
es a case, of  two years'  standing, in  which  the arm
was  affected with  this complaint, occurring periodi-
cally in the  night.  After a few applications of gal-
vanism and  the use of a  stimulating liniment,  the
patient reported himself  Avell, save a slight numbness
of the  fingers, which  Avas successfully treated  by
strychnine.
  168.  Condition  of Pain. — The simple condition
of pain or uneasiness has been   spoken of by  Avriters
as allied to  neuralgia, and one  which may  often be
removed by electricity, and Avhich,  in connection
Avith special diseases, may properly become  a  subject
of treatment.
   169.  Nervous Headache. — This affection  has
been  represented as easily  and rapidly  curable, by
passing  the  electro-magnetic   or galvanic  currents
through the brain, from  the back of  the  neck to the

         * Encyclog. des Sc. Med. June, 1847.
         t Boston Med. and Surg. Jour. Oct. 1846. 
HYSTERIA.
115
forehead.   The sponge handles may be conveniently
used, and the application, if properly modulated, will
not  be found  painful or disagreeable.   There  are
some  places upon  the  forehead,  in  the course of
nerves, Avhich  are  peculiarly sensitive,  and  Avhich
Avill be readily discovered.  This  application of  the
current to the brain  deserves to be  carefully studied,
as regards its influence over the intellectual as well
as organic functions.
   170. Sick Headache. — This complaint  may be
treated in the same  way as the above, but with less
certainty  or permanence  of relief.  The treatment
should be also directed to the stomach and liver.
   171. Nervous Irritability.—In approaching dis-
eases of a spasmodic  or convulsive character, electrical
shocks, for the  most part, cease to  be indicated, and
a resort becomes  necessary to the  uninterrupted cur-
rent of the  battery,  which promotes, in a very high
degree, the regularity of nervous  action, or  to  the
electrical spark.  In nervous irritability, the stimulus
of the electro-magnetic shock may overcome a slight
form of disorder ; but in graver cases, this application
is no longer  beneficial, and may even become  injuri-
ous.   The  treatment  hereafter indicated in  chorea
would then be  appropriate.
   172.  Hysteria. — No authentic  cases have been
found on record of the treatment of simple hysteria;
but this condition  is  allied to others which have been
treated by electricity with so much benefit, that  the
battery current may rationally  be  employed  in  the
paroxysms of this disorder.  The  uninterrupted cur- 
116
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
rent should be passed  down the spine, or across the
chest, by means of the conductors held in each hand.
The remarks in the preceding paragraph, and under
the head of Chorea, will apply to this disease.
   173.  Palpitation  of  the  Heart.—Palpitation,
where the result  of  irregular  or  deficient  nervous
action, is a proper subject for electrical application.  A
feeble current from the battery may be  passed from
the spine to the chest,  so as to traverse the heart.
The  regular action of the  heart  is  then generally
increased.  An interrupted current  would produce, on
the other hand, still greater irregularity.  A powerful
current should be avoided, as it may occasion, at least,
distressing sensations.  The handle  applied  to  the
spine may be moved,  during the operation, over the
upper half  of the vertebral column.   The  current
may also  be made to traverse the chest by alloAving
the patient to hold the cylinder handles.
   174. Asthma. — That form of  this disease which
may be called habitual asthma, or difficult respiration,
is simulated by division of the  eighth pair of nerves
in animals.   This  induced Wilson Philip* to resort
to  galvanism, in such cases, in the  human  subject,
and almost uniformly  Avith relief.  From eight to six-
teen pairs Avere usually employed.   Two thin plates
of metal, dipped in water, Avere applied, one to  the
nape of the neck, the  other to the pit of  the stomach,
or rather lower.   The  wires from  the  battery were
constantly moved  over these,  to  avoid  injuring  the
* ATital Functions, 2d ed. p. 331. 
ASTHMA.
117
cuticle beneath.  The breathing became easy, some-
times immediately, generally in from five  to  fifteen
minutes.  He found it equally efficacious in cases of
from  ten  to  twenty years'  standing.  In all  of the
cases to which it was applied, the  patients  had  been
able to return to their occupations, and the  relief had
continued, in  many  cases, for several  months, Avith-
out  relapse, and  in  others, had been again obtained
from the same source.   In inflammatory  cases of
asthma, Wilson Philip found the application of gal-
vanism injurious, until the tendency was subdued by
blood-letting.  The  presence of a severe cough was
not  found to  contra-indicate the  use  of galvanism;
but, on the  other hand, the cough  was relieved by
the removal  of phlegm, which took place in conse-
quence of the application.
   175.  The following are furnished by Wilson Philip,
as illustrations of the most and least successful  cases
of asthma,  in which galvanism  was employed by
him.
   I.  A lady, aged  35,  for  many years subject  to
habitual asthma; — breathing very much  oppressed.
The immediate effect  of the application was to give
greater ease than she had experienced for years.  Part
of this relief remained permanent, and when galvan-
ized for ten minutes daily, she suffered little dyspnoea.
On one occasion, to  try the  effect  of imagination, he
deceived the patient by scratching the wire upon the
neck, Avithout allowing  the  passage of the galvanic
current.   No relief Avas felt.   He  then passed it from
the neck  to  the  upper part  of the chest, Avhen slight 
lis
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
relief was obtained.   Finally, the current was passed
to the pit of the  stomach, Avhen the usual effect of
former applications was experienced.
  II. A young woman, who had been several times
galvanized in the usual Avay, Avas treated by a cur-
rent passing down  the spine.  The breathing  was
easier, but less so than on former occasions; and after
exertion, she was obliged to have recourse to galvan-
ism, as previously administered.   This patient  re-
mained free  from the disease  for half a year, Avhen
she returned with a slighter attack, which yielded
immediately to galvanism, in connection with reme-
dies, Avhich  alone had proved inactive.
  III. A blacksmith, aged  50,  Avith  severe habitual
asthma  of seven  months' standing.   Cough trouble-
some,  with  thick, yellowish  expectoration.   After
three applications  of galvanism, for about ten minutes
each time,  he declared himself well,  and resumed
work.   Several weeks later, the disease Avas reneAved
by intoxication, and "he was again relieved Avith equal
facility.   During ten months, several slighter attacks
occurred, folloAving exposure, which Avere immediate-
ly relieved in the same manner.
  IV. A  gloveress,  aged 28,  with  asthma of  four
years' standing.  The breathing was rendered easy,
in a few minutes,  by galvanism, and  after the second
application,  continued  so.   Three  weeks  later,  she
experienced  some return  of  dyspnoea, which  was
relieved by  a blister, Avhich had been previously tried
Avith slight effect.  During several months after, she
remained well. 
ASTHMA.
119
  V. A female domestic, aged  30, with  asthma of
two months' standing.   She Avas relieved in a few
minutes, and after three applications, remained  well
for  several Aveeks.   Reference  is made  by Wilson
Philip to several other similar cases.
  VI. A laborer, formerly  a soldier, aged 68.   He
was unable to Avalk, save at a slow pace, and some-
times had been  obliged wholly to  abandon Avork.
During  his most severe attack, he Avas relieved in a
few minutes by galvanism ; and  after three Aveeks of
daily applications of ten minutes each, the relief be-
came permanent.  A sense of sinking in the stomach
was perceived in this as  in the previous case, after
the application  of  electricity  (probably from  the
stimulation  of that organ), which Avas removed  by
 carbonate  of iron.   After  two years, this patient had
 experienced no return.
   VII.  A  female domestic, aged 40, Avith asthma of
 five years' standing.  The first application of galvan-
 ism gave  great  relief; but this proved  unequal  in
 subsequent  administrations.   Her  attendance  was
 irregular,  and her consumption of malt liquor exces-
 sive.   Her  breathing  and digestion Avere both  im-
 proved, though the former continued oppressed.
   VIII.  A female domestic, aged 24, Avith asthma of
 a year's standing.   She Avas quickly relieved by gal-
 vanism, but the  effect Avas not permanent.   She Avas
 cured,  subsequently, by an alterative course of med-
 icines,—in part, as Wilson Philip  suggests,  a  result
 of the previous electrical treatment.
    IX.  A domestic,  aged 29. with severe  asthma  of a 
120
NERVOUS SYSTEM.
year's standing, and an inflammatory tendency.  She
was  much relieved  by a few minutes' application,
and her case improved for ten days, when galvanism
failed of its effect.   The epigastrium was hoav tender
on pressure.   This  was removed by blood-letting,
blistering, and small doses  of calomel.  Galvanism
became then more  efficient  even  than in  the com-
mencement, and she finally  left  much, though not
entirely, relieved.
  X.  A woman, who had  for many years  labored
under habitual asthma, Avas  galvanized incautiously
with such power as to occasion  severe pain, and a
refusal  to submit  herself again to  the  application.
She  had obtained, however, immediate  relief  to her
breathing, a part of which remained permanent many
months afterwards.
  176.  In a paper,  read by M. Pascalis before the
Royal Academy of Medicine,* some general remarks
are  made upon  the treatment of asthma,  and the
following cases are given.
  I.  A woman, aged 32, an enamel worker, had been
asthmatic for  ten  years.   Of late, the disease had
increased, and for periods  of fifteen or twenty days,
there would be a diurnal access of alarming severity.
This would be followed by  an interval of compara-
tive rest for tAvo or  three weeks.  The  current from
a galvanic pile was passed from the back of the neck
to the  stomach.   With  the first  application, the
inspiration, cough,  and expectoration, became easier;
* Revue Med.  Feb. 1824. 
A S T H M A .
121
the rale, previously loud, was  hardly to be  heard.
After eight sittings, in the course of  fifteen days, she
was presented  in  the  following  condition. — The
specific attacks had  ceased.   The  patient,  for  the
first time,  could assume a horizontal position.  She
could walk  without suffocation.  A goitre sufficient
to  embarrass  respiration,  had diminished,  Avithin
these few days, an inch and a half  in circumference.
The  patient  was  able to  laugh,  Avithout  distress,
from which she had  been long prevented.   As a last
effect, the application had determined frequent daily
discharges from the bowels.
   II.  Le General d'Aigremont, aged  55,  had  been
asthmatic for a long time, and to a very  high  degree.
Hearing of the preceding case, he submitted  to  gal-
vanization.   After the first sitting, he  was  able to
ascend  three  flights  of steps  without  stopping ;
although previously  he was obliged to  stop  several
times in ascending one.  After several  applications,
the amelioration was  sufficient to permit' singing,
dancing, and ascending several  flights of stairs with-
out trouble ; but it did not remain constant, OAving to
the full habit  of  the  patient,  to  imprudences,  and
intractability,  and to  the date of  the  disease.   It
resulted, hoAvever, in great and permanent relief OA^er
the previous state.
   III. The wife of a chef de bureau, at  the treasury,
 had  been asthmatic for  three  years.   The  asthma
 was  continual, but  with frequent  exacerbations of
 three to five hours, or longer, during Avhich  she did
                 11 
 1 22           N i: K VOLS  S V S T E M .

 not expect to live—cough convulsive, rale excessive,
 appetite  null.   There  Avas  a painful  condition  of
 the  larynx,  engorgement of the  epigastrium,  and
 frequent  palpitations of the heart.   She had  been
 attended by the best physicians  in the capital.   MM.
 Fouquier,  Orfila, Leroux,  and Bertin,  had  been
 called  in consultation, and medical  treatment ex-
 hausted.    Improvement  commenced with the first
 exhibition of galvanism.  After five applications, the
 patient assumed  a  horizontal position the first time
 for three years.   The pain  at  the heart was less
 severe;  appetite  good.   After  eight  days,  she as-
 cended and descended the  stairs, and walked in the
 court.  Gradually the  patient,  who  was  in  an ad-
 vanced state of marasmus, recovered a portion of her
 embonpoint,  and her  other symptoms  were  much
 improved.   This was her condition at  the  date  of
 publication.  An examination of the lungs, by sev-
 eral physicians, at this time, showed the existence of
 emphysema highly  developed.
   177.  M.  Pascalis speaks of  a metallic  taste,  of
 flashing  before  the eyes,  of  rubefaction, and the
 formation of pustules on  the  skin under the metallic
 conductor, and some  movement of the  stomach as
attendants on  the galvanic application ;  also a strong
 titillation of the throat, by which the  secretion  of
 mucus is favored.   Respiration  becomes deeper, and
expectoration free.   The  patients are left in a state
 of vigor, contrasting in a sensible  manner Avith pre-
vious depression.
   178.  Spasmodic   Asthma. — Two  cases  of  this 
            SPASM  OF  THE  CHEST.          123

