p ¥
Tw 11
*• . .-_.—. """ *"""* '"" *"^ -'■ —,n, j. * »-^-»«. "" '■ " "j^ .T'. " '
__, -_ ? ~-~—~fr^^ _- ..
; - ..---- -— - ~ .•„-.- .:.~^~ =—™^=
•* ^ ..-'-. .*^ _^ _ " ~ - - ^"' - ^~ ^'''••lT^ ■
■''"*• .. "~ --- ««, ——.. _» --— _____- " -'-'- — -;_•__
-v .- V ._■::;.- -™i,^-: <« -fit ** "-■ <* <\ '-a /»"-• /->;•
' X ■" . .
> J-7«tf f <3 »»-it
*;.i &*&*.&£,%& m&.*\* ^''"^.i^iilM
The EleGtro-Therapeutic Guide.
Wm. F. Howe, M. D., Ph. D., Author and Publisher.
President op The National College op Electro-Therapeutics.
Editor of The Electro-Therapeutist. Member of The
National Association of Electro-Therapeutists.
Copyrighted, 1895, by Wm. F. Howe.
168 Bellefontaine St
\r
, IndiJtj Jig J^.^ \\Y
URGEON GENERAL'S OFFICE
D
Third Edition Revised and enlarged.
EC.-20.-1897
Y
VMBE
>\85Se.
■h
Preface to The First Edition.
This little work is intended as a guide or aid to the cor-
rect use of electricity in the hands of the general practi-
tioner.
A physician who is obliged to cover the entire field of
medical and surgical practice cannot be expected to keep in
mind all the little details of Electro-Therapeutic practice.
The Guide has been arranged in this form that a busy
practitioner may see at a glance the methods of application
in any desired case.
We believe that this guide will save much time and in-
sure a more scientific and successful use of electricity in the
hands of the average physician.
In following out the treatments outlined in this work
any intelligent physician will take into consideration the
age and sex of the patient, individual idiosyncracies, etc.
No originality is claimed by the author in the methods
of treatments given. The general rules given and the
methods of treatment advised are in accord with the best
Electro-Therapeutists.
It is believed, however, that this is the first attempt to
so thoroughly simplify and condense Electro-Therapeutic
applications as to enable the busiest of general practitioners
to ascertain without unnecessary study and loss of time how
4
to make the correct application in the class of cases coming
to the average physician.
It is not expected that this work will take the place of
a text book of Electro-Therapeutics or a lecture course
upon this subject.
This work is not written for the specialist in Electro-
Therapeutics, but for the general practitioner with but lim-
ited knowledge on the subject. W. F. H.
Preface to The Third Edition.
The first two editions of this little work have met with
such favor from the medical profession that a third edition
becomes necessary.
Some changes have been made, particularly in the '
chart form, which it is hoped will be approved by the pro-
fession.
Hundreds of physicians who would not have devoted
their time to a thorough study of Electro-Therapeutics from
a large text book, and who could not have taken a post
graduate course in this subject have, with the aid of this
Guide, been enabled to apply electricity in a thoroughly
scientific and successful manner and have secured results
5
which would have been impossible without the knowledge
therein contained.
If this little work will assist the busy practitioner and
guide him to proper methods of applying electricity in dis-
eased conditions, securing results that would otherwise have
been failures; and if it will interest him in the subject of
Electro-Therapeutics and stimulate his desire for knowledge
along this line and cause him to give more attention to this
imnortant branch of medical practice, the author will be
satisfied. W. F. H.
The Faradic or Interrupted Current.
The Faradic current is so called from its discoverer,
Faraday. It is produced by means of a double coil of wire
through the larger or primary coil of which passes an inter-
rupted galvanic current. One to three cells give sufficient
current.
A good dry cell is most satisfactory for a portable Fara-
dic machine, while some form of the LeClanch fluid cell
is preferable for office use. The dry cell is not so expensive
in Faradic batteries, as only from one to three are used at a
time.
This current acts more markedly upon the muscular
system.
It produces muscular contractions more readily than the
galvanic current. It also produces greater mechanical ef-
fects.
The strength of current is regulated by the sensibility
of the patient.
The Primary Coil of the Faradic battery gives more a
curent of quantity than intensity, i. e., the current lacks ten-
7
fion and rower of penetration but will produce more power-
ful superficial muscular contractions than the secondary
current.
The primary coil produces a current that is more stimu-
lating and irritating than the secondary coil, hence the pri-
mary coil would be used in affecting capillary circulation,
m producing powerful muscular contractions and in stimu-
lating a paralyzed nerve if near enough the surface to
be reached by the primary current.
In the current from the primary coil the positive pole
is more sedative and the negative more stimulating in its
effect.
'xhe principle differences in the primary and secondary
currents are as follows:—
The secondary current is an alternating current of high
tension or voltage, and low quantity or amperage. It is an
induced current which is caused to flow as an alternating
current by the action of the interrupted galvanic, through
the primary arond the soft iron core. The number of alter-
ations depends upon the number of vibrations of the iron
hammer; or, rather, as stated before, the number of inter-
ruptions of the galvanic current.
The primary current more nearly resembles the gal-
vanic. It is a current of usually lower intensity or voltage,
8
and higher quantity of amperage.
The Secondary Coil produces an induced current hav-
ing greater tension and penetration and sedation than the
primary coil, and is of greater service in treating diseases of
the nerves or any deeply seated condition.
The current from the secondary coil is pleasanter and
less pain is felt when strong currents are used than in the
primary.
In the secondary current there is no difference in effect
between the positive and negative.
In using the Faradic current—either primary or sec-
ondary coil—it is safe to use as strong a current as the pa-
tient can take without pain or unpleasantness.
The number of interruptions-per minute in the Faradic
battery—any coil being used—can be varied by adjusting
the screw which regulates the vibrator.
