. ■ 
AND . ' 
U • ELECTROPATHY 
AND 
Homceopathy Combined. 
A New and Complete System of Therapeutics of 
MEDICAL ELECTRICITY, 
BY 
PHILANDER SHEDD, M.D., 
'M 
and; 
CLARK OTIS, M. D. 
This new system of practice involves ne\j| ^njcil^fc 
A new system of Diagnpsis^a^CE23iliib&ipn of 
Disease aptfsis 
CHICAGO: 
Halsey Bros., Kt 
Publishers. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1882, by 
CL A RK O TIS, M. D., 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, 
PRESS OF THE YATES COUNTY CHRONfcLE, PENN YAN, N.Y/ PREFACE. 
Having been obliged so write out the principles 
of Electro-Therapeutics, as herein given, in a num- 
ber of instances much less complete, however, than 
the present work for individual practitioners, who 
were desirous of me to put it in book form, as well 
as many others of the profession having made the 
same request, I have thought best to comply, 
knowing that it is not as exhaustive as other works 
on electricty; it was not my purpose to make it 
such. The idea of condensing as much as possi- 
ble, and more to the point in subject, with refer- 
ence to its being carried in the pocket; Simplicity 
of language ; Omitting the more technical phraseo- 
logy of medical terms, has been the authors' ob- 
ject from first tJ last; To meet the wants of the 
busy practitioner, while out on his. circuit of visit- 
ing ; In short, a ready reference at the sick room 
has been the sole object in this little book The 
Electro-Therapeutic principles herein given, has 6 
PREFACE. 
been an unvaried source of success in my practice 
in the treatment of disease. With Dr. Shedd, who 
was the originator of the principles of Electro- 
Therapeutics, as herein given, over thirty years 
since, those who knew him, and of his exten- 
sive practice in the treatment of chronic diseases, 
during all these past years, cannot fail to admit 
that he has gone far beyond the average practition- 
er, in the successful cure of disease. With the fact 
that the Electro-Theraputics, as herein given, hav- 
ing been verified so long by him, as well as my- 
self-fifteen years, I present this book to the pro- 
fession, hoping the study of its contents will be of 
as much benefit to the reader as it has been to us. 
Clark Otis, M. D. EDICAL MEN AND Electricians 
have for ages, been aware of the 
virtues of Electricity as a Thera- 
peutic agent and have, from their 
own random experiments, produced 
cures, the most astonishing cures 
that have set at defiance, the philosophy of the 
medical world for a solution. But, on further 
investigation of the subject, they have suffered dis- 
appointment, as the same success seldom attended 
their efforts ; and from this fact the application of 
Electricity has been looked upon as doubtful and 
unworthy of confidence, and if relief came from its 
application, it was a matter of chance, rather than 
that of certainty. Great evil as well as good has re- 
sulted from the reckless and indiscriminate use of 
Electricity. It has been applied by the learned and 
unlearned, haphazard, without any assurance of 
accomplishing the desired object, and when suc- 
cessful was looked upon as the result of good luck 
rather than the effect of an immutable law. When 8 
its operations are thoroughly understood, the case 
properly judged, and the application scientifically 
made, there can be no uncertainty or doubt about 
the result. It sooths nervous iritation, equalizes 
the circulation, restores a healthy balance to the 
disordered functions, and imparts a vigorous tone 
to the body. It is well known that disease com- 
mences in the most subtile element of the body ; 
How obsurd then, that medicines taken into the 
stomach can equalize or regulate the nervous sys- 
tem or the vital fined when disturbed Health 
we consider to be an equilibrium of the electric 
condition of the human system and the more per' 
feet the equilibrium, the more perfect the health. 
Disease, on the contrary, is either a plus or minus 
of the whole or a portion, making one part plus 
and the other minus, and thereby causing obstruc- 
tion and stagnation of the vital flued. Electricity 
is the natural element of the nervous system, the 
connecting link between mind and matter-the 
most subtile substance known. It circulates the 
blood, is the cause of volantary and involantary 
motion, produces all the chemical changes in the 
system, the decomposition and recomposition, and 
REMARKS. always co-operates with vitality in imparting health 
and strength to the human system. If Electricity 
is the generating agent of animal life, how import- 
ant then it must be in the continuance of that life 
as also in the preservation of health. 
POLARITIES. 
9 
POLARITIES. 
Electricity has two polarities and currents : the 
positive and the negative. The positive pole from 
the battery gives off the negative current. The 
negative pole brings out the positive current. 
The negative current is acid-cooiing and con- 
tracting ; The positive current is alkaline-relax- 
ing and heating. All negative currents are inward; 
all positive currents are outward. THERAPEUTICS. 
To relax a muscle or nerve, run the current with 
the muscle or nerve by placing negative pole un- 
der foot or in hand, and manipulating over effect- 
ed part with positive pole. To contract a muscle 
or nerve, run against the muscle or nerve by plac- 
ing positive pole under foot or in hand and manipu- 
late over effected part with negative pole. 
In all cases, commence with light current and 
treat from ten to fifteen minutes, increasing the 
currents from treatment to treatment, as the pa- 
tient can bear with benefit. 
DISEASE 
is either positive or negative. Positive disease is 
where an organ is over acted, the result of which 
is congestion or inflamation, and is attended with 
acute pain and extreme soreness. Negative dis- 
ease is a want of normal action, and is attended DISEASE. 
11 
sometimes with bruised like feelings and a heavy 
dull pain. In some cases, there is a positive con- 
dition of some one or more organs, and others are 
negative. In such cases, run the currents from 
the positive to the negative condition, as the con- 
dition may require. 
TO DIAGNOSE DISEASE. 
First-The operator should have for his con- 
venience a stool, the top of which should be cov- 
ered with tin or zinc, the tin, however, is best 
with screw attachment on one of the legs connect- 
ed to the metalic covering of stool for connecting 
either cord from the battery. This is an article of 
convenience in the treatment of general disease. 
As a substitute when the the patient is being 
treated at home, the operator can use a large 
sponge, dampened in warm water, squeezed by the 
hand as dry as possible, putting the electrode in 
the chair, the sponge covering it, and the patient 
sit on that. The operator should advise the pa- 
tient to know that there is not any clothing be- 
tween the sponge and person, as it would act as 12 
an insulator. The parts to receive treatment 
would not get the current. The same observation 
should not be forgotten when using the metalic 
stool. The use of the sponge, as above described 
will be frequently used when visiting patients. I 
may say here, for the benefit of the operator in 
the diagnosis of disease, to get more familiar with 
the different sensations of current, it would be 
well to set the battery running and amuse some 
friend with a moderate current, for the practice, at 
first, in noting the distinction between positive and 
negative conditions. Place the patient on metalic 
stool with negative pole attached, then take posi- 
tive pole in the left hand and pass the right over 
the different organs. If there is a positive condi- 
tion of the organ, the finger will be attached to 
the person. If there be a negative condition, the 
finger will be slightly repulsed. It may be neces- 
sary to place the finger on a healthy condition 
first in order to judge correctly of the condition of 
the organ. Thus, as the operator becomes famili- 
ar with the positive and negative sensations of 
disease, he will be able to trace from cause to 
effect on unerring principles. 
DISEASE. For the treatment of disease in general, the 
opperator should be supplied with the necessary 
instruments to aid him in locating the currents, to 
any portion of the body. The old adage, which 
I regard a very true one, and should ever be in the 
mind of the practitioner of both medicine and 
electricity, " Let well enough alone," It is not 
necessury to treat a healthy or normal condition; 
prescribe for the symptoms present; locate the 
currents to the parts or organs effected. The 
following named instruments are those most essen- 
tial in the treatment of general disease. 
DISEASE. 
13 
ist.-Ordinary Sponge Electrode. 14 
INSTRUMENTS. 
2d.-Improved Sponge Holder. INSTRUMENTS. 
15 
3d.-Side Sponge Holder to use under a loose 
gown. 
4th.-Tongue Electrode. 
5th.-Glass Eye Cup to be filled with water. 
6th.-Rectal Electrode. 
7th.-Uterine Electrode. 16 
APPARATUS. 
8th.-Vaginal Electrode. 
9th.-Ear Electrode with holes at point to sew 
on small sponge. This when the sponge is attach- 
ed, may be used in the treatment of elongated 
velum, by holding the sponge surface in contact. 
My experience in the use of the different Elec- 
tro-Medical Apparatus, for the past fifteen years, 
has lead me to favor the instruments manufactured 
by Jerome Kidder Manufacturing Company, 820 
Broadway, New York, who has kindly furnished 
the illustrations of instruments and general appli- 
ances, in this work, which are kept by most of the 
Homoeopathic Pharmacies throughout the United 
States, and can be procured at the regular retail 
list prices, etc., etc. 
ELECTRO-MEDICAL APPARATUS. APPARATUS. 
17 
No. i Physicians' Office Electro-Medical Ap- 
paratus, large size, having four coils and ten cur- 
rents. By means of a switch the second coil can 
also be thrown into the primary circuit at option. 
By moving the lever six to the right or left, the 
currents are momentarily reversed in their direc- 
tion. 18 
APPARATUS. 
2. Physicians' Visiting Machine. This is real- 
ly a very convenient machine for the practitioner. 
It has ten qualities of current, being compact in 
form, with upright stopper battery, constantly 
ready for use. By springs underneath the hinges 
that fasten the coil box to the case, the battery is 
connected to operate the coils when turned down 
to a horizontal position, as seen in cut. This 
machine is about six inches long, three and one- 
half wide and six inches deep, with metalic han- 
dle on top of lid for carrying. APPARATUS. 
19 
4. Shown without lid. Office and Family Ma 20 
chine. Six qualities of current is operated by one 
open battery, which is operated a long time with- 
out changing fluid in bottle which accompanies. 
This machine is often used for visiting. 
APPARATUS. 
5. Same as No. 4, with the exceptions of the 
Hydrostat Tip Battery, which is of much conveni- 
ence in the office. To lift the elements out of 
the liquid by turning the batterv on its axis to the 
left. 21 
GENERAL TREATMENT. 
Sit the patient on metalic stool with negative 
pole attached, then manipulate the person with 
positive pole, treat for ten minutes with light 
current. If the patient feels dozy, or sick at the 
stomach, the treatment should be discontinued 
till those symptoms pass away. 
The above treatment is mostly necessary in 
cases of nervous excitement, sleeplessness, dull 
headache, tendency to rush of blood to the head, 
coldJ extremities, mild form of inflammatory 
symptoms. 
FEMALE DISEASES.-ANTI-VERSJ ON 
is when the body of the uterus is thrown down- 
ward and forward causing heavy bearing down 
pain across the lower portion of the abdomen. 
Frequent desire to evacuate, the bladder scalding 
and burning during urination, etc. 22 
RETROVERSION 
is where the uterus is thrown downward and back- 
ward causing heavy pain in the back and loins, 
constipation, headache, pain under and between 
scapulas, etc. 
LATERAL VERSION 
is where the uterus is thrown downward and to 
either side, causing many of the above symptoms 
mentioned as well as heavy pains in the side, cor- 
responding to the version, there may be also sharp 
pains in the region of the ovaries, bloatedness, 
□bliging the clothes to be loosened. Eating lit- 
le, feeling as if much had been eaten. 
TREATMENT. 
ist. Attach uterine instrument to positive pole 
pass instrument up in front of the uterus, through 
vagina and manipulate over upper portion of ab- 
domen with negative pole. The above is for 
anti-version. For retroversion, pass uterine in- strument up and back of uterus, and manipulate 
over back just below scapulas down to sacrum. 
SIMPLE PROLAPSUS 
23 
SIMPLE PROLAPSUS. 
Place uterine instrument against osuteri attached 
to positive pole, manipulating over back and 
epigastrum with negative pole. 
2d.-Place sponge electrode attached to posi- 
tive pole just above pubes, and manipulate over 
back with negative pole, passing current up be- 
tween scapulas, using strong current as patient can 
bear, commencing light at first. 
LEUCHORRCEA. 
Uterine leuchorrcea is generally caused by pro- 
lapsus in its different forms, and is generally cured 
when the cause is removed. Not unfrequently, 
however, it is of such acrid character it produces 24 
ELECTRICAL TREATMENT. 
ulceration of both osuteri and the adjacent sur- 
faces of the vagina, causing extreme suffering to 
the patient and if left to run its course results in 
far more serious difficulties. I do not recommend 
electricity alone in the treatment of this 
loathsome malady. Homoeopathic medicine must 
be resorted to in combination with Electropathic 
treatment. The vaginal walls may be so extremely 
sensitive that the patient cannot tolerate the 
inserting of the instrument necessary in the 
Electrical treatment, thus necessitating the use, 
also, of some local medical application to over- 
come the sensitive condition. 
The Homoeopathical indicated remedies are as 
essential as the Electro-Vitalization in the treat- 
ment of this class of disease as well as in those I 
shall speak of hereafter. 