form of asthma,  treated  by Wilson Philip,*  during
the  paroxysms  shoAved   no  improvement.    It  is
probable,  however,  that  the  action  was  too over-
powering, and that the cautions, by means of Avhicli
spasmodic affections  have of late been treated  with
so much success by electricity, Avere  not adopted.
   179.  Emphysema.  — This  disease,  affecting  the
structure of  the  lungs, may be said to constitute a
form  of asthma,  Avhich is equally under the  control
of galvanism with  that  complaint, Avhen  uncompli-
cated Avith structural change.  The structural  disease
also appears to be removed with the dyspnoea.  It
may be suggested that the dilatation of the air-cells
is_perpetuated by the difficulty  of respiration,  and
that  by relieving the  morbid excitement   of  the
nerves, which control the motions of  respiration, an
opportunity is afforded to the air-cells to return to
their  original state.   A case  has already been quoted
("§.176,  ILL) of relief  in asthma complicated with em-
physema.
   180. Dyspn<ea. — Difficult  respiration, from every
source, excepting  organic  lesion,  may  be  treated
by galvanism  Avith  the  prospect  of success.  The
same  rules  of  application Avould be  observed as in
asthma.
   181.  Angina  Pectoris. — This  disease,   so  dis-
tressing, and so  generally fatal,  would  seem to be
included in the  class of  those ordinarily relieved by
electricity.   No  reliable  case  of its treatment  by
* Altai Functions, I'd cd. p. 336. 
124
NERVOUS  system.
this means appears on record.   Still, in the confessed
inutility of other treatment, the  poAverful influence
of galvanism should be fully tested.   The  treatment
can be inferred from the remarks under the head of
asthma  and palpitation of the  heart.  The  handles
employed  would preferably  be  the  surface  handles
covered Avith  leather.   The  current  should not be
excessive.   Subjection of the system to the  general
influence of galvanism by the daily use of  the cylin-
der conductors— one held in each hand — might also
be advantageous.
   182.  Chorea.—Chorea, or St.  Vitus's dance, has
been  treated successfully by  the uninterrupted cur-
rent of  the  battery, and by the  electric  spark drawn
from  the  spine  of the patient  while seated on the
insulating  stool.   The  following record  of cases  at
Guy's Hospital,  in Avhich the latter method was em-
ployed,  will be found to possess great interest.  The
first five cases are by Dr. Addison.*
  I.  A girl, aged 14, subject to epilepsy, and for four
years to periodical chorea;  progression and articula-
tion  embarrassed.   After  five  applications of elec-
tricity, articulation distinct, and walk almost steady.
In three weeks a cure.
  II.  A boy, aged 14, with violent chorea, of which
he had had two  previous attacks.   Little  benefit from
treatment Avith zinc for six weeks.  Cured by twenty-
two daily applications  of electricity to the spine.
   III. A young Avoman, aged 21.  Had been  in St.
*  Guy's Hospital Reports.  Oct. 1837. 
C H O R E A .
125
Thomas's  Hospital  ten  months, with  little benefit,
afflicted  with chorea, and  disordered  menstruation,
and  subject  to epileptic  attacks.   The  right  side
most  affected.   Unable  to stand, or lie quiet.  After
electrical  treatment for  three  or  four months,  can
walk  steadily.   Much improved.
   IV.  A  girl, aged 16.   Chorea  with  deranged
catamenia.  Aspect  "fatuous, occasionally Avild, and
almost maniacal."   Disease of  tAvelve months' stand-
ing.   Sparks from the spine, and shocks through the
pelvis, for a month.   Perfect cure.
   V.  A  girl, aged  12, Avith chorea and pain in occi-
put.   Electricity, every other day, from spine, for six
weeks.   Cure.   Slight  return  after  two  months,
Avhich yielded to  sulphate of  zinc.
   183.  In  Guy's   Hospital  reports  for  1846, Dr.
Hughes  gives   a  digest of one  hundred cases of
chorea,  fourteen of which Avere  treated  by  elec-
tricity.   Several of these were of long duration, and
of the most severe form.  A cure Avas effected in
nine cases, and failed in five.  Dr. Hughes remarks,
" The effects of electricity in  chorea are  sometimes
very remarkable.  On some occasions, I have knoAvn
it  to  effect  a cure  after a great variety of other
remedies had for Aveeks and months  been tried in
vain.....The  change has  not been  more
beneficial than  it has been rapid.  In the course  of a
week or ten days,  the entire  aspect  of  the  patient
has been changed.....Wrhen  electricity acts
beneficially in  chorea,  it  produces its  effects  more
rapidly  than any  other remedy with which I am
              11 * 
126
NERVOUS  SYSTF.M.
acquainted ; but it is a remedy Avhich is  not of uni-
versal application in chorea.   In some patients  it has
obviously done harm.   In weak, nervous, timid chil-
dren, electricity increases the disease."   This  state-
ment should be compared Avith the following  testi-
mony.
   184.  Dr. Golding Bird furnishes  a table  of  thirty
cases treated  by electricity in Guy's  Hospital,* in
addition to those given  by Dr. Addison, in one of
which,  Avhere organic disease of the spinal cord was
indicated, there  was no  relief;  one left from alarm,
five  Avere much relieved, and twenty-three cured.   A
feAV  of  these  were  under contemporaneous  medical
treatment — mostly mild purgatives.  In many of  them,
every variety of treatment had been exhausted before
having  recourse  to  electricity.   The treatment was
confined to machine electricity drawn by sparks from
the spinal column.   The application was made  every
other day, for five minutes, or until  the papular  erup-
tion  appeared (<§> 13).   The disease was sometimes
increased on the  first  application,  from the  alarm
of the   patient;  but this rapidly subsided.   Details
are giAren of nine cases,  which may be  thus briefly
stated.
  I.  A  girl, of 8 years, Avith universal chorea, follow-
ing rheumatism.  Treated  by the  ordinary remedies
for a month, without  success.  After  three  days'
electrical treatment, speaks and swallows easily.  In
sixteen  days, not a trace of chorea left.
*  Guy's Hospital Reports.  April, 1841. 
CHOREA.
127
  II.  A boy, aged 12, with chorea, apparently caused
by  tapeworm;  muscles almost universally affected.
Tavo months' ordinary treatment  ineffectual.   Elec-
tricity for three  days.   Much improved ; — in thirty-
four days cured.
  III.  A girl, aged 16.   Chorea resulting from amen-
orrhaea.  After five applications, the catamenia, absent
for  three months subsequent to its first appearance,
recurred, and the  chorea  vanished.   Two  months
later, the catamenia not appearing, she applied again,
and a few shocks restored the function.
  IV.  A girl, aged 15.  Chorea from fright, affecting
right side.  In  three  weeks, she  left,  nearly cured.
Disease returned again  in  twenty days.    In thirty-
nine days, discharged Avell.
  V.  A girl, aged 12,  Avith chorea confined to  right
arm.   After  three  applications,  she  left,  relieved.
The disease again rallied.   In tAventy-four days, dis-
charged cured.
  VI.  A man, aged  40, with chorea from exposure
to cold,  confined to  sterno-mastoid  muscles.    The
spasms, on  any excitement, produced torsion of the
neck, threatening strangulation, and Avere resisted by
the hand of the patient applied to the head.  Sparks
taken from the spine and sterno-mastoid muscles. In
about  a month, he  left, tolerably well.  Irregular
habits brought on a return.   He was again subjected
to electricity, and in a short time was convalescent.
  VII. A lad, of 18.   Chorea of right  side.  In six-
teen days, only  slight affection remaining.  Shocks
Avere noAv  passed along the leg and arm.  In three 
128
NERVOUS  system.
days,  the  disease  had  returned,  Avith  almost  full
strength.   Sparks were again ordered, with sulphate
of zinc, and in six Aveeks he Avas discharged cured.
  VIII.  A  man, aged 45, Avith congenital (?) chorea,
causing constant motion of the fingers, increased by
excitement.   Had continued from his infancy.  After
a fortnight's  application, Avhile under treatment for
another disease, the motion remarkably diminished.
  IX.  A man, aged 40, subject to spasms of the jaw,
producing  dislocation.   Sparks  draAvn from  affected
muscles  Avith  remarkable  benefit.    Subsequently,
under  use  of sulphate  of  zinc, he  Avas  discharged
cured.
  185.  Dr. Bird has found  that shocks applied to the
affected parts, in chorea, are always injurious.  This
agrees  with  the  universal experience  in  spasmodic
diseases, in Avhich the uniform and harmonizing cur-
rent of the  battery,  and sometimes  the spark, are
exclusively indicated.   Dr.  Bird considers the "erup-
tion," produced  by his peculiar use of the spark, as
contributing much to the effect.  A similar local irri-
tation might be found useful in applying the  battery,
as in Wilson-Philips' treatment of asthma.
  186.  Catalepsy. — A  prisoner,  at  Beccles,* was
seized  Avith catalepsy, of which  he  had had an attack
nine years previously.   The upper  extremities re-
tained  any position in  Avhich they Avere  placed, the
power  of SAvalloAving Avas  suspended, and the  pulse
varied  from eighty to one hundred and tAventy beats
* Prov. Med. and Surg. Jour.  Nov. 184$. 
EPILEPSY.
12lJ
in the minute.  After four days' use of other treatment,
with  occasional remissions,  electro-magnetic shocks
were passed  through  the right arm.  Powerful con-
traction ensued, Avith  convulsion of the loAver jaw,
and rapid protrusion and retraction of the tongue.   A
more poAverful application caused violent and irregular
respiratory efforts, raising the pulse from  sixty to one
hundred and forty beats per minute, and finally the
lower  extremities became also  convulsed.   Violent
sobbing succeeded, and sensibility gradually returned.
On the folloAving day, another attack was  treated  in
the same manner, Avith  a similar result.  A slighter
one  subsequently occurred, within a feAV days, when
he left the neighborhood.  This case was  under the
care of Dr. W. H. Crowfoot.  The  effects  produced
by electro-magnetism, in this case, show, in a striking
manner, the  impropriety of using the induced  series
of shocks in any convulsive disease.   The  primary
current of the battery should  be alone used in cata-
lepsy, Avith  the object of  restoring  the nervous equi-
librium and increasing the nervous poAver.  Galvanism
is stated  to  have been  rapidly successful,  in similar
cases.
   187. Convulsions. — In all convulsive diseases in
which there is not  organic lesion, benefit may  be
anticipated from the use of the uninterrupted current
of the battery floAving in the direction of the ramifi-
cations of the most important nerves, and  especially
in the course of the spinal column.
   188.  Epilepsy. — In  the treatment  of epilepsy,
referred to the brain, no advantage Avas obtained, in 
130
N E R V O US  SVST E M .
Guy's  Hospital,  by Dr.  Bird, from  the use  of the
spark.   In hysteric epilepsy, connected with derange-
ment of  the  uterine  functions,  electricity  Avas  of
material  service.   The  following case  is  given  in
illustration.*  A  girl, aged 15, Avho  had never men-
struated,  became  subject  to  epileptic  attacks, six
months before admission ;  intervals irregular, dura-
tion fifteen to  twenty minutes.   Oct.  10, 1*39, shocks
to be passed through the  pelvis thrice a Aveek.  After
the  second application, pains were felt  in  the  back
and loins, and  the catamenia  soon  afterwards ap-
peared.   From this time, the fits ceased.
   189.  Dr. Addison relates a similar case,t complica-
ted Avith chorea, much relieved by electro-magnetism.
This Avas a girl, aged 17, Avho, after  a  violent fright,
Avas attacked  Avith  chorea, accompanied by peculiar
automatic movements of the hand, and  thenceforward
Avas subject to menstrual disorder.   She was at length
seized with epileptic fits, Avhich had begun to show
their Avorst effects  upon the mind and  active poAvers.
The ordinary treatment was exhausted, and the par-
oxysms noAv returned tAvo or three times daily.  Elec-
tricity Avas ordered, as a  last resource.   On the 20th
of April, the electro-magnetic current Avas passed down
the  spine  for the  first time.  On the 10th  of  May,
she  could use her needle  with tolerable precision, and
the  fits Avere slighter,  though  as frequent.  Sparks
were then  draAvn  from  the spine, every other day,
with most  marked benefit.  June 1, twelve shocks

           * Guy's Hospital Reports.  April,  1841,
           t Guy's Hospital Reports.  Oct. 1837, 
E P I L E P S Y .
131
through the  pelvis were ordered.  The first applica-
tion Avas folloAved by pelvic and abdominal pains, the
immediate precursors of the catamenia.  July 3, contin-
ued improvement, but no return of the catamenia.   A
second exhibition of the shocks again developed the
function.   July 15,  she  left the hospital free  from
chorea, though still subject to fits  of diminished
force  and  frequency.
   190. Other cases will be found under the head of
Chorea, in Avhich epilepsy, as a complication, Avas
benefited  by the same treatment.
   191. A French practitioner * details^ a case under
the name of epilepsy, in  which the  patient, a girl,
aged  12, had been subject to attacks  since her sixth
year, in consequence of  a fright.   Galvano-puncture
was  used.   One needle  Avas inserted immediately
beneath the occiput, the other in the integument of
the epigastric region.  The- first application was dur-
ing a seizure, and  Avas  followed  by  an immediate
return of sensibility.  It Avas repeated on the follow-
ing day,  and  no fit  took place for a Aveek.  Two
attacks then occurred,  at intervals  of  eight  days.
Subsequently the application Avas made  at the com-
mencement of the  seizure, and  a respite of a month
ensued, after Avhich, during six months, the disease
had not returned.
   192. In true  epilepsy,  electro-magnetism should
not be employed ;  the use of  the spark  is at best
doubtful ; Avhile the uniform  current  of the battery
* Lancet.  July, 1843. 
132
N K 11 VOL'S S \ S T E M .
deserves always a  trial,  and  in  epilepsy, Avithout
organic  change  in the  nerve centres,  it  may be
expected to produce a favorable effect.
   193.  Tetanus.—Matteucci states  that  the  pas-
sage of  the  continued  current of the battery in the
direction of the ramification of the nerves, exhausts
their excitability, and prevents spasm in the case of
frogs  tetanized  by  narcotics.*  To reduce  the  ner-
vous irritability in tetanus and  convulsive diseases, he
urges  therefore this use of the current of the battery.
A  case of tetanus, which  came under the observation
of Matteucci at an earlier date, is given below.
   194.  D.  Branzanti, aged  51 years,f received a
charge of  shot  above  the internal  malleolus  of the
left ankle.   After the cicatrization, symptoms of  teta-
nus appeared.   The current of thirty to thirty-five
galvanic pairs  was then passed from the back of the
neck  to the  sacrum,  to .the  abdomen,  and  to  the
wounded limb.   The time of application was twenty
to  thirty minutes, and  it  was  repeated six times dur-
ing seventy hours.   Each time the patient seemed
more calm, and the spasms  of the jaw and muscles
diminished.  The warmth  of the surface  was  also
increased, perspiration  reestablished, secretion  of the
kidneys excited, and the capillary  circulation  quick-
ened.   Unfortunately, this amelioration ceased about
half an hour after each application, the condition of
the patient grew worse, and he finally yielded to the
violence of the disease.   A post-mortem examination
* Lancet.  Aug. 1847.
t Revue Med.  Oct. 1839. 
TETANUS.
133
showed softening  of  the  spinal cord, and entire dis-
organization  in the branches Avhich form the cauda
equina.  No  other result could, therefore, have been
anticipated, at least in  the latter part of the disease.
The use  of  the  battery  current  is here shoAvn  in
calming  spasmodic excitement.   M.  Matteucci,  in
communicating the above case  to the French Acade-
my,* remarks, that the impression of the  beneficial
effect of this application Avas such upon  those phy-
sicians  who  Avere present, that they Avould  at once
resort  to  it in similar cases.   The experiment was
not  thoroughly satisfactory, in  that the battery Avas
out of order,  and could only be used in the intermit-
tent Avay described above, instead of continuously.
   195.  Dr. Taylor reports a  case of tetanus,  occa-
sioned by a  blister, in a lady  aged 30.   The jaw
was firmly closed, and other tetanic symptoms pres-
ent.  The most  powerful antispasmodic  treatment
was employed, iucluding  ether to  the  shaved  head,
belladonna to the face, and opium, by draught and
injection.  The spasm increased  so that  the  body
was bent  like a  bow, and supported  only by the
heels and occiput.   Weak shocks from a  Leyden
jar were then administered to  the  face, Avhich soon
produced  relaxation of the jaws and muscles of the
abdomen, accompanied Avith exhaustion.  Wine and
a suppository of opium were ordered.  The patient
slept, but in  the morning  suffered another paroxysm.
Electricity now applied  was  Avithout effect,  until
 * Revue Med.  June, 1838.
12 
134
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
opium had  been administered for  two hours, when
relaxation of the muscles was again produced by the
same means.  The patient gradually recovered.   Dr.
Taylor ascribes the success to  the conjoint use of
the opium and electricity.  The form of application
in this case Avas so unfavorable, that the full effect
of electrical treatment could not be observed.
   196.  Dr. J. Adams relates  two cases of traumatic
tetanus, in  the London Hospital,  in which he at-
tributes the cure to electricity.*
   I.  A boy, of 7 years, seized  with  tetanic symp-
toms, in consequence of  laceration of the  skin  and
muscles of the calf of the leg.  Spastic curvature of
the spine  appeared.   Opium  gave no relief.   Sparks
of machine electricity  were  then drawn from   the
spine,  while on  the insulating  stool, Avith at  first
an aggravation of the  spasms; but  afterward  Avith
decided improvement,  the  curvature of the spine
relaxing   under  its influence.   It  Avas  frequently
repeated with  the best effect,  until  it seemed to have
lost its  power ; and on the  third day a relapse oc-
curred.   Opium and strychnine  Avere then  resorted
to, and gradually proved effectual, the child entirely
recovering.  In this case, the primary current of the
battery  was strongly indicated, and would, it may be
presumed, have proved more powerful, as Avell as
more  safe, than the use of machine  electricity.
   II.  A  man, aged 45,  Avith  tetanus supervening
on a punctured wound of the great toe.   The symp-
• Lond. Med. Gaz.  Jan. 1842, 
SPASM.
135
toms Avere severe, and opium, in large doses, gave no
relief.   Strychnine  Avas  administered  Avith decided
benefit, but increased the spasms  in the legs, so that
the  patient refused  to continue it.   Electricity was
then employed, as in the last case;  after which he
was immediately able to  walk  back  to his bed.   It
Avas subsequently  applied whenever there Avas  severe
spasm, and always with success ;  the man gradually
recovering.  A blister was applied to the spine during
the  treatment.
   197.  Hydrophobia. — The spasms of this disease,
like those of  tetanus, may be  Avell  supposed to be
under  the control of galvanism.   Dr. Donovan, of
Dublin, relates a  case in Avhich it was successfully
employed.*   In  both of  these  violent  spasmodic
diseases,  the  inhalation  of  ether  would now  be
prescribed.  Another powerful  antispasmodic  agent
should  not, on that account, be overlooked,  espe-
cially as the action of galvanism and etherization are
complementary to  each other.   Etherization acts by
overcoming  nervous  excitement, and occasionally
produces an unfavorable prostration.   Galvanism acts
by bringing  the nervous system  into full and  har-
monious  action,  thus  controlling  irregular  mani-
festations.   Both  agents  may,  therefore,  have  an
important place.
   198.  Spasm.—Dr. DeAvees* says, in  the  New
York Journal of Medicine, " In  the  most frightful
case of tonic  spasm from utero-spinal  causes, the