With a comparatively small number of vibrations the
current would have greater power to produce muscular con-
tractions, it would be more plainly felt, would cause greater
pain if a strong current was used and would be more irri-
tating and stimulating in its effect. The greater number of
vibrations per minute the less pain is experienced, less
powerful muscular contractions and greater sedation.
Effects of The Different Currents.
Some of the points of advantage of the Faradic battery
are—that it is smaller and more portable; the current is
much more plainly felt, and is more pleasant to the average
patient, and the sensations are such as to cause greater con-
fidence in the treatment and appreciation of the effects than
with the galvanic current, where little, if any, sensation is
produced and where the patients frequently insist they are
receiving no current, even though a moderately strong' cur-
rent is passing.
The Faradic battery can be more easily carried by the
country physician. Some of the advantages of the effects of
treatment of the Faradic over the galvanic current are, it
produces muscular contractions more readily, produces
greater mechanical effects, stimulates the circulation more
powerfully and is less likely to produce an aggravation in
the treatment of disease if mproperly used. In the Faradic
current there is very little, if any, chemical effect, and elec-
trolysis or cataphoresis cannot be secured.
There are very many points of similarity in the effects
of the two currents and many conditions can "be successfully
treated with either current. This will be referred to later.
IO
There is but little trouble in keeping a Faradic battery in
working order. When purchased, directions accompany
them for the proper starting of the current, the fluid to be
used, if it is a liquid battery, etc. Care should be taken that
the contents of the cells are not spilled upon the battery. If
the contact points become corroded or rusty it,interferes
with the current. The vibrator spring should always be
kept clean, any dust or grease frequently stopping the cur-
rent.
The Galvanic Current.
This current produces no sensation beyond a slight
feeling of heat or burning beneath the negative electrode and
a slight numb sensation beneath the positive electrode.
In those peculiarly susceptible or afraid electricity will
hurt them the galvanic current can be used where the Fara-
dic would not be tolerated.
The Galvanic current has greater power of penetration
and sedation than the Faradic current, no matter which coil
is used in the latter.
In the Galvanic current the positive pole is, to a marked
degree, more sedative in its effect and the negative pole
more stimulating and irritating.
II
The Galvanic current produces a chemical effect in the
tissue and can be used to produce electrolysis, cataphoresis,
etc., while this is not true of the Faradic current. The posi-
tive pole attracts oxygen and the acids. The negative pole
attracts hydrogen and alkalies.
The Galvanic current has a greater effect upon nutri-
tion and will stimulate the absorbents and assist in removing
hypertrophies, effusions and morbid growths where the
Faradic current would be useless.
The Galvanic is the only current that can be used in
removing superfluous hairs, facial blemishes, hemorrhoids,
arethral stricture or wherever the process of electrolysis or
cataphoresis is to be employed.
The Galvanic current affects the nervous system more
profoundly than the Faradic. It will also, by reversals of
ihe current direction, cause muscular contractions in some
cases where the Faradic current fails. It produces greater
molecular changes in the tissues and possesses a greater
catalytic action.
The Interrupted Galvanic current is used where it is
desired to produce strong mechanical effects. The slower
the interruptions the more vigorous will be the muscular
contractions. In some chronic and exceedingly obstinate
12
cases where the Faradic current has little, if any, effect the
interrupted Galvanic current will produce the desired result.
The interrupted current has greater stimulation and
irritation than the direct current. The interrupted Galvanic
current is the most useful in treating obstinate cases of
rheumatism, muscular atrophy, local anesthesia, paralytic
conditions and a similar line of diseases.
The interrupted current is of decided advantage in a
certain range of conditions, but is used but rarely as com-
pared with the direct.
The Milliampere Meter measures the strength of the
current in transit through the body.
Two to four milliamperes are sufficient over the fore-
head, around the eyes, upon the face, or over any delibate
or sensitive part.
Upon the spinal cord from five to twenty milliamperes
may be used, and over the stomach, abdomen, thighs, etc.
from fifteen to fifty, while in dispersing fibroid tumors it will
be necessary to employ from one hundred and fifty to two
hundred and fifty.
The milliampere meter can only be used with the Gal-
vanic current.
If one does not have a meter and is obliged to depend
J3
entirely upon the number of cells being used as a guide to
current strength it may be stated that one to three cells of
the ordinary battery would be considered a mild current and
would be sufficient over the eyes, forehead, or other sensi-
tive parts. From two to ten cells might be employed upon
the spinal cord; five to ten cells upon the limbs or abdomen
where there is little adipose tissue, and from six to fifteen
cells where there is much resistence to overcome in corpu-
lent patients. In the treatment of fibroid tumors it will be
necessary to employ from twenty to forty cells.
The Rheostat or Current Controller interposes a resist-
ance in the passage of the current and by increasing and de-
creasing the resistance by the aid of the Rheostat the Gal-
vanic current can be applied without any shock to the
nerves, which is unavoidable without the use of the Rheo-
stat. This instrument is placed in the circuit, usually at-
tached to the battery, and by its aid the current can be ap-
plied so as to begin treament with almost no perceptible cur-
rent. In using the Galvanic current the treatment should be
commenced with a very mild current gradually increased to
the desired point, and then decreased before the electrode
is removed.
In using strong Galvanic currents it is essential that the
H
current is not abruptly broken. The Rheostat or Current
Controller is the only successful and convenient method of
regulating the strength of the current.
Battery Cells.
The bichromate of potash solution is the one most fre-
quently used in portable fluid batteries and is prepared in
the following proportions, although this may be varied:
Sulphuric Acid.
Bi-Chromate of Potash aa I ounce.
Aqua 12 ounces.
To prepare this mixture, add the sulphuric acid to the
water and when cool add the Bi-chromate of Potash.
The elements are usually carbon and zinc and should
not be immersed in the fluid until same is cool—when not in
use the elements should always be removed from the battery
fluid.