ELECTRICAL TREATMENT. 
Attach Vaginal Electrode to positive pole 
manipulate over lower portion of abdomen, then 
sacrum with negative pole, using strong current. 
The following local medication has proved of great value in my practice as a vaginal injection, just af- 
ter the patient has retired. To facilitate the use 
of it better, instruct the patient to lie with head 
the lowest while using it, that it may remain in 
contact and not pass away. 
Fid Ext. Calendula, dr i; Fid. Ext. Hydrastic, 
dr i ; Simple Syrup, oz i ; Aqua Dist., oz i. Mix. 
One tablespoonful an injection ; to be repeated 
nightly or less frequent, as the condition may 
require. 
SURPASSED MENSTURATION. 
25 
SUPPRESSED MENSTRATION. 
Suppressed Menstration consists in the absence 
of the monthly period in women, between the ages 
of puberity and climaxes, accepting in cases of 
pregnacy and nursing. The non-appearance of 
the menses at the age of puberity, is caused 
chiefly in chlorosis, which condition is a want of 
electrical vitality in the system. The whole sys- 
tem may be in a negative condition, the constitu- 
tion may be so impared that nature has nothing 
to act upon, thus giving away to a long train of 26 
symptoms, that are most dangerous in character, 
if not fatal. Hectic Fever, Cough, Impaired 
Appetite, Constipation, Headache, Spitting of 
Blood, Impared Circulation, Cold Extremities, and 
an indisposition to see company, or do anything, 
Catarrhal Conditions of the Womb, Inactivity of 
the Ovaries, Imperformation of the Hymen, are 
other causes. The last calling for mechanical 
treatment. There are many other concomitant 
symptoms not necessary, however, for me to 
mention, as they all originate from the same cause. 
Medicines, Homoeopathically prescribed, are in- 
variably necessary, but not always sufficient. The 
electrical forces must be balanced up, and kept so, 
and when this is done, the action of the appropri- 
ate drug will be ten fold to that without it. I will 
first consider the electrical treatment of suppressed 
menstration, after which chlorosis proper, will be 
considered, under its proper heading. 
TREATMENT. 
TREATMENT. 
Place uterine electrode attached to positive 
pole against Osuteri, and manipulate over abdo- men and back with negative pole. If there be in- 
activity of the electrical forces, impaired circula- 
tion, cold extremities, sit the patient on sponge or 
metalic stool with positive pole attached and 
manipulate over both ovarian regions the whole 
length of spinal column, then over epigastrum with 
negative pole. 
CHLOROSIS 
27 
CHLOROSIS 
Is mostly without exception, a want of electrical 
force to carry on or usher in the life of puberty, 
and consequently calls for plus treatment to the 
whole system, which is as follows : Sit the patient 
on metalic stool with positive pole attached, ma- 
nipulate over the organs of generation; If there 
is torpid condition of other organs, manipulate 
over them with negative pole ; If there is general 
nervous excitement, headache and extreme sens- 
itiveness, at great nervous center, place negative 
pole under foot and treat over spinal column with 
light current for five minutes, after which place 
negative pole in hand, Dampen the hair, and 28 
AGUE IN THE BREAST. 
manipulate the head with very light current, for 
three to five minutes, with positive pole. Con- 
tinue this treatment, with the carefully prescribed 
homoeopathic drug, daily, until nature becomes 
self supporting, when discontinue the frequency. 
AGUE IN THE BREAST. 
Treatment.-Place the patient on metalic 
stool or place feet in warm water with negative 
pole, and manipulate over breast with positive 
pole, using light current for twenty minutes. 
DYSPEPSIA.-INDIGESTION 
Is the result of many causes, anatomcial changes 
in the digestive apparatus, such as catarrh, inflam- 
mation, thickening ulceration of the membranes 
of the stomach, abnormal conditions of the ner- 
vous system, in consequence of mental excite- 
ment, over mental exertions. The uses of irritat- ing or stimulating food or drink, sympathetic irri- 
tations from the womb, liver, torpidity of the 
bowels, etc. For all the above causes, electricity 
ranks first in the great catalogue of remedies, as 
well as the true medium of diagnosis, pointing out 
and locating to the practitioner, the undoubtful seat 
of the difficulty. If no further use of the currents, 
than this one advantage alone, to aid in diagnosti- 
cating disease, it would then be an invaluable 
agent. In all conditions of disease, we find an 
unbalanced state of electrical force. By equaliz- 
ing these forces, convalesence must naturally take 
place. By homoeopathic medication, combined 
with electropathic treatment, we have a two fold 
agent in the cure. 
TREATMENT. 
29 
TREATMENT. 
After general treatment. First.-Place tongue 
electrode with positive pole attached, on tongue, 
and manipulate over the stomach with negative 
pole. Second.-Place sponge electrode with posi- 
tive pole attached to back, just below scapulas, 
and manipulate over stomach and liver with nega- 30 
five pole. If the stomach is sore, finish treatment 
by placing patient on metalic stool with negative 
pole attached, and manipulate stomach with posi- 
tive pole. Continue this treatment daily, as in 
other conditions, when nature becomes self sup- 
porting, discontinue the frequency. 
NASAL CATARRH. 
NASAL CATARRH 
Is an inflammation or the result of an inflammatory 
affection of the mucous surfaces of the nasal 
cavities. It frequently spreads over the entire 
continuation of membranous lining, upwards in- 
to the frontal sinuses, sideways, complicating the 
highmorian cavities, or it may reach downward 
and backward into the posterior nares, the 
fauces, and so on down the larnyx, trachea and 
bronchial tubes. Its primary symptoms are sneez- 
ing, owing to great irritation of mucous membrane, 
often causing hardness of hearing from inflamma- 
tion and swelling of the eustaclian tube. This, too, is accompanied with hard, dry cough, conse- 
quently complicating larnyx, trachea and bronchial 
tubes. 
THERAPEUTIC HINTS. 
31 
THERAPEUTIC HINTS. 
My own experience has taught me that electri- 
city can do much more for this malady than medi- 
cine, however, I recommend the application of 
both. I may say also the local applications, 
which I know has been very successful in the cure 
of those offensive copious discharges peculiar to 
some individuals. The nasal cavity of this par- 
ticular class is brim full of the most offensive 
greenish yellow mucous and is generally running 
over, so to speak. In this class of cases, I have 
derived great benefit in the use of the catarrhal 
syringe, with this, keeping the nasal mucous sur- 
faces clean by repeated injections of the following 
prescription : Fid. Ext. Hydrastis, dr |; Fid. Ext. 
Calendula, dr i ; Dist. Aqua, ozn. Mix. 
TREATMENT. 
Place sponge electrode attached to negative pole TREATMENT. 
32 
on the back of neck, and treat through Sinus' 
process and antrum with positive pole; treat 
lightly first, for ten minutes, and then put negative 
in hands and treat over forehead with positive pole. 
This is for acute catarrh. 
If there is a chronic condition, the mucous sur- 
faces are negative, and do not secrete. The smell 
is consequently impared. There is want of action, 
a plus current is called for. 
TREATMENT. 
Place sponge electrode with positive pole attach- 
ed at back of neck and treat over frontal linns 
and whole length of septum, the latter with strong 
current as patient can conveniently bear, with 
negative pole. If, after repeated treatments, there 
is a too active condition of the mucous surfaces, 
place negative pole in hands and treat over fore- 
head and septum with positive pole, using light 
current for five minutes. Use the same discretion 
in this, as in the treatment of other diseases. If 
there is ulceration in the cavities, streaks of blood 
mixed with the mucous blown from the nose, I have found the following local injection of mucn 
value at first, daily then less frequent : Fid. Ext. 
Calendula, dr i ; Hydrastis Gtts., to; Carbol Acid 
Gtts., 5 ; Dist. Aqua, oz i. Mix. 
The medicinal remedies which I would cafl 
your attention to, are the following : Aurum, 
Arsenicum, Arsenicum Jod., Argentum Nit., 
Graph., Hydrastis, Kali., Bich., Nitric Ac , Nux 
Vom., Pulsatilia, Sanguinaria, Silicia, Sticta Pulm, 
Sulphur. The indications for some of these 
remedies may be of interest to the reader, which 
are most frequently used. 
Aurum is indicated in caries of the bones of the 
nose with fetid discharge of greenish or yellow 
pus, salty tasting, watery discharge, through the 
posterior nares, the nostrils may be closed from 
ulceration, loss of smell, discharges of blood from 
the nose, swelling of the nose from walking in the 
open air, bones of the nose are painful to touch. 
Arsenicum. Burning, acrid, watery discharge, 
excoriating soreness of the nose, fluent coryza, 
frequent stoppage of the nasal passages, worse in 
open air and at night, thirst or desire to drink 
often but little at a time, the eyes discharge ex- 
THERAPEUTIC HINTS. 
33 34 
coriating tears. This is all the more indicated with 
those who are subject to malarial influences. 
Arsenicum Jod. Persons with pale, delicate skin, 
enlarged tonsils, defective assimilation, cedema- 
tous, puffiness of the eyelids, tuberculous diathesis, 
nasal and laryngeal, catarrh discharges, copious and 
thin, or scanty or thick, with some tenacious and 
frothy, very irritating and corrosive, watery mucous 
discharge, burning nostrils and lips, epidemic 
influenza. 
Argentum Nit. Violent itching of the ulcers 
in the nose which become covered with yellow 
crusts, bleeding from detached scabs of the nose, 
purulent bloody mucous discharges, impaired sense 
of smell, stupifying headache, sneezing and 
coryza with lachrymation. 
Hydrastis Canadensis.-Dropping down of mu- 
cous from the posterior nares into the throat, raw 
excoriating sensation in both nares, continually 
inclined to blow the nose, thickening of the mu- 
cous membrane of the nostrils, raw and inflamed 
fauces, hawking up of tough, yellow or whitish 
mucous, tenacious stringy discharge, ulceration of 
mucous membrane of nose, profuse lachrymation. 
THERAPEUTIC HINTS. RHEUMATISM. 
35 
Nux Vom.-Coryza and sneezing through the 
day with stoppage of the nose at night, acute 
symptoms of catarrh, inflammation in the frontal 
cavities, with severe headache, bloody mucous 
from the nose, itching of the nose, infantile coryza, 
Sulphur.-Chronic conditions: The formation of 
hard, dry scabs in the nasal passages, bloody dis- 
charge when blowing the nose, profuse catarrhal dis- 
charge of burning water, fluent burning coryza 
out doors, nose stopped up in doors, chronic stop- 
page of nose or of one nostril, swelling and in- 
flammation of nose, smell before the nose as from 
an old catarrh. 
RHEUMATISM 
Is a name denoting inflammation in the fibrous 
tissue of the large joints and may be of an acute 
or chronic character. This inflammatory condi- 
tion is a disarrangement of the electrical forces. 
It may originate in a muscle, the sheaths of the 
tendons, the neurilemma or the periosteum. When 
in the joints, the synovial membrane is the seat of 36 
TREATMENT. 
difficulty, characterizing acute inflammation with 
much swelling and or a thickening of the same. 
The latter condition occurs most frequent in 
chronic form. Muscular Rheumatism is seated in 
the muscles, attacks any portion of the muscular 
system and is the most prevailing. The locality 
of this disease has lead to a rotine of names des- 
ignating the location as follows : 
Cephalalgia Rheumatism-That form which at- 
tacks the frontalis occipitalis temporalis, the galea 
aponeurotica or periosteum of the skull. 
Torticollis Rheumatism-" Stiff neck " or " wry 
neck." 
Pleurodynia Rheumatism-Attacks the pector- 
alis major and entercostal muscles, lumbago, the 
lumbar muscles, etc. In treating Rheumatism, 
the currents must be located to the parts effected. 
TREATMENT. 
First. Treat through and through effected parts 
or joints, after which place feet or hands in warm 
water with negative pole and manipulate over 
effected parts with positive pole. NEURALGIA. 
37 
Second. Treat liver and kidneys by placing 
sponge electrode with positive pole attached on 
left side and manipulate over right side with nega- 
tive pole. In the chronic form, where there is a 
relaxed condition, a want of contractile power in 
the muscular fibre, the plus current must be used. 
Sciatic Rheumatism-Is pain of the ischiadicus 
nerve. It may extend the whole length from the 
sacrum to the extremity of the foot. It may at- 
tack both limbs at the same time. Its most fre- 
quent occurrence is in only a part of the nerve 
and generally only one side. The pain extending 
from the nates down the posterior part of the 
thigh to the popliteal space. 
Crural Neuralgia-Is seated in the crural nerve. 
The pain is felt on the inner and lower portion of 
the thigh, the inner side of knee, ankle and 
foot to the big toe. There are still other forms of 
neuralgia, as 
Cephalalgia Neuralgia-'sick headache, is most 
frequently met with in women who are predispos- 
ed to hysteric, chlorotic, and anaemic conditions, 
with weak, nervous constitution, married women 
who have no children, young widows, men of weak 38 
NEURALGIA. 
constitution from reading and studying at night, 
together with the abuse of coffee and tea drinking. 