            * Dub. Jour. May, 1847.
            t  N. Y. Jour, of'Med.  May, 1847. 
136
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
 continued current has, in my hands, proved a perfect
 charm, as Avitnessed by our distinguished townsmen,
 Drs.  Mott  and  F.  U. Johnston.   In  this  extraor-
 dinary  case, the interrupted current proved highly
 injurious, causing convulsive actions,  Avhile by the
 simple  galvanic current  the  spasms Avould be imme-
 diately broken."
   199.  Stammering. — It is stated  that this affection
 has  been cured  by diligently  passing  the electro-
 magnetic shocks from the tongue to the  surface of
 the  throat,  to Avhich a  sponge  handle  should be
 applied in various  positions.   Considering stammer-
 ing,  however, as  a convulsive affection of the glottis,
 the current  should  be  directed  particularly to  that
 organ, and galvanism should be  preferred to electro-
 magnetism.
   200.  Hiccup. — Two  cases  are  reported in  the
 London  Lancet,* from   a French  practitioner, in
 which hiccup  was treated by passing  the galvanic
 current by acu-puncture needles from the back of the
 neck  to  the  epigastrium.  The  first was  a  case of
 two  years' standing, in  a young woman  subject to
chronic gastritis,  who  was cured by a few  applica-
 tions, but required a  continuance for  six Aveeks to
 prevent a relapse.   A case  of hiccup  after typhus
fever Avas cured in the same way.
   201.  Colic. — The spasms of  this  disease,  and
the irregular or  inverted  peristaltic  motions of  the
intestines, are  subjects  for  experimental  treatment
* Lond. Lancet.  July, 1843, from Jour, des Conn. Med. Chir, 
FEVERS.
137
with galvanism.   The current Avould be  passed from
the back  of the  neck  and  spine to  the perineum,
and different parts of the abdomen.
   202.  Fevers. — The  nervous  system  is very
largely involved in the phenomena  of fever.   In this
condition, circumstances often arise  in Avhich the use
of electricity may be of  great value.   These have
been  partially  indicated under  preceding  heads.
The alterative action of electricity, generally applied,
may prove  useful in breaking up  a  sluggish fever,
especially of a nervous  origin.   In congestive and
typhoid  fevers,  its  use  in  arousing   the  system
has  already been spoken of.   (<§>§ 150, 152.)   In
fevers  connected  Avith  the  bilious  system,  an  im-
portant application would  consist in  arousing  the
liver to a state of functional activity.   (<§> 216.)   In
fevers  resulting from local  inflammation, the revul-
sive action  of electricity (<§> 64) may have a place.
In eruptive  fevers, it has been  proposed to use  the
stimulating   poAver  of  electricity over  the skin, to
bring out  suppressed eruptions.   Statements have
appeared, though  not authoritative,  of the  successful
use of this form  of application.   WThen  it is  consid-
ered that a  large surface may be rapidly excited by
sweeping the sponge conductors over it,  moistened
with a stimulating solution, the  proposition Avill not
appear irrational.   In  the  cases also  of suppressed
eruption,  in exanthematous fevers, there  is  usually
great nervous depression, Avhich galvanism  may, at
the same time, be employed efficiently  to  combat.*

             * N. Y. Jour, of Med.   May, 1847.
               12* 
13S
nervous  system.
These suggestions are made  principally Avith a view
to draw  attention  to  a  class  of applications Avhich
may well repay investigation.
  203.  Intermittent  Fever. — Mr.  Luke  HoAvard,
F. R. S., reported, in  1833,*  several cases of inter-
mittent fever in the care of Mr. P. Smith, as having
been cured by  placing the  patient on  the insulating
stool, and draAving sparks from the spine at the same
time that they  were received  at the epigastric region.
When this Avas done  in  the hot  stage, the pulse was
speedily  reduced, and a  few applications  produced a
permanent cure, even in obstinate cases.   The state-
ment is  of interest, as indicating a probable applica-
tion of electricity in effecting  reaction, and changing
the nervous condition in this disease.
  204.  M. Fabre Palaprat  stated before  the French
Academy, in the  same  year,f that  he had cured a
case of  quartan  fever by the electrical  transfer  of
quinine  through  the  body of the patient.   This  is
based on the  Avell-knoAvn principle of  the transfer
of substances  in  solution  by the electrical current.
Where a membrane like the skin, however, is inter-
posed, it  requires  a very powerful  current  to  effect
the passage of a substance through it.  If the surface
Avas blistered, Avhere  in  contact  with the conductors
from  the  battery, a  current  of less  power would
probably be sufficient.   The rapid dissemination  of
medical agents, in  this Avay, through the system, is a
subject Avhich deserves additional investigation.

            *  Lond. Med. Jour.  March, 1833.
            t  Revue Med   May, 1833. 
LUMBAGO.
139
             RHEUMATISM AND GOUT.

  205.  These  inflammatory affections may be classed
together,  in  reference  to  their electrical treatment.
In rheumatism, at least, electricity has proved exten-
sively useful.   Dr. Prosch, of Hamburg,* in reporting
fifty-three cases  of different diseases, chiefly of the
muscular  and  nervous systems, treated by  electro-
magnetism, of  which only twenty-four Avere cured or
much improved,  yet includes  among  the latter ten
cases out  of eleven in all, of rheumatism of the mus-
cles and fascia.   With  the exception of this compani-
son, the table, as republished, and referred to above, is
valueless, as the mode of treatment does not appear.
   206.   Rheumatism. — Acute.—According to  Dr.
Dunglison,  of  Philadelphia,!  " Sarlandiere  restricts
the use of electricity to rheumatic or neuralgic pains,
uncomplicated  Avith  organic mischief or  inflamma-
tion."   This refers especially to machine electricity,
but is not sustained by later  authorities.  Rheuma-
tism, from its neuralgic relations, appears to have been
treated beneficially by electricity in  almost all  its
forms, in  all periods  of inflammation excepting that
of greatest excitement.  Galvanism, Avhich generally
increases  the action of a part, should  be used Avith
caution.  The electric sparks  and electro-magnetic
shocks have been found of great service; the latter, it
is stated, sometimes at once relieving the  pain.
   207. Lumbago. — Muscular rheumatism is stated,
* Boston Med. and Surg. Jour.  1845.
t Braithewaite, Part V. 
140         rheumatism and gout.

by M.  Raciborski, of Paris,, in the Gazette  Medico-
Chirurgicale, to  yield readily  to galvanism  [elec-
tro-magnetism].   Lumbago  Avas sometimes so  far
relieved  by  a  feAv  shocks,  as  to permit muscular
motion  Avithout pain.   He says, " We do not  doubt
that  the forced contraction Avhich the galvanic  shock
produces in the fibres  of  the  muscles  rendered mo-
tionless by the rheumatism, must contribute consider-
ably to the good effects derivable from this means."
  208.  Relief was frequently obtained, in lumbago,
at Guy's Hospital, by  draAving sparks from  the seat
of pain.
  209.  Chronic Rheumatism.—A case of  rheuma-
tism, disabling the  left knee and foot, in  a  coun-
tryman, aged 60, is  reported  by MM. Bally and
Meyraux, of the  Hospital de la  Pitie,* Avhich was
cured by galvano-puncture, being  one of the earliest
instances of that treatment.  In  the case of the knee,
the needles Avere  plunged half  an inch beneath the
surface, and at a distance of three inches apart.  Six
applications effected  a cure, and four additional ones
to the foot  produced  a similar result.  The  usual
resources had been previously exhausted.
  210.  A case of chronic  rheumatism  of the shoul-
der, in a mason, aged 23, is also  reported by the same
physicians.   A needle was implanted in each shoul-
der, and the current of six pairs  passed  through them
by frequent contacts.  After the seventh application,
the pain had ceased, and only slight stiffness remained.
* Revue Med.  Oct. 1825. 
           rheumatic  swellings.        141

A  superficial  application,  in this case, proved  inef-
fectual.
  211.  The action of electricity, in chronic rheuma-
tism, is probably alterative and stimulant in the  first
instance.   Any neuralgic  tendency is removed, and
the absorbents are excited to action.   The sponge
handles may be applied on opposite sides of the affect-
ed part, and moved so as to pass the electro-magnetic
shocks in all directions  through it.  The  spark  Avas
used with  success at  Guy's Hospital.   Galvanism  is
reported to have acted Avith efficiency in many cases,
by  superficial application as Avell as acu-puncture.
It is to be regretted that the details of treatment have
not been more generally preserved in the almost  uni-
versal  testimony to  the value of electricity  in  this
form of the disease.
  212.   Rheumatic  Swellings. — Dr.  Hoering,  of
Heilbronn,* gives the case of a patient who was affect-
ed  Avith rheumatic  swellings  of the cellular tissue,
especially of the upper extremities.  One conductor
Avas placed  in the hand  or in a foot  bath,  and the
other  was passed over the diseased  surface.   The
improvement was  marked from the first application,
and in fifteen days  all the movements Avere  more
free.   In the sixth week, all  the  pain and swelling
had disappeared.   The case of an ecclesiastic is also
given,  with  very  painful rheumatic  sAvellings of
almost all the articulations.  After the first  applica.
tion the pain was so much diminished  as to allow
* Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  June, 1847, 
142        RHEUMATISM  and  gout.

him to sleep for tAvo hours, Avhich had not occurred
for  months previously.   In three  Aveeks, the pain
had completely disappeared, and the movements had
become more free, Avhen the patient discontinued its
further use.
  213.  In all rheumatic enlargements, Avhere absorp-
tion  is  to be promoted, the current  of  the  battery
should be used.
  214.  Periodic Rheumatism.—A case Avas related
by M. Chailly to the Society of Medicine of  Bour-
deaux,* and by them .ordered to be printed, in Avhich
a courier, aged 38, subject for  five  years  to periodic
attacks of rheumatism and gout,  and  also to pleuritic
affections, had been apparently cured,  and his general
health restored, by a powerful  shock  from a flash of
lightning, Avhich prostrated the  four horses  of  the
carriage in which he was travelling.  His flesh had
returned, and the month of March, in which he was
ahvays subject to ingress of disease, had passed with-
out any attack of gout or rheumatism.
  215.  Gout. — This  disease  is said to have been
treated  successfully, at  its  height, by the  galvanic
moxa, the platinum needle  being plunged  into  the
inflamed  part, and instantly becoming incandescent.
The  inflammation is stated to  centre  on the ulcer
thus  produced, Avhich  discharges freely.  Dr. Koe-
nigf states that he has  treated gout  successfully by
galvailo-puncture,  inserting the  needles  as deep as
possible.
* Revue Med. Oct, 1835.      t Revue Med.  April, 1830, 
MUCOUS  SECRETION
143
               SECRETING ORGANS.

  216.  Torpid Lever. — Where an inactive state of
the liver exists, as a cause or  effect of other diseases,
the poAver of speedily developing the bilious secretion
is  possessed  by galvanism to a very striking  extent.
Wilson  Philip, in a remark already  quoted, says,  " I
have repeatedly seen the same effect upon the biliary
system Avhich arises from calomel;  a  copious bilious
discharge from the  boAvels coming  on Avithin a few
hours after its employment."   This application is an
important one.   The current of the  battery should
be  transmitted from the  back of the  neck and spine
to  the  region of the liver,  by means  of  surface
handles.
   217.  Mucous Surface. — The effect of electricity
upon  the mucous  secretion in the respiratory organs
cannot  be better illustrated  than by the following
remarks upon  a  disease  embarrassing respiration, in
part, by its  effects on secretion.
   218.   Mucous   Secretion  in  Apoplexy. — Wilson
Philip*  states that the  respiration in  sanguineous
apoplexy is interrupted  more by  accumulation  of
phlegm  than by the lessened action  of  the  muscles
of  inspiration, the  secretion  assuming  its character
and remaining adherent on account of the withdraAval
of  the nervous energy from the lungs — a conclusion
amply established by his experiments on the  division
of  the  eighth  pair  of nerves.  This  accumulation  is
* Altai Functions, 2d ed. p. 272. 
144
SECRETING  organs.
often the cause  of death.   On  passing  the battery
current through  the  lungs in this  condition, Wilson
Philip says, " After the  rattling  breathing had come
on, and the patient seemed about to be suflbcated, he
was, at least a  dozen times, made to breathe Avith
ease,  the  accumulation of  phlegm  gradually disap-
pearing on  the  application of galvanism, by which
his life was evidently prolonged."   Galvanism is not
here  employed  as a means of  cure  in  the original
disease, but for the purpose of removing an obstruc-
tion by which  time  can be  gained for the use of
other remedies.   It should be employed with caution,
and not  more  than ten  minutes  at  once.   Other
functions  may be  stimulated  in a similar  manner.
The  battery alone  should be used, and any injurious
effect  upon the  circulation may be  neutralized  by
blood-letting.
   219.  Secretion of Throat and Lungs. — The elec-
tro-magnetic current passed through the  throat from
side to side, and  from  the back  of  the neck to the
sternum, is  stated to relieve irritation  of the throat,
probably by its alterative action on the mucous mem-
brane.  In deficient secretion or dryness of the throat,
and also of the  lungs, the  battery current Avould be
preferable, in a gentle and diffused form.
   220.  Salivary Glands. — These glands  are very
readily  excited   to increased  action  by  electricity
passed through  them, or through almost any part of
the face.  Whether, in excessive salivation, any bene-
fit would  be derived from the alterative influence of
electro-magnetism, has not been ascertained. 
DYSPEPSI A.
145
  221.  Tear Glands.—In the treatment of  amau-
rosis by Magendie, the stimulation of the tear  glands
ha"s been alluded to. (<§> 123.)   In deficient secretion,
this might prove a valuable resource.
  222.  Urinary Secretion. — In both  the deficient
and diseased secretion, electricity Avould deserve, by
analogy, to be  applied — the  current  being  passed
through  the  kidneys from  side  to  side, and also  in
the course  of  the  spine.  Galvanism  and electro-
magnetism Avould be employed  respectively Avhen
increased or alterative action Avas required.
  223.  Suppressed  Perspiration. — The  function
of the skin is very readily influenced by galvanism,
either  Avhen  applied by handles  placed near each
other  on  the  surface, or Avhen it is  passed through a
whole  limb.   This  will  have been observed  under
preceding heads.  In suppressed perspiration, and all
diseases  in Avhich the skin is  inactive, use may be
made of this application.  Electrification on the insu-
lating  stool is stated,  by Wilson Philip, to increase
the action of the skin.

              DIGESTIVE FUNCTION.
  224.  Dyspepsia.—Wilson Philip treated a number
of cases of dyspepsia in connection  with asthma,*  in
all of which the  improvement in the digestive func-
tion was marked.   The  action  of galvanism on the
bilious secretion,  Avhere deficient,  has already been
stated. (<§> 216.)   Experiments made on  animals, by
* Vital Functions, 2d ed. p. 339.
  In
  O 
146         DIGESTIVE  function

Wilson  Philip, show that the process of digestion is
continued after the division of the eighth  pair of
nerves,  by means  of a supply  of  galvanism.  This
may be attributed  to  the  influence of electricity on
the  secretions and  vital  Avarmth of  the stomach.
The conclusion, from  all observations on that class
of diseases commonly known as dyspepsia,  is,  that
where functional, and not organic, they are peculiarly
under the control of electricity, especially of galvanism.
Where  active  inflammation  exists, galvanism should
not,  however,  be  employed.   The chronic diseases
of digestion, which are so obstinate  under medical
treatment, should become  peculiar subjects of inves-
tigation, with those Avho wish to  develop the appli-
cations of electricity.   All  the organs contributing to
digestion may be roused into action, and another ad-
vantage may be gained by the exercise or movement
of those organs by means  of  the electro-magnetic
shocks.  If these  are  passed through  the abdomen,
contractions take place in every direction, effecting a
thorough agitation of the organs, without any serious
discomfort.
   225.  Constipation. — It has been shoAvn that the
peristaltic action is readily promoted  by electricity
in a majority of cases.  (§ 111.)   Dr.  Dewees states,*
" There is, in most all cases  of chronic  constipation
(from enteric inactivity), excessive dryness, not only
of the faeces,  but of the mucous surface of the intes-
tines.   This state  is speedily remedied  by the  cur-
* N. Y. Jour, of Med.  May, 1847. 
BRONCHITIS.
14?
rent, the secretion of the bowels being announced in
a few days.  Where the nervous prostration  is very
great, and  the  person should be  of a relaxed leuco-
phlegmatic  habit, the gut is frequently found in an
opposite condition, being relaxed and coated Avith a
gluey mucus, the presence of faecal matter not being
noticed by the  bowel.  After a few days' use of  the
battery, this becomes remedied, in both states;  the
intestine is stimulated, and a secretion of fresh mucus
takes place, with increased  propulsory poAvers."   By
passing galvanism through the liver at the same time,
the stimulus of the bile  is also brought  to bear upon
the  intestine.   The form  of application, in  these
cases,  is to  pass  the current, by means  of surface
handles, from the back of the neck or spinal column,
to the  perineum, or to the abdomen over the organ to
be excited.
  226.  Sick Headache,  as a result of indigestion,  has
already been spoken  of.  (<§> 170.)  Heartburn, where
produced by a similar cause, would be treated prima-
rily by action on the stomach and spinal cord, and by
the passage, perhaps, of  a Aveak current through  the
heart.
           DISEASES OF INFLAMMATION.