Where the elements are platinum and carbon the fluid
is usually sulphuric acid and water in the proportion of one
to ten or twelve.
The Sal Ammoniac solution is used in many of the
stationary office batteries, and makes one of the most con-
stant and reliable batteries known. Four to five ounces of
i5
muriate of ammonia are placed in each cell and enough
water to two-thirds fill the jar. The elements are carbon
and zinc and these may be left immersed in the fluid-when
the battery is not in use. This cell is too large to be used in
portable batteries.
The ordinary dry cell is satisfactory for a portable Fara-
dic battery, but is too short lived and expensive and unre-
liable for Galvanic work.
The Chloride of Silver Cell makes an excellent battery
either Faradic or Galvanic; portable or stationary.
Electrodes.
The surface of electrodes for ordinary external work
should be of carbon or of metal, nickel plated. For general
use these should be covered with sponge or absorbent cot-
ton. The latter is the more cleanly and should be used
oftener than it is.
In the accompanying chart where the sponge electrode
has been specified, the cotton-covered electrode could be
used with equal advantage. The sponge electrode is named
as it is in more common use.
If it is desired to treat a single muscle or nerve a very
i6
small electrode must be used to localize the current upon the
one point.
Vaginal, uterine, urethral and rectal electrode should be
made of metal (preferably brass) and nickle plated. Block
tin and aluminum are used by some. Where it is desired to
have an electrode cover considerable surface for using
strong currents the clay electrode of Apostoli may be used
or a sheet of zinc covered with a heavy moist towel and ad-
justed to come in contact with the entire surface which it
covers.
The Wire-Brush Electrode is used as a counter irritant
or where there is local paralysis or anaesthesia as it will
more powerfully stimulate and irritate the parts than a
sponge electrode.
For general faradization or galvanization it is advisable
to use a sponge electrode from four to six inches in diameter
to cover as large an area as possible. Large electrodes
should be used whenever it is desired to use a strong cur-
rent with the smallest possible pain or burning.
We give here the meaning of a few words and phrases
with which the physician should be familiar.
Ampere—The unit of quantity.
Anode—Positive Pole.
Anelectrotonos—A condition of diminished irritability
produced by the positive pole.
Ascending Current—Flowing from periphery to center.
The current flows from positive to negative pole.
Catalysis—The absorption and transference of liquids
caused by the chemical action of the galvanic current.
Cataphoresis—The introduction of medicines into the
body by the aid of electricity.
Catalectrotonos—A condition of increased irritability pro-
duced at negative pole.
Cathode—Negative Pole.
Commutator—Current reverser.
Constant current—Galvanic current.
Density of current—The density of current—other
things being the same—is in proportion to the small size of
the electrode.
Descending current—Flowing from center to periph-
ery.
Electrization—This term includes galvanization, faradi-
zation and franklinization.
Electrolysis—Electro—chemical decomposition. The
process of decomposing a substance.
i8
Electro-motive force—The pressure of current.
Electro-puncture—The application of electricity by
needles, introduced beneath the surface.
Electro-Therapeutics—The application of electricity to
the treatment of disease.
Electrotonos—The peculair modification of irritability
which nerves and muscles undergo when acted upon by a
galvanic current.
Faradic current—Named after the discoverer Faraday.
Also called the induced, interrupted, secondary, to and fro,
indirect, electro-magnetic and magneto-electric.
Farad—The unit of capacity.
Faradization—Application of the Faradic current.
Franklinism—Static electricity.
Galvanic current—(Named after Galvani) a current
coming directly from the battery (not induced by a coil of
wire) called also the continuous, constant, direct, voltaic cur-
rent.
Galvano—Faradization—The simultaneous use of the
two currents.
Helix—The coil of wires of the electro-magnetic bat-
tery.
Labile Application—Where the active electrode is
19
passed over the surface instead of being kept in one position.
Ohm—The unit of resistence.
Poles—Points where the electricity is concentrated
or passes in and out. Positive and Negative poles.
Quality of a current refers to the smoothness or harsh-
ness or to the rapidity or slowness of interruption.
Resistance—Is the quality of a conductor which im-
pedes the action of the current.
Reophore—An electrode.
Rheotome—A current breaker.
Stabile Application—Where the electrodes are kept in
fixed position.
Tension, or Potential—Is that quality of electricity by
which it overcomes Resistance.
Volt—The unit of Electro-Motive force.
Galvanization of The Brain.
^ The Galvanic current only is of service in treating the
brain. The current may be passed transversely through the
brain. The electrodes should be from one to one and a half
inches in diameter.
The current may also be passed longitudinally through
20
the brain. If the positive pole be applied to the back of the
neck and the negative pole applied to the forehead, the flow
of blood to the head will be increased.
If the position of the poles be reversed the supply of
blood will be diminished.
Treatments should not be continued more than from
three to five minutes. Mild currents only must be used.
The current should not be interrupted or reversed.
Galvanization of the brain is indicated in various cere-
bral and nervous diseases among which may be mentioned
headache, insomnia, melancholia, exhaustion, cerebral
hyperaemia and anaemia, hemiplegia of cerebral origin, epi-
lepsy, insanity, etc. In some cases lesions, effusions, in-
filtrations, etc., are materially benefited.
Central Galvanization.
By this term we mean a treatment with the Galvanic
current which will bring the entire central nervous system—
the brain, sympathetic, and spinal cord—under the direct
influence of the Galvanic current. This treatment is given
by having one pole, usually the negative, at the epigastrium
and the other at the vertex, or passed over the forehead,
down the back of the neck and down the entire length of the
21
spine. Having the negative pole at the epigastrium and the
positive at the base of the brain and down the sides of the
neck is the best method of stimulating the sympathetic,
pneumogastric, and phrenic nerves.
Avoid sudden interruptions of the current.
