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THE
MEDICAL  APPLICATION
ELECTRICITY.
WILLIAM F. CHANNING, M. D.
SIXTH AND ENLARGED EDITION.
'x-'V
"IT^
   PUBLISHED BY THOMAS HALL,
           ELECTRICIAN,
AND MANUFACTURER OF ELECTRO MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS,
     No. 13 Bkompield Street,
         BOSTON, MASS.
              1865. 
Ann**
WfcE

 ISCS
            fr/~v  a/*.  z^&7; no.  s
      Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by
                DANIEL  DAVIS, JR.,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
      Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by

                   THOMAS HALL,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
    ElECTROTYPED  AT THE

BOSTON STEREOTYPE  FOUNDRY.
Weight & Potter, Printers,
      4 Spring Lane. 
  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
central position, both  in regard to organized and unorgan-
ized matter, — which has already accomplished something
for medical science,  but which is still undeveloped in its
most  important  relations  to physiology.  The only value
claimed for these pages is in their connection with  present
experience.  They are intended simply to  facilitate  the
application of electricity 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 this  book is
intended to accompany, are those prepared by Mr. Thomas
Hall, successor  to  Daniel  Davis,  well  known  as  the
earliest manufacturer of electro-magnetic apparatus in this
country; to whose liberality in  experiment, and  ingenuity
in construction,  the present form of  electro-magnetic  in-
struments,  of all descriptions, here  and elsewhere, is due,
probably, more than to  any other person. 
 
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. 184.7-
              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 rela-
tions, has  hitherto escaped analysis.  All  its func-
tions, however, in the animal  system, are performed
through the intervention of physical agents, and in
strict accordance with the  laws of  chemical affinity
and material force.  Thus, though  Life stands alone
as  an immaterial and an organic principle',  it has
also, distinctly, a material side and relations in which
it must be studied like any other branch of natural
philosophy.   The physical  agents  by  which the
animal organization accomplishes  its results are of
two kinds: first, principles and affinities which are
common also to unorganized matter; second, a force
which is peculiar  to living structures — the speci.al
agent or material principle  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 associated with a physical organization,
and reacts with other physical agents. Its  preen'.: con-
nection with these will now be more especially con-
sidered.  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 cm-rent 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."
               \ # 
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.
eration.  This is  concisely presented in the fi llow-
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 -yhat 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, r 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 one time,
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 184 7. 
OF  ELECTRIC IT Y .
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
amenorrhcea, 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 painfjl, 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 powei
of electricity, in producing any physiological change,
cannot be tried  without it.  The  primary, uniforn.
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  tha<
can be offered  for it.
   15.  The electro-magnetic  apparatus,  which haf
almost superseded  the battery, is generally sufficier.i
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 clwss 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
                       Hg.l.
 of twelve pairs  of platinum and amalgamated zinc,
 arranged in the same number of heavy glass tumblers.
 The solution  used to excite the 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
<nay 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
                       Pig. 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 wnich 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,  ai.  made, for the
sake  of distinction, higher, and with.  larger head,
than  those  with  which the  handles are  connect-
ed.   The  wires,  or poles, as they are often called,
connecting  the  battery with tne 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  APPa^TUS.    23

 down to itself, and, in so doing, a little platinum sur-
 face on the spring is separated from the platinum pomi
 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 hurryning 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         FORMS 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 manner 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.
      m  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
                       Pig. 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 in
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.
 Where  the  current is only partially to  be conducted
 by the water, the patient may hold one of the handles,
i 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
 jlood 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.  Science. June, 1844. — Braithewaite, Part X.
               4 
38         MODES OF 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 by M. 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.
t 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, ceteris 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
jurrent.  In this mode of administration,  electricity
nay be sent through an  organ in different  directions,
jither 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 produce 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 efficient 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. 
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 wLl 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
 current 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 ed. 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  lirected 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
NE RVOU S  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.  Cceteris 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
NE RVOUS  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 current 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-
* Medico-Chirurg. Rev.  April, 1845. — London Lancet.  Aug. 1847. 
GO
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 j-
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 affected  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,f 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 *eadily.
  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 vertebrae 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  aad paralyzed muscles thrice a
week.   In seven weeks discharged, cured 
PARALYSIS.
65
   in.  A  man,  aged  38,  with  entire paralysis  of
motion of right  leg, following rheumatism.   Sparks
alternate days, from the lumbar vertebras 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, comDletp.lv 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  partia.  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
vertebrae 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. aad Dec. 183a. 
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
NERVOUS SYSTEM.
applied to the arm, produced cerebral congestion, and
was abandoned.   A further attack took  place in
1838,  accompanied  with menorrhagia,  which latter
yielded  to  the usual  remedies.   Electricity  from
twelve galvanic pairs, again resorted to, and passed
through the arm, proved very irregular in its effects.
The current was then passed from the lumbar verte-
brae 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. 
LOCAL PARALYSIS.
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 some 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 XHL 
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
stemo-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  days1
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, 
P ARALYSIS .
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 six  months after  cerebral in-
flammation.  Energetic diuretics were administered,
also nux 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, 1825. 
PARAPLE GIA .
75
   97.  In the Gazette  Medicate 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 were 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 twentieth 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.
do Paris.  1848. 
76            NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
nervous excitement, the application was interrupted.
In  four months  the  cure was completed, and the
treatment discontinued.   The patient, since married,
has remained permanently well.
  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., was at-
tacked with 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, however, produced amelioration, and in  a
few months the patient was convalescent.
  99.  M. James  guards against too rapidly reversing
the direction of the current, as producing too great
commotion, without  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 power, 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
week or two.  The progress is then usually renewed.
During the treatment, the patient  should  be placed
upon  a strengthening  regimen, with 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 was rarely cured before several weeks.
   101.  Hemiplegia.—A young woman, in the care
 of M.  Hoering,  of  Heilbronn,* was affected  with
 hemiplegia  and difficult  utterance, as a consequence
 of apoplexy.  A galvanic current was passed through
 the larynx,  from side to  side, and also through the
 cervical vertebrae 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,
 twelve  days later, the  patient  took some steps.  At
 the tenth sitting, seven weeks  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.
  t Revue Med. (June, 1831,) from Jour, de Med. de Bourdeaux.
                7 # 
78             NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
The shocks were increased in number, towards 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, was
attacked with apoplexy, resulting in hemiplegia of
the left side, which remained  after relief of the pri-
mary disease.  Speech was difficult,  the  saliva con-
stantly  escaping  from  the corner  of  the  mouth.
Taste and hearing were 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, when
electricity was applied by M.  Bermond.   After the
first application, Madame  B. was 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  was
then  repeated.   The circulation  increased  in force,
and the third application, which took place two days
later, was followed by rapid  increase  of pulse and
plethoric symptoms, which yielded readily  to active
treatment.   After twenty applications,  the patient
had essentially recovered, and, in the opinion of M.
* Revue Med. (Nov. 1834,) from Bui. Med. de Bourdeaux. 
DR0 P PED  H ANDS.
79
Bermond,  would  in  two  weeks  longer  have been
relieved from every trace of disease.  She, however,
left Bourdeaux.
   104.  Dr. W. M. Cornell* relates the case of  a
journeyman bootmaker, who was  affected with par-
tial paralysis of the left side, accompanied with occa-
sional twitchings.   After four or five months' medical
treatment,  Dr. C. prescribed galvanism, which  the
patient  used, every other  day, for six weeks, at  the
end of which time he had been  apparently free from
the affection for a fortnight.   The current was 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 weeks' stand-
ing, which have  been treated  with 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, with
dropped hands, who used  to "assist when other per-
sons were  electrified  by  the machine.   The hand
which was 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
NERV OUS  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  were  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 were
perceptible, and its  administration  was  suspended
after  ten days.  Progress continued, and in about
five  weeks, the patient  was  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 vertebrae, from  the
roof of a cottage.  There was 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,
notwithstanding 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 power, in seven appli-
cations.   The  pulse, which 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. i846. — Med. Cor. Blatt. 
PARALYSIS  OF  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, was at-
tacked  with 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.  Goodwin, who recovered,  after
protracted  labor,  with 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,J 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 was applied to the pubes.  The
application  was continued  fifteen minutes, and was
frequently beneficial the first day.   The weakness
occasioning the enuresis of children may be  treated
in the same way.
   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. des Sc. Med.  June, 1847.
  t Prov. Med. Jour.  Dec. 1844. — Ranking's Abstract, Part I.
  % Ed. Med. and Surg. Jour. (1844,) from Froriep's Notizen.
  8 Revue Med.  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  whole intestinal canal, which continues, after
the  cessation of the current, and terminates, in a few
minutes, with 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 wire, and placed respectively in the anus
and  mouth  of an ox, recently killed,  produced con-
vulsion of the abdominal muscles,  and a discharge
of faeces.*   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,! 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 with 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 with  the tongue, though an  acid  or  pungent
taste will still be perceived in the  mouth.  It is most

       * Golding Bird. — Lond. Med. Gaz. May, 1847.
       t Dub. Hosp. Gaz. — Braithewaite, Part XTTT, 
AP H0NIA.
83
efficient when 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 answer the pur-
pose.   A movement in  the bowels is generally felt,
in a few moments, and  an evacuation follows, in a
period dependent on the position of the faecal matter
in the  intestines.   In cases of obstinate paralysis, it
might be necessary to continue a feeble galvanic cur-
rent, until an evacuation was effected.  A silver plate,
placed  in the mouth, and connected by  a wire 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 bowels, ex-
tending also  to the limbs, may  with propriety  be
treated  with 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, who was attacked with aphonia,
accompanied with a swelling  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 throat.   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 VTLL 
84             NERVOUSSYSTEM.

when seventy pairs were used, which produced faint-
ing and some agitation.   This, with some overaction
of the system, was relieved, subsequently, by bleed-
ing, and in five days the application  was renewed.
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, who 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, which had at first been complete,  had given
way,  so that vocal  sounds could  be  produced, but
articulation was 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  were  occasioned, and in half an hour
the apparatus was 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. 1847. — Am. Jour. Med. 8c.
1847 
ANJESTH ESI A.
85
cates  neryous irritation, the  battery alone should be
employed, and frequently the higher powers 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.  Ancesthesia.—A case of anaesthesia, or insensi-
bility, approaching paralysis, is given by Dr. Christo-
phers, of London.f  The subject was a woman, who,
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 were also slightly im-
paired in their functions.  Stimulating frictions were
applied, during a fortnight, to the  surface  and  spine,
and leeches,  to  remove a local tenderness over the
dorsal vertebrae, but without giving  relief.   The
electro-magnetic  shocks were then  administered, at
twenty-two sittings, of an  hour  and a half to two
hours each, at  the end of which time  the cure was
complete.   Improvement commenced on  the second
application.    The rectum   and  bladder  were first
* Braithewaite, 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
was passed successively  down 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 down
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 which  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. 
AMAUROSIS.                  87
   122.  Paralysis of  Special  Sensation.   Amau-
rosis. — This is one of the most formidable affections
to which  electricity has been applied.   Dr. Bird ob-
tained no conclusive or satisfactory results at Guy's
Hospital* with  the  mode  of treatment,  principally
by the  machine,  there employed:  in a majority  of
cases no  good  was done;  in a  few there was 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.!  He relates the case of
a  sailor, aged 56, with amaurosis following chronic
inflammation, in which a battery of twenty to sixty
pairs was 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, which 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 with 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.
        § 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  within the orbit,  and the  lachrymal
nerve, occasioning  an  abundant secretion  of  tears.
Twelve feeble pairs were 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 with the  needles — a process
which 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,! the case of a man  affected with
almost complete amaurosis, who 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 AU ROS 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 were
 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,  which usually lasted ten or
 twelve  minutes.  Eight days from the  commence-
ment,  some objects could  be distinguished, and the
application was 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 renewing  the application,  colors were  soon dis-
tinguished, and the iris  was  observed  to  contract.
The retina only seemed to  be restored in  particular
positions with 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  was 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  which may have
their value in determining the progress of cure.
   127.  In the Gazette Medicale 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. 
AMAUR0SI S.
91
had suffered, for several years, with loss of vision, to
the extent of confusion  of objects, and want of dis-
tinction between colors, except black and white.  He
was 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 was 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 was manifested till
the eighteenth sitting, when 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 following 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
NE RVOUS SYSTEM.
needle was passed, as in the last case, into the vitie-
ous humor.   Vision was at once restored for the time
of the operation.   The  day following, it was  repeat-
ed, with 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 two months'
treatment with electro-puncture, confined to the or-
bit, the left eye was entirely restored, and the right
eye partially.
  VI. A woman,  aged  24, with  complete amaurosis
for  four years.  No benefit from six applications.
  VII.  A woman, aged 30.  Amaurosis for six years.
No  relief from twelve applications.
  VIII.  Amaurosis of infancy (congenital ?).   No re-
lief from seven applications.
  IX. A man, with amaurosis of two years' standing.
No  relief from fifteen applications.
  X.  Amaurosis for two years.   No relief from fif-
teen applications.                     »
  XL A man, recently  amaurotic.  No  relief from
twelve applications.
  XII.  A woman,  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
 was 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, which 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  plact
 a  handle  containing a soft sponge,  moistened  with
 water  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
 following head.
   131. Paralysis of the Auditory Nerve. — A  case
 has already been presented (§ 116) of the cure of this
 affection by galvano-puncture.  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, which
 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
NERVOU S SYSTEM.
Both electro-magnetism and galvanism have been suc-
cessfully employed.  The application should be made
with 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  was of a
sexagenarian, who had been  confined eleven months
in the fortress of Saluces.  In his youth he had suf-
fered from otorrhcea.  Two years before, he had be-
come night-blind, and six months later, nearly deaf.
The positive pole of the battery was 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 following day; but a slight
improvement in  hearing  was  perceived.   On the
third,  the improvement  continued, and  the  sight
gained also.  On the  fourth,  the  hearing was much
improved, and in the  right ear, which had not been
galvanized, as well as  the left.   After twelve appli-
cations, the hearing was perfectly reestablished, and
the  cure remained permanent.   In the second case,
a man, aged 30, had become deaf from inflammation
of the ear, following rheumatism two years previous.
The same application of galvanism was  used, and
hearing was restored in both  ears, after the eleventh
* Nouv. Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  April, 1847. 
AUDITORY  PARALYSIS.
95
operation, although the right ear  was 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 swelling  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
following process: A needle was introduced,  in a
sheath, into the Eustachian tube, and made to transfix
the walls.  Another needle was 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  work  of  Dr. Niney, on this
subject, in the Revue des Specialties,! 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 two needles,
through a  sound containing two channels, into the
Eustachian tube, transfixing  its walls  with the one,
and carrying  the other into the inner ear.  In five
cases  treated in this way, two were moderately ben-
efited, two  were cured, and one  was  progressing
towards a cure.
  135.  A case is reported by M. Hoering,* in which
a man, aged 60, with deafness of a year's standing,
was 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 wax;  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 Sc. 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
power, 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 marrow.
Wilson Philip urges that not  more  than fifteen or
twenty 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, while
those left  to themselves never revived.
   140.  Dr. Ferguson,  surgeon to  the  Westmeath
Dispensary,! relates the case  of a  man  who  fell
into the  water in a state  of intoxication, and  who
was 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.
 % Dub. Med. Press. July and Sept. 1840. — Braithewaite, Part II.
                9 
98            NERVOUS  SYSTEM.