Neuralgia of the Trigeminus or Tic Doutou- 
reaux. 
Facial Neuralgia.-The nerves supplying the 
face -dental nerves. The sensory and motory 
may both be effected at one time. The pain in 
this form of neuralgia is most excrutiating, caus- 
ing jerking of different muscles of the face, spas- 
modic closing of the eyes, etc. 
Cervico-occipital Neuralgia is seated in sensory 
fibres of first four spinal nerves, generally only on 
one side, extending over the upper part of nape 
of neck and occiput. The side of the head and 
front towards the lower jaw. 
Cervico Trachial Neuralgia is seated over the 
whole trachial plexus, through the shoulder, shoul- 
der blades, and down the arm. 
Intercostal Neuralgia involves the intercostal 
nerves, sometimes effecting both sides of the chest, 
more frequently, however, the left side, between 
the fifth and ninth intercostal spaces. The causes 
of this vast amount of pain, is largely owing to 
atmospherical influences. TREATMENT OF SCIATIC NEURALGIA. 
Place sponge electrode attached to negative 
pole at upper portion of inside of thigh, manipu- 
late over sacrum nates and down outside of limb 
with positive pole. Treat through and through all 
the way there is pain. Then place foot in warm 
water, with negative pole manipulate from sacrum 
down outside of thigh and leg as far as the pain 
extends. Treat for fifteen minutes daily until im- 
provement, then less frequent. 
TREATMENT OF CRURAL NEURALGIA. 
Place sponge electrode attached to negative 
pole at upper portion of outside of thigh, manipu- 
late inside from upper portion down the limb with 
positive pole. Treat through and through as far 
as pain extends, placing foot in warm water, with 
negative pole manipulate whole inside portion of 
thigh from above downward as in sciatica. TREATMENT FOR CEPHALALGIA, 
NERVOUS SICK HEADACHE. 
Place sponge electrode attached to negative 
pole at back of neck, manipulate great nervous 
center and forehead with positive pole. Then 
manipulate epigastrum, after which place negative 
pole in both hands and treat over occiput, neck 
and shoulders with positive pole. Treat with 
light current, creating no pain from the current, 
duration, fifteen minutes. 
T IC DOULOUREUX, 
FACIAL NEURALGIA TREATMENT. 
Place sponge electrode attached to negative 
pole at back of neck, manipulate the face with 
positive pole. Then place sponge electrode at- 
tached to negative pole in hands, manipulate face 
with positive as before, treating fifteen minutes. 
CERVICO-OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA, 
TREATMENT. 
Place the patient on metalic stool with negative TREATMENT. 
41 
pole attached, dampen the hair thoroughly and 
manipulate over occiput and back of neck, also 
lateral regions of head and in front, towards and 
below temples with positive pole. Much care 
should be observed in using very light current, not 
to be, in the least, painful. The treatment should 
be of fifteen or twenty minutes duration. 
CERVICO-TRACHIAL NEURALGIA, 
TREATMENT. 
Treat through and through with light current, 
the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades and down the 
arms. Then place hand in warm water, with nega- 
tive pole manipulate over effected parts with posi- 
tive pole. Treat fifteen minutes. 
INTERCOSTAL NEURALGIA, 
TREATMENT. 
Sit patient on metalic stool with negative pole 
attached, manipulating either side with positive 
pole. In the incipient stage of pleurisy, the above 
treatment will, in nearly every case, break up the 42 
attack at once, saving the patient from going 
through the usual course of disease. 
VARICOSE VEINS. 
VARICOSE VEINS. 
Varices dilatation of the veins, with thickening 
of their coats, is termed Varix Varices or Vari- 
cose Veins. This enlargement is believed to oc- 
cur first in the sub-muscular, then in the sub-cu- 
taneous or superficial veins, and this statement of 
its rise and progress, explains the insufficiency of 
the ordinary surgical method of treating this dis- 
order, and shows the reason of the frequent re- 
lapses which follow its apparent cure, by compres- 
sion. Varicose Veins often appear in pregnancy, 
in the latter months of utero-gestation, and are 
commonly supposed to be caused by the pressure 
of the gravid uterus upon the iliac vessels and in- 
ferior cava. But this local pressure can be but a 
single one of the exciting causes. Since varices 
occur with those who are not pregnant and the 
larger proportion of those who are, this does not occur. Men as well as women are subject to 
varices. The constitutional condition of the sys- 
tem in general, and perhaps of the organs of ven- 
ous circulation in particular, which gives rise to 
varices, under the influence of existing causes, is 
no doubt similar to those which produce hemor- 
rhoids. Men and women inclined to obesity, lax 
muscular fiber, are most subject to varicose con- 
ditions. 
TREATMENT. 
43 
TREATMENT. 
Place the foot on sponge attached to positive 
pole and manipulate effected part with negative 
pole. The manipulation in this condition should 
be from the extremity upwards. Duration twenty 
minutes. In extreme cases, after the treatment, I 
apply the cotton bandage after also applying the 
following simple cerate, formula: Fluid Extract 
Hamamelis, dr 4, Lard oz 2. Mix. To be 
rubbed in once each day. The bandages should 
not be worn at night, but should be put on imme- 
diately after rising. In cases of varicose ulcer, 
where the tendency is for the ulcer to grow larger, 
hemorrhage, etc., the electrical treatment will not be HEMORRHOIDES OR PILES. 
44 
of service, till such times as the ulcer may have 
mostly healed. To further consummate the cure, 
the electrical treatment will be indicated. For 
the healing of varicose ulcer, I have had most 
gratifying results from the following formula and 
application: 
First-The ulcerated condition should be cleans- 
ed as thoroughly as possible by the application of 
castile soap suds. Then apply with care the fol- 
lowing : Fluid Extract Hamamelis, dr 2, Fid. 
Ext. Hydrastis dr 1, Fid. Ext. Calendula dr 1, 
Cosmoline oz 2. Mix thoroughly. After which the 
bandage, not rubber, but cotton, should commence 
at foot and extend to above the calf only to be 
removed for re-dressing. 
The next subject which I call attention to is one 
which necessarily should follow after the condition 
just considered. 
HEMORRHOIDES OR PILES, 
which condition is an enlargement of the hemor- 
rhoidal veins, situated in the mucous membrane 
inside and outside of the sphincter ani. Here TREATMENT. 
the muscular tissue of the vein has become weak 
and dilated and filled with venous blood. They 
may be situated internally or externally, not un- 
frequently bleed profusely. The pain is often ex- 
crutiating, and parts are sensitive to the extreme. 
This is virtually, a varicose condition of the hem- 
orrhoidal veins. The valves of the veins which, in 
the return of blood toward the vena porta, have 
become weakened and overpowered, consequently, 
there is want of electrical vitality. The causes I 
will not enumerate here, as they are fully spoken 
of in other works, but will proceed to the treat- 
ment. 
45 
TREATMENT. 
The rectum electrode attached to positive pole 
insert into anus, manipulate back epigastrum, right 
and left lumbar regions, also over sacrum and 
pubes with negative pole. Much care should be 
exercised in the application of the currents, not to 
cause pain. The homoeopathically indicated reme- 
dies should be resorted to in combination with^the 
electrical treatment. If the hemorrhoidal tumors 46 
PARALYSIS. 
protrude to the extent that the mucous surfaces 
are exposed, compression should be applied after 
the tumors are anointed with the following formu- 
la, which has promptly relieved in cases of seem- 
ingly worst type: Fluid Extract Hamamelis dr 2, 
Fid. Ext. Hydrastis dr 1, Olive Oil oz 1^. Mix. 
If of the internal character, inject one tea spoon- 
ful after each evacuation of the bowels with small 
glass syringe. 
PARALYSIS 
is a loss of muscular contractility and the power 
of motion. There is also a paralysis of sensation, 
which may be conjoined with that of motion, but 
the latter often happens alone, and in this place is 
the morbid state alluded to. Paralysis may be 
general or partial ; it may effect quite the whole 
system or limited to only one muscle ; it may be 
confined to one side, or only exist in lower half of 
body ; it may come on rapidly or creep on slowly, 
but under any circumstances, it is not a disease, 
but a symptom. We must in individual cases, PARALYSIS. 
47 
therefore, aim at determining as far as possible, 
the causes before we attempt to remedy the palsy. 
Here is where electricity has the advantage over 
other sources, in searching out the hidden cause 
and locality. By closely observing the article on 
diagnosis, with a familiar sensation of the currents 
in passing over the body, we can trace the 
difficulty to its origin. The causes which give rise 
to paralysis are due, generally, to a loss of nerve 
vitality, and are various. Paralysis due to a lesion 
or any morbid condition of the nervous center, 
softening of the central nervous textures or any 
process which materially alters them, occasions 
loss of power in the part over which their influ- 
ence in health extends. But besides these palsies 
of organic origin, there are functional palsies, de- 
pendent upon seemingly simple functional derang- 
ment of the great center of innervation. Hysteri- 
cal palsy and that occuring after over work, or ex- 
cess and evidently from nervous exhaustion, are 
much benefited by electrical treatment. Paralysis 
due to a lesion in the course of a nerve-for in- 
stance, if a nerve be wounded or compressed, 
paralysis of the muscle which it supplies takes 48 
AMAUROSIS. 
place, and there is no help for it. This also, is 
wholly local, and apt to show marked nutritive 
changes in the effected part. The skin will ap- 
pear glossy, joints swollen with pain of the fingers. 
The latter may be benefited only partially by 
mitigating pain, possibly reduce the swelling. Le- 
sional palsies are those conditions of palsy which 
are beyond the aid of human devise to remedy. 
Deducting the latter from the general list of pal- 
sies, and we have those, which if supplied with 
sufficient amount of constitutional vitality to get 
an action on, electricity will be most important in 
the treatment. Also too, this condition, whether 
general or local, being a loss of the whole or a 
part in vitality, whichever the case may be, calls 
for plus treatment, directing the currents over the 
seat of parts involved. I will now call attention 
to the several different forms of palsies, giving the 
treatment of each respectively. 
AMAUROSIS. 
By this, we mean a paralytic condition of the 
optic nerve. The symptoms are as follows : The patient can see better after refreshing sleep in the 
morning than any other time. The pupil of the 
eye is immovable, not quite round and dilated. 
The iris moves slowly, does not reach against the 
light as before, its color changes becoming either 
lighter or darker. 
PARALYSIS. 
49 
TREATMENT. 
Use sponge electrode attached to negative pole. 
If it is the right eye you wish to treat, place sponge 
at left occipito-survical region, manipulate the eye 
with positive pole, using very light current for ten 
to fifteen minutes daily for a time, after which less 
frequent. If for the left eye, place sponge elec- 
trode on right side, etc. 
PARALYSIS OF THE AUDITORY NERVE. 
There are many morbid conditions which cause 
deafness, and this is only one of the many. Deaf- 
ness is not always produced by the above condi- 
tion alone. The nerve may be perfectly sound, 
without a fault, and still there be loss of hearing. 
If there are morbid processes, such as involve the 50 
tympani, as in inflammation, and consequently, 
ulceration, thickening, degeneration and destruction 
of this membrane, there is no help for it. Any 
destruction of a part causing deafness, is in my 
opinion, past cure. 
TREATMENT. 
TREATMENT. 
Place sponge electrode attached to positive pole 
opposite to the nerve or ear you wish to treat, just 
under and also above ear, manipulating the side to 
be treated with negative pole. The manipulation 
should be conducted through the fingers, insinuat- 
ing the end of the finger into the ear, in order to 
bring the currents to bear on all portions of nerve, 
as much as may be. Then place tongue electrode 
attached to positive pole on tongue, and manipu- 
late as before with the fingers. Due attention re- 
garding mild and suitable current should be ob- 
served, as well as length of time in giving the 
treatment, which should not be longer than fifteen 
minutes, and often not more than ten minutes, 
repeating the treatments as often as the condition 
will make beneficial use of it, always accompany- ing the treatment with the most clearly indicated 
medicinal remedies. The following remedies 
might be considered in this place: Arn., Bell., 
Caust., Hyosc,, Nux V., Petr., Phos., Ph os. ac., 
Puls. Silic. 
PARALYSIS. 
51 
GLOSSO-LARYNGEAL PARALYSIS. 
The first symptoms of this kind of paralysis, 
most likely to be observed : The tongue is less 
supple, the utterances become thick, there is difficul- 
ty in mastication, the food getting between the teeth 
and cheek, the saliva dribbles from the lips and 
corners of the mouth, as this condition progresses, 
articulation of speech is gradually lost, the shape 
of the tongue is altered, and lips quite motionless. 