Mild currents must be used. One to four cells or one
to five milliamperes will be sufficient through the head.
Down the spine the strenth of current may be increased.
Seances should be brief—three to ten minutes.
Central Galvanization is one of the most valuable treat-
ments in nearly all diseases of the nervous system.
Galvano=Puncture.
The use of the needle is frequently necessary in treating
Epithelioma, Hydrocele, some cases of Goitre and other
tumors. The negative pole must be used. From four to
eight cells or from ten to fifty milliamperes are sufficient ex-
cept in large tumors. The positive electrode should cover a
large surface upon some indifferent part. The current
strength should be gradually increased, carefully avoiding
interruptions and reversals of the current. Treatment
should not be continued more than two to four minutes and
should not be repeated more than two to four times weekly.
22
Cataphoresis=
By Cataphoresis or Cataphoric Medication is meant
the introduction into the body of medicaments by
the aid of the Galvanic current. It has been
found that many medicines, particularly those containing
alcohol, ether or chloroform, will permeate the skin or
mucous membranes much more readily when aided by the
Galvanic current. The direction of osmotic action is from
the positive to the negative pole. If the positive sponge of a
Galvanic battery be saturated with some volatile preparation
and the current be completed the medicament will travel
through the tissues beneath the skin with the current, to a
considerable extent.
Cataphoric medication has practically been used but
little and mostly to produce local anaesthesia or to assist in
dispersing tumors.
In several cases of Neuralgia relief has been obtained
by using cocaine or aconite or both in this method where
the current alone would not relieve.
In many cases of tumors, glandular swellings, various
skin diseases and syphilis some of the iodide or lithia pre-
parations and the bichloride of mercury have been used with
23
good results, making applications through the aid of the
galvanic current.
In using iodine it should be applied with the negative
electrode, as it will be drawn toward the positive pole even
against the action of the current.
General Faradization.
General Faradization, as its name implies, is
general use of the Faradic current. The treatment has a
direct influence upon the entire system and by reflex action
may indirectly have a therapeutic effect on some particular
organ or part which may be diseased. General Faradization
is indicated wherever a general constitutional tonic influence
is called for, in conditions of depressed vitality, in tedious
periods of convalescence, wherever there is poor circulation,
defective assimilation and in nearly all nervous conditions.
General Faradization is given by placing one electrode—
usually the negative—at the lumbar plexus of nerves, or
upon the sternum, or at the feet—preferably the latter—and
passing the other electrode all over the surface of the body.
It is best to begin treatment of General Faradization
with the positive pole at the base of the brain, pass it slowly
down the spinal cord for three to five minutes, then pass it
24
over the chest and hold over the epigastrium for a few min-
utes to influence the coeliac-plexus, then over the abdomen
to stimulate intestinal action and the abdominal muscles,
then upon the thighs, arms, and legs, varying the strength
of current to suit the resistance offered by the different parts.
In giving Faradization it is important that treatment
should not be neglected at the back of the head, down the
neck, the upper portion of the spinal column, and over the
cilio-spinal center. The most important nerves of the
body can be treated here. The length of treatment should
be from fifteen to twenty minutes, and may be given every
day or every other day.*
Condensed Facts For The General Practi=
tioner Who Uses Electricity.
^ Good results cannot be secured with a poor battery or
improper methods of application. A Faradic battery having
a small coil of coarse wire produces a crude, harsh current
lacking power of penetration and will invariably irritate a
*NOTE—The treatments known as General Faradization and
Central Galvanization were elaborated and brought to the notice
of the medical profession by Beard and Rockwell.
25
nervous patient.
Poor connections of conducting cords and electrodes
produce frequent shocks by breaking the current.
The electrodes should always be in position before the
current is turned on.
Mild currents only should be applied to sensitive parts.
Conducting cords should be properly insulated. An
uninsulated wire upon the flesh produces a painful, stinging
sensation.
The battery should be in a condition to run continually
• luring treatment.
Mild currents frequently repeated are preferable to
strong currents at longer intervals.
The best method of lessening irritability with the Fara-
dic current is to begin with a very mild current, gradually
increase it to the highest point that does not produce pain,
and after holding in position for a few moments gradually
reduce the strength of current.
In internal local faradization the primary current acts
with greater vigor than the secondary.
The Faradic current acts more markedly upon the mus-
cular system and the Galvanic current upon the nervous sys-
tem.
26
The primary coil gives more a current of quantity and
produces more violent muscular contractions, but lacks the
penetrating power of the secondary current.
The secondary coil produces a greater sedative effect
and is a current of greater tension and penetrating power,
hence more applicable to nervous and deeply seated diseases
than the primary current. The finer and longer the wire in
the secondary coil, the greater power of penetration and
sedation.
It is not as important in using the Faradic current that
atention be paid to polarity, yet it is always advisable to use
the positive for the active pole when a sedative effect is de-
sired and the negative for the active pole when a stimulating
or irritating effect is desired.
Shocks should be avoided. Gradually increase and de-
crease the current, no matter which current is being used.
Either Faradic or Galvanic current will stimulate the
circulation and improve nutrition.
The Galvanic current must be used where it is desired
to produce electrolysis or any noticeable chemical effect.
The Galvanic current will stimulate the absorbents
more powerfully than the Faradic current and is the current
to use in removing hypertrophies, morbid growths, effu-
sions, etc.
27
The rheostat and milliampere-meter should always be
used with the galvanic current.
The Electro-Thermal Bath is a very excellent method
of applying general faradization and may be used in any
case where this treatment is to be given. The vapor bath
of itself is frequently a valuable auxiliary to the electrical
treatment.
With the galvanic current the stabile application of the
positive pole is the most effectual method of diminishing
irritability.
The best method of irritation is by rapid change of
polarity.
The positive pole has a greater contracting power upon
unstrined muscular fibers than the negative pole.