  227.  Laryngitis,   Bronchitis.—Where these in-
flammations  are  chronic, or passive,  electricity has
been found  beneficial, by its alterative  influence  on
the mucous membrane, and also by increasing secre-
tion, or rather by adding to the fluidity of secretion.
In ulceration of the  throat, of a specific  character, 
148     DISEASES OF  INFLAMMATION.

this alterative action may also deserve a trial.   The
same  may be said  in  regard  to  croup.   In a  con-
gested state  of  the mucous membrane, the stimu-
lating influence  of  electro-magnetism might, in some
cases, be  employed.  When  the  disease  is in  the
throat, the current may be passed  through the larynx
in Ararious directions,  or  from the tongue  to  the
chest; Avhen in  the lungs, from the back of the neck
or tongue to  the base of the chest.   It may be useful
to make the  application to the  throat in such a way
as to increase the action of the skin.
   228.  Pleurisy. — This  inflammation,  accompa-
nied with  effusion, has been treated with success by
electricity, according  to  various  accounts.   It  may
be said that  the inflammations of  the serous mem-
branes  generally seem to be  benefited  rather than
injured  by the influence of feeble electrical currents.
The subject  of  serous  effusion will  be  treated of
hereafter.
   229.  Pneumonia. — The testimony is universal as
to the bad consequences  attending the  use of elec-
tricity in  this disease, at any rate, in the active stages
of inflammation.   In the latter periods of oppression
from a viscid secretion, or from a passive congestion
of  the  lungs,  electricity might,  with  the utmost
caution, be resorted to, in default of other  means, to
relieve  respiration.  The  revulsive use of  electricity
applied to other organs  might   be  serviceable  in
earlier stages of the disease. 
PHTHISIS.       *          149
                     PHTHISIS.

   230. Phthisis.  Consumption.—Dr. Wilson Philip
 remarks, " In some, laboring  under the  most chronic
 forms of phthisis,  in  whom  the  symptoms  had
 lasted several years, and habitual asthma had  su-
 pervened,  the relief obtained from  galvanism  was
 very great,  notAvithstanding  some  admixture of a
 pus-like  substance, in what  Avas expectorated.   I
 need hardly add, after what has been said [concern-
 ing  inflammation], that, in ordinary cases of phthi-
 sis, nothing could be more improper than  the use of
 galvanism." *  This last has  reference to the battery
 current exclusively.   In  cases  of insufficient secre-
 tion of the lungs  connected  with phthisis, or of a
 secretion deprived of its  fluid constituents, or of a
 generally inactive state, the  battery current may be
 applied in Wilson  Philip's  Avay.   In  cases  where
 the  inflammatory tendency  was  distinctly  marked,
 feeble electro-magnetic shocks might be found useful
 to give nervous tone to the lungs, without increasing
 inflammation.  Where the mucous membrane is ex-
 tensively diseased, there is a possibility, which should
 be ahvays kept in view, of increasing its vital action,
 by subjecting  it  to galvanic  or electro-magnetic in-
fluence.  Neither  should the  idea of promoting  ab-
sorption of tuberculous  matter, hoAvever improbable,
be  dismissed  without  a moment's  consideration.
Another application to phthisis,  of Avhich  electricity
* Vital Functions, 2d ed. p. 340.
 13* 
150         PISEASES  OF TISSUES.
is  ahvays capable, is its  influence upon other func-
tions, and the general tone of the  system.  It may
also  be used as a counter-irritant to the  lungs,  by
bringing the skin, or other organs, into  normal or
excessive  action.   In  the last  stages of phthisis,
Avhen  the accumulation of mucus is a cause of  dis-
tress and danger, the  battery current might be used,
as in apoplexy (<§> 218), to relieve the burdened respira-
tion of the patient, by its  effect on secretion.

               DISEASES  OF TISSUES.
   231.  Atrophy. — In the  Avasting of an organ by
deficient nutrition, either  from the Avant of nervous
supply, or of vitality in the tissue, the daily use of
galvanism is indicated.  The current should be sent
in the  opposite  direction  to the  organic  nervous
current.   Where  the  organ  or part is  to any extent
muscular, electro-magnetism  Avould also be employed
to advantage, and Avould  not  be excluded in  other
cases.
   232.  Hypertrophy. — Where  an  interstitial  de-
posit takes place in any organ from a want of propor-
tional activity in the absorbent system, electricity, by
its vital stimulation,  in many cases, effects absorp-
tion,  and occasions a  return  to the  healthy  state.
This  may not  cover  a large  proportion  of cases  of
enlargement  of organs.    Still the  power of stimu-
lating  absorption  exists, and deserves a  trial  in  all
such cases.  In hypertrophy of the heart, Avith serous
effusion, it  may  be  employed Avith caution.   The
battery current would here be most efficient. 
             CUTANEOUS  DISEASES.         151

  233.  Enlarged Liver. — This affection,  follow-
ing  so  many  diseases,  deserves especial  notice in
connection  with the power of promoting absorption
and  vital action  in  the tissues.   A  moderate  and
patient use of galvanism  through the organ  would be
required.  Inflammation  or over-action Avould contra-
indicate its use.
  234.  Hemorrhage. — Where this exists  of a  pas-
sive  character,  from  vascular  inertia,  or  diseased
condition of  the tissues, electricity  may  be  Avith
confidence employed, though with discretion, in  case
of inflammation..  A  moderate, uninterrupted  gal-
vanic current may be sent through the organ; or, in
the  case of the  mucous  surface connected Avith the
digestive and respiratory apparatus, it may be  sent
from the mouth to the rectum, or base of the chest.
The power of electricity in producing organic con-
tractility would here be of use.

               CUTANEOUS DISEASES.
  235.  It  has  been  stated  that electricity  exerts a
poAverful influence over  the skin, stimulating all its
functions.   This action  is, of course,  alterative, and
inconsistent with many diseased states.   Under  sur-
gical applications, its  use in ulcers  and tumors  will
be spoken  of.   It  is  sufficient to say. here  that,
Avherever an application  to  the skin  is  proper in a
cutaneous disease, the free use  of electricity with a
soft  sponge handle,  moistened  Avith an  appropriate
solution, and SAvept over  the surface, deserves a con-
fident trial.   In  inactive states of the skin, this  is 
 152         CUTANEOUS DISEASES.

especially  the  case.   In active inflammations, only
electro-magnetism would be proper.   Otherwise, the
battery would be indicated.
   236.  The bath  is  a  very favorable  mode of ap-
plication  in  cutaneous diseases.   With  a powerful
battery, the  electrical  decomposition  of the  liquid
employed would probably exert a decided influence
upon the  diseased  surface.  According to the direc-
tion of the  current,  the electro-positive  or electro-
negative  element  of  the  chemical  compound  in
solution would  be given  off  in  a nascent  state in
contact with the skin.  The electrical air-bath (<§> 13)
has been suggested by Dr. Golding Bird as an altera-
tive agent in cutaneous diseases.
   237.  In cutaneous diseases, such  as  Herpes,  in
which there  is  a neuralgic  complication,  electricity
deserves especial attention.  It should then be admin-
istered generally, as well as locally, to  give tone to
the system.  The proposed use of electricity in sup-
pressed eruptions has  been spoken of under  eruptive
fevers.
   238.  Baldness. — In connection  with  cutaneous
diseases, I  venture to suggest the  application of elec-
tricity to the scalp, when the loss  of hair ensues upon
deficient vitality of  the skin.  The  diseased state
of the surface,  including the  roots of the hair, pro-
ducing  ultimate baldness, may probably be removed
by an  occasional  stimulating application  of gal-
vanism. 
AMENORRHffiA.
153
                 UTERINE  SYSTEM.

  239.  Amenorrhcea. — No function  has been more
readily excited by electricity than that  of menstrua-
tion.  Dr. Golding Bird, in his lectures  delivered in
1847,*  says,  " In  electricity  Ave possess the  only
really  direct  emmenagogue  Avhich   the  experience
of our profession has furnished us with.  I  do not
think I have ever known it fail to excite menstrua-
tion Avhere the uterus Avas capable of  performing this
function."   He says again,f "The rule for insuring
success, in the great mass of cases of  amenorrhoea, is
sufficiently  simple: Improve the  general  health by
exercise and tonics; remove the accumulations often
present in the  boAvels by appropriate purgatives;  and
then a few electrical  shocks, often a  single one,  will
be sufficient  to produce  menstruation, and at once to
restore the  previous  deficient  function."   With but
one or tAvo exceptions, every case  in Guy's Hospital,
in  Avhich  the general  health Avas  not too much
involved, as by chlorosis, proved successful Avith  this
treatment.   In cases of chlorosis, the treatment was
directed first to the removal of that disease.  A dozen
shocks of the Leyden jar were usually passed through
the pelvis from the  sacrum  to  the pubes.  After the
establishment  of the  discharge,  Dr.  Bird generally
discontinued the  application till about a week before
the next period.  If the catamenia  Avere  not estab-
lished in four or  five  Aveeks, he discontinued  electri-

           *  Lond. Med. Gaz.  June, 1847.
           t  Guy's Hospital Reports. April, 1841, 
154
PTERINE  SYSTEM.
cal treatment,  and  renewed  it, after  searching  for
and removing the cause of general derangement.   A
table  of tAventy-four cases  is given by Dr. Bird, in
which there was no relief in four, Avho Avere subjects
of well-marked chlorosis, but cure in  the remaining
twenty.  The following is an abstract  of the detailed
cases.
  I.  A girl, aged  16.   No return  of menstruation
from the first period, nine months previous, owing to
a cold.  Twelve  shocks were passed  through the
pelvis.  The next morning, the catamenia appeared,
and lasted four days.
  II. A woman, aged 21, with amenorrhaea for three
years.   Health improved, and a slight  appearance of
the discharge three days previous.  Twelve  shocks
passed through the  uterus.  Catamenia shortly ap-
peared, and continued two days.
  III.  A girl, aged 17.  Appearance chlorotic.  Amen-
orrhoea for  one   year,  except  a  slight  appearance
three  months since.   Shocks  daily  through   the
pelvis, and tonic treatment.   On  the third 4ay, men-
struation commenced, and continued four days.
  IV.   A girl, aged  18.   Suffering from  amenorrhoaa
for a year, and irregularity  for four years.   A slight
appearance  five weeks  since, attended with  pleuro-
dynia.   Jan. 3,  1840,  shocks  thrice  a week,  and
aloetic  prescription.   Jan.  13,  catamenia appeared,
and lasted two days.  Electricity intermitted for a
fortnight, and  recommenced Feb.  4.   Feb.  14, men-
struation occurred freely.
  V.  A  young  woman, aged  19, with suppression 
D V S M E N 0 R R H CE A .
155
for two months.  Aloetic purgatives.   Jan. 31, shocks
through  pelvis thrice  a week.   Feb. 10, free men-
struation..  Electricity  suspended for a fortnight, and
renewed.   Menstruation returned copiously  at  the
proper period.
  240.  Other and  still more striking cases will  be
found under the head of Chorea, from the Reports of
Guy's Hospital.   Machine electricity was here almost
exclusively used.   Electro-magnetism and the battery
have been found elseAvhere equally efficient.
  241.  Dr. Collins, in  the London Lancet, relates the
case* of a woman, aged 35, in whom suppression
had  taken  place, from  cold, six months  previously.
After trying  the usual  remedies without  success, he
applied one pole of the electric apparatus to the lum-
bar region, and the other to the pubes, changing  the
direction of  the current from time  to time.  After
continuing it for five to ten minutes each day for five
days, the menses Avere  reestablished.
  242.  In amenorrhoea, an admirable mode of appli-
cation is the  hip bath, in Avhich one of the poles of
the electro-magnetic or galvanic apparatus is immersed
near the organs to be specially operated upon.   The
other handle may be  applied in the  course  of  the
spine, or in the bath on the opposite side of  the body.
In all  diseases of menstruation, it is stated that  the
passage of a current from  the  spine to the mammae
aids the development of the function.
  243.  Dysmenorrhea.—Dr. R. McDonnel, in  the
*  Lancet.  Jan. 25, 1845. 
15b'            UTERINE SYSTEM.

Dublin  Medical Press,*  speaks of the efficiency of
electricity  in  this form  of menstrual  derangement.
The mode of application of electro-magnetism recom-
mended by him, is to  pass the current from  the sa-
crum to the pubes by surface handles, or in some cases
to substitute a vaginal  conductor for the anterior one
of these.   The  effect  of electricity  is, in this case,
to restore the function to its  normal condition and
activity.
   244.  Menorrhagia. — This disease, where requir-
ing  tonic treatment, may be  properly subjected to
galvanism.  The alterative action of electricity may
also  be employed.
   245.  LEUcoRRHffiA.—This  morbid  secretion has
been reported frequently to  have been relieved by
galvanism.  The change  of action produced by elec-
tricity in the uterine system, and its influence on the
mucous membrane, may readily prove useful  in leu-
corrhoea.
   246.  Chlorosis. — The remarks made by Dr. Bird
(<§> 239) are the most  authoritative which have been
published on  this disease.   Cases, hoAvever, are re-
ported, in Avhich  galvanism or  electro-magnetism has
been of essential  service in restoring the general tone
of the system, and of  the uterine  organs.   The cur-
rent  may be directed to  the  organs of digestion, and
also  to the breasts.
   247.  Displacement of  Uterus. — The  use of
electricity  has been  suggested in  uterine displace-
* Dub. Med. Press.  Aug. 1846. 
UTERINE  contraction.
157
ments, on the principle of giving tone to the muscu-
lar  fibres connected, directly or indirectly, Avith the
support of the uterus, and especially of increasing the
organic contractility of the ligaments.
  248.   Uterine  Contraction. — One of the  most
obvious effects of electricity is  muscular contraction.
The idea of stimulating the contraction of the uterus
by this means, Avas therefore an obvious one, and was
suggested by Dr. Ramsbotham in  1834,* and Avas, at
a later period, introduced into practice by Dr. Thomas
Radford.   It may be observed, that in those cases of
labor to Avhich electricity is applicable,  there is  gen-
erally an abundance of time to procure the simple and
manageable apparatus which is required.
  249.  Dr. Radford,f  speaking of the first case in
Avhich he applied electricity, (a case  of hemorrhage,
with  extreme exhaustion before delivery, the os uteri
remaining rigid,) says,  " By this case,  I  ascertained
that  galvanism produces an effective and  poAverful
contraction of the  uterus, and not only so as regards
its  tonic  contraction, but it has also the  power of
energetically  exciting  alternate  contraction  Avhen
applied  at  intervals."   " The  alternate contraction
excited by this agent is analogous to, and as powerful
as, that Avhich is observed  in normal labor, and the
tonic contraction  is  greater."  He  therefore  urges
this  application  in all  those  cases where artificial
delivery would be prescribed by the common practice
on  account of hemorrhage.   He also says,  " I think
* Braithewaite, Part XL
t Prov. Med. and Surg. Jour. Dec. 1844. — Braithewaite, Part XI.
               14 
158   *         UTERIS 1".  SYSTEM.