It however reacts to the electrical currents. The 
patient can no longer close the posterior nares, 
having lost the use of the velum and muscles of 
the posterior palatine arch. It is with difficulty 
that deglutition is performed, often terminating in 
paroxysms of strangling. The same difficulty is 
manifest in the attempt of drinking fluids. The 
patient is often tormented with hunger, fearing 52 
the consequences of partaking food. Thus gen- 
eral debility becomes extreme. This curious 
malady may have an acute beginning. Sometimes 
it is complicated with weakness of the muscles of 
one side. " The seat of lesion is in the medulla in 
the motor elements of its gray constituents." 
De Costa. 
GENERAL TREATMENT. 
TREATMENT. 
In treating this malady a determination of per- 
severence should prevail, as the improvement is 
slow. The patient at times will be discouraged, 
still by continued treatment improvement will be 
observed. The predisposition for paralysis to 
show itself in other localities may occur, and in 
some cases cannot be avoided, particularly in 
people of advanced age. I may say this of paraly- 
sis generally, as you will find debilitated vitality 
in nearly every case. 
GENERAL TREATMENT 
should be first, in the treatment of this condition, 
by sitting patient on metalic stool, with positive pole attached, manipulating the full length of the 
spine with negative pole, using medium current 
for ten minutes, after which place the tongue elec- 
trode with positive pole attached on tongue, man- 
ipulating epigastrum dorsal portion of back, both 
submaxillary localities and survical portion of 
neck. This should be repeated daily for a long 
period of time as the improvement may suggest, 
when continue less frequent. Much may be done 
also to relieve by judicial medication. The fol- 
lowing remedies are those which have been of 
great benefit in my practice : Avena Sat., Baryta 
C,, Lach., Nux V. 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
53 
Clinical history of case treated from my case 
book: 
Mr. S., aged 65 years, nervous temperament; 
occupation farmer ; earlier days inclined to occa- 
sional spells of alcoholic intoxication, under me- 
dium size. Had been suffering fifteen months 
when I was called to see him, in November, 1880, 
which time could not talk ; the saliva dribbled 
from the mouth quite all the time. Eating al 54 
PARALYSIS. 
ways produced strangulation. The tongue 
could not be extended beyond the lips. 
Could not close the mouth, the underlip inclined 
to hang d:>wn and outward. Was liable to choice 
from drink. Want of sleep at night. Could only 
make a hideous noise with the mouth. This case 
made more of a recovery than was thought possi- 
ble. The treatment lasted for about six months. 
He improved to that extent that he could eat and 
drink with comfort. Resumed the labor of chor- 
ing on his farm when he went from my notice. 
PARALYSIS OF THE FACE 
generally attacks only one side, and is caused by 
either diseases of the brain, apoplexy, absesses, soft- 
ening or pseudo-formations. When it is mostly com- 
bined with paralysis of the tongue and extremi- 
ties, central irritation, or by diseases of the pe- 
trous portion of the temporal bone, caries or ex- 
ternal injuries or tumefactions or scirrhous swelling 
of the parotid gland, peripheric irritations. The 
paralytic side of the face appears flatter, longer, drawn down, motionless. When both sides are 
paralyzed, the whole face is smooth and motion- 
less. When paralysis occurs, caused from local 
diseases from corresponding nerves, then we have 
ready remedial recourses through the electrical 
currents. 
PARALYSIS. 
55 
TREATMENT. 
Place the sponge electrode attached to negative 
pole back of the neck, manipulate the parts effect- 
ed with positive pole, full ten minutes. Then place 
the sponge electrode attached to positive pole, 
under jaw, manipulating effected muscles with 
negative, ten minutes; continue the treatment 
daily until manifest improvement, then less fre- 
quent. Medicinal treatment, consider Bell., 
Caust., Cocculus., Graph., Nux V., Opium. 
PARALYSIS 
predisposed to wander over different portions of 
the system. This is a condition I have had to 
treat more or less during past twelve years. The 
patient will have an attack, not instantly, but will 56 
TONSILLITIS QUINSY. 
be near a week in making its appearance, effecting 
one arm. With diligent treatment improvement 
will take place, when again one of the inferior 
extremities will be effected in same way, opposite 
to the arm. This, too, will improve by careful 
treatment, as did the first, when the arm of same 
side will show the paralysis is invading it to be 
routed, thence, to the last inferior extremity, which 
will also improve by treatment. Such cases can 
only be made more comfortable. The whole sys- 
tem seems inclined to become paralyzed, and calls 
for both medicine and electricity to hold it in 
check. Without one, the other seems inadequate. 
For further remedial recourses I am inclined to 
favor alcohol baths, morning and night. Sulph. 
Cinchondia, Avena Sativa. 
The following acute and inflammatory conditions 
are those which may be considered in the treat- 
ment of electricity. 
TONSILLITIS QUINSY. 
Symptoms.-Inflammation of the throat, ac- 
companied with difficulty of swallowing, impeded respiration, alteration of the voice, and fever. In 
the incipient stage of this affection, there is a 
sense of constriction of the throat, with a feeling 
of soreness, and at times the act of swallowing is 
obstructed; if it runs its course there is an increased 
difficulty of swallowing and breathing, swelling of 
the tongue, tissues become foul, the tonsils assume 
a redder hue. The patient becomes thirsty and 
the pulse high, frequent and strong. As the local 
affection progresses the majority of symptoms be- 
come aggravated with tumefaction of the tonsils. 
Suppuration takes place. Electricity is wonder- 
fully effectual in the incipient stage. 
TREATMENT. 
57 
TREATMENT. 
Place the negative electrode in both hands, 
manipulate the throat, up beneath the ears, also 
behind the ears with positive pole. Then place 
tongue electrode, attached to negative pole, on 
tongue, manipulate throat, and beneath the ears, 
back of neck with positive pole ; treat fifteen 
minutes. 
Medicinal hints. Consider Ammon. Mur., 58 
ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 
Apis. Mell., Baryt. C., Bell., Hepar., Lach., Silic., 
Sulphur. For the repeated attacks, of which the 
patient is liable to, the electricity alone is adequate. 
RELAXATION OF UVULA 
and consequent elongation, generally the result of 
protracted colds which have been neglected. In- 
flammation of the uvula causes a swelling and 
elongation of this little body sometimes to such a 
degree that it lies like a little finger upon the 
tongue, causing a constant hacking and hemming, 
except when lying on the back. Some call this 
falling of the palate. The constant sensation of a 
globule of mucous causing the patient to frequently 
swallow and rasp the throat by hemming to clear 
it is quite as frequent an index of the presence of 
this condition as any of the symptoms narrated. 
The clipping of the uvula with a knife or scissors 
is not a favorable procedure. 
ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 
Place the sponge electrode attached to the nega- tive pole, at back of neck, using the ear electrode 
attached to positive pole, to repeatedly touch the 
extreme end of uvula, thereby causing mild shocks 
-treatment fifteen minutes daily. 
Medicinal hints. Consider Aeon., Bell., Coffea, 
Crot. Tigl., Lach., Merc., Nux V., Phos. After 
the inflammatory stage, recourse may be had to a 
mild gargle of Tanic Acid and Calendula, in 
solution. 
CORYZA. 
59 
CORYZA. 
Cold in the head, an inflammatory affection of 
the mucous membrane of the nasal cavities, ush- 
ered in with an undue dryness of the surfaces, fol- 
lowed by a copius watery or mucous discharge. It 
frequently spreads over the entire membrane, up- 
wards into the frontal sinuses, latterly into the 
highmorian cavities, or backward and downward 
into the posterior nares. Its first appearance is 
generally accompanied with sneezing, owing to 
undue irritation of mucous membrane. In some 
instances, it causes hardness of hearing from the 
inflamed and swollen condition of the eustachian 
tubes. At first, there is a dry cough followed by 60 
TREATMENT. 
loose cough. Where this condition has gone no 
further, electricity will generally cut it short at this 
point. 
TREATMENT. 
Place sponge electrode attached to negative pole 
at back of neck and manipulate the roots of nose 
and nostrils with strong current as patient can 
bear. Then manipulate frontal sinuses with light- 
er current. Treat ten minutes, and if severe, re- 
peat twice daily, till improvement, then less fre- 
quent. In addition, consider the following medi- 
cal remedies : Alleum. Cepa., Aconit., Arsen., 
Nux. V. I will add the following local application 
to further facilitate the expediency of treatment, 
where the nasal passages may be profusely clogged. 
Fluid Ext. Calendula, Gtts. 20; Fid. Ext. Hy- 
drasts, Gtts. 10 ; Aqua. Dist., oz. 1. Mix. In- 
ject with catarrhal syringe, once daily. By this 
means, the mucous surfaces will be kept clear and 
free. One application is often sufficient. 
In the present work it has been my object and 61 
aim to class together those diseases particularly 
adapted to electro-medical treatment. The larger 
part of course, come under the head, " Chronic." 
Some, however, are of the acute and inflamma- 
tory type. There is still another class which is not 
really chronic or acute. Those who suffer in this 
respect, are neither sick nor well. They are able 
to be about and attend to their usual duties, out 
of doors as well as in the house. They doctor 
most of the time, more or less, and I may say with 
all candor, that they are far from the enjoyment of 
good health, and, if such were in possession of 
good health, they would discontinue dosing. They 
desire to get well, have doctored for a great many 
complaints, but without improvement. The con- 
ditions under which these patients suffer, are from 
the following causes, viz : 
i st. Over application of their respective vo- 
cations. 
2d. General debility and nervous prostration, 
(not disease.) 
3d. Over dosing and absence of rest. 
If there be appearance of disease, it may be 
safely considered that of over-drudging. Every 
REMARKS. 62 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
field of practice has this kind of patients. They 
are more apt to try the new doctor, and these are 
the class of patients the recently located physician 
generally has, to build his first professional founda- 
tion Women are more likely to this condition, 
and the prognosis may generally be considered fa- 
vorable. A somewhat protracted treatment is 
necessary in which electro-galvanism is most es- 
sential, beginning with very light current at first. 
Much care should be observed not to faint the pa- 
tient, as after the second treatment the system will 
then have become familiar enough with the cur- 
rents, that the danger will be passed when a good 
tonic current can be used and repeated daily, till 
the system becomes more self-supporting, when the 
treatments should be less frequent. 
The following medical remedies should be con- 
sidered : Aletris., Avena. Sat., Bell., Lill., Lacto- 
peptin, Ingluvine, Nux. V., Puls., Scuttill. 
Clinical history of cases and their treatment from 
the author's case book. 
Mrs. B., aged 52, three years past the climaxis, CLINICAL HISTORY. 
63 
delicate habits, nervous temperament. Has had 
three children, first two in early married life, the 
third is some eleven years of age, from which time 
she dates the commencment of her decline. After 
delivery, had pain of dull character and dull sore- 
ness a little above the left of umbilical, when in 
bed, was obliged to lie on left side in order to be 
at ease. When lying on right side, a heavy draw- 
ing sensation was experienced, causing pain in 
breathing and prevented sleep. After nearly two 
years, could feel in left side, locality of former pain, 
a hard, flat-like bunch or tumor, size of bottom of 
sauce plate. It was very hard to the feel and 
movable, as when lying on right side, it would 
fluctuate to the right. Up to September ist, 1881, 
it had enlarged to about the size of a saucer bot- 
tom, slightly sensitive to touch. About four years 
since, her eldest son died of tetanus, at which 
time her watching and care over the sick room was 
a serious draw back to her general health. The 
result was nervous prostration in rapid form of de- 
cline, confined to her bed, absence of appetite, 
sleeplessness, peristaltic motion of bowels quite 
gone, bowels only moved by the aid of annemas, 64 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
once each week, bleeding hemorrhoides. This 
was the condition noted when I was called to see 
her in September last. Here was a negative con- 
dition of whole system. Medicinal action could 
not be realized December 5th. Placed sponge at- 
tached to positive pole at coccyx, manipulated 
epigastrum five minutes, then servical region five 
minutes, then concentrated current to the indurat- 
ed swelling with negative pole five minutes. Medi- 
cinal, Nux V., 3rd., Graph., 3rd., in alternation. 
December 6th, 2 p. m. Patient slept well, 
had exhaustive sweat after part of night, the swell- 
ing much more sensitive. Continued Nux V. and 
Graph., alcoholic bath at 9 p. m., repeated electri- 
cal treatment same as first. 
December 7 th, 2 p. m. The appetite returning, 
called for some dinner, beef tea cup and oat 
meal pudding which relished, the swelling less sen- 
sitive, less induration, slept well, no night sweat, 
Nux V. and Graph.,' alcoholic bath at 9 p. m., as 
usual, with the electrical treatment 
December 8th, 2 p. m. Slept fair, no sweat, ap- 
petite not so good but felt stronger, the swelling 
still more soft and not sensitive. Graph, four CLINICAL HISTORY. 
65 
times each day, Lactopeptine, 2 grs. three times 
each day before eating, alcoholic bath at 9 p. m. 
with same electrical treatment. 