The Galvanic current operates more powerfully by re-
flex action than the Faradic on account of its continually
flowing in one direction.
Both currents and either pole have a great influence
upon nutrition.
In voluntary muscles, contractions are produced im-
mediately upon applying current and at the end of treatment
they immediately return to their normal condition.
In involuntary muscular fibers, as in the intestines,
28
stomach, oesophagus, etc., contractions are immediately
started upon application of the circuit, but the movement
when once induced will continue for a considerable time
after cessation of the treatment.
Frequent interruptions of the current or changes of
polarity intensify the effect of the current and are often
necessary to relax tense muscles, etc.
Galvanization of the sympathetic influences the vaso-
motor and trophic processes of the brain and spinal cord,
the face, eyes, muscles, skin and many parts of the body.
It is frequently advisable, in addition to treating the dis-
eased part itself, to apply the treatment to adjacent parts to
act indirectly upon the circulation and nutrition of the dis-
eased part.
Electricity is a tonic of great efficacy and useful in a
wide range of cases, sub-acute or chronic, where a stimu-
lating or tonic effect is desired.
Electricity sets in motion forces that continue to act for
hours and even days after treatment, hence treatment should
not be given too frequently. Nervous diseases in particular
may be aggravated by too frequent treatments. Ordinary
chronic cases require three or four treatments weekly.
Acute or sub-acute cases may require daily treatment. Noth-
29
ing will be gained by treating cases more than once daily.
In chronic cases it is neccessary occasionaly to vary the
treament. Where general faradization has accomplished all
that it will, general galvanization may produce still further
results. Central or general galvanization may fail in a case
where general faradization would produce prompt results
and effect a cure.
It is frequently advisable to combine or alternate the
treatments of general faradization or central galvanization
upon the same patient.
Remember that it is through the process of nutrition
that the majority of chronic cases are cured.
There is scarcely a chronic disease treated with electri-
city where we cannot trace at least a part of the good results
of treatment to the results of nutrition. In the treatment of
almost any chronic disease always remember that electricty
properly applied will stimulate the circulation, and that the
increased flow of blood will bring an increased amount of
nutrition; that the contractions of muscular tissue produces
the same effect as massage or gentle exercise; that nutrition
may be affected through a chemical process; that the pro-
cess of waste and repair may be promoted, and that the nu-
trition of the entire system may be improved through reflex
3°
action as well as by the direct effect of treatment, securing
a constitutional, tonic, stimulating effect.
Brief and plain directions will be given here for the
treatment of the majority of diseases where electricity may
be used to good advantage.
If the foregoing pages of this book have been read and
are understood these directions for treating individual forms
of disease may be followed with assurance of success.
ACNE.—Galvanic current is preferred. If case is acute
use positive pole over affected part. If case is chronic use
negative pole. Sponge electrodes, mild currents. Continue
three to six minutes.
Use central galvanization as an auxiliary treatment.
The Faradic current is also beneficial to improve the
circulation and nutrition.
ALOPECIA.—Galvanic current, negative pole applied
to head, mild currents, five to ten minutes, sponge or wire
brush electrode; or use the Faradic current, primary coil,
negative pole. If root of hair is destroyed, of course, no
treatment will benefit.
AMENORRHEA.—Galvanic current, negative pole
''sponge) over ovary external, or vaginal electrode inserted
as far as possible in vagina. Positive pole (large) upon
31
lumbar nerves. Moderately strong currents four to seven
cells or as strong as patient can take without pain.
Length of treatment eight to ten minutes. Use general
faradization or central galvanization as an auxiliary treat-
ment.
External treatment is frequently sufficient.
Faradic current will cure many cases. Make applica-
tions as above, using primary coil and negative pole.
ANAESTHESIA (Local).—Faradic current, primary
coil, negative pole, sponge or wire brush electrode. Use as
strong a current as possible for five or ten minutes. Use
general faradization as auxiliary treatment. The Galvanic
current negative pole is also beneficial.
APHONIA.— Faradic current, primary coil, positive
pole to muscles of neck, negative pole at seventh cervical
vertebiae. Sponge electrodes, medium strength of current
three to five minutes. If external treatment is not sufficient
use laryngeal electrode with the other pole applied to mus-
cles of neck. The Galvanic current is also of service, espe-
cially in treating the nerves supplying the parts.
ASPHYXIA.—Faradic current, primary coil, sponge
electrodes, positive pole on epigastrium, negative pole over
phrenic nerves. Use a powerful current twenty to thirty
32
minutes. The interrupted Galvanic current may be needed
in severe cases.
ASTHMA.—Galvanize the pneumogastric nerves, posi-
tive pole, negative pole at epigastrium and use the Faradic
current, secondary coil, one pole at neck, the other over
cardiac region. Use medium strength of current ten to
twelve minutes.
BURNS.—Use Galvanic current, positive pole, mild
current five to ten minutes.
CATARRH (Nasal).—Galvanic current, sponge and
nasal electrodes, positive pole at base of brain, negative pole
in nostrils. Use a mild current two to four minutes.
CHOREA.—Galvanic current, positive pole down
spinal cord, negative pole at epigastrium or at feet. Use a
medium strength of current five to ten minutes. Employ
general faradization, with secondary coil, on alternate days.
Avoid interruptions or reversals of the galvanic current.
COLDNESS OF EXTREMITIES.—Faradic current,
either coil, one pole passed over entire body, the other at
feet. Use a strong current ten to twenty minutes. Galvanic
current also beneficial.
CONSTIPATION.—Either current, positive pole over
abdomen, negative pole at anus. Use strong currents ten
33
to twelve minutes. In chronic cases insert rectal electrode.
General faradization and central galvanization are good
auxiliary treatments.
DEAFNESS.—When caused by paralysis of nerves or
chronic thickening of tympanium use Galvanic current,
negative pole in ear, mild currents three to five minutes.