action  of the diaphragm  commenced  at  once, and,
shortly after, regular  respiration and the circulation
were 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 following case is reported by Dr.  James
Russell, house physician to King's College Hospital.!
An infant of two  months had taken twelve drops of
laudanum.   After five  and  a half  hours,  during
which time  life  had been once  considered entirely
extinct, and all remedies exhausted, electro-magnetic

* Lond. Lancet. July, 1841. — Braithewaite, Part IV.
t Lond. Med. Gaz. March, 1843. — Am. Jour, of Lond. Med. Sc.—
Apr. 1843. 
NARC0TISM.
99
shocks were passed from the back of the neck to the
sternum,  reestablishing respiration, and  gradually
extending its influence to other'functions.   The sur-
face becoming warm,  after three  hours,  the appli-
cation was 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, who  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 with  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 t©  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 was  established, the
pulse  revived, and the surface became  warm.   He^
* Lond. Lancet.  Feb. 4, 1843. 
  100           NERVOUS  SYSTEM.

  recovered without further application.   He had lost
  consciousness, until the shock had aroused him with
  the sensation, as he expressed it, cf a " gun fired off
  within him."
    144. Mr.  Corfe,  of  Middlesex Hospital,* reports
  the case of a man  who 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,  was  injected  therein;  flagellation,  with
  thin splints,  and  wet towels,  the  cold  douche,  tur-
  pentine  stupes,  and sinapisms, to  the calves  and
  abdomen, were applied, in  succession,  without the
  least  improvement  in  his condition.    Electro-mag-
  netism, conjointly with shocks from the  jar, wew
  then  employed.   The  pulse rallied, and respiration
  improved at  once.  The result was, that  the mai
  soon  began to abuse the operators for " trying speci
  mens " upon him, and recovered.
    145. Dr. M.  Barry relates the case  of an infan
  of nine months,! who swallowed thirty  drops o
  laudanum, and was not seen till seven hovs aftei
  ward, when in a state of profound coma.  It  w?
  aroused by electro-magnetism, but fell off when th.
  current ceased for a moment.   The application was
  continued for four hours and three quarters, before it
  was  thought proper to discontinue it. The  child
  then  recovered.
4»  146. A case of poisoning, by Godfrey's Cordial, is

       * Lond. Lancet.  Jan. 1844. — Braithewaite, Part LX.
       t Med. Gaz. May, 1847. — Braithewaite, Part XVI. 
NARCOTISM.
101
reported by  Mr. Tubbs, in the  Medical Gazette*
He found the child, who was three weeks' old, in a
state  of complete narcotism, from swallowing  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 was
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,  the 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! an hour after having swallowed  an
ounce of laudanum.   Unconsciousness and contracted
pupil were present, and the glottis embarrassed with
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.
              9  * 
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;
whereas 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  which will be
found under the head of Narcotism, uses the follow-
ing  language: " I would 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, where oppression  of the
organs and the nervous system prevents reaction and
speedily destroys life.....In practice, I think
we  frequently see cases where 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 Rendus, 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. Dewees, in the New York Journal of Medicine,*
 remarks, " In cases of exceeding  prostration, where
 the pulse was extinct, I have  witnessed a return of
 impulse take place in a few minutes, and the  sense
 of weakness fully as well overcome as by the admin-
 istration of brandy or wine."
   152. Typhus. — Dr. Wilson Philip states  that Mr.
 Knight suggested to  him  " the use of  galvanism in
 the worst cases of typhus, in which there is a univer-
 sal failure of the secreting power, and the debility of
 the nervous system forms so prominent a feature.  It
 may certainly be used with  safety, and probably with
 advantage, in this disease.   The circumstance which
 appears to me  to render it doubtful how far it may
 prove  useful in  typhus, is  that here the due supply
 of fluids, as well as  of nervous  influence,  fails."!
 The  battery  current, as a stimulant  of secretion,
 might, in this case, be employed, as well  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 would
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 with spirit or ammonia, might be moved
freely over the surface of the body, stimulating the
skin, at the same time that an organizing influence
would  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 overpowering, 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 without  effect; the  first  pa-
tient being in  a moribund state,  and the second
far  advanced  in  the  disease.   A  want  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. 
CHOLERA.
105
Sheffield Cholera Hospital,* reports the two following
cases of cholera, treated in part by electricity.
  I.  A man, aged 30, was admitted, at 10 A. M., in a
favorable  state for  treatment.   He was  ordered two
grains  of mercury every five minutes, and to have
mercurial frictions.   At noon, he was  sinking rapid-
ly ; stools  involuntary; cramps in the calves; pulse
quick and small.  Port wine  was given, and an injec-
tion of warm water, with  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, with
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 were 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.
was then passed from  the neck to the  epigastrium,
for twenty 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
were given. ' He became again subsequently worse.
Stimulating injections  and  frictions  were  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
with 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 with 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 few seconds.  Sometimes  it is necessary to
* Medico-Chirurg. Rev. (July, 1841), from Gaz. Med. 
NEURALGI a.
107
 pursue the pain to another branch of the same nerve.
 The following 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, when he  first
 consulted M. Magendie.  The pain in the gums,  lips,
 cheek, and ala nasi, was insupportable.   The patient
 could scarcely utter a word, and as for mastication, it
 was 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 was insert-
 ed into the affected side of the tongue, the other  into
 the trunk  of the facial nerve, where  it enters  thi
 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
 was 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
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
other case, the pain, driven from the tongue, went 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,! 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, J was attacked, in 1829, with 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
was  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,  which
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, when
a return of still greater violence took place.   Exercise
was next  tried, without much effect.  A battery of

  * Med. Chirurg. Rev.  April, 1846.
  t Ed. Med. and Surg. Jour.  July, 1841. — Braithewaite, Part IV.
  X Lond. Med. Gaz.  April, 1837. 
SCIATICA.
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  with 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 was 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  was  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 woman, 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 within the
anterior superior spine of the ileum.  Twenty pairs
of plates were used for twelve minutes, which gave
relief.   Some slight  shooting  pains  remaining, the
application was 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 
SCIATICA.
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 sweat occurred in both limbs, with 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 was 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 was  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, following meningitis. Electro-
 puncture,  beef  tea,  and  an  anodyne, were  pre-
 scribed.   The first  application  was with  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  walked.   Two  days later, he  was
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 were 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 which the usual treatment,  including simple
acu-puncture, had been exhausted, was subjected by
the  same  physicians to  electro-puncture.   In  ten
applications, the cure was complete.
  III. A  man  entered the Hospital de la Pitie with
femoral and perineo-tibial neuralgia.  The paroxysms
and  spasms were very' frequent  and  severe.  One
needle was 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 was 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 was
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 were  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.
was  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! 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 well, save a slight numbness
of the  fingers, which  was successfully treated by
strychnine.
  168.  Condition  of Pain. — The simple condition
of pain  or uneasiness has been  spoken of by writers
as allied to neuralgia, and  one which may often  be
removed by  electricity,  and which,  in connection
with 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 Bo3to:i 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,  which  are peculiarly  sensitive, and which
 will 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 allowing
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 with relief.  From eight to six-
teen pairs were usually  employed.   Two thin plates
df metal, dipped in  water, were 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
* Vital 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, with-
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, without allowing the  passage of the galvanic
current.   No relief was felt.  He then passed it  from
the neck to  the upper part of the chest, when slight 
118
NERVOUS SYSTEM.
relief was obtained.  Finally, the current was passed
to the pit of the  stomach, when  the  usual effect  of
former applications was experienced.
  II. A young woman, who had been several times
galvanized in  the usual  way, was  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, when
she returned  with a slighter attack,  which  yielded
immediately to galvanism, in connection with reme-
dies, which alone had proved inactive.
  III. A blacksmith, aged  50,  with 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 was renewed
by intoxication, and he was again relieved with equal
facility.   During ten months, several slighter attacks
occurred, following exposure, which were 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, which had been previously tried
with slight effect.  During several months after, she
remained well. 
ASTHMA.
119
  V  A female domestic, aged  30, with  asthma of
two months' standing.  She was  relieved in a few
minutes, and after three applications, remained well
for  several weeks.   Reference is  made  by Wilson
Philip to several other similar cases.
  VI. A laborer, formerly a  soldier, aged  68.   He
was unable to walk,  save  at a slow pace, and some-
times had  been  obliged  wholly to abandon work.
During  his  most severe attack,  he was relieved in a
few minutes by galvanism;  and  after three weeks 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  was removed  by
carbonate of iron.  After two years, this patient had
experienced no return.
  VII. A female  domestic, aged 40, with 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 were both  im-
proved,  though the former continued oppressed.
  VIII.  A female domestic, aged 24, with asthma of
a year's standing.  She was quickly relieved by gal-
vanism, but the effect was not permanent.   She was
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 now 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, was 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 two 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. 
ASTHMA.
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, within
these few days, an inch and a half in circumference.
The  patient  was  able  to laugh, without 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, owing  to
the full habit of the  patient,  to  imprudences, and
intractability, and  to  the  date of the disease.   It
resulted, however, in great and  permanent relief over
the previous  state.
  III. The wife of a chef de  bureau, at the treasuryj-
had been asthmatic for three  years.   The asthma
was continual, but  with  frequent exacerbations of
.hree  to five  hours, or  longer, during  which she did
                11 
122
NERVOUS  SYST3M.
not expect to live — cough convulsive, rale excessive,
appetite  null.  There was 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 with 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 showed  no  improvement.   It  is
probable,  however,  that  the  action was too over-
powering, and that the cautions, by means of which
spasmodic affections have of  late been  treated  with
so much success by electricity, were not adopted.
   179.  Emphysema. — This  disease, affecting  the
structure of the lungs, may be  said to  constitute a
form of asthma, which is equally under the control
of galvanism  with that complaint,  when uncompli-
cated with 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, m.) of relief in asthma complicated with em-
physema.
   180.  Dyspncea. — Difficult respiration, from every
source,  excepting  organic  lesion,  may be  treated
by galvanism with the prospect of success.    The
same rules of  application  would 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
* Vital Functions, 2d ed. p. 336. 
124            NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
this means appears on record.   Still, in the confessed
inutility of other  treatment, the  powerful 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 with  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 which 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 with zinc for six weeks.  Cured by twenty-
two daily applications of electricity to the spine.
   III. A young woman, aged 21.  Had been in St.
* Guy's Hospital Reports.  Oct. 1837. 
C HORE 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 wild,  and
 almost maniacal."  Disease of twelve months' stand-
 ing.  Sparks from the  spine, and shocks through the
 pelvis, for a month.   Perfect cure.
   V. A girl, aged 12, with chorea and pain in occi-
 put.  Electricity, every other day, from spine, for six
 weeks.   Cure.   Slight  return  after  two  months,
 which 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  were  treated  by elec-
 tricity.   Several of these were of long duration,  and
 of  the  most severe form.  A cure was  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 known
 it  to effect  a  cure  after a great variety of other
 remedies had for weeks  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.....When electricity  acts
beneficially in  chorea,  it produces  its effects more
rapidly  than any other remedy with  which  I  am
             11* 
126
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
acquainted; but it is a remedy which 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 with  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,  where organic disease of the spinal cord was
indicated, there was no relief; one  left  from alarm,
five were much relieved, and twenty-three cured.  A
few 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 given of nine cases, which may be  thus briefly
stated.
  I. A girl, of 8 years, with 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.
 Two  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-
 orrhoea.   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 well.
   V. A girl, aged 12, with chorea  confined  to right
 arm.  After  three  applications,  she  left, relieved.
 The disease again rallied.   In twenty-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 were 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
were now passed  along the leg and arm.  In three 
 128           NERVOUS  SYSTEM.