December 9th, 2 p. m. Slept well, appetite bet- 
ter, beef tea £ cup and oat meal, the swelling less 
in size and softer, bowels moved three hard balls by 
annema of warm water and olive oil, hemorrhoides 
very painful and bleeding. Nux V. and Graph, 
alternate every three hours, lactopeptine. As an ex- 
ternal application, the formula given in treat- 
ment of hemorrhoides, one teaspoonful injected 
per rectum once per day and repeated, electrical 
treatment as usual. 
December 10th, 2 p. m. Much more comforta- 
ble, slept well, appetite still better, swelling more 
pliable, can he on right side partly, less soreness of 
hemorrhoides. She feels much encouraged in her 
improvement and thinks she is going to recover. 
Nux V. and Graph., of each two doses per day in 
alternation, Avena Sat., mother tinct., Gtts. 10, 
morning and night, alcoholic bath at 9 p. m., usual 
electrical treatment, manipulating lumbar region 
with negative pole additional. 
December nth, 2 p. m. Found my patient sit- 66 
CLINICAL HISTORY, 
ting up, the bowels had moved of their own ac- 
cord, no bleeding of hemorrhoides which are less 
sensitive, had small piece broiled steak for dinner, 
slept well, the swelling can hardly be found, when 
standing she feels very weak in limbs. Nux. V. 
and Graph, as usual. Avena Sat., mother tinct., 
Gtts. io as usual, electrical treatment, placed posi- 
tive pole under feet with the usual manipulation. 
December 12th, 2 p. m. Much better in every 
particular, continued same prescription in every 
particular. 
December 13th, 2 p. m. Still convalescing fine- 
ly, while standing there is prolapsus which she has 
had for a number of years. I applied one of 
Shannon's elastic supporters, giving immediate re- 
lief with the electrical treatment as usual, and 
Aletris, mother tincture, Gtts. 1 three times each 
day, Avena Sat., mother tinct. Gtts. 10, morning 
and night. 
December 14th, 2 p. m. Gave the electrical 
treatment as usual. As my patient is now con- 
valescing so rapidly, I discontinued electrical treat- 
ments and visits to twice each week. At the ex- 
piration of this one week, dismissed her in better CLINICAL HISTORY. 
67 
health than she had enjoyed in nearly all the time 
since her last confinement. The reader will notice 
my patient was visited soon after the noon meal 
for the reason that it is better to treat on rather a 
full stomach. The tonic effects of the currents 
gave opportunity for a more speedy action from 
medicine. The indurated swelling was probably 
of left ovary. 
CASE No. 2. 
Mrs. W., aged 45, nervous temperament, emaci- 
ated form, could not sit up, owing to loss of bal- 
ance. On attempting to do so would incline 
either right or left or forward to a recumbent po- 
sition, when in bed, could not turn either way with- 
out assistance, in fact, could not move at all, but 
fore arm of right side, very delicate appetite, a 
want of sleep, constipation, had been confined to 
the bed nearly one year. Her physician was of 
the opinion that her condition was one of nervous 
consumption. I was called in council, January 6th, 
1878, finding the above condition. Upon further 
diagnosis, found prolapsus uteri, the survix and 
uterine walls extremely sensitive, excoriating leu- 68 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
corrhoea, upper portion of sacrum painful and sen- 
sitive, in short, an impoverished condition of the 
whole system. This was a clear case of nervous 
prostration with prolapsus and loss of motor pow- 
er. Her physician wished me to treat her for a 
time, which I did for twelve days, giving an elec- 
tric treatment daily as follows :-Placed uterine 
electrode attached to positive pole, at osuteri, ma- 
nipulating lumbar region, epigastrum, both ovarian 
localities. The most clearly indicated remedies 
were prescribed and perceptible improvement took 
place after the third treatment, which continued 
till she resumed her household duties. Her phy- 
sician, after noting the manifest benefit of this 
theory of medical electricity, gave me $25 for the 
within therapeutics written out with pen. 
There was this fact clearly proven in this case, 
she had the most clearly indicated remedies pres- 
cribed in both high and low potinces, the action 
of which was not perceptible before the applica- 
tion of the currents, while after, marked improve- 
ment was noted from the medicine, clearly show- 
ing the advantage with the use of it, when without 
it, in some cases, medicine is inert. After my CLINICAL HISTORY. 
69 
twelfth visit, her physician resumed the case and 
she made a good recovery. 
CASE No. 3. 
Miss F., aged 22, nervous temperament, pulse 
weak, 100 per minute, dysmenorrhcea, profuse 
menstrual periods, very sensitive over whole abdo- 
man, profuse leuchorrhoeal discharges, excoriating, 
severe aching and soreness of lower lumbar region, 
severe headache, quite all the time, has suffered 
more or less, all the time, for past three years, has 
been in the habit of frequently attending dances, 
as well as keeping late hours, in short, a society 
goer, imprudent to the extreme in the way of 
amusements, often getting wet feet, etc., till oblig- 
ed to take her bed from exhaustion, had been 
treated allopathically for peritonitis and consump- 
tion, with the encouragement from her physician, 
that she might live two or three years at longest, 
but doubtful. There was prolapsus with anti-ver- 
sion, consequently chronic congestion and enlarge- 
ment of the uterus. Having come during past 
summer to visit friends residing in my field of prac- 
tice, and while here, had an attack of diphtheria, 70 
for which I was called to treat, September 4th, 
1881. In connection with this, found the system in 
the above condition. After prescribing for the 
latter symptoms two days, when they subsided, I 
then advised her to take a course of treatment, 
that if she would, and follow my directions, she 
would, without doubt, recover fully, which advise 
she concluded to accept. I placed her on sponge 
attached to positive pole, manipulated whole abdo- 
man, whole length of spine and epigastrum. Pres- 
cription, Nux V. 3rd., Bell. 3rd, in alternation every 
two hours. After third day's treatment, which was 
a repetition of those before it, decided improve- 
ment was present, continued daily treatment for 
six days, Nux V. and Bell, in alternation four 
times daily, with rapid improvement, after which 
suspended the treatments to twice each week for 
three weeks. During this time, patient gained in 
weight ten pounds. As a local application, she 
used the vaginal wash with best of results, which 
formula is given under leucorrhcea in this work. 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
CASE No. 4. 
Man, aged 40, bilious constitution, occupation. CLINICAL HISTORY. 
71 
engineer, had been running on Western Railroad, 
his time on duty was so near incessant-averaged 
only two full nights sleep in a week, consequently 
cold meals, and loss of sleep and the continued 
strain of duty, the nervous system became ex- 
hausted, indigestion and sleeplessness, followed 
with emaciation and general prostration, then fol- 
lowed an attack of fever and ague, tertian type, 
which was treated by allopathic quinine process, 
lasting three weeks. He was obliged to leave the 
road, came east to Western New York to visit and 
recuperate, felt better, thought he would rake and 
bind in the harvest field, but could not put in 
more than half a day at best. Indigestion and 
sleeplessness had continued all this while. This 
last fall he went to work at stationary engineering, 
twelve hours on duty-from noon till midnight, 
which was too mnch for him. During past sum- 
mer he had taken various simple tonics, which he 
thought of benefit only while under their influence. 
His ambition was so nearly used up, he was about 
discouraged. Through the advise of friends to 
try electricity, he called on me, September 25 th, 
1881, for consultation. In diagnosticating his 72 
condition, could find no diseased condition about 
him, but an extreme lack of nervous force of 
whole system. 
TREATMENT. 
TREATMENT. 
Place patient on metalic stool with positive pole 
attached, manipulating spinal column and epigas- 
trum ten minutes with negative pole. Then place 
sponge electrode attached to positive pole at 
upper lumbar region, manipulating epigastrum 
five minutes, strong current. Prescription, 
Nux V. 3rd, four times each day, Scutellarian, 
mother tinct., Gtts. 10, at bed time. 
September 26th, 9 a. m. Stomach feels better, 
the heavy load, like a stone, had ceased, had 
slept all night, which had not occurred in a long 
time before. The treatment was continued in 
every respect for five days, with decided improve- 
ment. His wife made the remark that he did not 
act like the same man. Continued three treat- 
ments more, at intervals of two, then three days, 
when the patient was dismissed, feeling, as he 
claimed, as well as he ever did in his life. It is now nearly three months since, and he continues 
to enjoy the best of health. 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
73 
CASE No. 5. 
Nervous Dyspepsia with Atrophy of the Stomach, 
treated by Dr. Shedd. 
Woman, aged 35, nervous temperament, medium 
bight, dark hair, blue eyes, mother of four children, 
weight with winter clothing on 64 pounds, much 
emaciated, could not eat to exceed the amount of 
a table spoonful of food, when she would feel as if 
she had eaten much larger quantity, did not wish 
to live or care for her children, had traveled to 
different cities to consult eminent physicians and 
receive treatment, at great expense, and all to no 
purpose. She was utterly discouraged, and felt 
the sooner she could die and be out of the way of 
those around her, the better, she was certainly in 
a most deplorable and critical condition. Dr. 
Shedd gave her fourteen treatments as follows, 
without the aid of medicine. Place tongue elec- 
trode attached to positive pole on tongue, manipu- 
lating epigastrum with negative pole, fifteen min- 
utes daily, for a time, after which discontinue to 74 
less frequent, till he had given in all, fourteen 
treatments, when she was dismissed. The Atrophy 
was undoubtedly due to a loss of vitality of the 
pneumo-gastric nerve. She gained rapidly both in 
strength and flesh, resuming her household duties, 
and has since, and at the present time is enjoying 
good health. The capacity of the stomach at the 
commencement of treatment, in this case, could 
not have been larger than the size of a hen's egg. 
ARTICULAR RHEUMATISM. 
ARTICULAR RHEUMATISM 
is that kind of rheumatism which chiefly comes on 
in the acute form, in which consists a chronic in- 
flammation of the joints. Post-mortem examin- 
ations reveal the synovial capsuls and ligaments 
thickened and the cartilages of the bones spongy 
form, also the synovial fluid turbid. Two forms 
may be distinguished-one, when single joints fre- 
quently for months or years, are very painful to 
contact and motion, and have paroxysms of agra- 
vation, principally in the night, when the hand is applied to the diseased part, crackling and crepitus 
is often observed within, on moving the limb, the 
joint may be attended with much swelling, as also 
it may be absent; at times, there may appear to 
be swelling, owing to an atrophied condition of 
the adjacent muscles, their use being discontin- 
ued on account of severe pain. This may result 
in a false anchylosis of the joint. The second 
form consists in repeated attacks of acute, articu- 
lar Rheumatism. Persons who are subject to it 
are compared to barometers, as they feel in their 
bones the fluctuations in the weather immediately. 
This, too, is often complicated with muscular 
rheumatism as well as neuralgia and paralytic af- 
fections, which are called rheumatic. Under this 
head, I will record the following clinical case : 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
75 
CASE No. 6. 
Boy, aged 12, not hardened to labor, walked 
twelve miles to get home on account of being 
homesick, it rained most of the time while on his 
trip, and on his arrival home was much fatigued, 
as well as being extremely sore and lame from the 
tramp. He retired early for rest, after which the 76 
rain came with more force and violence, causing 
the house to leak profusely, and just over his bed, 
drenching the clothing just across the locality of 
the knees, which he did not discover until near 
morning, when he awoke with much pain and sore- 
ness of both knee joints. Upon examination, 
thay were found to be much inflamed, .and begin- 
ning to swell, a high state of fever was setting in, 
to attempt to move, was attended with severe pain 
of both knee joints. The above symptoms were 
noted on my firs, call in the morning, I reduced 
the fever and other concomitant symptoms with 
clearly indicated homoeopathic medication, which 
yielded rapidly, but did not succeed in reducing 
the swelling and inflammation of the knee joints. 
The currents being so strongly indicated, I at once 
resorted to them, placing warm sponge electrode 
attached to negative pole under feet, manipulating 
joints with warm sponge attached to positive 
pole, which had the effect to lessen the swelling of 
the knees, driving it into the feet. This treatment 
was continued one week, which did not reduce 
wholly the swelling, neither could he move nor 
articulate the joints. I was still confident that 
CLINICAL HISTORY. CLINICAL HISTORY. 
77 
the currents were the only source through which 
to overcome the condition, and therefore prepared 
two metalic bands, placing them around the limb 
above and below the knee of one limb at a time, 
the upper,band attached to positive pole and the 
lower band to negative pole, and set the battery 
running till I called again in eighteen hours, after 
which time, I found the swelling reduced, and he 
could bend the knee slowly without pain, but 
crepitus could be felt and heard when doing so. I 
repeated the same operation on the other limb, 
with like results, when I resumed the former elec- 
trical treatment of twenty minutes daily, till he 
fully recovered. Crepitus could be observed for 
some two months. 
CASE No. 7. 
Muscular Rheumatism and its after effects. 