DEBILTY (General).—General faradization, second-
ary coil, medium current fifteen to twenty minutes and cen-
tral galvanization eight to ten minutes on alternate days.
DYSMENORRHOEA.—Galvanic current, positive
pole at lumber nerves and over abdomen; negative pole at
cervix or in vagina. Use medium current five to ten min-
utes. Faradic current will also relieve. Secondary coil.
DYSPEPSIA.—Galvanize the pneumogastric nerve.
UseCentral galvanization and general faradization, secondary
coil. Moderate currents eight to ten minutes.
EARACHE.—Galvanic current, positive pole in ear,
mild current two to four minutes.
ECZEMA.—Either current. Negative pole over parts
affected. Use a medium strength of current five to ten min-
utes. Use central galvanization as an auxiliary treatment.
EPILEPSY.—Galvanic current, positive pole down
spine, negative pole at epigastrium or at feet. Use medium
34
strength of current eight to ten minutes. Avoid interrup-
tions of the current. Use general faradization with second-
ary coil as auxiliary treatment.
ENDOMETRITIS.—Galvanic current, positive pole
(large) upon abdomen, negative pole (uterine electrode) in
uterus. Use a medium strength of current five to eight min-
utes. Wrhen hemorrhage is present reverse position of the
poles. Faradic current is of some service.
GLANDS (Enlarged).—Galvanic current, negative
pole applied over gland. Positive pole in such position as
to carry current through the gland. Use strong currents
five to ten minutes. Cataphoric transmission of iodine
(applied to negative pole) will aid.
GOITRE.—Same as aobove. In very bad cases gal-
vano-puncture may be used.
HEADACHE.—Galvanic current, positive pole over
seat of pain, negative pole at base of brain or in hands.
Use mild currents two to four minutes.
HEMORRHOIDS.—Galvanic current, positive pole
(needle electrode) inserted in the hemorrhoid, negative pole
upon the sacrum. Use a medium strength of current two to
five minutes.
35
HEMIPLEGIA.—Same general treatment as for Para-
plegia, which see.
HERPES.—Galvanic current, positive pole over lesion,
negative pole indifferent. Use medium strength of cur-
rent five to ten minutes. Use local faradization as an auxil-
iary treatment.
In chronic cases use negative pole over affected part.
HEMORRHAGE.—Use positive pole, Galvanic cur-
rent or positive pole of primary faradic medium current.
HICCOUGH.—Either current, positive pole at epigas-
trium or along attachment of diaphragm, negative pole at
sternocleido-mastoid muscle.
Use strong currents five to ten minutes.
HYPOCHONDRIASIS AND MELANCHOLIA.—
General faradization, secondary coil, medium current fifteen
to twenty minutes and central galvanization on alternate
days for ten to twelve minutes.
IMPOTENCE.—Spinal galvanization, mild currents
three times weekly. Faradic current down spermatic cord
and spine and over abdomen and testicles. Use a medium
strength of current eight to ten minutes. Employ general
faradization as an auxiliary treatment. If parts are cold and
flaccid use faradic current and wire brush electrode.
36
INCONTINENCE OF URINE.—Spinal galvaniza-
tion with medium descending current. Use Faradic current
secondary coil, five minutes, one pole at symphysis pubis
and the other at lumbar nerves.
In chronic cases use negative pole of galvanic current
in urethra (urethral electrode) with positive pole at lumbar
nerves or at symphysis pubis.
INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION.—Faradic current,
primary coil, positive pole (large electrode) upon abdomen
over colon; negative pole in rectum up against obstruction,
if possible. Use strong currents ten to twenty minutes if
necessary.
The Interrupted Galvanic current is also of service.
INSANITY.—Galvanization of brain and spinal gal-
vanization. Medium current. Use general faradization as
an auxiliary treatment.
INFLAMMATION.—Galvanic current, positive pole
over affected part, negative pole indifferent. Use a medium
current three to eight minutes. The faradic current, eithei
coil, is also beneficial.
INSOMNIA.—Central galvanization and general fara-
dization. Moderately strong current ten to twenty minutes.
JOINTS (Enlarged).—Galvanic current, one pole upon
37
either side of joint, strong currents and occasional change
of polarity. Ten to-fifteen minutes.
JOINTS (Sprained).—Either current. Positive pole
upon the affected part, negative pole at some indifferent
point. Use medium current five to ten minutes.
LEUCORRHOEA.—Faradic current, primary coil,
positive pole at lumbar nerves, negative pole (vaginal elec-
trode) in vagina. Use a moderately strong current five to
ten minutes. Galvanic current, negative pole also of service.
Use intra-uterine electrode in uterine leucorrhoea.
LOCOMOTOR ATAXIA.—Spinal galvanization with
negative pole, strong currents, ten minutes. Also treat lower
extremities with negative galvanic ten minutes; and give
general faradization as an auxiliary treatment. Few, if any,
cases will be cured, but many cases may be greatly bene-
fited.
MARASMUS.—Either current, general treatment with
negative pole, medium currents ten to fifteen minutes. Also
use central galvanization.
MENORRHAGIA AND METRORRHAGIA.—Far-
adic current, primary coil, positive pole in uterus, negative
pole at lumbar nerves. Use a strong current ten to fifteen
minutes.
38
The Galvanic current; same position of electrodes will
also relieve.
MUSCULAR ATROPHY.—Faradic current, primary
coil, negative pole over affected parts. Use sponge, or pre-
ferably wire brush electrode ten to fifteen minutes. Employ
spinal galvanization as an auxiliary treatment.
The Galvanic current, negative pole, moderate current,
used locally, will also assist in cure.
MUSCULAR CICATRICES AND CONTRACT-
URES.—Galvanic current, negative pole over affected part,
strong current for five to ten minutes.