 days,  the  disease  had  returned,  with  almost  full
 strength.   Sparks were  again ordered, with  sulphate
 of zinc, and in six weeks he was discharged  cured.
   VIII.  A  man, aged 45, with congenital (?) chorea,
 causing constant motion of the fingers, increased by
 excitement.  Had continued from his infancy.  After
 a fortnight's application, while under treatment  for
 another disease, the motion remarkably diminished.
   IX.  A man, aged 40, subject to spasms  of  the jaw,
 producing  dislocation.   Sparks  drawn from  affected
 muscles  with  remarkable  benefit.   Subsequently,
 under  use  of sulphate  of zinc, he was  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 which 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 with catalepsy, of which he had had an attack
nine years previously.   The upper  extremities  re-
tained  any position in which they were  placed, the
power  of  swallowing was suspended, and the pulse
varied  from eighty to one hundred and twenty beats
* Prov. Med. and Surg. Jour.  Nov. 1846. 
EPILE PSY.
129
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, with convulsion of  the lower jaw,
and rapid protrusion and retraction of the tongue.  A
more powerful 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 following day, another  attack was treated in
the same  manner, with  a similar result.   A slighter
one subsequently occurred, within a few 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, with the object of restoring the nervous equi-
librium and increasing the nervous power. 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 flowing 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 was  obtained, in 
130
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
Guy's  Hospital, by Dr. Bird,  from  the  use of the
spark.   In hysteric epilepsy, connected with derange-
ment of  the  uterine  functions, electricity  was  of
material  service.  The  following  case  is given in
illustration.*  A girl, aged  15, who had  never men-
struated,  became  subject  to  epileptic  attacks,  six
months before admission;  intervals  irregular, dura-
tion  fifteen to twenty minutes.   Oct. 10. 1839, shocks
to be passed through the pelvis thrice a week.  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,! complica-
ted with chorea, much  relieved by electro-magnetism.
This was a girl, aged 17, who, after a violent fright,
was  attacked  with chorea,  accompanied  by  peculiar
automatic movements of the hand, and thenceforward
was  subject to menstrual disorder.   She was at length
seized  with epileptic fits, which  had begun  to show
their worst effects upon the mind and active powers.
The ordinary treatment was exhausted, and  the par-
oxysms now returned two or three times daily.  Elec-
tricity  was ordered, as  a last resource.   On the 20th
of April, the electro-magnetic current was passed down
the spine for the  first time.   On  the 10th  of May,
she could use her needle with tolerable precision, and
the fits were  slighter,  though as  frequent.   Sparks
were then drawn 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. 
EPILEPSY.
131
through  the  pelvis were ordered.   The first applica-
tion was followed 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 which epilepsy, as  a  complication, was
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  was  inserted  immediately
beneath  the  occiput, the  other in the integument  of
the epigastric region.  The first application was dur-
ing a  seizure, and was followed by an immediate
return of sensibility.   It was repeated on the follow-
ing day,  and no  fit took place for  a  week.  Two
attacks  then occurred, at  intervals  of eight  days.
Subsequently the application  was made at  the com-
mencement of the seizure, and a respite of a month
ensued, after which,  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 ; while the  uniform  current of the battery
♦Lancet.  July, 1843. 
L32            Nil, \OUS  SYSTEM.
deserves always  a  trial, and in  epilepsy, without
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,!  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 which 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 shown  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 was such  upon those phy-
sicians who were present,  that they would at once
resort  to it in  similar cases.   The  experiment was
not thoroughly satisfactory, in  that  the  battery was
out of  order, and could only be  used in the intermit-
tent way 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, including  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, which soon
produced relaxation of the jaws and muscles of the
abdomen, accompanied with exhaustion.   Wine and
a  suppository of  opium were ordered.  The patient
slept, but in  the morning suffered another paroxysm.
Electricity now  applied was  without  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 th. success  to  the conjoint  use  of
 the opium and electricity.  The form of application
 in this case was 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, with at  first
 an aggravation of the  spasms;  but afterward with
 decided improvement,  the  curvature  of  the  spine
 relaxing  under  its  influence.   It was 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 were  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 well  as
more  safe,  than  the  use of machine electricity.
  II.  A man,  aged 45,  with  tetanus  supervening
 on a punctured  wound of the  great toe.   The symp-
* Lond. Med. Gaz.  Jan. 1842. 
SPASM.
135
toms were severe, and opium, in large doses, gave no
relief.   Strychnine was administered with 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
was subsequently applied whenever there was 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 well supposed to  be
under  the  control of  galvanism.   Dr.  Donovan,  of
Dublin, relates a case in which 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.  Dewees* 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 witnessed by our distinguished townsmen,
 Drs. Mott and F.  U. Johnston.   In  this  extraor-
 dinary case,  the interrupted  current proved highly
 injurious, causing convulsive  actions, while  by the
 simple galvanic current the spasms would 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  which 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 weeks to
prevent  a relapse.   A  case of  hiccup  after  typhus
fever was 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 would 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 which 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  with  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   power 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.  When 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 will not
appear irrational.   In  the cases also  of suppressed
eruption,  in exanthematous  fevers, there is  usually
great nervous depression,-which galvanism may,  at
the same  time, be employed efficiently  to  combat.*
             * N. Y. Jour, of Med.  May. 1847.
              12* 
t38
NERVOUS  SYSTEM.
These suggestions are  made  principally with a view
to draw attention  to  a class  of applications which
may well repay  investigation.
  203.- Intermittent  Fever. — Mr.  Luke   Howard,
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 drawing  sparks from the spine at the same
time that they  were received at the epigastric region.
When this was 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,! 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 well-known  principle of the  transfer
of substances in solution by  the electrical  current.
Where a membrane like  the  skin, however,  is inter-  t
posed, it requires a very powerful current to effect
the passage of a substance through it.   If the surface
was  blistered, where  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 way, through the system, is a
subject which 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 were 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 compari-
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 with 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, which generally
increases  the  action of a part, should be used  with
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  was  sometimes  so far
 relieved  by  a  few  shocks, as  to  permit  muscular
 motion  without pain.   He  says, " We do not doubt
 that the forced contraction which 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 drawing 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,* which  was
 cured by galvano-puncture, being one of the earliest
 instances of that treatment.  In the case of the knee,
the  needles were 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  was
used with success at  Guy's Hospital.  Galvanism  is
reported to have acted with efficiency in many cases,
by  superficial  application as  well  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  with  rheumatic  swellings  of the cellular tissue,
especially of the upper extremities.  One conductor
was 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 were 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  swellings 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 two hours,  which had not occurred
for  months  previously.  In three weeks,  the  pain
had completely disappeared, and the movements had
become more free, when the patient  discontinued  its
further use.
  213.  In all rheumatic enlargements, where absorp-
tion  is  to be promoted, the current  of the battery
should be used.
  214.  Periodic  Rheumatism.—A case was related
by M.  Chailly to the  Society of Medicine of Bour-
deaux,* and by them  ordered  to be printed, in which
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, which  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
always 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, which  discharges freely.  Dr.  Koe-
nig !  states  that  he has treated gout  successfully by
galvano-puncture, inserting the  needles  as deep as
possible.
* Revue Med.  Oct. 1835.      t Revue Med.  April, 1830. 
MUCOUS  SECRETION.
143
               SECRETING  ORGANS.

  216.  Torpid Liver. — Where an inactive state of
the liver exists, as a cause or effect of other diseases,
the power 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 which arises from calomel;  a copious bilious
discharge from the bowels  coming  on within 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 withdrawal
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
* Vital 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 suffocated, he
was, at  least  a dozen times,  made  to  breathe with
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-
 ro-magnotic 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 tne 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 would 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. 
DYSPEPSIA.
145
  221.  Tear Glands.—In the treatment of amau-
rosis by Magendie, the stimulation of the tear glands
has been alluded to. (<§> 123.)   In deficient secretion,
this might prove a valuable resource.
  222.  Urinary Secretion.—In both  the deficient
and diseased secretion, electricity would  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 would be employed respectively  when
increased or alterative action was required.
  223.  Suppressed  Perspiration. — The function
of the skin is very readily influenced by galvanism,
either when applied by handles placed near  each
other on  the surface, or when it is passed through a
whole limb.  This will  have been observed under
preceding heads.   In suppressed  perspiration, and all
diseases  in which 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,  where  deficient, has already been
stated. (§ 216.)   Experiments made on  animals, by
* Vital Functions, 2d ed. p. 339.
 13 
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  warmth  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 who 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 shown 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. 
BR0NC HITIS.
147
 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 with 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 powers."   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 weak 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 various directions, or  from the  tongue  to  the
chest; when 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 electrk ity
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,  notwithstanding  some  admixture of a
pus-like  substance, in what  was 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  way.   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 always 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, however improbable,
be  dismissed without a moment's consideration.
Another application to phthisis,  of  which  electricity
* Vital Functions, 2d ed. p. 340.
 13* 
150        diseases  of tissues.

is  always 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,
when 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 wasting of  an organ  by
deficient nutrition,  either from  the want 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 would also be employed
to  advantage, and would 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, with serous
effusion, it  may be  employed with 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 would 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  with
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 with 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
powerful  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,
wherever an  application to the  skin is proper in a
cutaneous disease,  the free  use of electricity with a
soft sponge  handle, moistened with an  appropriate
solution, and swept 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. 
AMEN0RRE <EA.
153
                     UTERINE SYSTEM.

      239.  Amenorrhosa. — 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  we  possess  the  only
    really  direct  emmenagogue which  the experience
    of our profession  has furnished us with.   I do not
    think I have ever known it fail  to excite menstrua-
    tion where the uterus was capable of performing this
    function."   He  says again,! "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 bowels 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 two exceptions, every case in  Guy's Hospital,
    in  which  the general health  was  not too  much
    involved, as by chlorosis, proved successful with 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 were not estab-
    lished in four  or five weeks, he discontinued electri-

              * Lond. Med. Gaz.  June, 1847.
              t Guy's Hospital Reports.  April, 1841. 
154
UTERINE  SYSTEM.
cal  treatment,  and renewed it,  after searching for
and removing the cause  of general derangement.  A
table  of twenty-four  cases is given  by Dr. Bird,  in
which there was no relief in four, who were 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
4. cold.  Twelve  shocks were  passed  through  the
pelvis.  The next morning, the catamenia appeared,
and lasted four days.
  II.  A woman, aged  21, with amenorrhoea 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 day, men-
struation commenced, and continued four days.
  IV.  A girl, aged 18.   Suffering from amenorrhoea
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 
DYSMENORRHCEA.
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 elsewhere 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 were reestablished.
  242.  In amenorrhoea, an admirable mode of appli-
cation is the  hip bath, in which 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 mamma:
aids the development of the function.
  243.  Dysmenorrhea. — Dr. R. McDonnel, in  the
* Lancet.  Jan. 25, 1845. 
156            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.  Leucorrhea.—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-
corrhcea.
   246.  Chlorosis. — The remarks made by Dr. Bird
(§ 239) are the most authoritative which have been
published on  this disease.   Cases, however, are  re-
ported, in which 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, with 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, was therefore an obvious one, and was
suggested by Dr. Ramsbotham in 1834,* and was, at
a later period, introduced into practice by Dr. Thomas
Radford.   It may be observed, that in those cases of
labor to which electricity is  applicable, there is  gen-
erally an abundance of time to procure the simple and
manageable apparatus which is required.
   249.  Dr. Radford,!  speaking of the first case  in
which 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  powerful
contraction of the uterus, and not  only so as regards
its  tonic contraction, but it has  also the  power of
energetically  exciting  alternate  contraction  when
applied  at  intervals."    " The alternate contraction
excited by this agent  is analogous to, and as powerful
as,  that which  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 XI.
t Prov. Med. and Surg. Jour.   Dec. 1844. — Braithewaite, Part XI
              14 
158            UTERINE SYSTEM.

it probable that it may produce one of the other nat-
ural means of suppressing hemorrhage which 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 the 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 were 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 was connected with the other  extremity.
The sponge might  be substituted for the silver ball
Otherwise the ball should be covered with moistened
leather.  The following cases have been published
by Dr. Radford.*
  I.   A woman, in  the  eighth month of pregnancy,
who,  as a consequence  of fright, was seized  with
» Lond. Med. Gaz.  1846. 
labor.                  159
thills 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 was 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 was expelled, and
the uterus contracted  firmly.
  II.  A woman, in labor with her fourth  child, after
the dilatation  of the os uteri and rupture of the mem-
branes, lay without  pains, and with constant hem-
orrhage, for more than  six  hours.*  Dr.  R.  then
employed  galvanism, with 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 powerful  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.!
  * 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 was hardly dilatable, and the
uterus  passive.  Ergot was  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,
with intermissions, with the effect of increasing the
pains and establishing tonic contraction.   The uterus
ceased  to  act  before  delivery,  which was  accom-
plished instrumental!y.  The woman sunk, and died
of exhaustion three days  afterward.   This case was
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 which  slight hemorrhage had taken
place before the time of labor, and a long walk at the
full time had brought on a sudden flow, accompanied
with syncope  and  vomiting.   These symptoms con-
tinuing, and internal hemorrhage being apprehended,
the membranes were ruptured.   The uterus remained
inactive,  and  the  os uteri was undilatable.   Galvan-
ism was  then applied.   The effect upon the uterine
fibres was most decided.   A very energetic tonic con-
traction, which was persistent, immediately took place.
The uterus was felt, as a hard  tumor,  through the
walls of  the abdomen,  and the head of the child was
immediately in contact with the os uteri.   The gen- 
LABOR.
161
eral  effect was 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 two 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 two 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 twins.   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  away 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
was  employed, at  intervals, for  twenty minutes, the
uterus becoming tense, and true pains occurring;  but
these ceased with  the application.   Eight and a half
hours afterwards, 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
woman recovered.   In  this case, the rupture of the
membranes was 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, which
is  not  liable to fail, when severe hemorrhage  has
weakened the vital powers."
  252.  W.  F. Cleveland, Esq.*  gives the  case of a
woman, 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, with very slight
effect.   The alternative was instrumental   delivery
with 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 woman  much
agitated, pulse small and  quick, body covered with
sweat, vagina without 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 was stayed, and the morbid  sensa-
tions  disappeared.  The delivery was 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 without, for about three minutes.   A  strong
and sustained contraction ensued, which was repeated
in six or seven minutes.  The woman rallied,  and in
an hour and three quarters  the  child  was 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. des Sc. Med. Dec. 1847. 
164
UTERINE SYSTEM.
forceps  were finally  employed, to  complete labor.
The woman died subsequently, of accidental hemor-
rhage.   In a fourth  case, of hemorrhage following an
abortion, in the fifth month, consequent on a fall, the
woman, when seen by M. Frank, was in a very alarm-
ing anhaemic 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 was 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 were 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 twenty-four  hours  after
the application.  These experiments were 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 Bird! 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 with
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 which 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, which  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,! 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 was hardly perceptible,
the eyes open  and fixed, the patient's condition that
of insensibility bordering on syncope.  Electro-mag-
netism, as a last  resort, was 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 XHI. 
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 was an  insulated
wire bearing at its extremity a moistened  sponge.
  258.  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 was  threatened, apparently from
irregular nervous supply to the uterus.   Such  cases
would require very  careful  discrimination.   In the
previous cases,  the  electro-magnetic  shocks  were
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  would 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,  which would  be of
* N. 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  were 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 walls
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 well  in the  veins  as
in  the  arteries,  but is less  consistent and higher
colored.   The clot formed in an artery between  two
ligatures, without electricity, is  less  consistent  and
higher colored than  that formed by electro-puncture.
The character of a clot between  two ligatures is not
altered by the cooperation of electro-puncture, which
shows that the power of electricity to produce coagu-
lation is dependent  upon  the  blood while  included
in  the  living  circulation.  Blood drawn from  the
vessels, and subjected to electricity, does not coagu-
late.  The  formation  of  the  clot depends chiefly
upon  the position of the  needles with 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, without cauterizing the arterial tissue,
 or producing grave derangements.   The  hemorrhage,
 on withdrawing the needles,  is  generally from the
 negative pole, and easily arrested  by cold water.
   261. The vital character of the coagulum, formed
 by galvanism, has  been denied elsewhere,* 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, 1845,! 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, was connected with  these
 for ten or  twelve  minutes.  Considerable pain was
 experienced, the pulsations  gradually diminishing to

   * Ranking's Abstract, No. 5.
   t Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  Nov. 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 which the  operation was
unsuccessful, and  in  which 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,!  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  walls  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 APPLICATIONS.