it probable that it may produce  one of the other nat-
ural means of suppressing hemorrhage Avhich I have
already referred  to ;  viz., coagulation of the  blood."
In treating of placental presentation, after describing
a mode of detaching the placenta, he advises the  use
of galvanism to complete  delivery.   He says, " I am
convinced that the influence of galvanism has no evil
influence  on the life of tli£ child in utero, and after
its birth that it is an important means of its resuscita-
tion in  cases of  asphyxia."   In another connection,
he observes,  " In hour-glass contraction, and other
forms of irregular uterine  action after labor, I antici-
pate  great  benefit from  its use."  He remarks upon
its use in tedious labor, and suggests also its applica-
tion to the production of premature labor.
  250.  The electro-magnetic apparatus was employed
by Dr. Radford, and the  current  or shocks Avere sent
from  the  parietes of the abdomen to the os uteri  in
different directions.   The handle, applied internally,
was a curved metallic rod, covered with some insulat-
ing substance, and having at its end a silver ball for
contact with  the uterus.   One  of the wires  of  the
apparatus  Avas connected  with  the other extremity.
The sponge might -be substituted for the silver ball.
Otherwise the ball should  be covered with moistened
leather.  The folloAving cases  have  been published
by Dr. Radford*
  I.   A Avoman,  in the  eighth  month of pregnancy,
who,  as a consequence  of  fright,  Avas seized with
* Lond. Med. Gaz.  1846. 
LABOR.
159
chills and hemorrhage.   Labor pains were absent, but
movements  of the foetus  continued.   The  os uteri
was rigid.   Four hours later, the hemorrhage increas-
ing, Dr. R. ruptured  the  membranes.  The  uterus
remained  inactive, and galvanism Avas then applied.
Expulsatory efforts and tonic contraction immediately
commenced.  The application was  continued, at in-
tervals, for half an hour, by the  vagina, and then the
current was passed  through  the  uterus in  various
directions, from the surface.  The hemorrhage dimin-
ished, and soon ceased.   The  child was born alive,
in  about  six  hours;  the placenta Avas expelled, and
the uterus contracted firmly.
   II.  A Avoman, in labor with her fourth child, after
the dilatation of the os uteri and rapture of the mem-
branes, lay without  pains, and Avith constant hem-
orrhage, for more than six  hours.*   Dr.  R. then
employed  galvanism, Avith the  surface conductors,
applying  them to opposite points  of  the abdomen, in
different directions.   The atonic  state of the uterus
was  gradually exchanged  for  one  of firm contraction,
succeeded  by poAverful   expulsatory efforts.   The
child was born alive in one hour from the first appli-
cation.   The placenta was  expelled  five  minutes
later; the uterus contracted firmly, and no  post-par-
tum  flooding or after-pains occurred, although they
had taken place in all former  labors.
   251. The following cases  were communicated by
 Dr. Dorrington to the Manchester Medical Society.f
  * Prov. Med. and Surg. Jour.  1847. —Braithewaite, Part XVI,
  t Lond. Med. Gaz.  June, 1846. 
160
UTERINE SYSTEM.
  I.  A woman, several hours in labor, the membranes
having ruptured, and much hemorrhage having  oc-
curred.   The  os uteri Avas hardly dilatable, and  the
uterus  passive.  Ergot Avas given, and in twenty
minutes  contractions commenced, and external hem-
orrhage ceased.  Dr. Radford arrived,  at  this time,
and, indications of internal hemorrhage still existing,
he  applied electro-magnetism,  for twenty minutes,
Avith intermissions, Avith the effect of increasing  the
pains and establishing tonic contraction.  The uterus
ceased to  act  before  delivery,  Avhich was accom-
plished instrumentally.   The Avoman sunk, and died
of exhaustion three  days  afterward.   This case Avas
reported chiefly on account of the distinction between
the pains produced  by ergot and those by electro-
magnetism.   The  latter are represented to have been
more  immediate, stronger, and connected by periods
of tonic contraction of the  uterus.
  II.  A case, in Avhich slight hemorrhage  had taken
place before the time of labor, and a long Avalk at  the
full time had brought on a sudden Aoav, accompanied
Avtth syncope  and  vomiting.  These symptoms con-
tinuing, and internal hemorrhage being  apprehended,
the membranes were ruptured.   The uterus remained
inactive,  and the  os uteri Avas undilatable.  Galvan-
ism Avas then applied.  The  effect upon the uterine
fibres Avas most decided.   A very energetic  tonic con-
traction, Avhich was persistent, immediately took place.
The uterus Avas felt, as a hard  tumor, through  the
Avails of  the abdomen, and the head of the child was
immediately in contact with the os uteri.  The gen- 
LABOR.
161
eral  effect Avas  no less  advantageous.   The Avoman
rallied, and the  pulse rose  to  ninety-eight, and was
stronger.   Labor commenced nineteen hours after the
application of electricity, lasting tAvo hours and a half.
The child was born alive.  No hemorrhage occurred,
in the interval or subsequently, and the woman recov-
ered well.
   III. A woman, aged 31, in the eighth month of her
fifth  pregnancy, had been  subject, for a fortnight, to
slight flooding.   It was ascertained that the placenta
presented, and, slight pains  occurring, the membranes
were ruptured, and electricity  applied for twenty-five
minutes.   Strong contraction  set in at once, and  the
hemorrhage became very  slight.  Two  hours  and
forty minutes  later,  the  contractions  having  di-
minished,  electricity  was  reapplied,  action became
stronger, and in tAvo  hours  the labor was completed,
the  placenta having  been  partially detached  at an
early period, and the child being stillborn.
   IV. A case of uterine inertia with the second child
in the delivery of tAvins.  The pains were feeble, and
twenty minutes to half  an  hour apart.  On applying
electricity, strong labor pains came on.  On suspend-
ing it, tonic contraction took place.   In an hour  and
a half, after occasional applications of electricity, in-
tervallic contraction  was excited, and  a small female
child was subsequently born alive, with foot presen-
tation.    The  placenta came   aAvay  well,  and  the
mother recovered rapidly.   The child,  which  was
puny, died in three or four  days.
   V.  A case of premature delivery, by means of elec-
                 14* 
162
UTERINE SYSTEM.
tricity.   From narrowness of the pelvis, a first deliv-
ery had necessarily been performed by the crotchet,
and it was therefore resolved to bring about a second
delivery at the eighth  month.   Electro-magnetism
Avas  employed, at intervals, for twenty minutes, the
uterus becoming tense, and true pains occurring;  but
these ceased Avith the application.   Eight and a half
hours aftenvards, the membranes ruptured, and about
fifty hours later, labor commenced, and in nine hours
the child was born, by uterine  effort alone.   A hem-
orrhage occurred twelve  days  later, from which  the
Avoman recovered.   In  this case,  the  rupture of the
membranes Avas ascribed to the tonic state induced in
the uterus.   Dr.  Dorrington remarks, in connection
with the  above cases,  " I believe there is no  other
means by which we excite uterine  contraction, Avhich
is  not  liable  to fail, when severe hemorrhage  has
Aveakened the vital powers."
  252.  W. F. Cleveland, Esq.* gives the case of  a
Avoman, in her sixteenth confinement, who had  suf-
fered, in previous  labors, from inertia of the uterus.
Health  delicate.   Pains commenced on Sunday,  and
continued till Wednesday,  when  the  liquor  amnii
was  discharged.    On  Friday, the  pains returned
twice, and ergot  had been given, Avith  very  slight
effect.   The  alternative  was   instrumental delivery
Avith an exhausted  patient, or the use of electricity.
With the  employment  of the  latter, regular strong
pains came on, and in a quarter of an hour a  living
* Lond. Med. Gaz.  June, 1845. 
LABOR.
163
male child was born.   The uterus contracted at once
firmly and permanently, with an  unusually slight
amount of hemorrhage.
  253.  Dr. Frank, of Wolfenbuttel,* reports the fol-
lowing case, at the full time, of a primipara,  aged 40.
Contractions were very inefficient, the Avoman much
agitated, pulse small and quick, body covered Avith
SAveat, vagina  Avithout  secretion, os uteri undilated,
pain in  the region of the stomach,  and vomiting.
Considering the symptoms nervous, he passed a feeble
electro-magnetic current through the pelvis,  in differ-
ent' directions, for about five minutes.  Energetic and
normal  contractions of the uterus immediately took
place, the vomiting Avas stayed, and the morbid sensa-
tions disappeared.   The delivery Avas afterwards con-
ducted according to the  ordinary rules.   In  a second
case of a primipara, aged 20, after nearly two days spent
in labor,  the head being engaged in the superior strait,
the strength of the patient began to fail.   There was
a small, quick pulse, cold skin, vomiting, and general
discouragement.   M. Frank applied a feeble current,
as before, chiefly through the anterior part of the ute-
rus, from Avithout, for about  three minutes.   A  strong
and sustained  contraction ensued, Avhich  was repeated
in six or seven minutes.   The woman rallied, and  in
an hour and three  quarters  the child  Avas born.   In
another case, reported by M. Frank, after two days'
labor, the use  of electro-magnetism, for six  minutes,
determined strong  and repeated contractions.  The
* Encyclog. de3 Sc. Med.  Dec. 1847. 
164
UTERINE SYSTEM.
forceps  were finally  employed, to  complete  labor.
The Avoman died subsequently, of accidental hemor-
rhage.   In a fourth case, of hemorrhage following an
abortion, in the fifth month, consequent on a fall, the
Avoman, Avhen seen by M. Frank, was in a very alarm-
ing anhasmic condition.  After unsuccessful attempts
to administer  an internal  stimulant, he  passed the
electric  current  from  the  lumbar region through to
the abdomen, above the fundus uteri.   Some minutes
after, the  uterus  contracted,  and  the  hemorrhage
ceased.   In ten  minutes,  another contraction  took
place, and the patient Avas restored to consciousness.
  254.  In opposition to the  preceding  statements,
and to a mass of other testimony,  Prof. J. Y.  Simp-
son has reported a negative result obtained by him in
eight cases.*  In one of these, the pains Avere  more
frequent and shorter, in five they remained the same,
in one they ceased during the application, and in one
they ceased during  and  for  tAventy-four  hours after
the application.   These experiments Avere made with
a powerful electro-magnetic apparatus, one conductor
being applied to  the os uteri, and the other to the
abdomen over the fundus.
  255.  Dr. Golding Birdf is not willing, for a moment,
to admit the validity of Prof.  Simpson's objections, in
opposition to the experience of Dr. Radford, Dr. Lever,
and  others.   He  accounts for the failure of  Prof.
Simpson, by his use  of  a  magneto-electric machine,

  * Month. Jour. Med. Sc. July, 1846 ; and Am. Jour, of Med.
Sc. 1846.
  t Lectures. — Lond. Med. Gaz.  June, 1847. 
EXHAUSTION  IN  LABOR.        165
 improperly  constructed,  so  as  to  produce  currents
 alternately in opposite directions.   In this case, how-
 ever, contractions  to a  certain  extent  should  still
 have been observed in the uterus.
    256.  In speaking of the experiments of Dr. Simp-
 son,  Dr.  West* in  his  report  on midwifery, says,
 " These observations seem  to have been made Avith
 great care,  but  can hardly, as yet, be  allowed to
 outweigh the results  made by  Reil and Cams in
 their experiments  upon animals,  and   the recent
 evidence  in favor  of the  reality of the  influence of
 galvanism,  afforded by some of the cases  Avhich Dr.
 Radford  has recorded."   Dr.  Simpson  ascribes all
 effect to imagination, coincidence, or mechanical  irri-
 tation of the os uteri-and abdomen.   That  the effect
 of electricity, Avhich induces such powerful contrac-
 tion in  all muscular tissue, should be  null in the case
' of the uterus, at a time when contraction has become
 its special function, is hardly conceivable.
    257.  Exhaustion in Labor. — Dr. Henry Wilson,
 of Runcorn,f details a case of uterine  hemorrhage
  which  had  proceeded to the last stage of exhaustion,
 stimulants,  and  cold applications having  been used
 for many hours.  The pulse Avas hardly perceptible,
 the eyes  open and fixed, the patient's condition  that
 of insensibility bordering on syncope.  Electro-mag-
 netism, as  a last resort,  Avas then tried.   No sensi-
 bility appeared  for  ten  minutes,  when  the patient

    * Lond. Med. Gaz.  April, 1847.
    t Prov.  Med. and Surg. Jour.  April, 1846. — Braithewaite,
  Part XIII. 
166        SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS,

rallied to  a considerable extent, and the shocks were
intermitted.   This  case  is  given  to  illustrate  the
reactive  power  of electricity in  exhaustion from
flooding.   The vaginal conductor Avas an insulated
Avire bearing at its extremity a moistened sponge.
  25S.. Abortion. — Dr.  Dewees, in the New York
Journal of Medicine,* states that he  has used  the
continued  galvanic current  with  success  in  two
cases where abortion Avas  threatened, apparently from
irregular nervous supply to the uterus.  Such cases
would require very careful  discrimination:   In  the
previous  cases, the  electro-magnetic  shocks Avere
employed for the purpose  of producing muscular con-
traction.   In  this  case,  the uninterrupted  galvanic
current was employed for  the purpose of harmonizing
irregular nervous  action.    In  cases of over-action
of the  uterus, the application  Avould be  manifestly
improper.

             SURGICAL APPLICATIONS.
  259.  Aneurism. — Electro-puncture  has been  ap-
plied successfully to the coagulation of the blood in the
vessels.  A large number of cases of aneurism, treated
by this means,  are on record,  which, in so grave a dis-
ease, deserve especial consideration.   It may be also
kept in view that an important influence may be exert-
ed by galvanism  upon the coats of  the diseased ves-
sels, by inducing a more  vital and healthy condition,
or by aiding organic contractility, Avhich Avould be of
* >T. Y. Jour, of Med.  May, 1847, 
ANEURISM.
167
value in  the subsequent processes of the cure.   The
absorbent power is also stimulated by the battery.
  260.   The Annali  Universali di Medicina* con-
tains  a  report of  a  commission  of  the  Scientific
Congress  at  Genoa, made through M. Asson.   The
experiments  Avere performed mostly  upon  animals.
The commission  arrived at the following results: It
is  possible, by means of electro-puncture, to produce
in the vessels a  persistent coagulum  of blood, com-
posed of fibrous  granulations adherent  to the Avails
of the  vessel, and sufficient entirely  to stop  the
circulation.   This  clot  is formed  independently  of
diseased  alterations in the arterial walls.  The gran-
ulations  forming  the clot commence the moment the
battery is applied.  The clot is sufficiently developed
in ten, twenty, or thirty minutes, to close the vessel.
A clot can  be formed equally  Avell in  the veins as
in the  arteries,  but  is less  consistent  and  higher
colored.   The clot formed in an artery  between tAvo
ligatures, Avithout electricity,  is less  consistent and
higher colored than  that formed by electro-puncture.
The character of a clot  betAveen two ligatures is not
altered by the cooperation  of electro-puncture, which
shoAvs that the poAver  of electricity to  produce coagu-
lation  is dependent upon  the blood  while included
in the  living circulation.   Blood  draAvn from  the
vessels, and subjected  to electricity, does  not  coagu-
late.   The  formation of  the  clot depends  chiefly
upon the position of  the needles Avith regard to the
» Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  April, 1847. 
168        SURGICAL APPLICATIONS.

vessels and blood contained in them.  A persistent clot
can be obtained by proper management, with a con-
stant current, Avithout cauterizing  the arterial tissue,
or producing grave derangements.  The hemorrhage,
on withdraAving  the  needles,  is generally from the
negative  pole, and easily arrested by cold Avater.
  261.  The vital character of the coagulum, formed
by galvanism,  has been  denied elseAvhere,*  but ap-
parently  without sufficient  reason.   M. Petrequin,
surgeon-in-chief of the Hotel  Dieu, of Lyons,—to
whom the  priority  of this  application  is generally
accorded, though a claim  has also been  made by Mr.
B. Phillips,  of London,—performed his  first experi-
ments upon human blood immediately after its ex-
traction.   Blood, therefore, seems to be  susceptible
of coagulation while  its vitality lasts,  although with-
drawn from the vessels.
  262.  In the  session of the  French  Academy  of
Oct. 27,  lS45,f M. Petrequin  communicated the first
case of aneurism treated by this method.   This was
a traumatic aneurism  of  the  temporal artery  of the
size of an almond, of  a soft  consistence, and slightly
sensible  on pressure.  Two  fine  needles of  steel
(gold  or  platinum should always be  employed) were
plunged  about four fifths  of  an inch into the  tumor,
so as  to  cross at  right angles.   A  battery, gradually
increased to fifteen pairs, Avas connected  with  these
for ten  or  twelve minutes.   Considerable pain Avas
experienced, the  pulsations gradually diminishing to

   * Ranking's Abstract,  No. 5.
   t Encyclog. des Sc. Mod. N,,v.  1845. — Comptes Rendus. 
ANEURISM.
169
the close  of the  operation, when  they had  entirely
ceased.   In  ten days, the  tumor was in process  of
absorption.   In La. Clinique, of Montpellier,* Petre-
quin refers  to two other cases — one  of  aneurism of
the ophthalmic  artery,  in Avhich the  operation was
unsuccessful, and  in  Avhich the  ligature had also
been tried ineffectually, and the other  of aneurism
of the  right  brachial artery, in which  the tumor
became more compact  during  the first  application,
but the patient refused further sittings.
   263.  In  the Journal de Medicine de  Lyon,  of
April.  1846,f Petrequin refers  to the  danger and
frequent inefficacy of the old  operation, and  con-
trasts, acu-puncture, as  leaving  the  patient  at any
rate no worse than before.   To avoid the destruction
of the flesh  immediately around the  needle,  he sug-
gests that  the needle  be varnished with  shellac, that
is,  insulated  except  near  the   end.   This,  in  the
hands of  others, has not generally proved successful.
It is necessary that the needle  should  terminate in
the fluid blood;  and  not   in the  Avails  of  the  sac.
In  large  aneurisms,  he recommends using  several
needles, so as to send  the current, and form fibres
of coagulum in  various directions.   In  these cases,
the current  should   be continued  longer,  and, if
necessary, the application  repeated.   Petrequin refers
especially to deep-seated aneurisms, beyond the reach
of the  knife, even where no compression  of the artery
could  be made,  as subjects for  his process.   In the
             * Revue Medicale. Jan. 1846.
             t Encyclog des Sc. Med.  1846.
              15' 
 170      SURGICAL  APPLICATION'S.