Mrs. L., aged 40, lymphetic constitution, farm- 
er's wife, had inflammatory muscular rheumatism 
of inferior extremities, for which allopathic treat- 
ment was summoned. She continued it nearly one 
year, when I was called to see her, finding her in 
the following critical condition : The above in- 78 
IRE ATM ENT. 
flammatory symptoms had disappeared, the patient 
could sit in her chair, was not in any pain when 
sitting or lying ; to stand or walk was impossible. 
Owing to inertia of the muscles of both limbs, 
paralysis was fast creeping on, sensation normal, 
appetite good, slept well. 
TREATMENT. 
Place sponge electrode attached to positive pole 
under foot, manipulating the limb upwards to the 
hip and sacrum, fifteen minutes daily, each limb 
respectively, directing both limbs to be rubbed 
once daily with undiluted alcohol. This treat- 
ment was continued daily for six weeks, when she 
could walk across the room, after which I suspend- 
ed the electrical treatments to two each week, for 
six weeks longer, followed by such improvement 
as to admit of her resuming some of the house- 
hold duties. This was a case of my own treat- 
ment, early in the year 1872. In the fall she had 
taken full charge of her duties as housekeeper, 
doing the general part of the work. 
I now call attention to a condition originating from mental and nervous exhaustion, by some 
called brain and nerve fag, extreme mental appli- 
cation of professional men and women are those 
more subject to it, than those of other occupations. 
Mild forms of this kind recuperate often by rest 
alone. The more severe forms of mental prostra- 
tion demand judicious and active treatment as will 
be seen in the following : 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
79 
CASE No. 8. 
A minister, Rev. G., of Indianapolis, Ind., 
spring of 1875, held in his church a series of re- 
vival meetings of three months duration, preach- 
ing every day during the time. At the close of 
the meetings, and the letting down, as it were, of 
mental strain, was much prostrated, both physical- 
ly and mentally. When applying himself in the 
preparation of sermon for coming Sabbath, could 
not concentrate his thoughts, the harder effort he 
made, the more confused he became, till he finally 
was obliged to abandon the effort entirely, and 
called for his family physician (allopathic,) who 
made the following prescription : Entite rest from 
pulpit, a good nourishing diet and to seek the 80 
country for a time, which he did for six weeks, 
and on returning home, was no better. His phy- 
sician prescribed some simple tonics, all however, 
to no purpose. Some of his church members 
suggested to him to try homoeopathic and electro- 
pathic treatment, which he claimed to have no 
confidence in. At the sxpiration of two months, 
had made no improvement. A number of the 
official members of his church called on him in a 
body to pass a social hour, when they remarked to 
him that he did not seem in any way to be im- 
proving, that they though a change in treatment 
advisable, and as he was in their service, was rath- 
er under some obligation to try at least, a change 
of treatment, recommending electricity, which, if 
it proved of no purpose, he could call who he 
thought best. His reply was : " Well, brethren, if 
you feel like that, I will try it at once." On the 
following Monday morning he came to my office 
for treatment. In the diagnosis the following con- 
dition was observed: The spinal cord was 
negative to the extreme, consequently the whole 
system as well as the brain, so that when applying 
the mental faculties, the brain forces being inade- 
CLINICAL HISTORY. TREATMENT. 
81 
quate, the body lacked the support due the brain, 
thus causing the confusion which was aggravated by 
persisting in study. He could sleep quite all the 
time, which might terminate in lethargy. 
TREATMENT. 
Place patient on metalic stool attached to posi- 
tive pole, manipulate whole length of spine up- 
wards to cerebrum, then epigastrum with negative 
pole, moderate current for ten minutes. There 
was dull pain with sensation of fullness over eyes 
and through forehead, for which I placed sponge 
electrode attached to negative pole at cerebrum, 
manipulating forehead with positive pole, very 
light current, five minutes. This relieved the head 
very much, and on the whole, he felt better in all 
respects. Prescription, Nux V, 3rd., four times 
daily. I remarked to him that I thought he would 
preach in two weeks ; his reply was, " I guess not." 
The foregoing treatment was continued daily for 
five days, suspending it to three times the follow- 
ing week, when he was dismissed. He resumed 82 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
his pastorial labors the coming Sabbath, as I had 
remarked to him. 
There are a class of diseases of which electri- 
city is particularly called for, in the treatment of, 
and which also prevail to an alarming extent, and 
many go uncured, that might and should be other- 
wise. Our insane asylums are more or less filled 
with this class of diseases, there to ebb out a life 
of the worst pictured horror. I refer to female 
insanity, taking the whole female portion of insane 
I venture the opinion that three-forths of them are 
such that could be cured by homoeopathic and 
electropathic treatment. So far as I have been 
able to observe, I find the greater portion of 
female insanities are but the objective symptoms 
of uterine difficulties and sympathetic nervous 
irritation. As a characteristic of this form of 
disease, I will record the following cases : 
CASE No. 9. 
Miss B., aged 30, black hair and eyes, nervous 
constitution, medium hight and form, would walk the floor with lamentation and mourning over the 
past, was afraid to sleep alone, sleeplessness with 
inclination to walk the floor nights, complained of 
pressure from within outward in the top of head, 
much pain and soreness across upper portion of 
sacrum, soreness in right epigastric region, griev- 
ing over the idea she had committed the unpar- 
donable sin, etc. Further examination revealed 
the fact that there was latteral version to the left 
and backwards of the uterus, some sexual irrita- 
tion, voluptuous desires, for this rotine of symp- 
toms. The following was the 
TREATMENT. 
83 
TREATMENT. 
Placed the uterine electrode attached to posi- 
tive pole at osuteri, manipulating epigastrum and 
servical region with negative pole. Then placed 
sponge electrode attached to negative pole at cer- 
vical region, manipulating forehead and vertex 
with positive pole,-the latter treatment light cur- 
rent during the whole, fifteen minutes. Prescrip- 
tion Ig. 3rd, Hyos. 3rd, Origanum V. 3rd, as in- 
dicated. Patient recovered in five weeks. 84 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
Twelve years since, this same patient came to us 
with the following symptoms, had then been teach- 
ing school, this, with over application of the mind 
in composition of poetry, as well as late hours and 
much company, became delirious by spells, would 
answer questions only by yes and no, look- 
ed suspicious of those around her, had practiced 
masturbation to some extent, when in a paroxysm 
of delirium, complained of heavy pressure in ver- 
tex, pupils dilated, the eyes would roll upwards in 
the head with lacrimation, impared digestion, would 
grasp her hair, pulling it out if not prevented, at 
other times attempted her life with the axe, etc., 
irregular masturation, retroversion was present. 
Prescription, Bell. 3rd, Ignitia 3rd, relieved the 
head and prevented further paroxysms at this time, 
electrical treatment the same as given in last treat- 
ment, recovered in six weeks. 
CASE No. 10. 
Miss 1)., aged 23, was robust, had enjoyed the 
best of health, medium hight and form, light hair, 
blue eyes, nervous temperament, had just lost her 
twin sister by death of whom she was much at- CLINICAL HISTORY. 
85 
tached her grief was seemingly more than she 
could bear, and immediately showed symptoms of 
deranged mind, her parents tried to persuade her to 
go out into company, hoping to divert her mind, 
which she refused to do ; fearing they would in- 
sist on her going, she omitted dressing her feet, 
passing the day with bare feet, when a small child 
would happen to be passing by under her notice, 
she claimed to be the mother of it, also at the ap- 
proach of the menses, she was about to be confin- 
ed, her parents talked of calling a doctor, when 
she declared she would not see him ; fearing they 
would, she kept her bed for nearly a week, not 
even getting up to attend the calls of nature, when 
they dropped the matter of calling a physician en- 
tirely, leaving her to do much as she pleased for a 
few days, when she left her bed, dressed and went 
about the house in her stocking feet Her father 
being a dealer in bank safes, decided to use a little 
strategy, called on Dr. Shedd, gave him her history 
and wished him to call and make a sham purchase 
of a safe, thus enabling him to see his daughter, 
note her actions, etc. In the evening he did so, 
bought a safe, had an introduction to the daughter 86 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
and passed a few remarks with her while making 
his purchase, and came away. As soon as he took 
his leave, she remarked, 11 That man is a Doctor, 
he does not wish any safe." Prescription, Ignatia 
3rd, Hyos. 3rd, were all the remedies used. 
TREATMENT. 
Place sponge electrode attached to positive pole 
at feet, manipulating spinal column, with negative 
pole for fifteen minutes daily, for two weeks, during 
the time, occasional treatments were given by plac- 
ing sponge electrode attached to negative pole at 
servical region, manipulating forehead and vertex 
with positive pole for five minutes. The cure was 
a very pleasing one, as she came out of it all at 
once, becoming very gay and fond of society. 
CASE No. 11. 
Mr. M., aged 38, dark hair, blue eyes, vigorous 
health, sanguineous constitution, farmer, was walk- 
ing behind his father from the barn to the house, 
when his father fell backwards to the ground dead 
from supposed heart disease. He lifted him in 87 
his arms and carried him in the house, after which 
soon became nervously prostrated from the sud- 
den shock. The stomach would not retain any 
nourishment, could not sleep, was immediately 
in a very critical condition, and taken to Clifton 
Springs, and there received electro-thermo baths 
with gradual improvement till it was supposed he 
had recovered and returned home, had not been 
home but a few days when returning symptoms of 
indigestion and sleeplessness occurred. During 
his absence, I had located in my present field of 
practice, when the above symptoms returned. He 
thought he would try the new doctor, before going 
back to Clifton Springs, so he immediately called 
on me, saying his stomach was in much distress, 
and worse after partaking of food, the epigastrum 
was very sensitive to the touch, sleeplessness, even 
light exercise agrivated his whole symptoms, a clear 
case of nervous dyspepsia. Prescription, Nux. V. 
3rd, three times daily before meals. 
TREATMENT. 
TREATMENT. 
Placed patient on metalic stool attached to posi- 88 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
tive pole, manipulating epigastrum with negative 
pole five minutes, then place positive pole with 
sponge at lower dorsal region and manipulating epi- 
gastrum five minutes ; lastly, place tongue elec- 
trode attached to positive pole on tongue, manipu- 
lating epigastrum,, five minutes more.' Continued 
this treatment daily for ten days, after which twice 
each week for one month. One of the finest cures 
I ever made. 
CASE No. 12. 
Mrs. M., aged 44, sanguineous constitution, 
medium hight, dark gray hair, blue eyes, usual 
weight 170, mother of three children, the young- 
est being twelve, nervous temperament, sleepless- 
ness, much inclined to melancholy, little efforts 
look like a mountain, hot flashes, mind much con- 
fused, pain in vertex and under both scapulas, ex- 
treme soreness across upper portion of sacrum, 
obliged to abstain from walking, even a short dis- 
tance, sharp pain in left side under false ribs, leu- 
corrhea, constipation, cold extremeties, chills up 
and down the back, feels much discouraged, has 
been suffering nearly one year, during past fall of 89 
1881, called physician who prescribed for the liver. 
He continued his visits about two months, but 
failed to benefit her. Upon his leaving town to 
locate elsewhere, December 4th, I received a tele- 
gram to come to her house at once, which I did, 
and found the above condition. Electrical diagno- 
sis revealed the presence of prolapsus and retro- 
version. She remarked that the menstrual periods 
were much more profuse of late than usual, dur- 
ing which time the limbs would often become 
numb, as some are heard to say, going to sleep, 
obliging her to, as often, rub them freely, as she 
said, to get up circulation. The climacteric 
change is evidently taking place. Prescription, 
Nux V. 3rd, Acid S. 3d, in alternation four times 
daily. 
TREATMENT. 
TREATMENT. 
Place patient on metalic stool with positive pole 
attached, manipulated sacro-lumbar region ex- 
tending to either crests of ilium, then epigastrum, 
and to the left with negative pole fifteen minutes 
daily for five days with decided improvement, ex- 
cepting constipation. Prescription, Avena. Sat., 90 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
mother tinct., Gtts. 10, morning and night ; Bell. 
3rd, Aced. S., 3d., alternate four times each day. 
Electrical treatment every other day, constipation 
much better, sleeps well, no back ache, the head 
symptoms quite entirely subsided, followed by her 
more natural disposition to be quite lively, gave 
here three more treatments, making nine in all, at 
intervals of one, two and three days, when she was 
dismissed. 
CASE No. 13. 
Mrs. P., aged 45, light hair, blue eyes, phlegma- 
tic temperament, feeble and lax constitution, moth- 
er of four children, the youngest about fourteen. 
To give you her own words, " Never has enjoyed 
good health, but has managed to keep up and be 
about the house, and oversee the servants in house- 
hold duties." Past the clemacteric change four 
years, back so very lame and sore, is obliged to 
keep her couch most of the day, five years since 
had ulceration of the cervex, which was treated 
by old school and nitrate of silver process, much 
leucorrhcea of exhaustive but not excorritive char- 
acter, weak circulation, cold extremities, prolapsus CLINICAL HISTORY. 