Revue Medicale, of November, 1846, he affirms, in
view 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 Therapeutique   accepts  the practice.*
  264.  Dr. L.  Ciniselli, in the Gazzetta di Milano,
in the early part of 1846,! reports the following case:
A man, aged 70, entered the  hospital at Cremona, in
January, 1846, with a popliteal aneurism of the right
leg. It had commenced in October, and was 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 were passed into the tumor, with
care to  avoid  the trunks and branches of the two
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 with
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  twenty-five
minutes.   The needles,  from the  improper  use of
* Ranking's Abstract, No. 5.
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, with ice,
was applied for six hours, at the end of which time
the tumor pulsated  as  before.   Twenty-four hours
later,  however, 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 week from the operation
he walked 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,  with constitution much  im-
paired by the effects of tropical climate, alcoholic ex-
cesses, and  the venereal virus.  Obstinate vomiting
was 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 was de-
termined  to try the galvanic process.   Compression
below the tumor produced pain and vomiting.  The
pulsations were very strong.  Gold needles, protected
with  shellac, except at the  point, were  introduced
into the tumor.  The current of twelve pairs gradu- 
172       SURGICAL APPLICATIONS.
ally  excited, was allowed  to  pass for  twenty-five
minutes, at the end of which coagulation was 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 was
destroyed, so that a few drops  of blood  escaped, on
withdrawing it.  The patient also showed alarming
prostration.  Reaction having taken place, pulsation
was 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  showing fibres, with
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
was probably too  great, and this may have occasioned
an over-action of the  parts connected with the aneu-
rism.
   266.  M. Restelli, in the Gazzetta Medica 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 were  inserted, as  usual, and connected
with a number of small pairs.   The current passed
* Encyclog. des Sc. Med. Sept. 1847. 
                varicose  veins.            173

 for  twenty minutes, when  the needles were with-
 drawn, the positive  with difficulty, as it  was steel.
 The tumor was without pulsation, as also  the radial
 and cubital arteries.  The following day, the tumor
 had diminished, and was harder; the limb cold, with a
 prickling sensation.  Stimulating frictions were 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 was suggested by Petrequin, for varicose  tu-
 mors,  as well  as aneurisms.   The following  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, was 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 was slightly compressed,
* Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  June, 1847.
    15* 
174       SURGICAL APPLICATIONS.
and four needles inserted in it, and connected succes-
sively with the conductors of a battery of twenty-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 was  much oxydized,
from the improper use of steel,  and with  difficulty
withdrawn.   An  areola also surrounded  it, and the
tissues in contact were  destroyed.   The vein  was
hard, evidently filled with coagulum.   A few hours
after, slight fever  ensued, which was  readily dissi-
pated.   Six days  later, another vein was attacked in
the  same  way, without  any  subsequent  reaction.
The operation was  subsequently resorted  to twice
again, and each time with  entire success.   The sec-
ond case was a man, aged 36, with varices on the left
leg.   The largest of these was successfully obliterated
by the use of two needles and only nine pairs of the
battery.
   269.  M. Bertani, in  the Gazzetta Medica di Mila-
?w,* relates the case of a peasant, aged 36, who had
many and extensive varices in the veins of the lower
extremities, especially those  of the left leg.   Bandages
were applied  above and  below  the  point  of opera-
tion.   A pair of platinum needles were made to pass
through  the same two  varicose veins, and  another
pair  of platinum  needles were  introduced into two
other veins, the points of  the needles always left free
in the second vein.  Another needle was  afterwards
* Encyclog. des Sc. Med.  Aug. 1847. 
INFLAMMATION.
175
 inserted between the two 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 were applied, and the patient slept
 well.   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 with 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  was  applied  to one of
 these.  In ten minutes it diminished in size, and did
 not swell  when the vein was compressed above it.
 Its contents were hard  to the fingers. On the day
 following, the trunk of the saphena was attacked in
 the same way, with twenty-six pairs.   In  the  third
 application, clots  were  obtained, for  two  or  three
 inches,  in the saphena, in quarter of an hour.  In the
 fourth, clots were formed in  a tumor  above, in four
 minutes.   In ten operations, the whole 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  swelling, the size of a goose's  egg, was already
filled  with 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 following distinction in  practice may be readily
arrived  at.  In simple  inflammation, where there is
excess of local  excitement, the  application of elec-
tricity is contra-indicated.   In passive inflammations,
where there is a deficiency of vital action in the af-
fected part,  electricity, on the other hand, is strongly
indicated.   This  includes  the  advanced stages of
most inflammations, when 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
power 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
cedematous  erysipelas,  extending  from  the groin to
the  foot, accompanied with enormous distention.
Other treatment  having proved ineffectual, a feeble
galvanic current was  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 was 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 which peculiar benefit would 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, ? nd the direct appli-
cation to the diseased surface t y 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  drawn from  the  diseased part,
while the patient is seated on the insulating stool, by
means  of  a  pointed rod connected with the rubber
of the machine, and directed from a little distance  to
all  parts of the surface.  The battery may be  em-
ployed with 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 wounds  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. 
178       SURGICAL APPLICATIONS.

It has been the general opinion that  the  negative
pole tends to produce cicatrization,* and with that
view  it  would  be applied to  the  diseased  surface.
Where there is  an open sore, especially of a specific
character, it  is a caution, which, in the present state
of knowledge, at least, should be  regarded,  not  to
pass the  electric current through a  greater extent  of
the sytem than  is necessary, while 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  which has  been
suggested in  connection with  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  walls  of  fistulous
passages.
   276.   Cancerous  Affections.—Dr.  Shuster,  in
immediate connection with  the use of electro-punc-
ture  suggested  above, observes,  " There would  be
nothing  irrational in  attacking cancerous affections in
* Lancet.  Nov. 1834.
t Revue Med. Jan. 1843. 
SCROFULOUS  ULCERS.
179
  the same way."  In the acknowledged 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  with success  to
  syphilitic  sores.  Fluid  conductors  were 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,! from  the  Calcutta  Medical  Society,
  in which Dr.  R.  Tytler applied the negative wire
  of a galvanic series to the surface of a scrofulous  sore
  in front of the trachea  of a native, which had existed
  several  years,  and  defied  all  remedial  treatment.
  Two applications were made,  and the man was dis-
  charged cured in seventeen days.  The dispersion of
  scrofulous tumors of the neck before, as well as after
  ulceration,  has been frequently reported as a result
  of galvanic application.
* Lond. Med. Gaz.  1846.       f 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, was affected with hip complaint, and  elonga-
tion of the right  limb  to the  extent of two  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, which
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 with  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 was able to  walk with freedom.
  280.  White Swelling. — Dr. Hoering relates the
case of a woman, aged 25, who, when four years old,
was  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 was  in an alarming
state, sleepless for  several weeks, 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 was so far relieved  that the patient was  then
able to sleep.   By the fifteenth  day, the limb could
be moved without severe  pain, and it was ascertained
that there was no anchylosis.   The power 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  week.   Applications  were  continued
twice  a  week  till the twenty-fourth week, making
one  hundred and twenty in all.   The patient was
able to walk 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 with advantage in white swelling.
  282.  Tumors.—Petrequin, writing in  connection
with  aneurism, states that  vascular  and erectile tu-
mors, and also sanguineous  tumors, which 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
16 
 182       SURGICAL APPLICATIONS.

 ment, galvanism  may be  resorted to, with  the hcpe
 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 a chemi-
 cal  agent.  The  negative pole was placed in contact
 with a compress moistened with a solution  of iodide
 of potassium, the  compress  resting upon one  side of
 the  tumor.   The positive pole  was placed upon a
 compress  on the  other side of the tumor, moistened
 with 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 :!  A
 man, aged 56, as a consequence of lumbago, by which
 the body was bent forward, was affected with dyspep-
• Revue Med.  May, 1833.      t Revue Med.  April, 1830. 
dropsy  of  articulations.     183
sia, and finally, after exposure to cold, with haemop-
tysis and cedematous swelling of the legs.   The spit-
ting of blood was relieved, but the dropsical affection
extended to the abdominal cavity.   The urine  was
scanty,  throat dry,  pulse frequent,  bowels costive.
Purgatives  and  diuretics  had no good  effect.  The
anasarca finally spread to the  face and hands, and the
abdomen was enormously distended.  Two needles
were then inserted from one eighth to one sixth of an
inch into the walls of the  abdomen, on either side of
the linea alba, and  their  number was  subsequently
increased.  These were 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 was used.  In four weeks,
the oedema and ascites  had greatly diminished, and a
few weeks later the patient  had  perfectly  recovered.
Another patient  was found,  by Dr. Koenig, with
symptoms of hepatitis and ascites.  The inflammatory
tendencies  being  subdued,  the swelling 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 weeks 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.
  288.  Hydrocele. — The  electrical  treatment  of
hydrocele is said to have originated with Dr. Pecchi-
oli,! who was  attached to the  Hospital  of Sienna.
His first  case was a young man who had had a double
hydrocele for three years.  Four needles were intro-
duced into the  scrotum, and the current from a small
battery passed  between them.   This  was continued
five  minutes, acute  pain  in  the  right  testicle being
felt.   In five  hours, the sacs were almost empty;
but towards evening, there was increased action and
reeffusion.   After some days, the experiment was re-
peated, with 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, with  a  single hydrocele.   He caused a small
battery of sixteen pairs to act  upon  the tumor, by
means of two needles, one placed  in the subcutaneous
cellular tissue of  the scrotum, the  other  penetrating
the cavity of the tunica vaginalis.   Two 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
 afterwards, 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.
 Stewart 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 resuk of a long ophthalmia.  Ordinary treat-
 ment  proving ineffectual, electricity was  resorted to.
 Six galvanic pairs, increased to sixty, were employed.
 The  negative  pole was placed upon the  tongue, the
 positive upon  the  closed eyelid.   When the  plates
 were numerous, the current  was intermitted from time
 to time.  The conjunctiva soon became injected, the
 vessels filled with red blood, and  the secretion of
 tears  increased.   The  improvement commenced with
 the first sitting, and in a month the cure was perfect,
 excepting a  slight irregularity in the contour of  the
 pupil, which diminished daily. A similar result was
 obtained in  two  other cases. In  Albugo, or  deep-
 seated opacity of cornea, no effect was  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 was obtained.
  290.  The writer has been  informed  of a case of
* Revue Med.  March, 1844.
  16* 
186       SURGICAL APPLICATIONS.

superficial opacity of  the cornea, successfully treated
by drawing  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 wire of a single galvanic pair
in contact with the surface of the eye, and the nega
tive  pole in contact   with  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 with 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 which ab-
sorption  of the cataract sometimes took place, to some
extent,  as  a consequence  of  inflammation;  but in
others, the result was  decidedly injurious.
  292.  Dr. C. Usiglio % performed acu-puncture three
times for cataract.   A fine  needle, of gold, was con-
nected  with the  positive pole, and  passed  into the
crystalline  lens.  The  negative pole was applied to
the tongue, and only two pairs of plates used.   In the

  * Med.  Zeitung.  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  woman aged 78,  a capsulo-len-
ticular cataract  existed in both eyes, complicated with
slight disease of the conjunctiva, and lachrymal fistula
for twenty-five  years.  The experiment was made on
the right eye. -  This was consequently attacked with
inflammation,  which was  subdued.  Three  months
later, no further application  having been  made, the
eye  had shrunk in volume, the sclerotica was  wrin-
kled, the cornea  flattened  and  opaque.   Complete
blindness remained.   In the second case, that of  a
man, aged 50, similar results were 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 was 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
was 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 will  be inferred.   The  most  important
result at which Dr. Usiglio seems to have  arrived, is
the  readiness with  which absorption may be pro-
moted in various conditions of the eye by the stimu-
lus of electricity.
   294.  Swelled  Articulations. — M. Raciborski,
of Paris, states, in  the  Gazette Medico-Chirurgicale,
" Certain it is,  that  in many cases we  have applied
galvanism, [electro-magnetism,]  with  some success,
even  to painful swellings of  the  knees,  rendering 
188       SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.

walking,  if not  impossible,  at  least very  painful.
Certainly  galvanism did not  cause  the  swelling to
disappear, but  the  pain became  dissipated,  or so
diminished as to allow the patient to walk about."
  295.  Sprains. — M. Raciborski says,  in continua-
tion of the above, " We  cannot  terminate this paper
without signalizing the admirable effects which 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 which retards the cure,
the other symptoms  being usually  promptly dissi-
pated.   He  adds, " Now, just as we have seen in
lumbago, so in sprain, galvanism relieves this  pain
instantly,  and allows  the  patient to  walk 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 with 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. Med. Aug. 1846. 
           SPONTANEOUS  LUXATION.       189

orthopedic establishment  in  June,  1844,  for false
articulation, accompanied  with 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
was used  to bring the bones into a true position, and
electro-magnetism  was  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
twelfth application, absorption was 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   following
case is  given  by Dr. Hoering.*  The patient  was a
girl of 18, who  was  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, where 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 which 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,  however,  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 water, to
  * Dub. Quart. Jour, of Med. Sc.   May, 1847. — Braithewaite,
Part XV. 
           STR ANG*UL ATED  HERNIA.       19J

the action of a battery of one hundred and twenty
pairs.  In  twelve  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 two insulated conductors through  the ure-
thra of a dog, into the bladder.  The dog discovered
no uneasiness, while the bladder  was distended with
warm water, and a pile of one hundred and thirty-five
pairs was connected with the  conductors.   A calculus
attached to two conductors,  was subsequently intro-
duced  into  the bladder  of a bitch, and connected, at
various times,  with a powerful  battery.   On  being
withdrawn, it had lost in weight, and become friable,
as before.   The  animal,  killed a  few days  after,
showed 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 whom 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 whom the experiment was 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 was included between two ligatures, the action
was diminished, but increased in the contiguous  por-
tions.
  304.  Prolapsus Ani. — This disease,  where  it
may properly be  treated by astringents, or by means
calculated to produce organic contraction, comes un-
der the class of those  which may be benefited by the
power 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  were
especially increased when it was 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 LeydeH jar, transmitted from the pit
of the stomach to the back, causes  the diaphragm
to contract  violently, expelling  the  air from  the
lungs with 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, showing the effects  of
galvanic cauterization on a poisoned wound.   In the
* Lond. Med. Gaz.  May, 1847. 
VENES ection.
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,
were placed in contact with the wound of one of the
animals.  Thorough  cauterization  ensued,  and the
eschar  produced was detached the twelfth day.  The
dog so treated had shown  no symptoms of the disease
four  months afterwards.   The  other  dog  showed
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 afterwards, and
had manifested  no symptoms of the disease after more
than four months had  passed.  In  a third  case, two
dogs were  inoculated with the saliva of a rabid dog.
The first was 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 is well known that a fluid,
escaping in drops from a capillary orifice,  may  be
made to flow 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 
194       surgical applications.

and has then  obtained a ready flow 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 well as many other applications of  elec-
tricity of a mechanical or miscellaneous character. 
SUPPLEMENTARY   CHAPTER

       TO THE FIFTH  EDITION.
  308. The first edition of this treatise was prepared
in 1848, to supply the  want, then  beginning to  be
felt,  of  an  impartial  and comprehensive  state-
ment of the principles and facts of Electro-Medical
Application.  In  pursuance of this  object  several
hundred volumes of Medical Journals and Reviews,
in different  languages, issued during the last three
quarters  of  a century,  were examined, and every
published case of the electrical treatment of disease,
whether successful or otherwise, was reported in the
preceding pages.   Laws and methods of application
were deduced from these sources as well as from im-
mediate  observation and the current experience of
electro-medical practice in America.  The book was
therefore original in its classification and foreshad-
owing of laws, and has remained  until the  present
time the most thorough treatise on the subject pub-
lished in this country, if not in the English language.
  309.  The development of electro-medical  science
involves, necessarily, the knowledge of two sciences;
and  this fatality has attended  its pursuit almost  in-
variably, that the practitioners best able to use elec-
tricity have  been ignorant of physiology and  the his-
                                      (195) 
196      SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.