 Revue Medicale, of November,  1846, he affirms, in
vieAV of his own experience and that of others, that the
curability of aneurism by galvanism is  fully demon-
strated.  The editor of the Revue Medicale expresses
confident hopes of such a result, and the editor of the
Bulletin  de  Therapeuliqnc  accepts  the  practice.*
  264.  Dr. L. Ciniselli, in the Gazzetta di Milano,
in the early part of 1846,f reports the following case:
A man, aged 70, entered the hospital  at Cremona, in
January, 1846, Avith a  popliteal aneurism of the right
leg.  It had commenced in October, and Avas the size of
a large goose's egg, pulsating strongly.   Varices were
present in both the lower extremities, and  the  skin
dry.  The ligature  was decided  against, and it was
resolved  to  try the  process of M.  Petrequin.   Four
very fine  needles Avere passed into  the  tumor, Avith
care to avoid the trunks and branches of  the  tAvo
saphenas.  A ligature  was  placed  over the crural
artery, enough only to impede  its  pulsations.   A
battery of twenty-one  small  pairs,  subsequently in-
creased to thirty,  was  made to communicate Avith
the needles,  two of them  at  a time,  in different di-
rections.   The discharge was moderated by passing it
through a conductor of cotton cloth, moistened with
a saturated  solution of  salt.   Every contact  occa-
sioned some  muscular  contractions.    The  patient
interfered in  the operation, relaxing  the  ligature, and
brought  the  application to  an end  in  tAventy-five
minutes.   The needles, from the improper use of

               * Ranking's Abstract, No. 6.
               t Revue Med.  March, 1846. 
ANEURISM.
171
steel instead of platinum, were oxydized, and removed
with  difficulty.   The patient, at  the close, insisted
on the removal of the ligature.  A bladder, Avith ice,
Avas  applied  for six hours, at the end of Avhich time
the tumor pulsated as before.   Twenty-four hours
later, hoAvever, pulsation had  ceased.   The work of
coagulation, commenced by electricity, had continued.
In the following days, the tumor diminished gradu-
ally in size, and became more  dense ;  the other symp-
toms  disappeared, and in one Aveek from the operation
he Avalked freely, and would  not  be  retained longer
at the hospital, well contented with  his  unexpected
cure.   Six weeks later, the tumor remained about the
size of a hen's egg, becoming  more and more dense,
and occasioning comparatively little inconvenience.
  265.  In the Dublin Quarterly Journal of the same
year,  a remarkable case is  reported, by Dr. J.  Hamil-
ton,  surgeon  of Richmond Hospital,  who performed
the galvanic operation in presence of Drs. Hutton,
MacDonnel, MacDowell, and Stapleton.  The patient
was a soldier, aged 42, Avith  constitution  much  im-
paired by the effects of tropical climate, alcoholic ex-
cesses, and the venereal  virus.   Obstinate vomiting
Avas  one  of  the most severe symptoms.  At  length,
aneurism  of  the carotid was  recognized, which  had
increased  to  the size  of a hen's egg, when it Avas de-
termined  to  try the galvanic  process.  Compression
beloAv the tumor  produced pain and vomiting.  The
pulsations Avere very strong.   Gold needles, protected
with  shellac, except  at the  point, were introduced
into the tumor.  The current of  twelve pairs gradii- 
172       SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

ally  excited, Avas alloAved  to pass for twenty-five
minutes, at the end of Avhich coagulation  Avas com-
plete, and pulsation had ceased.  In the mean while,
however,  an alarming  increase  of size had  taken
place, the tumor  enlarging to  three or four times its
original bulk, and creating the sensation of suffoca-
tion.   Also the flesh around  the  positive* needle  Avas
destroyed, so that  a feAV drops of blood escaped, on
withdrawing  it.  The patient  also showed alarming
prostration.   Reaction having  taken  place, pulsation
Avas renewed in the tumor.   A repetition of the oper-
ation  was deemed impossible, and in three  weeks the
patient died, the  vomitings  continuing throughout.
The tumor, on examination, proved the size of a large
orange, and solid, the outer part shoAving fibres, Avith
the appearance  of organization.  As far as the coagu-
lation  of  the tumor is concerned, Dr. Hamilton con-
siders  the operation  successful;  and that, in more
favorable cases, it might prove an important resource.
It may be remarked, that  from the  destructive effects
upon  the skin, the quantity of the battery employed
Avas probably too  great, and this may have occasioned
an over-action of the parts connected Avith the aneu-
rism.
   266.  M. Restelli, in the Gazzetta Mcdica di Mila-
no* gives the  case of  a  man, aged  41, having an
aneurism, the size of a nut, in the bend of the elbow.
The  needles Avere inserted,  as usual, and  connected
Avith  a number of small pairs.   The  current passed
* Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  Sept. 1847. 
VARIC 0SE  VEINS.
173
for  twenty  minutes, Avhen  the  needles were with-
drawn, the  positive Avith difficulty, as it  was steel.
The tumor Avas Avithout pulsation, as also  the radial
and  cubital arteries.   The folloAving day, the tumor
had diminished, and was harder;  the limb cold, Avith a
prickling sensation.   Stimulating frictions Avere used.
On   the  second  day,  the eschars  produced  by the
needles fell  out,  the  sores  cicatrizing readily.  A
month after, only a small, hard tumor remained — the
circulation being restored in the  radial and  cubital
arteries, and the arm as useful as before.   M. Restelli
had not found, as yet, a varnish  sufficiently adherent
to the needle, and  polished, to  insulate it, except at
the point.   He is  theoretically opposed to changing
the  direction  of the current during  the  process for
coagulation.
  267.  Varices.—The treatment by electrical coag-
ulation Avas suggested  by Petrequin, for varicose tu-
mors, as Avell  as aneurisms.  The  folloAving  reports
from the practice of the Italian physicians, will suffi-
ciently illustrate  the progress already made  in  this
application.
  268.  Dr. M. Gamberini gives two  cases,  in the
Bulletino delle Scienze Mediche* of the successful
obliteration of varicose veins.   A  young  man, aged
24, with good constitution, Avas the subject of the
first  experiment, at the Hospital  of St. Ursula, in No-
vember,  1846.  The principal trunks of the  left leg
were affected.  One of these Avas slightly compressed,
* Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  June, 1847.
    15* 
174       SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

and four needles inserted in it, and connected succes-
sively Avith the conductors  of.a battery of tAventy-four
small pairs.  The  pain  was  at  first  severe ; and on
making a particular  contact, after fifteen minutes, a
spasm ensued, which compelled the suspension  of the
operation.   The  negative  pole Avas  much oxydized,
from the improper use  of steel, and Avith  difficulty
withdraAvn.  An areola  also  surrounded  it, and the
tissues  in  contact  Avere destroyed.   The vein Avas
hard, evidently filled with coagulum.   A few  hours
after, slight fever ensued, Avhich  Avas  readily dissi-
pated.   Six days later,  another vein was attacked in
the  same  Avay,  Avithout  any  subsequent  reaction.
The operation Avas  subsequently  resorted  to  tAvice
again, and each  time Avith entire success.   The sec-
ond case Avas a man, aged  36, Avith varices on the left
leg.   The largest of these Avas successfully obliterated
by the use of two needles and only nine pairs of the
battery.
   269.  M. Bertani, in the Gazzetta Mcdica di Mila-
no,* relates the case of  a peasant, aged 36,  Avho had
many and  extensive  varices in the veins of the loAver
extremities, especially those of the left leg.   Bandages
Avere applied  above  and beloAV the  point  of  opera-
tion.   A pair of  platinum  needles were made to pass
through the same tAvo  varicose veins, and another
pair of platinum  needles  Avere  introduced  into  two
other veins, the points of the needles always left free
in the second vein.   Another  needle  was aftenvards
* Encyclog. dcs Sc. Med.  Aug. 1847. 
INFLAMMATION.
175
inserted betAveen the tAvo latter, in the saphena.   The
passage of the current between the different needles
continued  thirty  minutes.    An  erysipelatous  ring,
about an inch in diameter, formed around the needles.
Bandages and ice Avere applied, and the patient slept
Avell.   The next day,  the veins proved to be hard in
the intervals between the needles, but, the second day
after,  the clots seemed less compact, and the patient
refused to  submit to  another  operation,  and on the
third day left the hospital Avith the result incomplete.
   270.  M.  Milani gives the  case of a man, aged 50,
at the Hospital of Varese, afflicted with most  exten-
sive varices, the internal saphena offering a succession
of knots.    Electro-puncture Avas applied  to one  of
these.   In  ten minutes it diminished in size, and did
not SAvell when the vein  was  compressed above  it.
Its contents Avere hard  to  the fingers.   On the day
folloAving, the trunk of the saphena Avas attacked in
the same Avay, Avith tAventy-six  pairs.   In the  third
application, clots  Avere  obtained,  for  two  or  three
inches, in the saphena, in quarter of an hour.  In the
fourth, clots Avere formed  in  a tumor  above, in four
minutes.  In  ten operations, the Avhole of the varices
had disappeared.   The  needles, though  varnished,
cauterized   the  skin,  and  formed  an  areola around
them, especially the negative  one.
   271.  M.  Milani refers  to another case, where a var-
icose  SAvelling, the size of a goose's egg,  Avas already
filled  Avith clots, by  two  applications of  galvano-
puncture.
   272.  Inflammation. — The effect of electricity up- 
176        SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

on inflamed tissues has already been spoken of. ($62.)
The folloAving distinction  in  practice may  be readily
arrived  at.  In  simple  inflammation, Avhere  there  is
excess of  local excitement, the application  of elec-
tricity is contra-indicated.   In passive inflammations,
Avhere there is a deficiency of vital action in the af-
fected part, electricity, on  the other hand, is  strongly
indicated.   This  includes the  adAranced  stages  of
most inflammations, Avhen  local reaction or exhaustion
has taken place.   Where there is infiltration  or inter-
stitial effusion,  resolution  may  be  promoted  by the
increase  of vital  power.  Congestion,  of  a  passive
character,  may  be relieved by the  same means, the
reduction of the engorged  part being effected.  The
poAver of electricity,  over  diseased  tissues at the sur-
face  of the body, may already be  considered as one
of its most important influences, though so imperfectly,
developed.  In  all specific inflammations,  the vital
stimulation of the battery, or the alterative influence
of electro-magnetism, constitute an application which
deserves a far  more general attention than it has yet
received.
   273.  Erysipelas. — A  correspondent of the Bos-
ton Medical and Surgical  Journal* reports a case of
oedematous erysipelas,  extending from the groin to
the foot,  accompanied  Avith  enormous  distention.
Other treatment having proved ineffectual,  a feeble
galvanic current Avas passed through the limb, gradu-
ally increasing in strength.   Daily improvement re-
* Boston Med. and Surg. Jour.  Oct. 1846. 
ULCERS.
177
suited  until the  limb Avas reduced to  one half the
former size.   Galvanism  was  then  suspended,  and
tincture of iodine used, with every prospect of  per-
manent cure.   Erysipelas is one  of those diseases
in Avhich  peculiar benefit Avould be anticipated from
galvanism, as  the vital condition of the tissues is  to
so great an extent  involved.   The current  of the
battery is especially indicated, and the direct appli-
cation  to  the  diseased surface by the sponge will be
obviously resorted to.
   274.  Gangrene. — The remarks just made apply
equally to gangrene.   The application, in this  in-
stance  of  the  battery, may be  made by a sponge,  or
by means of a stimulating bath.
   275.  Ulcers. — Much discrimination may be used
in the application of electricity  to  ulcers and sores,
both as to the form  and mode of application.  Free
electricity may be  draAvn from the  diseased part,
Avhile the patient is  seated on the insulating stool, by
means of a pointed rod  connected Avith  the  rubber
of the machine, and directed from  a little distance to
all parts of the surface.   The  battery  may be  em-
ployed Avith a greater or less  number of pairs.  The
local bath or sponge  handle  may be used as conduc-
tors, or the  moist dressing of the ulcer may be made
the medium of communication.   A gentle  applica-
tion  of electro-magnetism  will also  sometimes  be
indicated.   In  indolent  or  inveterate  Avounds  and
ulcers, the effect of the  battery is sometimes very
rapid  and complete.   The influence of  the different
poles   upon the  surface  deserves  careful  attention. 
ITS        SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

It has been the general opinion  that  the negative
pole tends  to produce cicatrization,* and Avith  that
vieAV it  Avould  be  applied  to  the diseased surface.
Where there js  an open sore, especially of  a specific
character, it is a caution, Avhich, in the present state
of knoAvledge, at least, should  be regarded,  not  to
pass the  electric current through a greater  extent of
the syteni  than  is  necessary, Avhile  the diseased part
makes one of the poles.  It is  a possibility, in  this
case, that  the virus,  or the disease itself, may be
transferred  to other parts.   One  of the conductors
may be applied  to the ulcer, and the  other may be
conveniently swept  round it, or the current may be
passed through  the ulcer,  from  side to side,  in all
directions.   The decomposition of a specific virus  in
an  ulcer  is one  of  the agencies  Avhich  has  been
suggested in  connection Avith  the application of the
battery.  In fistulous  sores,  a  sponge handle adapted
to the opening, or the  moist dressing,  may be con-
veniently used  for  conduction.    Dr.   Shuster, in a
communication  to  the French Academy on the use
of electro-puncture,! claims  its application to indura-
tions of  the cellular tissue  in  the   neighborhood
of  certain  ulcers,  and  in  the  Avails of fistulous
passages.
   276.  Cancerous  Affections. — Dr. Sinister,  in
immediate connection with  the  use of electro-punc-
ture suggested  above, observes, " There  Avould be
nothing irrational in attacking cancerous affections in
* Lancet.  Nov. 1834.       f Revue Med.  Jan. 1343. 
scrofulous  ulcers.
179
the same Avay."  In  the acknoAvledged inefficacy of
medical treatment, the action of the battery, in the
whole class of malignant tumors and ulcers, should
be made the subject of thorough investigation.   Dr.
Crusell is stated to have employed galvanism bene-
ficially in the Naval Hospital of Cronstadt* for ulcer-
ating cancers, using fluid conductors, (a  local bath.)
He  is represented  to  have  obtained  permission to
establish a  hospital at St.  Petersburg  for  the treat-
ment of external diseases by galvanism.
  277.  Syphilitic   Ulcers. — Dr.  Crusell   is also
stated to  have applied galvanism  Avith  success  to
syphilitic  sores.  Fluid conductors Avere  apparently
used  in contact  with  the  ulcer, the  negative pole
being  connected with  the diseased  part, so that the
current should  leave the  system  by the diseased
surface.  In  forty-three cases, the results  are repre-
sented as having been favorable.
  278.  Scrofulous  Ulcers. — A  case  is reported
in the Lancet,f from  the Calcutta  Medical Society,
in Avhich  Dr. R.  Tytler applied the  negative  Avire
of a galvanic series to the surface of a scrofulous sore
in front of the trachea of a native, Avhich had  existed
several  years,  and defied  all  remedial   treatment.
Tavo applications were made, and the man Avas dis-
charged cured in seventeen  days.   The dispersion of
scrofulous tumors of  the neck before, as Avell as after
ulceration, has been frequently  reported as a result
of galvanic application.
* Lond. Med. Gaz.  1846.        t Lancet.  May, 1837. 
 180       SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