91 
uteri, sharp needle pains in left ovarian region, 
says she has had prolapsus all her married life, en- 
largement and chronic congestion of uterus, the 
whole inner pelvic muscles relaxed and negatively 
sore, the left epigastric region very sensitive with 
sharp pain in left side, much inclined to sheading 
of tears. Prescription, Cim. 2nd., Puls. 3rd., in 
alternation, four times daily. 
Placed uterine electrode attached to positive 
pole at osuteri, manipulated sacro-lumbar region, 
and right and left, the epigastrum, and left 
ovarian region with negative pole for fifteen 
minutes daily for five days, attended with very 
marked improvement. Three more treatments at 
intervals of one, three and five days, when the pa- 
tient remarked that she could not tell when she 
had felt so well before. General treatment, how- 
ever, was necessary to be repeated occasionally for 
some time after. 
TREATMENT. 
Nervous Dyspepsia, treated by Dr. Shedd. 
Mr. J. F., aged 45, billions temperament, occu- 
CASE No. 14. 92 
pation Superintendent of Railroad, over average 
hight, much emaciated, haggard appearance of the 
face, the distress of stomach from taking nourish- 
ment was so severe, was obliged to require the 
amount weighed, for fear of taking too much- 
only four ounces in twenty-four hours could be 
taken with impunity-constipation, sallow complex- 
ion, sleeplessness, over mental application, togeth- 
er with the sedentary habit of life, were the causes 
of this condition. 
TREATMENT. 
TREATMENT. 
Placed patient on metalic stool attached to pos- 
itive pole, manipulating epigastrum five minutes 
with negative pole ; then place sponge electrode 
attached to positive pole at lower dorsal region, 
manipulating epigastrum five minutes with nega- 
tive po!e, then again, placing sponge attached to 
positive pole at servical region, manipulating epi- 
gastrum with negative pole as before. The latter 
was alternated by placing tongue electrode attach- 
ed to positive pole on tongue and manipulate epi- 
gastrum as before with negative pole daily for five days, which was followed with marked improve- 
ment, allowing patient to eat one and one-half 
pounds food in the twenty-four hours. Seven ad- 
ditional treatments were given at longer intervals, 
when the patient was dismissed cured. No medi- 
cine was prescribed in the treatment of this case. 
SPERMATORRHOEA. 
93 
SPERMATORRHOEA 
which means an involuntary flow of semen, is al- 
together different from such catarrhal effections of 
the seminal vesicles, although it also may have its 
cause at least, in part, in some morbid affection of 
these vesicles. It is, however, more the conse- 
quence of a general disorder of the sexual system. 
Among the causes of spermatorrhoea especially to 
be mentioned are : excess in venere, masturbation 
and sexual excitement, even by imagination, irrita- 
tion of the penis by diseases of that organ, itching 
eruptions on the penis, scrotom, perinaeum and 
anus, worms, habitual costiveness, syphilis, etc. 
Such continuous irritation at first stimulates the 94 
testicles to perform over duty ; it causes a hypere- 
mia swelling, and excessive sensibility of the testes, 
spermatic cord, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts 
and the prostrate gland. Reaction soon follows 
with great exhaustion, atrophy and paralytic state 
of the muscular apparatus of the organs. " The 
seminal ejaculations which at first are voluntarily 
induced become oftener repeated until they finally 
occur involuntarily."-Raue. 
One so unfortunate, looses the muscular and 
sexual abilities, his character and intellect. 
ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 
ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 
Place sponge electrode attached to positive 
pole at perinseum, manipulatimg sacro-lumbar 
region, epigastrum and pubes fifteen minutes daily, 
till improvement is observed, when treat less fre- 
quent. If the case is one of long standing, great 
nervous excitement and prostration, the current 
should be very light at first. Medicinal therapeu- 
tice where there is nocturnal erections with seminal 
emissions, cold water, showering of the genitials, 
just before retiring. This may be repeated during the night. Dioscorea 3rd and 200th. If there is 
irritation of the stomach, Bromide Pottas., Arsen., 
Alb., Nux. V. If there be nocturnal emissions, 
back ache, weak legs, organs relaxed, face sunken, 
abashed look, great prostration, Staphisagra. If 
the sexual organs are weak, irritable, involuntary 
emissions without erections, spermatorrhoea, emis- 
sions of semen during stool, cold, relaxed genitals, 
Gelsemium. There are many other remedies 
which may be considered in individual cases, as 
the following: Canth., Cann., Clematis., China. 
Con., Camph., Collinson, Digit, Iris., Phos. Acid., 
Phos , Sulph. 
IMPOTENCE. 
95 
IMPOTENCE 
is want of virile power, may be a mere trancient 
inability or it may be a total want of virile power. 
The first may be caused by a weakened state of 
the sexual organs, spermatorrhoea, certain mental 
conditions, such as bashfulness, a fear of not be- 
ing able to succeed, there may be either no erec- 
tion of the penis at the proper time or it may be 
insufficient, or it may relax during or in the midst 96 
of the act, or the semen may be discharged before 
the introduction of the penis can be effected. 
Complete impotence has its cause in a functional 
weakness of the genital organs when erections do 
not occur at any time. It may be complicated 
with diabetes, and again in other cases, no cause 
can be ascertained. 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 
Place the penis in glass tube for that purpose, 
attached to positive pole, manipulating sacrum and 
pubes with negative pole fifteen minutes daily, till 
the observation of improvement. Medicinal 
therapeutics : Consider Agar., Agn. C., Baryta., 
Calad., Lycopod., Nat. Mur., Nitric Ac., Magn. C. 
Pottass. B. I will record the following clinical 
cases and treatment of spermatorrhoea : 
CASE No. 15. 
Mr. W., aged 25, black hair and eyes, nervous 
temperament, medium hight, much amatiated, wild 
staring look, dark rings under the eyes, very sensi- 
tive to noise. A short time after dinner, generally TREATMENT. 
97 
regurgitations up much of what had been eaten, 
which was extremely sour, extreme burning in the 
stomach, eructations of sour gas, nocturnal erec- 
tions, followed with emissions, causing nervous ex- 
citement, pale face, sunken eyes, depression of 
spirits, pain in the head, and back, cold hands and 
feet, was afraid to sleep alone, owing to the sexual 
excitement and consequent erections followed with 
emissions. His father took to sleeping with him, 
and as a further precaution, patient would tie a 
string around the penis in a way to bind it to the 
leg, thereby causing him to awake, when an erec- 
tion was coming on. In this way, some nights 
would be passed without an emission. It was 
claimed, by his former physician, the water was 
highly saturated with the semen, which I could 
not discover. Music would set him into a com- 
plete frenzy of excitement, there was also a ten- 
dency to constipation, in his younger days, he had 
practiced masturbation to an alarming degree, 
claiming not to know it was hurtful until told by 
his father, when he stopped. 
ELECTRICAL TREATMENT. 
Placed sponge electrode attached to positive 98 
TREATMENT. 
pole against perinseum, manipulating sacro-lumbar 
portion of spine, epigastrum and pubes fifteen 
minutes with negative pole, then placed sponge 
electrode attached to positive pole at lower dorsal 
region, manipulating epigastrum with negative pole, 
five minutes. Medicinal prescription, Carbo. V., 
3rd, Pottas. B., Grs. 2., in alternation every two 
hours. Dioscoria 3rd, four times daily, independ- 
ent. To sleep on hard bed and shower the geni- 
tals with cold water, before retiring. This was 
continued eight days, when he had nocturnal erec- 
tion followed with an emission which excited him 
much. The regurgitation of food had subsided, 
but burning in the stomach still continued. Still 
persisting in electrical treatment with Carbo. 
V. 3rd, and Arsen. Alb., 3rd, alternating every 
two hours ; occasional doses Pottas. B., continuing 
four days, when the burning had entirely ceased. 
His strength had improved to that extent that he 
decided to sleep alone, and took ride of one mile. 
The electrical treatments were continued less and 
less frequent for two months. During the time, 
occasional doses of medicine, when he resumed 
his work of overseeing his father's farm. MILK LEG. 
99 
CASE No. 16. 
Mr. H., aged 50, impotent loss of virile power, 
when about to perform the sexual act, erections 
were wholly wanting, had indulged the sexual ap- 
petite freely during his married life, and having be- 
come a widower, still indulged to excess, till he 
could not depend upon an erection. Enjoyed 
good health otherwise. 
TREATMENT. 
Placed penis in glass receptacle containing water 
attached to positive pole, manipulating sacrum 
and pubes with negative pole, fifteen minutes, 
strong current. Prescription, Helonas 3rd, morn- 
ing and night for one week, which was followed 
with improvement. Continued electrical treatment 
to three each week. Prescription, Lycopod 3rd, 
morning and night, when he remarked he thought 
it would do for him to get married again. 
PHLEGMASIA ALBA DOLENS, OR 
MILK LEG. 
This is not a disease of itself but a frequent 100 
complication of the puerperal state, a metastatic 
inflammation of one or more large veins of the 
thigh, causing the whole limb to swell with extreme 
pain, becoming white and shining in appearance. 
In extreme conditions of this character, the swel- 
ling has been so great as to cause the skin to burst 
in various places on the limb, with more or less 
watery discharge, when the extreme pain may sub- 
side, leaving the limb in a weak, chronic condition. 
The enlargement may continue for years, necessi- 
tating the use of a crutch in walking, accompanied 
with general debilitated state of whole system. Of 
the present number of cases, many occur through 
neglect of either the patient, the nurse or the 
physician, and could and should have such particu- 
lar attention of the nurse and physician, holding 
this one objeet in view, till such time as the period 
of its setting in has passed. 
TREATMENT. 
ELECTRICAL TREATMENT. 
In the acute and inflammatory forms, place the 
sponge electrode attached to negative pole under 
foot, manipulating the limb with the positive pole CLINICAL HISTORY. 
downward; in extreme cases, a treatment of ten 
minutes duration, morning and night, when only 
once each day, fifteen minutes, when the inflam- 
matory condition is wholly subdued, and there re- 
mains extreme weakness and languor of the limb, 
the currents should be reversed, using light current 
and manipulate upwards. Medicinal therapeu- 
tics, Hamamilis ist. Externally apply, as hot as 
patient can bear, Hamamilis, mother tinct, i oz. 
to water i pt. 
The following clinical case may be of interest to 
the reader: 
101 
CASE No. 17. 
Mrs. O., aged 20, medium hight and form, firm 
constitution, whose confinement was very tedious, 
lasting thirty-six hours, in regular labor when de- 
livery was accomplished, on the fourteenth day of 
lying in she felt pain in left inguinal region, streak- 
ing down the limb, each succeeding hour, 
growing worse, accompanied with much swelling, 
the pain was really excrutiating, severe headache, 
with flushed face. Bell. 3rd and Hamamilis, 3d, 102 
alternated every hour internally, with the external 
application of Hamamilis, mother tinct., i oz. to 
water one pint, as hot as patient can bear, for 
twelve hours, when the pain subsided, leaving the 
limb much swollen, which she could not move, for 
some four months, she could only sit in her rock- 
ing chair in which she was drawn about the house 
from room to room, etc., when Dr. Shedd began 
giving her a course of electrical 
TREATMENT. 
TREATMENT 
by placing sponge electrode attached to negative 
pole under foot, manipulating limb downward with 
positive pole, reducing the swelling and inflamma- 
tion so that the limb was only slightly larger than 
the well one, after which the currents were revers- 
ed, giving tone and strength till she could walk 
about with comfort. Fifteen treatments were giv- 
en and could the whole treatment have been given 
at the outset, much suffering and time would have 
been saved. As a word of caution, do not mistake 
the above condition for rheumatism, as I have known ABORTION. 
such circumstances to occur, at the expense of the 
patient's life. 
103 
ABORTION. 
The application of electricity during the period of 
pregnancy, is not admissible, owing to the tendency 
to excite abortion, and should, in all cases where 
pregnancy is present, be strictly prohibited. It is 
often the case, when the menstrual periods have 
become surpressed, and the first months of preg- 
nancy are very similar. A thorough discrimina- 
tion should be made before treating this class of 
symptoms. 
I now call the attention of the reader to the fol- 
lowing clinical cases treated, each of which have 
their respective peculiarities of symptoms, and also 
showing where electricity has been instrumental in 
opening the way to improvement and ultimate re- 
covery. There are too many instances in general 104 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
practice where electricity does not take the lead 
in treatment, neither does medicine seem sufficient 
to meet the demands expected of it, however well 
it may cover the totality of symptoms. The 
usual drugs may have been prescribed to arouse 
the latent forces, all of which has been to no pur- 
pose, when the application of electricity would set 
the wheel rolling with great satisfaction to the 
physician and final recovery of the patient. 
CASE No. 18. 