tory of disease, while those most experienced in the
medical profession have been incapable of handling
with discrimination  the protean agent,  electricity.
Two important works have been recently published
in France by distinguished physicians, M. Duchenne,
of Boulogne,* and M. A. Becquerel,f of Paris. Both
of these works contain much valuable medical and
experimental  observation ;  but  their methods  of
using  electricity are  often inadequate, and founded
sometimes on grave misapprehensions  of the nature
of the  agent.  The forms of apparatus, especially in
the first-named work, are objectionable, and very in-
ferior to the . more simple and less costly  apparatus
used in this country.
   310.  In this treatise it will be seen that the writer
has dwelt especially  on the reactions  of  electricity
with the living system in health and disease, and that
much  attention  has  also been given to the forms of
medical electricity, and to the instruments for  its
application, as the success of the treatment depends
largely on the modes of developing and using this
principle.
   311.  Electricity is now commanding  such gen-
eral attention in  Europe, and is passing so  rapidly
into practice as an  essential agent in therapeutics,
that the best service which can be done  to  electro-
medical science is  to  point out  prominently, in
this chapter, the  chief  source of misapprehension

  * " Traite d'Electrisation localisee."  1855.
  f " Traite des Applications de l'Electricite a la Therapeutique
Medicale et Chirurgique."  Paris, 1857. 
FORMS  OF ELECTRICITY.       197
which has  vitiated its theory and paralyzed  its
practice.
  312. Into all electrical currents two elements, quan-
tity and intensity, enter, in infinitely variable propor-
tion, each exerting a different physiological influence,
as well as conferring different physical properties.
Electricity differs from  itself, according as one or
the other of these qualifying elements predominates,
presenting so immense a scale of diversity, that its
extremes  are  almost unrecognizable.   At one  of
these extremes we have the  electrical  spark, whose
quantity is  almost inappreciable, while its intensity
is absolute.  The physiological effect of this is sim-
ple stimulation.   At the other extreme we have the
current from a single galvanic pair, whose quantity
is so enormous as hardly to be comparable with that
of the electric spark, while its intensity is so feeble
as to be unable, under most conditions, to overcome
the  resistance offered to  its passage by the tissues
and fluids of the  body.  By adding to the number
of galvanic pairs, however, we  obtain  a correspond-
ing  increase in intensity, until, in a series of, from
ten to fifty or a hundred pairs, we possess a current
of immense quantity, as well as intensity or energy,
which we can cause  to traverse any nerve, organ,
member,  or  part of the system.  The physiological
effect of this quantity current may be  stated  to be
vital or organic reaction, affecting the  life of the tis-
sues, as well  as  the function  of the  nerves.  The
currents in which intensity predominates  are stimu-
lant  and alterative, chiefly confined in their action
               17* 
198     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.
to the nervous system.  These waken the system
from narcotism, etherization, suspended animation,
and  some  states of  nervous torpor and  paralysis,
while the currents  characterized chiefly by quantity
react with the organs and tissues in a manner imi-
tated or approached by no other agent in nature, in-
creasing  the circulation, even perhaps  to engorge-
ment, if prolonged, raising each organ to its high-
est vital  state, and  developing or quickening its
functions. ♦
  313. Between the extremes of the electric  spark
and the galvanic series we have the induced electro-
magnetic or magneto-electric shocks.   These have
more quantity  and less intensity than the spark, but
still are to be considered as intensity currents, espe-
cially in their  characteristic interrupted or convul-
sive  action.  For the full effect of quantity and  a
continuous current,  the galvanic  battery  must  at
present be used, although the primary current of a
very large  magneto-electric machine may be substi-
tuted to obtain lesser  effects.*   A discovery has
recently  been  made of an instrument called the
Ruhmkorff coil, combining for the first time the high-
est intensity with comparatively large quantity. The
flashes, six  inches or more  in length, thus obtained,
bear more resemblance to  lightning in their energy
than any thing which has  been hitherto obtained.
A modification of this apparatus may perhaps  be
advantageously applied in electro-medicine.
   314.  The successful application of electricity to
* See Davis's Manual of Magnetism, § 458. 
FORMS  OF  ELECTRICITY.       199
the human system  depends, primarily, upon hold-
ing the  balance between these powers of quantity
and intensity, in the currents applied, and adapting
them precisely to existing  vital conditions.   The
correspondence between  electricity and the special
organic  or  vital force has been  already  discussed
(§1).  It is only necessary now to  call attention to
the importance of studying electricity in  its whole
scale of  manifestations, in order to  apply it in strict
accordance with  vital states,  with every  one  of
which it appears to have, not an accidental, but a
specific and corresponding reaction.
  315.   While  electricity is endowed with  these
special  powers in relation to vitality, it has  also
other properties which render its use in therapeutics
eminently safe and easy.   Its full power can be de-
veloped  and withdrawn in an instant.  It is capable
of application to internal  organs and tissues with
the same facility as  to the surface.   It can be sent
through  the body in any linear direction desired.
This is the " localized electricity " on which M. Du-
chenne insists, the principle of which will be found
to have  been  fully  adopted in these pages  some
years previous to Duchenne's publication.  Electrici-
ty can be  modulated and varied indefinitely in its
quality and strength.   It  can be given in a continu-
ous  current or in intermittent  shocks.   It  leaves
nothing behind it in the system.
  316. It has been customary to " try electricity " in
cases of  paralysis or other disease without any idea
or knowledge of its  modulations.   This kind  of 
200     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.

practice has given no systematic  results,  though
sometimes  accidental and  remarkable  cures  have
followed.   These have constituted  the  chief claim
of electricity to  public regard.   No more fruitful or
attractive  field for exploration and domain can offer
itself now to a young practitioner than this new and
opening continent of electro-medical science.  This
may be illustrated by a single example.   Compara-
tively  little use  has  yet been made of the great
power  of the galvanic current continuously  applied
to any organ.  The menstrual function  is the only
one  in which the uses of electricity have been  ex-
tensively  developed, and wTith  unvarying  success,
according to Dr. Golding Bird in  Guy's  Hospital
Reports.   We know (§ 216) that the function of  the
liver is quickened by the battery current  often more
readily than by calomel.  What might not be hoped
from the extended use of galvanism in the  class of
diseases in  this country characterized by a torpid
condition  of the liver?
   317. We have referred to the physiological rela-
tions of   electricity,  to  the different character of
currents,  and to the forms of  medical  electricity.
We have thus passed in review over a part of the
ground more systematically treated in the text here-
tofore. We shall proceed, in the order of the remain-
ing  divisions of this book, to  speak  of recent  im-
provements  and developments in application, al-
though it will  be impossible  to present more than
a general view of the state of medical  electricity
in  a period of so great activity and such general 
FORMS  OF ELECTRICITY.      201
unfolding.   We  shall  endeavor to indicate  to  the
practitioner the latest methods and results.
  318.  The quantity current of the galvanic battery
is  more effective and  powerful than  the induced
magneto-electric   or  electro-magnetic  currents,  or
than the electric machine, in many cases, although
every form of electricity has its  important applica-
tions.  Paralysis of special sensation, and other forms
of paralysis, sometimes yield readily to the battery
after resisting  entirely  the induced currents.  Cor-
responding caution is required in using the galvanic
current.  It increases  organic action, as its first ef-
fect, and where this is inadmissible, the battery can-
not be  employed.  Neither  must it be applied  too
long, so as either to engorge organs or to embarrass
the nerves by over stimulation.
  319.  The question has been revived whether the
direction of the current is of any importance, and
some of the French  practitioners, who, like  Du-
chenne, confine themselves mostly to induced cur-
rents, doubt the  law of Matteucci, (see § 76,)  that
electricity exhausts when sent in the direction of
the ramification  of  the nerves,  but  increases vital
reaction when   sent   in the  opposite  direction.
Where galvanism, or  a really  efficient current, is
used, the law  of Matteucci, cannot be  set aside.
Sometimes  it is useful, in arousing  the system, or
to prevent exhaustion  by an overpowering  monot-
ony of influence, to employ currents rapidly reversed
in direction.  Where there  is a persistent cerebral
lesion, especial care must be taken not to send  the 
202     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.
galvanic current through the nerves in the direction
of the brain.  Indeed, electricity is then wholly in-
applicable.
  320.   The use of the constant battery marks an
era in electro-medicine.  It would be generally im-
possible to employ a galvanic series which required
to be charged every day, and this perhaps explains
its unfrequent employment in  France.  A battery
has been recently  introduced by Mr.  Hall, which
fulfils all- the conditions of an  apparatus for med-
ical use.   This is represented in Fig. 9.
  321.   A series of three pairs are shown in con-
nection.   The outer cup  is of copper,  though  in
an  improved  form it consists  of a glass cylindrical
vessel  enclosing a  copper cylinder.   Within  the
copper cylinder  is a porous cell, a, which  contains
the zinc plate b.  When put into action the  space
between the copper cylinder and the porous cell is
filled with crushed crystals of blue vitriol, and the
porous cell within is filled itself with water.   After 
FORMS  OF  ELECTRICITY.       203
 standing some  hours the water filters through, and
 moistens the sulphate of copper.   The battery then
 is ready to  act, and only requires the  occasional
 addition of water, continuing in good operation for
 several months.
   322.   The  size of the  pairs in such  a battery
 determines the quantity of the current set in motion,
 and also,  under some conditions, the  heating  ef-
 fect ; but this last cannot be considered  as influen-
 tial, in any thermometric sense, within  the body.
 Cups  of from half a pint to three pints may be
 used  conveniently.   They may also be arranged
 in groups of any  given number  so  that two or
 more groups  may be connected collaterally, instead
 of consecutively, by means of a " switch,"  so as to
 increase the quantity at will, instead of the intensity.
   323.   For many applications ten or  fifteen pairs
 of this  battery are abundant; but  in some cases of
 paralysis it would require fifty pairs, and occasion-
 ally, though rarely, a larger number.   The battery
 may be  placed in a closet, and its current brought
 to the office table by means of wires.
  324.   In order  to bring  the  constant battery
within  the grasp  of the  operator with  as  much
facility as the electro-magnetic apparatus, I have
had  a  switch- and key-board  constructed by  Mr.
 Hall for the office  table, which gives entire control
over any number of cups of the battery from one to
one  hundred.  A  plan  of this is  represented  in
Fig. 10.   The galvanic pairs of  the battery are con-
nected in  groups  of ten.  Each   of the first  ten 
204     SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER.

                     Fig. 10.
pairs are connected by wires with the screw cups at
A, and thence under the board with the correspond-
ing divisions of the switch-board B.  The terminal
cups of each  group of ten  are connected  with  the
screw cups at C, and thence under the board with
the corresponding divisions  of the switch-board D.
By this means, if the switch D should be set at the
division  II, and the switch B at the  division 4,
twenty-four cups of the battery would be indicated
as connected  with  the screw cups a, b, communi-
cating with the handles.  E represents a clock-work
electrotome, which, when wound up,  causes  a pen-
dulum, armed with platina,  to vibrate between two
little metallic pillars, making and breaking the circuit
with rapidity.  If E is not brought into action, the
current  may  be broken or closed at  such  intervals
and for such times  as the  operator pleases by ma-
nipulating the telegraph key F.   If it is desired to 
ELECTRO-MAGNETIC APPARATUS.  205
reverse  the current while operating, this is  readily
done  by the pole changer  G.   All these different
methods may be employed, varying the number of
cups  at pleasure without disturbing the handles in
contact with  the patient  or  the connecting wires
screwed into the cups a and b.   H is a rasp.  If the
peculiar  shock of the rasp is desired, the wire is
taken from the  screw  cup b  and drawn over the
rasp at pleasure.
  325.   An  improved  and  very portable  mag-
neto-electric  machine,  furnished  at  a  low  price,
is represented in Fig. 11.  It is  so arranged  that
                    Fig. n.
the induced shocks are all in one direction when the
handle is turned one way, and in the opposite when
it  is turned  in  the  other.  The direction is easi]y
                18 
206     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.

ascertained by the  sensation, according to the rule
in § 46.    The breakpiece  is  also  adjustable,  so
that a feeble  and  continuous primary current can
be obtained instead of  the shocks.   The strength
of the shocks is adjustable to  a  certain extent by
the movable armatures.   The wires and handles are
seen connected with the  box.   It  is made without
belt  or  gearing, and makes little or  no noise  in
operating.
  326.   The   continuous  quantity  current  from
large magneto-electric machines has been employed
lately as an equivalent  for the battery  current  in
telegraphing and electrotyping.   The  striking ma-
chinery of the  twenty-four fire alarm bells of the city
of Boston is liberated by the current from a magneto-
electric  machine.   Where there is any convenient
power at  hand  to  move  such a machine, it can be
substituted  for the  galvanic battery in  electro-med-
icine, though generally at greater expense.
  327.  Fig. 12 represents  an  electro-magnetic ap-
paratus and battery enclosed in a box.   The bat-
tery  is excited by a solution of blue vitriol made  as
in § 20.   It is remarkable that  the batteries de-
scribed in connection with the recent French instru-
ments are all excited by acid, and, in most of them
by nitric acid.   In  M. Duchenne's  instrument there
is a nitric acid battery in the drawer of the electro-
magnetic  apparatus  itself.   This, of course, has
proved in practice destructive by its corrosive fumes
to the apparatus.  The  blue vitriol solution  is not
corrosive, and does not  discharge colors, and  the 
ELECTRO-MAGNETIC APPARATUS.  207

                 Fig. 12.
battery is easily taken care of.   It may be remarked
here that there is, practically, no advantage in gal-
vanometers, rheometers, and other scientific toys, in
connection with  these instruments.   The  simple
American form, as  in  Fig. 12, with the movable
bundle  of wires in the centre  of  the  helix, and  a
vibrating interruptor, seen very distinctly  in  Fig.
13, is much preferable.  (See § 22.)
  328.   M.  Duchenne  and  some  others   have
recommended, for  the production  of the  shock, the
association of  two  inducing helices composed of
wires of different  diameters and  length, with the 
208     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.