   279.  Hip Complaint. — The  following cases of
scrofulous disease of the hip-joint are reported by M.
Hoering, of Heilbronn.*
   I. A  daughter of the mayor  of Boekingen, aged
8 years, Avas affected Avith hip complaint, and elonga-
tion of  the  right limb to the extent of tAvo  inches.
After thirty applications of  electricity through the
hip, the pain, before very severe, had entirely ceased,
and the child was able to stand upon the leg,  Avhich
did  not exceed the other in  length more than  three
lines.
   II.  A child, of 9 years, from the same city, had
been a  subject of hip complaint from her third year,
accompanied  Avith  caries,  fistulous  openings,  and
shortening of  the  left  limb  to  the extent  of four
inches.   After  fifty-three applications,  the limb  had
increased in  length, the fistulas  had closed, and the
child Avas able to Avalk Avith freedom.
   280.  White Swelling. — Dr.  Hoering relates the
case of a Avoman, aged 25, Avho, when four years old,
Avas attacked with this  disease in consequence of a
fall, and kept her bed  for several  years.   She  recov-
ered so as to walk and labor, but  the knee remained
stiff.  In  consequence of  another  fall,  three  years
previous to  the consultation of Dr. H., the knee had
enlarged; and, in spite  of  all treatment, the disease
had increased to such an extent that amputation had
been proposed.   The patient Avas in  an alarming
state, sleepless for  several  Aveeks, great  pain  in the
* Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  June, 1847. 
TUMORS.                  181
knee, no  appetite,  pulse frequent and  small.   The
conductors  of the  magneto-electric  machine  were
applied by  means  of moist  cloths, enveloping  the
knee, for a quarter of an hour.  The nervous excite-
ment Avas so far relieved that the patient  Avas  then
able to sleep.   By the fifteenth day, the limb could
be moved Avithout severe pain, and it Avas ascertained
that there was no  anchylosis.  The  poAver  of the
apparatus was  increased, and the conductors applied
to places where the skin  had been cauterized.   The
tumor yielded  gradually, and the patient went out in
the  fifteenth Aveek.   Applications Avere  continued
tAvice  a  week till the  twenty-fourth  Aveek, making
one  hundred and twenty in all.  The  patient  Avas
able to Avalk without a cane, the knee being flexible,
of normal color and temperature, and not larger  than
before the last  fall.
   281.  Dr.  Koenig* states that he has used deep
electro-puncture Avith advantage  in Avhite swelling.
   282.  Tumors.—Petrequin, Avriting in connection
with  aneurism, states that  vascular and erectile tu-
mors, and also sanguineous  tumors, Avhich offer great
difficulties to  extirpation by the knife, are  proper
subject for galvano-puncture.   In these cases, coagu-
lation  may  be effected,  and absorption stimulated.
The absorption of scrofulous tumors has already been
referred to.   The general remark may be made, that
wherever  tumors or enlargements of any  kind consti-
tute the original disease, or are subjects of direct treat-
* Revue Med.  April, 1830,
1 a 
 Ib2       SURGICAL APPLICATIONS.

merit, galvanism  may be  resorted to, Avith the hope
of increasing the  vital action of the part, and especial-
ly of the absorbent system.  The current should be
passed through the tumor,  from the  surface, or by
electro-puncture needles.
  283.  Goitre. — A case of goitre, much relieved by
galvanism, has been reported (<§>  176, I.) in a patient
under treatment for asthma, by M. Pascalis.  This is
an instance of a class of cases in which much may
be expected from electrical treatment.
  284.  Sarcocele. — M.  Fabre Palaprat, at the sit-
ting of the French Academy of the 6th of May, 1833,*
communicated a case of sarcocele successfully treated
by the mode of galvanic transfer (<§> 204) of r chemi-
cal agent.   The  negative  pole was placed in contact
Avith a compress moistened Avith  a solution  of  iodide
of potassium, the  compress resting  upon one side of
the  tumor.  The positive pole  Avas  placed upon a
compress  on the  other side  of the tumor, moistened
Avith solution  of starch.   The battery  current soon
caused the appearance of  the  purple iodide of starch
under  the positive  pole.  The  sarcocele had  been
cured, inferentially, by absorption, occasioned by the
joint influence of the electrical  current and of the
iodine.
  285.  Dropsical Effusions. — In Hufeland's Jour-
nal,  the following case is given by Dr. Koenig :f   A
man, aged 56, as a consequence of lumbago, by Avhich
the body was bent forward, Avas affected Avith dyspep-
» Revue- Med. May, 1883.      t Revue Med. April, 1830. 
         DROPSY  OF  ARTICULATIONS.      183

sia, and finally, after  exposure to cold, with  haemop-
tysis and oedematous  SAvelling of the legs.  The spit-
ting of blood Avas relieved, but the dropsical affection
extended  to  the  abdominal cavity.   The urine  Avas
scanty,  throat  dry,  pulse  frequent,  boAvels costive.
Purgatives and  diuretics had  no  good effect.  The
anasarca finally spread to the face  and hands, and the
abdomen  Avas enormously distended.   Two needles
Avere then inserted from one eighth to one sixth of an
inch into the Avails of the abdomen, on either side of
the linea  alba, and. their number  Avas subsequently
increased.  These Avere  touched,  three times  a day,
with  the  wires  from a battery of sixty pairs, twenty
or thirty  contacts  being made.  The  secretion  of
urine immediately increased, the skin became  moist,
and the appetite returned.   No internal  remedy but
infusion of juniper berries Avas used.  In  four Aveeks,
the oedema and ascites had  greatly diminished, and a
feAv Aveeks later  the  patient had perfectly recovered.
Another  patient  Avas found, by  Dr.  Koenig,  with
symptoms of hepatitis and ascites.   The inflammatory
tendencies being subdued,  the SAvelling of the ab-
domen  seemed  still  on  the increase.    Galvanism,
employed as above,  restored the  healthy functions,
especially perspiration and the urinary secretion, and
in about three Aveeks effected a cure.
   286.  Dropsy  of Articulations.—Dr.  Koenig  has
used  galvanism successfully in articular  dropsies, in
the same  way as above.  He recommends that the
needles be  introduced as deep as the bone of the
affected articulation. 
184       SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

  287.  Effusion  from serous membranes, according
to very  general  testimony,  is peculiarly subject  to
galvanic  influence.  Electricity is only  contra-indi-
cated by a state of active  inflammation.   Dr. Shus-
ter* speaks  of the successful use  of electro-puncture
in hydrocele,  ascites, (idiopathic or symptomatic of
curable lesions,) hydrothorax, articular dropsies,' drop-
sy of the pericardium, and even chronic  hydroceph-
alus.
  28S.  Hydrocele. — The   electrical  treatment of .
hydrocele is said  to have originated Avith Dr. Pecchi-
oli,f Avho Avas attached  to the Hospital of  Sienna.
His first case Avas a young man Avho had had a double
hydrocele for three years.  Four needles Avere intro-
duced into the scrotum, and  the current from a small
battery passed between  them.  This Avas continued
five  minutes, acute pain in  the  right testicle being
felt.   In five hours,  the sacs Avere almost empty;
but  towards evening, there Avas increased action and
reeffusion.  After some  days, the experiment Avas re-
peated, Avith the  same result; but after a third opera-
tion, the fluid was permanently absorbed.   Dr. Leroy,
at the Hotel Dieu, repeated the experiment on a man
of 70, Avith a single hydrocele.   He caused a small
battery of sixteen  pairs to act upon the tumor,  by
means of tAvo needles, one placed in the subcutaneous
cellular  tissue of the  scrotum, the other penetrating
the cavity of the tunica vaginalis.   Tavo days after
the operation, the tumor had entirely disappeared.   A

        * Rev. Med. Jan. 1843. — Braithewaite, Part X.
        t N. Y. Jour, of Med.  Jan. 1843. 
OPAQUE  CORNEA.            185
slight return rendered  a repetition necessary, twice
afterAvards, for  twenty and for ten minutes.  It may
be assumed, that the application, in the first of these
cases, was so violent,  as to provoke reaction.  Dr.
SteAvart  records another successful case,  in the same
connection.   He recommends  the patient  to keep a
recumbent position  for several days.  The needles
should be fine,  and about four inches long.
   289.  Opaque Cornea.—Dr. C. Usiglio, of Corfu,*
reports the case of a female, aged  35, having opaque
spots, increasing in size, upon the cornea  of the right
eye, the result of a long ophthalmia.   Ordinary treat-
ment proving ineffectual, electricity Avas resorted to.
Six galvanic pairs, increased to sixty, Avere employed.
The  negative  pole Avas placed  upon the tongue, the
positive  upon  the closed  eyelid.   When the plates
were numerous, the current Avas intermitted from time
io time.   The conjunctiva soon became injected, the
vessels  filled Avith red blood, and the  secretion  of
tears increased.   The improvement commenced Avith
the first  sitting, and in a month the cure  Avas perfect,
excepting a slight irregularity in the contour of the
pupil, which diminished daily.  A similar result was
obtained  in  tAvo  other cases.  In Albugo, or deep-
seated opacity  of cornea, no effect Avas  produced  by
similar application for a year, in the case of a woman;
but in another case—that of a  man—an advanta-
geous result Avas obtained.
   290.   The Avriter has been  informed of a case of
* Revue Med.  March, 1844.
  16* 
  186       SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

, superficial opacity of the cornea, successfully treated
  by draAving  free electricity from the  surface of  the
  eye.   This  may  be  conveniently  done, by  placing
  the patient on the insulating stool, and approaching a
  pointed rod  very near to the opaque spots.
    291.  Cataract.—Dr. Crusell, of Finland, and  Dr.
  LerChe, of St. Petersburg,* made early experiments
  upon the electrical treatment of opacity of the cornea,
  by bringing the positive Avire of a single galvanic pair
  in contact Avith the surface of the eye, and the nega-
  tive  pole in contact Avith the tongue.   Encouraged
  by success in this application, they proceeded, in  the
  case of an elderly patient, to pass a fine  cataract nee-
  dle into a firm capsulo-lenticular cataract, and connect
  it Avith the positive pole of the same battery, the neg-
  ative conductor being introduced into the ear.   They
  represent a sort of dispersion of the cataract  to have
  taken place, and a partial vision to have been obtained.
  Seven cases are subsequently reported,! in Avhich ab-
  sorption of the cataract sometimes took place, to some
  extent, as a  consequence  of inflammation ;  but in
  others,  the result  Avas decidedly injurious.
    292. Dr. C. Usiglio J performed acu-puncture three
  times  for cataract.   A fine needle, of gold, Avas con-
  nected  Avith  the  positive pole, and  passed into  the
  crystalline lens.  The  negative pole Avas applied to
  the tongue, and only tAvo pairs of plates used.   In the

    * Med. Zcitung.  June, 1841.—Am.  Jour,  of Med.  Science.
  January, 1842.
    t Am. Jour, of Med. Science. April, 1842.
    X Revue Med. March, 1844. 
          SWELLED  ARTICULATIONS.       187

first  case, that of a Avoman  aged 78, a capsulo-len-
ticular cataract existed in both eyes, complicated Avith
slight disease of the conjunctiva, and lachrymal fistula
for tAventy-five years.   The experiment Avas made on
the right eye.   This Avas consequently attacked Avith
inflammation,  which avrs  subdued.   Three months
later, no further  application  having  been made, the
eye  had shrunk in volume, the sclerotica  Avas wrin-
kled, the  cornea  flattened and  opaque.   Complete
blindness  remained.  In the second  case,  that of a
man, aged 50, similar results Avere produced.   In the
third, a man, aged 50,  had  lenticular  cataract of the
right eye, and  partially obscured crystalline of the left,
the pupil nearly immovable, but sight still  remaining.
The application Avas made  to the right eye, and anti-
phlogistic treatment employed.  On  the second day,
some absorption of the humor contained in the ante-
rior  chamber  took place.   After ten days, the eye
Avas  restored  nearly to  the  normal  state,  the  sight
being better than that  of the other side.
   293. From  these experiments, the gravity  of the
operation  Avill be inferred.    The  most  important
result at Avhich Dr. Usiglio seems to have arrived, is
the  readiness  Avith  Avhich absorption may be  pro-
moted in various conditions of the eye by the  stimu-
lus of electricity.
   294. Savelled Articulations. — M.  Raciborski,
of Paris, states, in the Gazette Medico-Chirurgicale,
" Certain it is, that in  many cases Ave have applied
galvanism,  [electro-magnetism,] Avith some success,
even  to  painful  swellings of the  knees, rendering 
188        SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

Avalking,  if  not  impossible,  at least  very painful.
Certainly galvanism did not  cause the SAvelling  to
disappear,  but  the  pain  became  dissipated,  or  so
diminished as to alloAV the  patient to Avalk about."
  295.  Sprains. ■— M.  Raciborski  says, in continua-
tion of the above, " We cannot terminate this paper
without signalizing the admirable  effects Avhich gal-
vanism  produces in the treatment of sprains."   In
simple sprains, he states that it is the pain felt  on  the
slightest motion of the  part Avhich retards the cure,
the other  symptoms being  usually promptly dissi-
pated.   He adds, " Noav,  just as  Ave have seen  in
lumbago, so  in sprain,  galvanism relieves  this pain
instantly, and alloAvs  the  patient  to  Avalk without
lameness."  He  suggests  that  galvanism may  also
act by restoring  the contractility and tension of cap-
sular fibres and tendons.
  296.  An important part of the treatment of sprains,
by this  method, is  the  exercise by means of electro-
magnetism.  The  sponge handles may  be  passed
around  the articulation  and over  the  muscles con-
nected Avith  it,  causing them  separately to undergo
contraction.   A  stimulating  solution  may be  em-
ployed.    This  application  may  also  be  made  to
advantage  by the  touch of the operator,  the hand
being used as a conductor.
  297.  False Articulation and Callus. — M. Hel-
ler, of Stuttgard,*  reports  the  case of  a man aged
22, of a scrofulous temperament,  who entered  his
• Encyclog. des Sc. Mr-d.  Aug. 1846. 
           spontaneous luxation.       189

orthopedic establishment  in  June,  1844,  for false
articulation, accompanied  Avith callous overgrowth,
from  an  oblique fracture of  the  thigh  of  eight
months' standing.  Contraction had taken place, and
the bones  met at a sharp angle.   Gradual  extension
Avas used to bring the bones into a true position, and
electro-magnetism Avas  then  employed every  other
day to effect  absorption  of  the  callus.  One con-
ductor was placed upon the tumor, the other, either
held in the hand or applied to the foot.   After  the
tAvelfth application, absorption  Avas complete, and  the
parts  had  commenced to consolidate.   In  the  mean
time, the patient  had been  put on a  nourishing diet,
and his general health had improved.
   298. It may be  remarked,  that  electro-puncture
would have a special  application in  cases  of false
articulation, where  the object  is to increase the vital
action of the  parts, and at the same  time  produce
local  irritation.
   299. Spontaneous   Luxation. — The  folloAving
case is given  by Dr. Hoering.*   The  patient Avas  a
girl of 18, who Avas subject  to  spontaneous luxa-
tion of the femur.   Considering it due to  relaxation
of the capsular ligament, and the surrounding muscles
of the left thigh, Dr. H. applied the conductors to the
left sacral and left  inguinal regions, continuing  the
application for  fifteen  minutes,  and  increasing its
strength  progressively  during each  sitting.   The
* Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  June, 1847. 
 190       SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

 patient, in the course of sixty-four applications, grad-
 ually recovered the use of the limb.
   300.  Weakness  of  the Back. — This, when a
 muscular  affection, is  readily relieved  by electricity.
 The  electro-magnetic shocks  may be  passed down
 the  spinal column, and also  across  the  part most
 affected.   Where it  is symptomatic of scrofulous  dis-
 ease of  the spine, the reports of cases  leave it to be
 inferred that  much advantage  may be gained by in-
 creasing the vitality of the part and absorbent action,
 by the application of electro-magnetism or galvanism
 in the early stages of the disease.
   301.  Curvature  of  the Spine. — This distor-
 tion, Avhere the result of unequal  muscular  contrac-
 tion, from habitual causes, may be treated by passing
 an electro-magnetic  or galvanic current through  the
 muscles, on the side of the spine Avhich is relaxed.
 An increase of vigor in the deficient muscles  is stated
 to be readily obtained.   This mode of  action may be
applied  to any similar distortion.   It has even been
resorted  to in strabismus,  without,  hoAvever,   any
reliable  result.
   302.  Calculus.—Dr. Donovan* states that Orio-
li, a distinguished  Italian, and Dr. Harle, of Norwich,
were  the  first to direct attention to  the decomposing
power of galvanism,  as a means of dissolving urinary
calculi»   MM. Prevost and Dumas submitted a calcu-
lus composed of phosphates, and placed in Avater, to
  * Dub. Quart. Jour, of Med. Sc.  May, 1847. — Braithewaite,
Part XV. 
STRANGULATED  hernia.        191
the action of a battery of one hundred and tAventy
pairs.  In  tAvelve  hours, it had  lost twelve grains.
In sixteen hours longer, the mass became so friable
as to be  broken up, by the slightest  pressure, into
small crystalline grains.   These experimenters then
introduced tAvo insulated conductors through the ure-
thra of a dog, into the bladder.  The dog discovered
no uneasiness, Avhile the bladder Avas distended Avith
warm Avater, and a pile of one hundred and thirty-five
pairs Avas connected Avith the conductors.  A calculus
attached to tAvo conductors, Avas subsequently intro-
duced  into the bladder of a bitch, and  connected, at
various times,  Avith a poAverful battery.  On being
Avithdrawn, it had lost in weight, and become friable,
as  before.   The  animal, killed a  few days after,
shoAved  the  bladder in  a perfectly healthy state.
Calculi of uric  acid are spoken of as probably an ex-
ception to this mode of treatment.   MM. Prevost and
Dumas propose the introduction of two conductors,
by means of a  sound,  into the bladder, so  arranged
that by a spring  the extremities may be  made to
spread and embrace the calculus.
   303.  Strangulated  Hernia, and Invagination. —
MM. Emery, Cloquet, and Dubois, to Avhom the sub-
ject had been referred, reported, in the session of the
French Academy of the 25th of May, 1826* that the
passage of galvanism from twenty-five  pairs  from the
mouth to the anus produced contractions and undula-
tions of such a character, in the intestines of animals,
* Revue Med.  July, 1826. 
192       surgical applications.