NAEVUS.—Galvanic current, negative pole (nee-
dle electrode) inserted in affected part, positive pole (sponge
electrode) at some indifferent point. Use a mild current
one-half to one minute. Insert needle in different places.
Only small naevi can be successfully treated.
NEURALGIA.—Galvanic current, positive pole,
sponge electrode, over seat of pain. Use a mild current two
to five minutes. Avoid interruptions of the current. Gen-
eral faradization is a good auxiliary treatment. The second-
ary faradic current will frequently relieve Neuralgia
promptly.
NEURASTHENIA.—Galvanic current, positive pole
39 -
down spinal cord, negative pole at epigastrium or feet. Use
mild current for eight to ten minutes. Give general faradi-
zation—secondary coil—on alternate days. Sponge elec-
trodes.
Galvanization of the brain will aid.
OVARALGIA.—Galvanic current, positive pole over
ovary or in vagina, negative' pole upon thigh. Medium
strength of current five to ten minutes. Sponge electrodes.
Faradic current, secondary coil, also of service.
OVARITIS.—Same treatment as for Ovaralgia.
PARAPLEGIA.—Faradic current, primary coil, nega-
tive pole applied to parts affected. Large electrodes
(sponge), positive pole indifferent.. Strong currents fifteen to
twenty minutes. Spinal galvanization should also be used.
The Interrupted Galvanic current also beneficial over
parts affected.
PERITONITIS (Chronic).—Galvanic current, posi-
tive pole at lumbar nerves, negative pole (large) over ab-
domen. Use a strong current ten to twelve minutes.
PROLAPSUS-UTERI.—Faradic current primary
coil, positive pole at lumbar nerves or over abdomen, nega-
tive pole (uterine ectrode) at cervix. Use strong current
five to ten minutes.
40
Galvanization of the spinal cord (descending current)
will aid. Interrupted galvanic current beneficial for the
local treatment.
PROSTRATE (Enlarged).—Galvanic current, nega-
tive pole applied to gland (external in mild cases) either in
rectum or prostatic portion of the urethra. Positive pole
upon thigh or any good indifferent point. Moderately
strong currents five to ten minutes.
RHEUMATISM (Acute).—Faradic current. One
pole over affected parts, the other pole indifferent. Use a
strong current for ten to twelve minutes. Galvanic current,
positive pole, will also relieve. Also use general faradiza-
tion.
In chronic Rheumatism use Galvanic current and if
pain and inflammation is absent use negative pole, strong
current five to ten minutes.
SEMINAL EMISSIONS,SPERMATORRHOEA.—
Faradic current, primary coil, positive pole down spermatic
cord and spine; negative pole at perinaeum. Use a medium
strength of current five to eight minutes and employ cen-
tral galvanization and general faradization for their con-
stitutional effects.
In obstinate cases use negative pole of mild Galvanic
41
current in urethra (prostatic portion), positive pole at lum-
bar nerves, two to five milliamperes three to five minutes.
These treatments should not be given more frequently
than twice a week.
SPINAL DISEASE.—In acute cases where conges-
tion or inflammation or irritation is present use the Gal-
vanic current, positive pole down spinal cord and negative
pole at feet. Employ a medium strength of current for eight
to ten minutes.
In chronic cases, where atrophy, or thickening or
paralysis is present reverse the polarity, using negative pole
down spine and positive pole at feet.
SUPERFLOUS HAIRS.—Galvanic current, negative
pole (needle electrode) inserted in hair papilla; positive pole
(sponge electrode) in patient's hand. Use weak current,
two to five cells about ten seconds. Do not remove too
many hairs close together at one sitting.
TUMORS.—All non-malignant Tumors are treated in
much the same manner. Galvanic current, negative pole
ever tumor, positive pole in such position current will pass
through tumor. Use strong current five to fifteen minutes
three or four times weekly. Cataphoric transmission of
iodine (applied to negative pole) will aid. In some instances
42
Galvano-puncture will be necessary.
In Fibroid Tumors Use very large electrode over abdo-
men for indifferent electrode and employ from 75 to 150
milliamperes of current. If hemorrhage is present use posi-
tive pole as active pole, otherwise negative will be active.
Fibroid Tumors should not be treated more than twice
weekly. Seances five to fifteen minutes.
URETHRAL HYPERAETHESIA.—Either current
will benefit. Faradic current, secondary coil, one pole upon
thigh, the other attached to steel sound or urethral electrode
inserted in urethra. Use mild current five to eight minutes.
If Galvanic current is used employ negative pole in urethra,
four to eight cells. Five to eight minutes three times
weekly. Spinal galvanization will aid
URETHRA STRICTURE.—Galvanic current, nega-
tive pole (urethral electrode) in urethra, positive pole upon
thigh. Use as strong current as patient can take without
pain, eight to ten minutes. One treatment per week is
usually sufficient.
UTERUS (Atrophy of).—Faradic current, primary
coil, positive pole at lumbar nerves, negative pole (uterine
electrode) at cervix or in uterus. Use a strong current ten
to twelve minutes.
43
In very chronic cases the Galvanic current, negative
pole intra uterine may be necessary.
UTERUS (Anteflexion of).—Faradic current, positive
pole (uterine electrode) in uterus; negative pole (rectal
electrode) in rectum against posterior wall of uterus. Use
moderately strong current five to ten minutes.
UTERUS (Retro-Flexion of).—Same directions as in
Anteflexion except that negative pole (urethral electrode)
is inserted in bladder instead of the rectum.
UTERUS (Enlargement of).—Galvanic current, posi-
tive pole at lumbar nerves, negative pole (uterine electrode)
at cervix or in uterus. Use medium strength of current five
to ten minutes.
UTERUS (Sub-involution of).—Faradic current, pri-
mary coil, positive pole at lumbar plexus, negative pole
(uterine electrode) in uterus. Use a strong current ten to
fifteen minutes.