idea that distinct  currents  of different'  orders  are
thus obtained.   In another  arrangement, for  the
same purpose, the helix of coarser wire  conveying
the battery  current is  made to form part of  the
circuit through which the secondary helix  discharges
to produce the  shock.  Having  made a  long series
of metrical experiments on the combination of cur-
rents, induced by  helices  of different sizes, I  am
prepared to say unqualifiedly that the resultant cur-
rent in all such cases is a  single, homogeneous cur-
rent through the body, whose quantity is equal to
1 lie sum of the two or more currents combined, and
whose intensity is equal to the average intensity of
the currents.   Any peculiar effect,  therefore, of two
or more combined coils  must be ascribed to accident
or imagination.  The notion  of Duchenne is also
corrected  by De la Rive  in  his recent treatise on
electricity.*
   329.    The diameter  and length  of the  coils
regulate within certain limits the  relative quantity
and intensity of  the induced  current.   Mr. Hall
has  made some   instruments, resembling Fig. 3
in  form,  with  a  single  coarse   wire   helix  of
copper, which  is  both the  battery  coil  and  the
shock-inducing  coil.  In  these the relative propor-
tion of the  quantity to the intensity of  the result-
ant shock is very much greater than in the common
form.   As a  general  remark, the electro-magnetic
machines, as commonly made, may be improved in
efficiency by increasing the  diameter of  the wire of
* Treatise on Electricity, vol. iii. p. 602. 
     E L E C T R 0 - M A G N E T I C  APPARATUS.   209

the secondary coil, and  making  it of copper.   An
electro-magnetic apparatus in a box, containing also
stoppered bottles for the exciting  fluid, and a drawer
for -handles, is represented  in Fig. 13.  In other re-
spects  it resembles the preceding  figure.
                     Fig. 13.
  330.   The  handles  used to  make  contact with
the surfaces or cavities of the body are an essential
part of the means of medical electricity.  In addi-
tion to those before described, (§ 35,)  the  follow-
ing forms deserve to be  noticed.  They all  have a
screw cup  at one extremity, and  a  shank of some
non-conducting material.
               18* 
210     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.
Fig. 15.
  331.  Fig.  14  represents  a       -%• 14«
wire card, backed with metal,
and attached to a wooden shank,
which encloses the rod  making
connection with the screw cup.
This is a new  and very good
handle,  of  French  origin,  to
make contact with the scalp of
the head through the hair, which
is difficult with  any other  han-
dle.   It is  also  employed  by
Duchenne as an electric irritant
or excitant of the skin.
  332.  In  Fig.  15, a is  a
slender  wire handle, which  I
devised for applications to the
meatus  of  the external ear.
The wire  is wound with a lit-
tle piece of cotton flannel, fas-
tened by  a thread.  This is
moistened with salt and water
before  introduction  into  the
ear.  This handle, unlike those
generally  used, produces  no
excoriation,  b is a spatula of
silver, protected with sheet in-
dia rubber,  except at the  ex-
tremity, which  is  laid on  the
back of the tongue, and which I also contrived for
use in connection with the  ear handle, a.  c is a
handle for introduction within  the  rectum  for the
 
MODES  OF APPLICATION.      211
purpose of exciting summarily the peristaltic action
of the intestines.  For this purpose the back of the
neck may be made the other pole of the circuit, by
means of a sponge handle, or the spatula  b may be
used.   If  the spatula is carried far  back  on the
tongue, or a sponge  handle applied to the pharynx,
there is a  tendency  at  once to inverted  action of
the oesophagus  and  emesis.   Care must be taken
in touching the  sides of the  pharynx, as the pneu-
mogastric nerve  may be unpleasantly influenced by
sympathy with the glossopharyngeal.
  333. In  Fig. 16, a, b, and  c are vaginal handles.
                     Fig. 61.
 
212     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.

a  is metallic and plated,  forming a  conducting
surface to the vagina through its whole extent,  b is
insulated  by a  glass  shank, and c  by bone rubber,
except at  the extremity, which is a sponge.  These
two last are particularly applicable  to ulceration of
the os  uteri.  For exciting  the  menstrual function
one of these may be  used, or a  sponge  handle may
be applied to the pubes, with the  opposite handle
in either case, applied to the spine,  d is a flat sponge

                      Fig. 17.
 
MODES  OF  APPLICATION.       213
handle, which may be conveniently applied to the
surface of the body beneath the clothes.
  334.  Fig. 17  represents  a sponge handle de-
vised by Mr. Hall, in which  the insulating portion
is a hemisphere, a, of bone rubber, lined  with foil,
so as to make good conduction between the battery
wire, b, and the sponge, c, which is crowded into
the hemisphere when the handle is in use.   The ad-
vantage  of  this handle  is, that the  sponge can be
taken out, washed, and replaced with perfect ease.
  335.  In Fig. 18,  a is the  shank of a universal
handle, into which a full set of other handles  slide.
The  upper extremity constitutes also a cylinder han-
                     Fig. 18.
 
214     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.

die, which may be grasped by the hand,  b is the
ear handle ; c, the spatula for the tongue ;  d, handle
for the rectum; e, for  the vagina ; /, a flat sponge;
g, a full sponge ; h, the electrical eye bath.
   336.  A very valuable method  of  application,
now much in use, is the  conduction of the current
to the diseased  part by  the hand of the  operator.
(See § 38.)  It is not in our province to inquire here
how far any vital influence accompanies the electri-
cal influence  in this case  ; but the  most successful
electro-medical practitioners have been those, per-
haps, using this method.  A friend  who acts in this
way informs  me that he habitually experienced ex-
haustion when  making his hand the negative pole
or distributor of the  electro-magnetic  shocks, but
never on making himself the positive conductor.
   337.   Recently much attention has been  drawn
to the general or local  bath as  a means of applying
galvanism.   This use  will be  found to have  been
fully anticipated in the preceding pages, § 39.   The
eye bath  (Fig. 8)  there figured,  as  well  as  above,
is  an instrument of my construction, first described
here, which has passed into European practice.
   338.   The   common method  of  administering
electric baths is to place the  patient in a bathing
tub containing water slightly acidulated, or a weak
saline solution.  The tub should be either  of wood,
gutta  percha, or  some substance not  liable  to  be
attacked by the  solution under the  influence of the
electric current.   The patient's hands are made to
grasp a bar covered with wet cloth  above the bath, 
MODES  OF APPLICATION.      215
which bar communicates with one pole of the  gal-
vanic  battery.  The other pole is introduced  into
the bath in the form of a plate of metal or handle,
which exercises an influence over different parts of
the  body in  proportion  to  its  nearness  to them.
The  galvanic current  can thus  be  easily concen-
trated on any part of the body, or may be more or
less diffused in its ingress or egress.
   339.  Unless  the  metallic conductors  or han-
dles  which  convey  the battery current  to   the
fluids of the bath are made of platina, or some un-
oxidizable material, they are liable to be attacked,
and a portion of metal dissolved and carried  into
the bath, under the influence of the electric current.
A metallic bath-tub has been sometimes used, and
made itself to serve as one pole of the battery.  This
is obviously improper,  unless the whole tub should
be made of an unoxidizable metal.
   340.  The  battery current used  in these baths
has  been obtained frequently  from ten, twenty, or
even thirty  Grove's cups.  Under such heroip treat-
ment very  powerful  effects  have sometimes been
obtained, and rheumatic and paralytic affections of
long  standing have been broken up.  But  I have
also seen cases in which severe and prolonged neu-
ralgia and  nervous prostration  have followed  the
indiscreet use of the electric bath.  In the hands of
a judicious practitioner it is one of the most efficient
means of applying electricity generally or  locally.
(See § 39.)   An extended series of the constant sul-
phate of copper battery (Fig. 9)  may be substitut- 
216     SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER.
ed for the Grove's battery,  requiring, however, two
or three times the number of cups.
  341.  It has been sometimes claimed for  these
baths that they will dissolve and  remove from  the
animal  system metallic poisons therein contained.
The transfer of substances  under  the influence  of
galvanism through membranes or tissues  offering
much less resistance than  those  of the body, is a
process  of  great  difficulty, and  requiring  much
time and  power.  It is sufficient to say that,  at the
most, no  notable quantity of a metallic salt  could
be removed from the system without subjecting the
organism  to currents whose energy  and  duration
would exercise a controlling and  probably destruc-
tive influence over the vital  functions, and, perhaps,
the tissues  themselves.   Where lead or other min-
eral  substances are precipitated under the cuticle or
detained in the pores of the skin, the  electric bath
may readily dissolve them, and thus give rise  to the
idea that they are removed from the interior of the
system.
  342.  Galvanic belts  have been introduced into
practice, consisting of two  metals, in electric con-
nection, worn  next to the  skin, and  discharging
through the  intervening or  neighboring tissues and
organs  of the  body.  Unlike those referred  to  in
§ 44, these  give  an  appreciable,  though  feeble
constant  current, and some testimony  has been ad-
duced to show their efficacy in  chronic  affections, as
rheumatism, neuralgia,  dyspepsia.   The  chain of
Pulvermacher  consists  of numerous pairs of zinc 
SPECIAL APPLICATIONS.      217
and copper, which, when dipped for a moment in
dilute acid, then  grasped by the extremities in both
hands   and  shaken,  produces  sensible  galvanic
shocks of minute quantity.   This may also be worn
as a belt; but  it is  to  be regarded rather as a toy
than a medical instrument.   Where the metals of a
galvanic pair touch the body, silver should be used
instead of copper, which is liable to poison the skin,
and the place  of contact should be changed from
time to time, to avoid too great irritation under the
zinc surface.
   343.  Nervous  deafness,  or  auditory   paralysis,
is treated by M. Duchenne by placing the patient
on his side and filling the meatus auditorius half full
of water.  Into this, but not touching the  mem-
branes  of the ear, a wire is  introduced, conveying
electro-magnetic  shocks to the ear  bath.   The other
wire of the electro-magnetic apparatus is connected
with a moistened sponge handle applied to the nape
of the neck.   Entire success is stated sometimes to
have been achieved by  this treatment.  Becquerel
states  that electro-magnetism  has no real effect in
nervous  deafness which is essential,  not merely
symptomatic.  After prolonged  experiment I have
never seen any benefit in this form of paralysis from
the electro-magnetic shocks.
  344.  This conclusion  led  me, in 1848, to use
the direct galvanic current of from one to twelve
pairs in  auditory paralysis.   The positive wire  of
the battery was connected with the ear handle, Fig.
15, a,  and the negative  wire successively with a
               19 
218     SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER.

cylinder  handle held in the hand, with  a  sponge
handle applied to the nape of the neck, and with
the spatula, Fig. 15, b, placed far back on the tongue.
I found at once  that the continuous current of the
battery entering at the ear produced a  condition
which tended towards syncope  or unconsciousness,
but which  was recovered from  easily without gen-
eral apparent injury.  I therefore withdrew the neg-
ative  wire from permanent connection with the bat-
tery,  and  made the application always afterwards
by touching the wire momentarily to the cups, in-
cluding first  only  two or three in the circuit, and
gradually increasing the number  up to twelve, ac-
cording to the endurance of the patient.  The ap-
plication consisted thus, for fifteen or  twenty min-
utes,  of rapid intermittent shocks, with occasional
entire cessations, never  using the continuous cur-
rent.  Patients who showed no improvement under
electro-magnetism gained rapidly  and at once un-
der this  treatment.   My  friend,  Dr.  Edward H.
Clarke, of Boston, who has tried  this method, al-
lows  me to say that while  he  has never  seen any
advantage from electro-magnetism in nervous deaf-
ness,  he has  occasionally  seen  a notable improve-
ment  follow this use of  the battery.
  345.  I   believe that  in  all paralysis of  special
sensation the  galvanic current will be found much
the most efficacious.  Even M. Duchenne  speaks of
the special  power of the galvanic  current to excite
the retina, — a power which requires caution  in its
development, but  which conducts sometimes to  a 
SPECIAL APPLICATIONS.      219
 favorable issue in amaurosis.  I have seen a decided
 gain in a partially amaurotic  eye connected with
 nervous deafness on the same side.  In this case the
 positive sponge handle,  moistened  with salt  and
 water,  (as is necessary where galvanic currents of
 low intensity are used,) was placed over the closed
 lids of  the eye, and the negative sponge handle was
 placed  on the  back of the neck.  My electric  eye
 bath, (Fig.  8,)  may  be  used with  advantage   in
 the same application.  Where any  organic lesion
 exists in connection with amaurosis, of course elec-
 tricity  is inapplicable.  In ophthalmic inflammation,
 electricity acts with remarkable efficiency and mild-
 ness, always benefiting, except, perhaps, in the early
 stages.   Both galvanism  and electro-magnetism, ap-
 plied as above,  are useful  here, but especially  the
 former.
   346.   Aphonia is  often  relieved  by galvanism
 either  applied  directly by a small sponge handle
 or  olive-shaped  metallic handle,  to  the  pharynx,
 (avoiding the sides,)   or by passing  the  current
 through and through the throat from without.   M.
 Duchenne  has  succeeded with electro-magnetism.
 Golding Bird states that he has  known the voice
 almost  immediately to  return by insulating  the
 patient, and  drawing sparks from the region of the
 larynx.   In  this  connection  I will mention  the  re-
 markable efficiency of  galvanism in chronic inflam-
mation  of the throat.   The battery current may be
sent through  the throat from the outside in differ-
ent directions by means  of two  sponge  handles. 
220     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.
Where  there  is  an  inactive state  of the mucous
membrane,  and an  accumulation of  adherent mu-
cus, it is sometinies instantly started by the gal-
vanic current.  Twelve pairs is usually sufficient to
effect this.   There is every reason to expect decided
benefit from the same  application  in membranous
or other croup.
  347.   Tonic  and clonic   convulsions,  not  pro-
ceeding from any existing lesion,  have  been  sub-
dued, for the time, at least, according to  Becquerel,
both by continuous  and induced currents.   Many
cures of epilepsy have been  lately reported, though
without  sufficient  detail.    In this disease,  it  is
certainly desirable to give to  electricity  the fullest
trial.  M. Person is stated to have  passed the cur-
rent from the  epigastrium to the first cervical verte-
bra by means of electro-puncture  needles.    The
patient, a girl of twelve, epileptic for six years, re-
covered.*  The continuous current of the battery
cautiously applied is most to be relied on in these
cases, as well as in catalepsy and hysteria.
  348.   Neuralgia  yields  readily  in many  cases
to galvanism, and also to electro-magnetism passed
through the  seat of pain.   In using the  galvanic
battery for nervous  deafness, Dr. E.  H.  Clarke in-
forms me that he has  seen  neuralgic affections  of
the head,  which  were  favorably  influenced, and
which  sometimes    disappeared  altogether.   M.
Duchenne reports a cure of  angina pectoris by the
powerful  application of  electro-magnetic shocks
* Becquerel Traite, p. 248. 
SPECIAL  APPLICATIONS.       221
applied, during the  attack, to the mammary region
and upper part of the sternum in such  manner as
to excite the skin powerfully.   (See § 358.)
   349.  Nervous headache yields  often readily to
the  sponge handles connected with a few cups of
the galvanic battery, the positive sponge placed on
the  forehead, and the negative at the nape of the
neck.   Dr.  Daniel  Parker, of Billerica, informs me
that he applies electro-magnetism  successfully  by
one sponge on the forehead, temples, or  top of the
head, and  the other at the gastric region.   The pit
of the  stomach may often thus  be substituted for
the  back  of the neck, especially in applications
where we  may suppose that the stomach, liver, or
uterine system  is involved  as a cause of disturbance
in the special affection we  are treating.
   350.  Dr.  E. H. Clarke informs me of the case
of a middle-aged man  of  sedentary habits  and oc-
cupation, who is liable to severe  sick  headaches,
especially after public speaking, or when his di-
gestion is not good, who has obtained repeated and
speedy  relief from  electro-magnetism, one handle
being grasped  in his hand, the other handle  being
applied to  the epigastrium.   The  headache was
alleviated  in ten minutes, and in twenty the re-
lief was complete.
  351.  Cases  are continually occurring  of the suc-
cessful  use of eleetro-magnetism  in narcotism  or
suspended animation.  No  other  vital stimulant is
comparable to   it in  these  cases.  M.  Duchenne
states that artificial respiration may be produced by
                19* 
222     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.
the  alternate application and  withdrawal of  the
poles of any powerful electro-magnetic apparatus
to the spot where the phrenic nerve passes the  an-
terior scalenus muscle on each side.   " The instant
that the current is passed, the lower ribs expand, the
abdominal walls rise, and air  rushes with  sound
into the  lungs.   After a  second or two the current
is broken,  the walls  of the chest subside, and  ex-
piration  takes place," * which may be  assisted by
external pressure.
  352.  No  use of  galvanic electricity,  perhaps,
gives greater or  more immediate  relief than that in
asthma, which is described § 174.
  353.  Dr.  Geo. B. Wood, quoting largely from
M. Duchenne, says, " In the neuralgic form rheuma-
tism will often yield with great  facility to the elec-
tric  influence ; and it is probable that many of  the
cases  treated  successfully  under  the   names  of
neuralgia,  sciatica, angina pectoris, &c, have been
either of  tkis  character  or gouty.   But  ordinary
muscular  subacute rheumatism, such as  lumbago,
pleurodynia,  torticollis,  [wry-neck,]  &c,  will also
frequently yield  to the remedy as a charm.  Some-
times  a  single-  faridization of the skin [irritating
application of electro-magnetism] is sufficient to
effect a cure ;  but more frequently the pain returns,
and  five or  six applications  may be necessary for
the purpose.  It should  not  be  abandoned till  the
last vestige of pain has been  removed.  Rheumatic
* Wood's Therapeutics and Pharmacology, vol. i. p. 547. 
          SPECIAL  APPLICATIONS.       223