upon Avhom the experiment  Avas made, that it might
be usefully employed in the commencement of stran-
gulated hernia and invagination  of the intestine, as
suggested by M.  Leroy.  Where a  part of the intes-
tine Avas included  betAveen  tAvo ligatures, the action
Avas diminished, but  increased in the contiguous por-
tions.
  304.  Prolapsus  Ani. — This disease,  Avhere it
may properly be treated  by astringents, or by means
calculated to produce organic contraction, comes un-
der the class of those Avhich may be benefited by the
poAver of the battery over relaxed tissues.
  305.  Obstruction of OEsophagus and Larynx.—
The commission of  the French Academy, referred
to under the head next the preceding, observed that
the progressive  contractions of the  oesophagus  Avere
especially increased Avhen it Avas made the conductor
of the galvanic current.   This fact may have an ap-
plication to various cases of  obstruction or stricture
of this tube.  It is stated by Dr. Golding Bird* that
the charge of a Leyden jar,  transmitted from the  pit
of the stomach  to the back, causes the diaphragm
to contract violently, expelling the  air  from  the
lungs Avith  a loud shout.   This might also have a
possible application  in accidental obstructions of the
larynx.
  306.  Poisoned  Wounds.—M. Pravas relates ex-
periments with several dogs, shoAving  the  effects of
galvanic cauterization en a poisoned wound.  In the
* Lond. Med. Gaz.  May, 1847. 
VENESECTION.
193
first  instance, two  dogs were  inoculated  with the
saliva of a rabid dog, in the kennel of the Veterinary
College at Alfort.*  The poles  of  a battery of forty-
eight pairs, terminating in  platinum  wires  or  strips,
Avere placed in contact Avith the Avound of one of the
animals.  Thorough cauterization ensued, and the
eschar produced Avas detached the twelfth day.   The
dog  so treated had sIioavu no symptoms of the disease
four  months  afterAvards.   The other dog shoAved
symptoms of hydrophobia twenty-seven days after
inoculation, and died on  the twenty-eighth.    An-
other dog, bitten by a rabid animal, was subjected to
galvano-cauterization forty-four  hours afterAvards, and
had  manifested no symptoms of the disease after more
than four months  had passed.  In a third  case, two
dogs Avere inoculated with the  saliva of a rabid dog.
The first Avas cauterized by galvanism after fifty-four
hours,  and  had remained well  for  more  than  four
months.  The second, without any treatment, showed
symptoms of  hydrophobia ten days after the inocula-
tion, and died two days subsequently.
   307.  Venesection. — It isAA^ell known that a fluid,
escaping  in  drops from a capillary  orifice, may be
made  to  Aoav  in a  stream, by subjecting it to elec-
tricity on an insulating  stand.   Dr. W. Wright, of
London, in  the  Lancet  of October,  1831, states that
he has placed patients, in whom  the  blood escaped
with difficulty from a vein, on an  insulating chair,
 * Revue Med. Dec. 1830.'
17 
 191      SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

and has then obtained a  ready Aoav by turning  the
machine.   The cup, in  this case, receiving the blood,
should also be insulated.   Circumstances may  exist,
in which advantage may be taken  by the practitioner
of this, as Avell as  many other applications  of elec-
tricity  of a mechanical or miscellaneous character. 
INDEX.
                                                                Page.
Absorption, Promotion of,..........................................50
Albugo,..........................................................185
Alterative Action,..............................................44, 48
Amaurosis,........................................................87
Amenorrhoea,.........................................68, 127, 130, 153
Anesthesia........................................................85
Aneurism,........................................................166
Angina Pectoris,..................................................123
Aphonia,..........................................................83
Application by Plates..............................................34
            by Touch,.............................................34
     "      Length of,.............................................45
     "      Strength of,........................................45,58
Apoplexy,........................................................143
    "     Caution in,........................................57, 72, 78
Articulation, False,...............................................188
Articulations, Swelled,............................................187
Ascites,..........................................................183
Asthma,..........................................................116
    "    Spasmodic,..............................................122
Atonic States,.....................................................86
Atrophy,.........................................................150
Auditory Paralvsis,................................................93
Back, Weakness of,..............................................190
Baldness,.........................................................152
Bath, Electric Air,................................................14
  f      "     Eye,...............................................35
  "      "     Water,---.,.......................................34
Batterv, Galvanic,................».........................15, 17, 19
Bronchitis,....................................---........,......147
Calculus,..........................-..............-...............190
Callus,.................................,•••••.....•.........•••••15q
Cancer,................................................; • •----• • 17°
Capillary Circulation,..............................................50
Catalepsy,........................................................128
Cataract,.........................................................\°)>
Cauterization, Galvanic,...........................................192
Chlorosis,........................................................156
Cholera, Asiatic.......................................-..........104
Chorea,..........................................................}fi
Coagulation of Blood.............................................^
Coldness of Extremities,..........................................•**>
Colic.............................................................x*
Colica Pictonum,.................................................:°;j
Collapse,.........................................................x"f
Conductors, Surface-,.............•............................k\'\$R
Congestion, Use in,...........................................01> }'°
Congestive States,................................................J"f
Constipation,......................♦..........•...................lv>- 
196                         INDEX.

                                                                 P„ge.
Consumption.......  .............................................l^j
Contraction, Organic,.............................................:'~
Convulsions.
129
Cornea, Opaque...................................................l°j?
Counter Irritation,................................................*52
Croup............................................................I48
Current, Continuous,......................................• • 12, 18, 60
    "    Direction of,....................................10, 41, 55, o9
    "    Galvanic,..............................................13, 44
    "    Induced...............................................13. ™
    "    Interrupted.....................................13,18,21,60
Cutaneous Diseases,..............................................151
Deafness..........................................................96
          Paralytic,................................................93
Debility, General,..................................................86
Diagnosis, Electrical,..............................................46
Diaphragm, Contraction of,..................*.....................192
Difficult  Respiration,.............................................123
Digestion,....................................................51, 145
Dilatation of Air-Ceils,............................................12.3
Direction  of Current,.....................................10, 41, 55, 50
Dislocations, Spontaneous,........................................189
Displacement of Uterus,..........................................156
Dropped  Hands,...............................................63, 79
Dropsical Effusions...............................................182
Dropsy of Abdomen,..............................................183
   "   of Articulations............................................183
   "   of Scrotum,...............................................184
Drowning,.........................................................97
Dyspepsia,.......................*+**+. •......................53, 145
Dysmenorrhea,.................i.... ,.T.,»».«....................155
Dyspnrea,.....................'..................•*«„..............123
Electrical Machine,..............,.'«■»'.•....•....%»«..,...»............13
Electric and Nervous Currents,.....,...........";.-..................10
Electric Currents, Muscular,.......................................11
Electricity of Gymnotus....................................v........4
Electro-Magnetic  Apparatus,........>......................^15  18 27
Electro-Puncture,..............................................'.. .'.36
Electro-Vital Reaction,.................«.-,.........................9
Emphysema,.................................................  .. 123
Enuresis  of Children,.....................................  •••••• ^
Epilepsy,................................................'."..*.'.".'.'.'l29
i-rvsipelas,................................................     ^ 17g
Etherization during Electrification,....................'.'.'.'.'.\, ,'." 40
     "      Recovery from,............................         "io2
Excitability by Electricity.........................1.!!"!!."!.*......61
Exercise  of Muscles,..............................#Y.*,   " * 53 "fio * i ur
Exhaustion.....................................V.V.V .*.".".".*'   '   ' 1 n<?
     "     in Labor,.........................  *""    ............,;!';
Facial Paralysis,...............................'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'......... 70
Failures in Electric  Application,.................\\[\...............'A
Fainting,..........................................'.'..............i «o
Fevers,.............................................'\-..........{"3
Fever, Intermittent,...........................          ........., '1'
Fistula.........................................!'.!'.".!!'...........17K
Galvanic  Battery,..............................II'.'.'.'.'..........17 10
Galvanism,......................................       .........i'> 19
                                        ........................15, 60 
                             INDEX.                        197

                                                                p"£"-
Galvano-Puncture,.................................................36
Gangrene,........................................................177
Goitre,...........................................................182
Gout,............................................................142
Handles,..........................................................31
Headache, Nervous,..............................................114
    "      Sick,..............................................115, 147
Heart, Palpitation of,.............................................116
Heartburn,.......................................................147
Hemiplegia,.............................................65, 69, 70, 77
Hemorrhage,.................................•....................151
     "       in Labor,.............................................157
Hernia, Strangulated,.............................................191
Herpes,..........................................................152
Hiccup,..........................................................136
Hip Complaint,...................................................180
Hydrocele,.......................................................184
Hydrophobia,.....................................................135
Hypertrophy,.....................................................150
Hysteria,.........................................................115
Hysterical Paralysis................................................67
Incontinence of Urine,.............................................81
Inflammation of Ear,...............................................94
              of Lungs,...........................................148
     "        Use of Electricity in,.............................51, 175
Insensibility,......................................................85
Insulating Stool,...................................................13
Intensity, Electro-Magnetic,........................................18
Intermittent Fever,...............................................138
Invagination of Intestine,.........................................191
Irritability, Nerrous...............................................115
Jar, Leyden,......................................................-14
Labor, Electricity in,..............................................157
Larynx, Inflammation of,.........................................147
    "    Obstruction of,...........................................192
Laryngitis.................................................."""}il
Leucorrhoea.......................................................LDy
Life of Nervous System,.........................................•••<>
  " of Tissues,.................................................d> 1°
Liver, Enlarged,..................................................]%
   "   Torpid,....................................................143
Lungs, Inflammation of,...........................................J*°
    "   Secretion of,...............................................j4*
Luxation, Spontaneous,...........................................^
Machine Electricity,
28
Magneto-Electric Apparatus,......................................-f?
Menorrhagia,..................................................' • •  '
Menstruation,.................................................  ' ,'„
      "      Excessive,.........................................., ^°
             Painful,.............................................1-56
      "      Suppressed,.........................................™*
Mortification,.....................................................  go
Moxa, Galvanic,...................................................gg
   "   Insensible,.................................................«.„
Mucous Secretion,..............................................co  fi0
Muscles, Exercise of,........•..................................,JO> u"
Muscular Force, Production or,......................................°

                   17* 
198                        INDEX.
                                                                 r»g.-.
„    t.                                     ......................98
Narcotism,.............................................         oc
Needles for Electro-Puncture.......................................jg
   "    for Moxa,..............................................5*41
Nervous Current,................................................ ',,.
        Headache................................................((?
   "    Irritability,...............................................^
   "    Power, Nature of,..................................• • * * .*."' ;.,
   "    System.............................................16,41,iS
Neuralgia,...........................................................
          of Bladder..............................................JJ*
Neuralgic Rheumatism............................................l™
Night-Blindness,.
Nutritive Influence of Electricity,
 93
.48
 CEsophagus, Obstruction  of,.......................................**?
 Opacity of Cornea,................................................J™
 Optic Nerve, Paralyzed,.........................................{a a*
 Organizing Power,..............................................    al
 Otorrhea,........................................................-94
 Pain, Condition of,................................................-114
 Painter's Colic,...................................................• °3
 Palpitation of Heart,........................................• • • • • 116
 Paraplegia,.................................................65, 71, 74
-Paralysis,......................................................IX'2.2,
          Facial,...............................................72,77
     "    from Local Injury <»......................................66
     "    Hysterical,..............................................67
     '<    Local,................................................67, 71
     "    of Auditory Nerve,.......................................93
          of Bladder.............................................80, 81
     '*    of Bowels,...............................................81
     "    of Optic Nervo,..........................................87
     "    of Voice,................................................83
     "    Rheumatic...............................................64
 Paralytic Contractions..........................................57, 84
 Peristaltic Motion..................................................82
 Perspiration, Suppressed,...................................,.....145
 Pleurisy,.........................................................148
 Pneumonia,................................,.....................148
 Poisoned Wounds,................................................192
 Poisons, Narcotic,.................................................98
 Poles of Battery,...................................................18
 Prolapsus Ani,"...................................................192
 Propagation of Electric Influence,...............................41, 59
 Prostration,............................,.........................103
 Phthisis,.........................................................149
 Quantity, and Intensity,..........,.................,...........12, 25
     "    Electro-Magnetic,....,....,...................,.......18, 25
 Ramollisement,  Caution  in,..........................,.............57
 Reactive Power,........,...............,..........................48
 Resuscitation,.....................................................95
 Revulsion,............,...........................,...............52
 Rheumatic Paralysis,..............................................64
      "    Swellings,.........................,...................[^\
 Rheumatism,.....................................................13g
      "      Neuralgic,...........................................U4
              Periodic,.....................................,......142
 Ringing in the Ears,..................,,...................,,.,..", ,96 
INDEX.
199
Rubefacient, Electricity as a.....................................50, 52
Rules of Application,..............................................45
Rupture,.............................'_        .................igi
Salivary Glands,............'....'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'...'...'.'..'......!..144
Sarcocele,...............................!."!.".".*     ..............182
Sciatica,..........................................................i qq
Scrofulous Ulcers,................................................I79
Secretion, Influence over...........................................49
Sedative Influence,................................................48
Sensation, Special, ex.cited by Galvanism,............................9
Shocks, Electro-Magnetic,.........................................44
   "    from Jar,.................................................14
Skin, Action upon,.......,......................................50, 5'2
Softening of Brain, Caution in,.....................................57
Solutions, Conducting,..........................................31, 33
Sparks, Electric.............................................14, 63, 79
Spa>m of Chest,..................................................123
Spasms,.-.........................................................135
Spine, Curvature of................................................190
Sprains,..........................................................188
Stammering,......................................................136
Stimulation by Electricity,......................................15, 44
Stone in the Bladder,.............................................190
Stool, Insulating,..................................................13
Strangulated Hernia,.............................................191
St. Vitus's Dance,................................................124
Suspended Animation,.............................................96
Svncope..........................................................103
Syphilitic Ulcers,.................................................179
Swelled Articulations,.............................................187
Swellings, Rheumatic,............................................141
Tear Glands,.....................................................145
Tetanus,.........................................................132
Throat, Obstructions in,...........................................192
   "    Secretion of,..............................................144
Tic Douloureux,..................................................106
Tinnitus Aurium...................................................96
Tumors,..........................................................181
Typhoid State-....................................................102
Typhus,..........................................................103
Ulcers, Simple,...................................................177
   "    Scrofulous,................................................179
        Syphilitic,................................................179
Urine, Secretion of,..................................•............145
Uterine Contraction,..............................................157
   "    Displacement,............................................156
   '*    Inertia,..................................................161
Varicose Veins,...................................................173
Venesection,.....................................................19^
Vital Agent,.......................................................•'
  "   and Electric Action...........................................8
  "   Force.........................................................3
Vitalizing Power of  Electricity,..............................16, 44, 47
Voice. Paralysis  of,...............................................j?3
Wasting of Tissues,...............................................j'~
White Swelling...................................................18U 
PRICES  OF   INSTRUMENTS
            DESCRIBED IN THIS VOLUME.

  Manufactured and for sale by Daniel  Davis, Jr., 428 Wash-
ington Street; and also for sale  by Joseph M.  Wightman, No.
33 Comhill, Boston.
Fig. 1.  Smee's Battery of twelve pairs,.......$12 00 to $18 00
Fig. 2.  Battery for Electro-Magnetic Apparatus,...........2 00
Fig. 3.  Electro-Magnetic Apparatus, with Battery, .8 00 to 12 00
Fig. 4.  The Same, in Box,.....................10 00 to 14 00
Fig. 5.  Magneto-Electric Machine,.....................35 00
Fig. G, a. Cylinder Handle,.....................per pair, 1 25
Fig. 6, b. The Same, with Rosewood Insulation,. .. "   "  2 00
Fig. 6, c. Plated Surface-Handle,................ "   «  2 00
         The Same, shorter, of Block Tin,........ "   "    50
Fig. 6, d. Sponge Handle,.................single, 0 75 to 1 00
         The Same, shorter,..................... single,  50
Fig. 7.  Conducting Slipper,.......................   «     50
Fig. 8.  Electrical Eye-Bath,............................1 qq
 
 
 
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