Static Electricity.
Static Electricity is used as a therapeutic agent by the
general practitioner comparatively but little, partly owing to
44
the expense of a serviceable static machine and perhaps still
more to the fact that static electricity has not received the
attention in our medical journals and medical colleges that
the Galvanic and Faradic currents have received.
Static electricity has characteristics and advantages that
should be understood by every practitioner who desires to
make use of electricity in any of its forms.
While static electricity is not called for as frequently as
the use of the Galvanic and Faradic currents, yet there are
occasions where it is greatly to be preferred. Nearly every
physician has seen a static machine and must have at least
seen cuts of them which will give a better idea of their con-
struction than any pen picture.
In the Galvanic or Faradic currents the electricity is
generated in cells, with which all physicians are familiar,
while in the static machine the current is generated by fric-
tion.
We will not in this work enter into the construction of
the static machine, but would refer those physicians who are
not familiar with its mechanism to an encyclopedia or a
catalogue of electro-therapeutic appliances which will give
accurate descriptions and cuts of the various machines.
45
The methods of applying static electricity are the fol-
lowing:
Static Insulation.
The Static Breeze.
The Static Induced Current.
The Direct and Indirect Spark.
STATIC INSULATION is one of the most agreeable
methods of applying electricity. The patient is placed upon
an insulated platform to which is attached one pole of the
machine. The other is grounded by allowing the conduct-
ing cord or chain to rest upon the floor.
Upon the machine being put in motion the patient ex-
periences a pleasant tingling sensation and frequently gen-
tle perspiration is started. The treatment produces no pain
or shock.
Static Insulation produces a general tonic effect, also
a sedative effect upon the nervous system. This is the pre-
ferable treatment to give in cases of Neurasthenia, Chorea,
Insomnia, and nearly all nervous diseases.
Static insulation is given by many physicians in prefer-
ance to "General Faradization" or "General Galvanization."
In many cases at least it will accomplish the same results
and its application is much more pleasant and less trouble-
46
some to the patient, as no clothing has to be removed.
TFIE STATIC BREEZE is, like static insulation, a
very agreeable treatment. The patient is again placed upon
the insulated platform (so as to retain a charge of electricity)
to which is attached one pole of the machine. The other
pole communicates with a metal crown or cap studded with
points which is placed a few inches above the head. Some
physicians claim the positive pole in this treatment is more
sedative and the negative pole more stimulating.
In Neuralgia of the face or head the static breeze will
almost always give prompt relief. It is one of the verv best
treatments in obstinate cases of insomnia. It is also of ser-
vice in some cases of Epilepsy, Insanity, etc.
THE STATIC INDUCED CURRENT corresponds
very closely to the Faradic current. To produce the static
induced current it is necessary to attach a pair of leyden jars
to the arms of the machine. The larger the jars the more
powerful the effect of current, hence two or three sets of
jars are frequently employed.
In this treatment it is not necessary for the patient to
be placed upon an insulated platform. One end of the cords
or wires must be attached to the outer coating of the tin
foil on the leyden jars.
47
The other end of the conducting cords arc attached to
electrodes and these applied to any part of the body. The
poles of the machine must be brought near together (not
touching) before the machine is started. Separating the
poles increases the effect of the treatment and must be done
very carefully or too powerful an effect will be produced.
The sensation and effect produced by the static induced
current are almost exactly the same as those of the Faradic
current.
In the static induced current there is a much greater
electro-motive force and fixed polarity. The static induced
current may be used wherever the Faradic current would
ordinarily be employed and is probably the most powerful
tonic of the two.
THE STATIC SPARK is given by placing the patient
upon the insulated platform, to which one pole of the ma-
chine is attached while the other is brought to bear upon the
parts to be treated. The electrode should be held near to,
but not touching, the clothing directly over the part to be
treated. The greater the distance the poles of the machine
are apart the more severe is the effect.
More rapid revolutions of the plates will also increase
the effect of the spark.
48
Static sparks are of very great service in treating Con-
tracted Muscles, Muscular Atrophy, Muscular Spasm, some
forms of severe Neuralgia, various forms of Paralysis,
Chronic Synovitis, etc.
The treatment of static insulation and static sparks
given at the same seance produce very pleasant results in
a large range of cases.
In using static electricity the subject of polarity is not
considered except by a very few who claim to be able to pro-
duce different results with the two poles.
This has not been the experience of the writer and it
is generally admitted that the same effect may be produced
by either pole.
The polarity of the static machine frequently changes
and what is the positive pole during one treatment may be
the negative pole during the next treatment.
Static electricity does not produce any of the chemical
effects which are obtained through the Galvanic current
and in electro-therapeutics many things may be accom-
plished through the chemical effects of the Galvanic cur-
rent that would be impossible with the static machine.
Static electricity possesses very small amperage or quantity
but very great voltage or intensity. As previously stated,
49
however, much, if not all, of the work usually accomplished
with the Faradic current might be performed with static
electricity.
The principal advantages in the use of the static ma-
chine over the Faradic current are that we have a much
greater electro-motive force and that the patient has to re-
move no clothing.
Cases of Hysteria, Neurathenia, Insomnia, Chorea,
Melancholia, Hporchondriasis, and other allied diseases,
will receive greater and more prompt benefit from static
electricity than perhaps from any other treatment.
W hile static electricity produces no chemical effect in the
tissues, it will increase the circulation, improve nutrition, as-
sist digestion and assimilation, promote absorbtion, and
quiet, refresh and invigorate the nervous system.
The following text books of Electro-Therapeutics are
recommended:
The International System of Electro-Therapeutics,—
Medical and Surgical Electricity. Rockwell.
Electricity in Medicine and Surgery. St. Clair.
Static Electricity. Monell.
„P*f.l «■■■«!■
, N*TIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
NLM DQ1031b3 5