arthralgia will also  often  yield  happily  to  the
remedy.   To acute inflammatory rheumatism  it is
wholly inapplicable.  *  *  *  Rheumatic contraction
of the muscles, which not  unfrequently affects the
face,  neck,  shoulder, and  parts of the chest, and
which has  a very  disagreeable  distorting  effect,
will generally yield to this  remedy applied  to the
skin." *
  354.   Dr.  Golding  Bird  states  that he has re-
duced rheumatic effusion in the joints by insulating
the patient, and  " drawing  strong  sparks from the
joint, till the skin becomes red and papulated." f
  355.   Dr.  Edward  H. Clarke  informs me  that
he has known a rheumatic joint, which had been so
stiff as to admit  of scarcely any motion, become
moderately flexible under the influence  of a strong
local  electric bath ;  but he does not know how per-
manent the relief  continued.
  356.   Becquerel gives a detailed statement  of a
case $ in which he recalled the  secretion of milk  to
the left breast of a young woman, from which it had
disappeared almost  entirely  eleven days previously.
The electro-magnetic  shocks were passed by  means
of sponge handles through  the breast from side  to
side,  in  different  directions, for fifteen  minutes  at
each  of three sessions.  The milk began to  return
after  the  first application, and  it continued  abun-
dant after the third.
* "Wood's Therapeutics and Pharmacology, vol. i. p. 550.
t Lectures by Golding Bird, Philadelphia, 1854, p. 187.
% A. Becquerel, Traite des Applications, &c, p. 292. 
224    SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.

  357.  Dr. Daniel  Parker,  of Billerica, who  has
used  electro-magnetism  extensively,  informs  me
that he relies upon it  in congested states  of the
lungs and bowels, applying it both generally and
locally at the same time by means of four wires,
two  positive and two negative, proceeding from the
electro-magnetic apparatus.  This method of divid-
ing currents, or sending them in different directions
at  the  same  time, deserves  consideration.   Dr.
Parker states that  in cases of cholera and dysentery
he has seen the  pain  subside  speedily under this
treatment.   He  also states that he has never  seen
any thing act so kindly on sore, inflamed, and ulcer-
ated lungs.  This is supported by the  peculiarly
favorable action  of galvanism on chronic inflamma-
tion  of the  throat, already referred to, and on  mu-
cous surfaces generally.   Galvanism, however, can-
not be used in most cases of  acute inflammation,
while the electro-magnetic current may still be avail-
able.  Dr.  Parker  states that he  has  used  electro-
magnetism with invariable benefit in typhoid fever,
in measles and scarlet fever.  In the latter disease he
places one  positive  handle  in  the hand of the pa-
tient, applies  another positive  sponge to the back
of the neck, one negative handle  to  the feet, and
the other negative sponge he passes over the  gastric
region and  about the throat, continuing the opera-
tion for  about fifteen  minutes.  Three or four ap-
plications are sometimes required, and the recovery
is complete, no bad  effects remaining  in ear, eyes,
or lungs, or any  ascitical difficulties. 
            SPECIAL  APPLICATIONS.      225

   358.  The action of electricity upon the skin opens
 one  of  the most important chapters of its applica-
 tion.  As a revulsive agent  it  may be  employed
 to stimulate the skin to its  highest vascular  con-
 dition,  even to  inflammation.  A galvanic current
 of large quantity acts very powerfully on the  sur-
 face, especially under the bandle at which the elec-
 tricity leaves the system.   M. Duchenne's method of
 exciting the surface by the use of electro-magnetism
 consists in drying the skin artificially by lycopodium
 or other absorbent  powder, which concentrates the
 electric  current at its point of entrance or departure,
 and  produces  great excitement of the  skin.  In so
 far  as the influence is  peculiar  in this case, it  is
 simply  due to  the revulsive action.   Duchenne
 seems to think that the electricity so applied is direct-
 ed to the surface exclusively and  does  not obey its
 invariable law  of transmission  through the  deep-
 seated tissues or organs which lie  most  nearly in a
 straight  line between the poles  or handles through
 which the current enters or leaves the system.  By
 using moist conductors,  or by moistening the skin,
 the current is diffused at the  point of entrance or
 departure, and  exerts a less intense effect on particu-
 lar points of the skin.   The  effects of the electric
 bath or of the  moist sponge are very decided upon
 diseased  surfaces.   The  influence of electricity in
 ophthalmia has already been referred to.  In erysip-
 elas it is very effective.
  359.   Dr. Daniel  Parker reports electro-magnet-
ism as highly efficient in ulceration  of the os  uteri, 
226     SUPPLEMENTARY.  CHAPTER.
and in promoting absorption or resolution of uterine
tumors.  Its influence  upon a tumor like the com-
mon boil is very marked, promoting  suppuration  or
discussion  at an early day.
  360.  In his  "  Localized Electricity"  M. Du-
chenne has dwelt  upon the  importance of being
able to exercise  or call into action each separate
muscle.  The handles used for this purpose may be
sponges; or, for small muscles, like those of the
face, or intercostals, or for deep-seated muscles, con-
ical  metallic  conductors,  covered with moistened
leather.  They should be placed  from one to four
inches apart over the course of the muscle which it
is proposed to  excite.  The following observations
on this subject are credited  by Dr. Wood in general
terms  to the work of M. Duchenne : * " The influ-
ence is never  to be directed to the tendons.  To
act on a muscle duly, its  whole surface  must be
covered;  and consequently, if this is large, the ex-
citors [surface conductors] must be moved from point
to point successively, until the  purpose has been
accomplished.  The  muscle is known  to  be con-
tracting by its  firmness or hardness under the fingers,
and it often happens that one part of a single mus-
cle will be relaxed, while another contracts.  The
thicker the muscle, the more  intense  must be the
current applied.  In  the face it is difficult to  avoid
affecting the nerves so abundantly distributed over
it.  One of these is known to be touched when the
* Wood's Therapeutics and Pharmacology, vol. i. p. 527. 
          SPECIAL  APPLICATIONS.       227

contraction extends to  several  muscles simultane-
ously.   Should this happen, the excitors should be
moved  a very short distance from the point until
the effect is no longer produced."  " When a muscle,
on account of its  depth, cannot be reached directly
by the electric influence, it may be excited by means
of its supplying nerve.   The  excitement of a nerve
or of a muscle always produces, in the healthy state,
both a  sensation  and a contraction.  But the  sus-
ceptibility of  different  nerves and muscles is very
different in degree; and  a force which will affect
one but slightly,  will,  on another, act with great
energy.   Again: while one  part is unusually ex-
citable  in  relation to contractility, another is more
so in relation to sensibility.  It is against the latter
that the operator must be  particularly on his guard,
prepared to  diminish the force of the instrument
when the influence becomes excessive.   Sometimes
the sensibility to pain is so great as to  preclude this
method of electrization.   It is apt to be particularly
strong in the muscles  of the face, supplied by the
fifth pair.  The excitor  should never be placed over
the  points corresponding with the suborbitar or
mental   nerve;  and the  excitation  of the frontal
nerve produces  severe pain, which radiates through
the head.  The muscles of the eyelid, of the alae nasi,
and of the upper and lower lips are peculiarly sus-
ceptible.   Of the muscles  of the neck, the platysma
myoides, the upper half of the  sterno mastoid, and
the external edge of the upper half of the trapezius,
are much more excitable than the remainder.  The
t 
228     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.
great pectoral and the muscles of the subspinal fossa
are rather sensitive, the deltoid  and muscles  of the
arms somewhat less, the anterior being much more
so than  the posterior.  The long dorsal  and the
sacro-lumbar are but slightly sensitive.  The gluteal
and  fascia lata muscles are very much so, compared
with those on the outer and posterior parts of the
thigh ; those of the internal crural region  more so
than those of the  external.   The  posterior muscles
of the leg are but slightly sensitive, compared with
the anterior and external."
  361. Electro-magnetism  has  been applied suc-
cessfully for the production of uterine contraction in
an increasing number  of cases.  In amenorrhoea, the
shock of the Leyden jar, the electro-magnetic shocks,
and  the  galvanic current, have  all been employed
with the greatest success.
  362. Dr. Edward H. Clarke informs me of the case
of a woman who suffered several years from profuse
levcorrhasa.   She  had partial prolapsus uteri, with
a congested os uteri, liable to attacks of ulceration.
Occasionally there was profuse  purulent discharge
from Ihe  cavity of the uterus.   She was  subjected
to treatment for a long time.  Various applications,
local and general, were made,  and, on the  whole,
she  improved.  Still  the leucorrhoea continued as
profuse as ever.   Electricity was tried by means of
a bath.   The water serving to  conduct the electric
current was brought  in contact with the os uteri
through a speculum in the vagina.  While the parts
were subjected to the influence of the  battery, a 
SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.     229
most copious discharge poured out of the vagina.
After five or six applications the leucorrhoea  sub-
sided altogether,  and did  not reappear for nearly
three months.   It then came on again, and a repeti-
tion of  the use of the battery was not followed  by a
similar  cessation of the discharge.   The use of  elec-
tricity in  uterine  ulceration has already  been re-
ferred to.
  363.  Invagination  of the intestine  and strangu-
lated hernia are both reported  as having been suc-
cessfully treated by introducing one conductor  into
the rectum, and applying the other over the muscles
of the abdomen or tumor.   The  second conductor
has been sometimes applied to the cardiac orifice of
the stomach, by being made of proper form, and be-
ing introduced into the oesophagus.
  364.  Galvano-cautery.—The power of a  gal-
vanic current to heat  a platina wire, through which
it passes, to incandescence, has been made by Mid-
deldorpf, of Breslau, the basis of  an important  sur-
gical application, which is illustrated  in a volume
devoted to this process.*  The current of a  Grove's
battery  of from one to four pairs is employed.  A
double cannula of wood or other insulating material
is used, through which two copper conducting wires
pass, which are connected at their extremities by a
loop of  comparatively fine platina wire.  When the
battery  is connected  through the copper wires, the
platina  loop becomes heated, according to the quan-
 * " Die galvano-caustik, ein Beitrag zur operativen medicin, von
Dr. Albrecht Theodor Middeldorpf."  Breslau.  1854.
                20 
2:30    SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER.
tity  of the current,  passing gradually  through the
whole thermometric scale, even up to the melting
point of platina.  The loop can  be made of any
shape desired, and
when incandescent
can  be used  as  a
knife to burn a path
through     tissues
which it is desirable
to remove. The pa-
tient, being subject-
ed to ether, experi-
ences no  suffering.
Amputations   and
extirpations,  where
actual cautery is de-
sired, on account  of
the danger of hem-
orrhage,   or   other
causes, can readily
be accomplished by
this  method.
  365.   Fig.   19,
represents the gal-
vano-caustic   knife,
as adapted by Mr.
Hall.  The loop  of
platina is  seen at a.
The  handle, b, is of
ivory,   containing
two channels for the separate conducting wires,  d
 
SURGICAL  APPLICATIONS.     231
 is a block containing two screw cups for the battery
 Wires, between which and the handle, b, are two very
 flexible and insulated conductors, to give scope for
 the freest motion to the hand of the  operator ;  e is a
 slide, by which the current can  be connected or dis
 connected with the loop by the finger of the  oper-
 ator.
   366.  This  instrument has  been used  success-
 fully in  surgical practice in Boston.   It has  been
 found  by experimenters here  that the incandes-
 cent platina cuts through bones as  well as through
 the  soft tissues; and  it carries  its own light where
 the operation is in a deep cavity.  It is  important to
 graduate the size of the battery to the size of  the
 platina wire, and  to the operation to be performed,
 in order to have a sufficiency of heat, and yet  not
 too much, or at any rate not to fuse the platina wire.
   367.  The battery hitherto usually employed has
 been a Bunsen battery of  from  one  to four  pairs.
 A battery avoiding the  use of nitric acid would be
 better if it  can be  obtained of  sufficient quantity
 without being too cumbrous.
   368.  The galvano-caustic ligature,  as made  by
 Mr.  Hall, is represented  in Fig. 20.  Here the loop
 of platina, a, after being placed over  a tumor, can be
 ignited, and then drawn  tight by the cross handle, b,
 so as to burn its way through the enclosed tissues.
 The  current  is thrown on  or off by means of  the
 slide, c, as in the previous instrument.   The flexible
conductors and screw cups are also seen in the  same
relative position as in Fig. 19.   A small cauterizing 
232
SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER
instrument  for den-
tists' use   is  rep-
resented  at  e,  in
Fig. 20.  The loop
should   be   more
pointed  or   com-
pressed than in the
cut, so that it can
be  introduced into
the cavity of a tooth.
The battery current
is  connected with
the coil by means of
a  little  spring,  /,
which can  be oper-
ated by one finger.
   369.  In  pass-
ing the direct cur-
rent, of  from four
to  twelve  galvanic
pairs,  through the
head, in an applica-
tion for auditory pa-
ralysis,  in  1849,  I
found that a peculiar faintness and loss of conscious-
ness,  more  or less complete, was induced; and I
have  since repeatedly made the same observation.
Dr. Edward H. Clarke, in making the same applica-
tion, obtained the  result, more  recently, in a single
case, of complete unconsciousness and insensibility,
which was speedily recovered from when the appli-
cation was suspended, without any ill result.  This
 
PAINLESS  SURGERY.         233
suggests the use of the galvanic current as a gen-
eral anEesthetic agent.
  370.   The numbing effect  of a  rapid  succession
of  electro-magnetic  shocks  is a  matter of  com-
mon experience.  Dr. Parker, of  Billerica, informs
me that in two cases of strangury of long contin-
uance, and characterized by great sensitiveness, he
succeeded  in  introducing, with little pain or incon-
venience, a catheter  enclosing a  conducting  wire,
which protruded for a short distance beyond the in-
ner orifice of the catheter,  and which conveyed the
electro-magnetic shocks  to the sensitive  urethra.
Dr. Parker also states that he has been able to com-
press very sensitive boils, with slight  pain, by ap-
plying, on opposite sides, the two sponge handles con-
nected with an electro-magnetic instrument in action.
  371.   In 1857, slight but rapid  electro-magnetic
shocks  were  applied by  my  friend, Mr.  Moses
G.  Farmer, of Salem, by means  of a little clamp
handle, directly to an aching  tooth, with immediate
and entire relief.  The relief in neuralgia  is some-
times apparently of the same character.
  372.  All  these anaesthetic  phenomena are of
interest  in  connection with  a  still   more recent
discovery.   On  May 25,  1858, a patent was issued
to Jerome B. Francis of Philadelphia,* for the com-
bination of a dental  forceps  with  an electro-mag-
netic or other apparatus for generating electricity
for the extraction of teeth without  pain.
* Assigned to James J. Clark.
  20* 
234     SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER.
  373.   In  this  important  application  of elec-
tricity to the production  of local  anaesthesia, the
patient grasps one handle, preferably  the  positive,
(§ 70,) of the electro-magnetic apparatus shown  in
Fig. 3.   The other wire is connected  directly with
the forceps  of the  dentist, which grasps the tooth.
The  electro-magnetic apparatus  is adjusted  and
graduated so  as  to  give  very  rapid  and  rather
slight shocks,  (§ 24, 25.)   The  extraction, under
these circumstances, is effected without  pain  in
most cases,  the external and internal  nerves of the
tooth being paralyzed  by the current.  An occa-
sional cause of failure is the contact of the forceps
with  the  lips, cheek, or gums of the patient.  It is
desirable, for the sake of entire security, to insulate
all  parts  of the forceps except the  inside  of its
jaws, where they grasp the tooth.
  374.    As it is not desirable that the  electro-
magnetic shocks should pass until the  forceps is ad-
justed on the  tooth, a key (Fig. 21)   is interposed
between the electro-             Fi  21_
magnetic apparatus
and the handle held
by the patient. This
interrupts the circuit,
unless  the  knob  is
pressed down, which
may be  done by the
hand or  foot of the
operator, or by the  pressure of his person against
the chair or table.  Where  it is to be depressed by
 
PAINLESS  SURGERY.         235
 the  foot, it  may be made like  a pedal.   The key
 may also be made with a spring and catch, which
 last is disengaged  by a  slight motion of the  oper-
 ator, and which  then closes the circuit permanently
 until the tooth is extracted.
   375.   As the.   sulphate  of       Fig.il.
 copper battery,  shown  also  in
 Fig. 3, requires frequent clean-
 ing, the Smee's battery, of large
 size  (Fig. 22)  is  preferable for
 dentists' use.    This  will  keep
 in  operation  several  weeks  or
 months without attention,  ex-
 cept to add water  to compen-
 sate evaporation.  Z Z represent
 two amalgamated   zinc  plates,
 between which a platinized silver
 plate is suspended.   The wires
 to the electro-magnetic machine proceed from the
-two screw cups  seen in the figure.   The containing
 vessel is glass,  and the  fluid  used is water  acid-
 ulated with  from one tenth to one twentieth part
 of sulphuric acid.
   376.   A  committee of  the Franklin  Institute
 of Philadelphia  * reported,  April 8, 1858, that one
 hundred and sixty-four  teeth  had  been  extracted
 by this  process in their presence, with no pain in a
 large majority of cases ; the exceptions being where
 there was much disease, (the forceps probably touch-
 ing the gums.)  A  member of the committee, Dr.
* American Journal of Dental Science, July, 1858. 
236     SUPPLEMENTARY  CHAPTER.

W. S. Wilkinson,  reported  having  extracted  be-
tween  four  and five hundred teeth with entire suc-
cess in ninety-five per cent, of the cases.
  377.  Many anaesthetic uses  will suggest them-
selves  in connection  with  this  application.   A
clamp  placed upon a  tooth during the process of
" filling " might be effective in deadening the sensi-
bility.   Statements have been made already of the
painless opening of tumors in which the knife was
made one of the conductors of the electro-magnetic
apparatus.   Another  method  of producing  an-
aesthesia for surgical operations is that employed by
Dr. Parker,  (§ 370.) in which  the torrent  of elec-
tro-magnetic shocks is passed, by means  of sponge
or other handles, directly through the part to be oper-
ated upon.
  378.  It  will  be  observed,   from   the   review
which  has thus been made of the  progress  of elec-
tro-medicine during the last ten years, that some
new applications have been discovered,  and some
former ones, which were in doubt, have  been con-
firmed. Dr. George  B.  Wood, of  Philadelphia,
gives electricity a place among diffusible stimulants,
in an elaborate article from which we have quoted,
in  his work on  therapeutics  and pharmacology.
Even this, however, will not cover the whole ground.
Electricity is entering, year by year, more extensively
into medical practice, and is to become one of the
most universal and important of therapeutic agents.
Boston, October, 1858. 
INDEX.
Absorption, Promotion of,..........................................50
Albugo...........................................................185
Alterative  Action,..............................................44, 48
Amaurosis.........................................................87
Amenorrhoea,.........................................68, 127, 130, 153
Anaesthesia,.......................................................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 Paralysis,................................................93
Back, Weakness of,..............................................190
Baldness,.........................................................152
Bath, Electric Air,................................................14
               Eye................................................35
  "     "     Water,.............................................34
Battery, Galvanic,..........................................15, 17, 19
Bronchitis,.......................................................147
Calculus,.........................................................190
Callus,...........................................................188
Cancer,..........................................................178
Capillary Circulation,..............................................50
Catalepsy,........................................................128
Cataract,.........................................................186
Cauterization, Galvanic,...........................................192
Chlorosis,........................................................156
Cholera, Asiatic,.................................................104
Chorea,..........................................................124
Coagulation of Blood,............................................167
Coldness of Extremities............................................86
Colic.............................................................136
Colica Pictonum,..................................................83
Collapse,.........................................................103
Conductors, Surface-,..............................................31
Congestion, Use in,...........................................51, 176
Congestive States,................................................102
Constipation,.....................................................146 
238
INDEX.
Consumption,....................................................149
Contraction,  Organic,..............................................53
Convulsions,......................................................129
Cornea, Opaque,..................................................185
Counter Irritation,.................................................52
Croup,...........................................................148
Current, Continuous,........................................12, 18, 60
    "   Direction of,....................................10, 41, 55, 59
    "   Galvanic,..............................................13,44
    "   Induced,..............................................13, 18
    "   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,............................................123
Direction of Current......................................10, 41, 55, 59
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,...................................................155
Dyspnoea,........................................................123
Electrical Machine,................................................13
Electric and Nervous Currents,........................«............10
Electric Currents, Muscular,.......................................11
Electricity of Gymnotus.............................................4
Electro-Magnetic Apparatus,................................15, 18, 27
Electro-Puncture,..................................................36
Electro-Vital Reaction,.............................................9
Emphysema,.....................................................123
Enuresis of Children,..............................................81
Epilepsy,.........................................................129
Erysipelas,.......................................................176
Etherization during Electrification,.................................40
     "      Recovery from,.......................................102
Excitability by Electricity,.........................................61
Exercise of Muscles,.......................................53, 60, 188
Exhaustion,......................................................103
            in Labor..............................................165
Facial Paralysis,...................................................72
Failures in Electric Application,....................................16
Fainting,.........................................................103
Fevers,...........................................................137
Fever, Intermittent,..............................................138
Fistula...........................................................178
Galvanic  Battery...............................................17, 19
Galvanism......................................................15, 60 
                             INDEX.                        239

                                                                Page.
 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,................................•....................loi
      "      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 tJrine,.............................................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, Nervous,..............................................115
 Jar, Ley den,.......................................................14
 Labor, Electricity in,..............................................157
 Larynx,  Inflammation of,.........................................147
    "    Obstruction of,...........................................192
 Laryngitis,.......................................................147
 Leucorrhoea,......................................................156
 Life of Nervous System,............................................3
  "   of Tissues,.................................................3, 16
 Liver, Enlarged,..................................................151
  "   Torpid,....................................................143
 Lungs, Inflammation of,...........................................148
   "   Secretion of,...............................................144
 Luxation, Spontaneous,...........................................189
 Machine Electricity,...............................................13
 Magneto-Electric Apparatus,.......................................28
 Menorrhagia......................................................156
 Menstruation,.................................................51, 153
      "      Excessive,..........................................156
      "      Painful,.............................................156
      "      Suppressed,.........................................153
Mortification,.....................................................177
Moxa, Galvanic,....................................................38
   "   Insensible,..................................................39
Mucous Secretion,................................................143
Muscles, Exercise of,...........................................53, 60
Muscular Force, Production of,......................................6

                  17* 
 240                       INDEX.

                                                                Page.
Narcotism,........................................................98
Needles for Electro-Puncture,......................................36
        for Moxa,.................................................38
Nervous Current,................................................5, 41
   "    Headache,...............................................114
   "    Irritability,...........................................-... 115
   "    Power, Nature of,..........................................4
   "    System,............................................16, 41,59
Neuralgia,........................................................106
    "     of Bladder,.............................................114
Neuralgic Rheumatism,...........................................114
Night-Blindness,...................................................93
Nutritive  Influence of Electricity,...................................48
Oesophagus, Obstruction of,.......................................192
Opacity of Cornea,................................................185
Optic Nerve, Paralyzed,............................................87
Organizing Power,..............................................16, 44
Otorrhcca,.........................................................94
Pain, Condition of,................................................114
Painter's Colic,....................................................83
Palpitation of Heart..............................................116
Paraplegia,.................................................65, 71, 74
Paralysis,.........................................................56
    "     Facial................................................72, 77
    "     from Local  Injury,.......................................66
    "     Hysterical...............................................67
    "     Local.................................................67, 71
    "     of Auditory Nerve,.......................................93
    "     of Bladder,............................................80, 81
    "     of Bowels,...............................................81
    "     ofOptic Nerve,..........................................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, 2.5
Ramollisement, Caution in.........................................57
Reactive Power,...................................................48
Resuscitation,.....................................................96
Revulsion,........................................................52
Rheumatic Paralysis,..............................................64
     "     Swellings,.............................................141
Rheumatism,.....................................................139
     "       Neuralgic,...........................................114
     "       Periodic,............................................142
Ringing in the Ears,...............................................96 
INDEX.                        241
                                                                Pmfe.
Rubefacient, Electricity as a,....................................60, 52
Rules of Application...............................................45
Rupture,.........................................................191
Salivary Glands.......,...........................................144
Sarcocele,........................................................182
Sciatica,..........................................................109
Scrofulous Ulcers.................................................179
Secretion, Influence over,..........................................49
Sedative Influence,................................................48
Sensation, Special, excited by Galvanism,............................9
Shocks, Electro-Magnetic..........................................44
   "    from Jar,.................................................14
Skin, Action upon,.............................................50, 62
Softening of Brain, Caution in......................................57
Solutions, Conducting,..........................................31, 33
Sparks, Electric,............................................14, 63, 79
Spasm 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
Syncope..........................................................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 States....................................................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,.....................................................193
Vital Agent........................................................5
  "   and Electric Action,..........................................8
  "   Force........................................................3
Vitalizing Power of Electricity,..............................16, 44, 47
Voice, Paralysis of,................................................83
Wasting of Tissues................................................160
White Swelling...................................................180 
           INDEX TO  SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER.

Action of Electricity on the Skin,.................................225
American Instruments,...........................................207
Anaesthetic Phenomena..........................................233
Aphonia,.......................................................219
Asthma.........................................................222
Battery Currents for Bath,  .......................................215
Becquerel, M. A.................................................196
Bunsen's Battery,...............................................231
Catalepsy,  ......................................................220
Cholera.........................................................224
Clock-Work Electronome.........................................204
Coarse Wire Helix...............................................208
Constant Battery,...........................................202, 235
Continuous Quantity Current,....................................206
Croup...........................................................220
Directors.......................................................209
Duchenne, M.,..................................................199
Dysentery.......................................................224
Ear Director....................................................210
Electro-Magnetic Currents.......................................201
Electro-Medical Application,.....................................195
Epilepsy,.......................................................220
Foot Board,.....................................................234
Galvanic Belts,..................................................216
Galvano-Caustic Knife, ..........................................230
Galvano-Caustic Ligature........................................230
Gal vano-Cautery,  ...............................................229
Hall's Sponge Cup,..............................................212
Hall's Universal Directors,.......................................213
Hysteria,.......................................................220
Intensity,.......................................................197
Leucorrhoea.....................................................228
Ligature for Dentists' Use,.......................................232
Local Bath,.....................................................214
Localized Electricity,............................................226
Magneto-Electric Machine........................................205
Manner of applying  Continuous  Current,..........................218
Menstrual Function,.............................................200
Nervous Deafness................................................217
Nervous Headache,..............................................221
Neuralgia,......................................................220
Ophthalmic Inflammation,  .......................................219
Paralysis of Special Sensation,....................................202
Quantity,.......................................................197
Rectum Director,................................................210
Reuhmkorff,  ....................................................198
Rheumatism, ...................................................222
Rheumatic Effusion,.............................................223
Scalp Director,  ..................................................210
Scarlet Fever,...................................................224
Sponge Director,  ................................................211
Switch Board,...................................................203
Tongue Director,................................................210
Uterine Contraction,.............................................228
Uterine Ulceration,..............................................229
Vagina Director,..........................................."  * 211
Vitality,................................................*.!!"."*."... 3
Womb Director,.........................................iiliiiiiiil
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