Mr. W., aged 18, tall, slim, very much emaciat- 
ed, had been confined to his bed one year, extreme 
pain in bowels, knees drawn up over abdomen and 
chest, could not lay straight on account of the ex- 
cessive pain, bowels sunken in like wooden bowl, 
skin rough, of black-and-blue color, great prostra- 
tion, frequent slimy, yellowish brown and watery 
stools with tenesmus oedema of the feet, cold ex- 
tremities, pulse weak, quick, 120 per minute, af- 
ter midnight, vomiting of greenish-white substance, 
extreme restlessness, sleepless nights, tongue dry, 
reddish streak in center, pale, sunken face, nose pinched, blue rings around eyes, stomach would 
not tolerate a bit of nourishment of any kind, was 
told by his former physician, he could not live 
more than two weeks longer, when I was called to 
see if I could help him, and found the above 
symptoms. A case of typhoid dysentery, with 
much doubt of recovery. The treatment was as 
follows: Placed sponge electrode attached to 
negative pole at feet, manipulating abdomen with 
positive pole. The effect was surprising ; in ten 
minutes he could straighten out his limbs with 
much less pain and soreness of abdominal mus- 
cles. Medicinal prescription, Arsen. Alb., 3rd, 
and Bap. 2d, in alternation every two hours. The 
next morning, I was much surprised to see the 
manifest improvement over the day before. The 
same treatment and prescription was repeated, fol- 
lowed with like results, the vomiting had subsided, 
the bowels did not move for forty-eight hours, 
when a movement occurred without teensmus, 
the character of which was much better, the pa- 
tient called for beef tea. Prescription, Arsen. Alb. 
3rd, and China 3rd, alternate every three hours, 
with alcoholic baths at night. I made this patient 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
105 106 
CLINICAL HISTORY. 
five visits, followed with rapid convalescence, and 
I do not believe he could have lived another week. 
I record the case to show the great benefit of elec- 
tricity as an inter current remedy. 
CASE No. 19. 
Treated by Dr. Shedd. Miss T., New York 
City, aged 32, sanguinous constitution, full habit, 
was suffering with severe gastric fever, the usual 
homoeopathic indicated remedies were presevering- 
ly precribed for three days without benefit, when 
electricity was applied by placing tongue electrode 
attached to positive pole on tongue, manipulating 
over stomach thoroughly with negative pole. This 
treatment was repeated for two days, when the 
fever, in a great measure, subsided, and a return 
to the closely indicated homceopathie medication, 
completed the cure in forty-eight hours. 
CASE No. 20. 
Treated by Dr. Shedd. Mr. K., aged 35, san- 
guinous constitution, had had frequent attacks of 
kidney difficulties for which he had gone through CLINICAL HISTORY. 
the allopathic blistering process in region of kid- 
neys, till the lumbar muscles had lost all flexibility, 
causing the spine to remain stiff and immovable. 
The act of stooping could not take place only by 
dropping on the knees, in which way he was oblig- 
ed to work his garden, and attend all duties re- 
quiring one to stoop. 
107 
TREATMENT. 
Placed feet in water attached to positive pole, 
manipulating back and lumbar muscles with nega- 
tive pole ten minutes, then placed positive pole in 
both hands, manipulating lumbar muscles of both 
sides and back ten minutes longer. The treat- 
ments were continued daily for one week, the re- 
sult of which was, he could sit in a chair and touch 
his toes with his fingers. Two treatments each 
week were continued for five weeks, resulting in a 
complete cure. 
CASE No. 21. 
Treated by Dr. Shedd. Mr. A., aged 19, ner- 108 
vous temperament, had enjoyed general good 
health. While practicing a gymnasium exercise 
received a severe fall, resulting in paraplegia of left 
side. Three days after the fall, the side was com- 
pletely paralyzed, for three weeks the patient suf- 
fered extreme pain, for which his physician pres- 
cribed all the different anodynes, (allopathic) with- 
out relief, during the time, too, he was obliged to 
have watchers nightly. One of his friends pro- 
posed to him to go to Dr. Shedd, then in Dundee, 
N. Y., for treatment, and if he did not get help, 
it should not cost him anything, if he was helped 
he might pay his own way. He accordingly went 
to Dr. Shedd, who, upon diagnosticating the case, 
found his left side in a complete negative state and 
treated him accordingly, as follows : Placed posi- 
tive electrode in right hand and manipulated left 
side, arm and leg with negative pole five minutes, 
then placed positive electrode under right foot and 
manipulated left side, arm and leg with negative 
pole five minutes, lastly, placed positive electrode 
on right side and manipulated left side up and 
down whole length of spine. These treatments 
were continued daily for fourteen days, when the 
TREATMENT. STATICAL ELECTRICITY. 
109 
patient was dismissed, cured. I may add there 
was no medicine prescribed in the treatment. 
CASE No. 22. 
Treated by Dr. Shedd. Mr. C., aged 70, ner- 
vous constitution, had sciatic rheumatism, very se- 
vere for one week. 
TREATMENT. 
Placed sponge electrode attached to negative 
pole under foot, manipulating thigh down to knee 
with positive pole ten minutes, then placed sponge 
attached to positive pole against upper portion of 
thigh and sciatic nerve and manipulated inside of 
leg with negative pole, rubbing downward with 
both poles for ten minutes daily, for five days, re- 
sulting in complete cure and no medicine. 
STATICAL ELECTRICITY, 
IN THE TREATMENT OF PROGRESSIVE ANAEMIA. 
I wish to call the attention of the reader to a 110 
class of symptoms almost entirely limited to the 
female sex, between the fifteenth and thirty-fifth 
years of life. There is a want of blood in the 
system, what circulation there is, being poor in 
quality, and insufficient in quantity. Some of the 
symptoms of chlorosis may also be considered here. 
The want of electrical force in the age of female 
puberty which may be from a hereditary disposi- 
tion with some, others, no assignable cause may be 
observed. Other symptoms are, gradual growing 
pale of the skin and mucous membrane increasing 
to that, similar to anaemia from hemorrhage. There 
is wasting of tissues with irritable weakness, great 
prostration with fits of fainting from slight exertion, 
dyspnoea, with some hardly able to speak above a 
breath, hemorrhage from different parts of the 
body, there may be fever of irregular type, with 
temporary exacerbations with those. Where the 
menstrural function have been established, they 
may have become suspended for want of function- 
al vitality, dark rings around the eyes, the pulse 
is frequently small and thread-like, easily excited 
by trifling causes, cold extremities, want of appe- 
tite, slow digestion with foul eructations and strong 
STATICAL ELECTRICITY. desire for sour things, etc., with all of this, a phy- 
sical diagnosis does not show any particular organ- 
ic disease. There does not seem to be vitality on 
which to realize medicinal action. The gal- 
vano currents are too exciting, and consequently 
tend to prostration rather than stimulation. For 
such conditions the statical electricity is best adapt- 
ed to begin treatment by placing patient on insul- 
ated stool and charging the system till the patient's 
hair will stand erect. This should be repeat- 
ed when the hair begins to fall, keeping the system 
charged from twenty to thirty minutes daily, should 
there be functional disturbance in any part of the 
system, such as weak eyes, imperfect hearing or 
others similar, light shocks over these localities by 
placing the operator's finger in close proximity to 
the locality, sparks will fly off from patient to fin- 
ger, causing a mild and pleasant shock which may 
be repeated in the treatment by keeping the sys- 
tem well charged. This treatment may be con- 
tinued with best of results till the vital forces have 
come up to that point, when resort to the currents 
may be had with favorable results. The remedies 
which may be considered are Arsen., Avena. Sat., 
STATICAL ELECTRICITY. 
111 112 
USE OF CURRENTS. 
Aletris., Calc, carb., Carb. Veg., China, Cuprum., 
Ferrum., Helon., Hydrast., Kali. Carb., Natr. Mur., 
Nux. V., Sulphur, Verat., etc. 
THE USE OF THE CURRENTS. 
In the use of the different currents of the bat- 
tery in the treatment of disease, with the Kidder 
battery, there are six different qualities of currents, 
viz: the A. B., A. C., A. D., B. C., B. D. and C. 
D. There are but few cases calling for electro- 
medical treatment, in which the above currents 
are not adapted in treatment. The uninterrupted 
current, multiplied cell batteries might, in a very 
few cases be preferable, not however, to warrant 
the practitioner in supplying himself with such, 
unless he were making a specialty of electricity. 
The crank batteries I consider of so little impor- 
tance in the treatment of disease, that further com- 
ment regarding them is unnecessary, while any of 
the to and fro current electro-medical apparatus 
is adapted to this work, for which the profession USE OF CURRENTS. 
113 
will select batteries best suited to their paiticular 
desires. In the treatment of paralytic and muscu- 
lar rheumatic difficulties, as well as those relaxed 
conditions peculiar to prolapsus, the A. D. quality 
of current is more frequently adapted. In the 
more sensitive forms of nervous conditions, I 
use the A. C. quality of current ; should the sys- 
tem be over sensitive to the A. C.„ the A. B. cur- 
rent may be modified to the most delicate condi- 
tions, till such time the condition will admit and 
take on the A. C. current with benefit. With dis- 
eases of the braiii and eye, the operator should be 
extremely careful in the application, using the A. 
C. current When using other forms of batteries, 
where the volume of current is controlled by the 
plunge rod wholly, the operator should test the cur- 
rent on himself in order to be sure in knowing he 
is not going to shock the patient unnecessarily. In 
adjusting the interruption of currents, I may add, 
the finer the vibration in nervous conditions, the 
better; while in those of muscular origin, the 
coarser vibrations are more desirable, and stimula- 
ting or relaxing, as the case may require. This 
should not be forgotten. 114 
SOPOR FROM OPIUM AND MORPIA. 
There is hardly a practitioner who has not been 
called to overcome the mechanical efforts of opium 
or morphia, either where it has been taken by mis- 
take or otherwise, while the antidotes are indis- 
pensible and effectual, when administered in sea- 
son, there are times when they have proved in- 
effectual. When the use of the currents might have 
proved a saving boon 'The author has in mind a 
case of recent date, of which he was called in 
council, where all the antidotes, frections spatting, 
etc., proved insufficient. Placing the negative pole 
under foot with strong A. 1). current, and touch 
ing either side of the face and neck with positive 
pole, the patient would beg and plead to be left 
alone ; not hovever, till she was thoroughly aroused 
to a sense of conversation, was it suspended. This 
was the effect of taking two grains of morphine. 115 
SYMPATHETIC IRRITATIONS 
OF NERVE CENTERS AND SPINAL CORD. 
Under this head, I refer more particularly to the 
female economy, than the male, from the fact that 
the female portion are more subject to maladies 
producing sympathetic irritation. There are many 
conditions of this character that are classed 
" spinal disease, " and the same may be said of 
heart disease ; further, when such terms are used 
as the latter, 1 regard them to mean nothing. 
What may be considered still more absurd, is to 
meet a patient who has suffered untold misery, 
with severe pain in the cervical region, sharp pains 
between and under the scapulae, dull, heavy pain 
and soreness across upper portion of sacrum, head 
ache, etc., is the treatment they have undergone of 
blistering applications of mustard paste, the insert- 
ing of seatons, cupping and the like. It has been 
my experience quite invariably, to find uterine dis- 
placement, the prime cause of the above narrated 
symptoms, generally prolapsus with retroversion, 
constipation, dysmenorrhoea, etc., may be added. 
Another class of symptoms are confusion and pres- 116 
SYMPATHETIC IRRITATIONS 
sure in the vertex, noise is unbearable, indigestion, 
at times nausea, eating little, feels as if much had 
been eaten causing epigastric distress, eructations, 
vesical temsmus, stranguary, bearing down across 
lower pubic region, sharp pain in right and left 
side, leucorrhoea, etc. This is an allopathic dys- 
pepsia. It has been my experience to find pro- 
lapus with anti-version most frequently the cause 
and seat of difficulties. Another class of symp- 
toms are, frequent fainting spells, palpitation, the 
pulse weak and intermitting amenorrhoea, impaired 
appetite, sharp needle-pains in one or both ovarian 
regions, leucorrhoea, cold extremities. This has 
been termed heart d'sease. With this routine of 
symptoms, I have observed uterine flexions, ulcera- 
tion of the cervex, excorriating surfaces of various 
degrees of severity, as prime causes. There are 
still other groups of sympathetic irritations which 
may be found under the head of progressive 
anaemia, which I have referred to and considered 
under that head in one of the previous chapters. 
It is not my purpose to give, in a work like this, 
the anatomical avenues of which sympathetic 
irritations are conducted. The size and capacity would not admit of it, neither could anything like 
justice be done the subject. Nearly all of the ab- 
normal conditions here referred to are of the chronic 
form, and are of obscure origin. Thorough digital 
examinations should be carefully made to note the 
full extent of lessional changes, as well as the 
electrical diagnosis to locate the origin of the 
malady, thus giving the practitioner a full recogni- 
tion as to the peculiar character of the difficulty 
of each individual case in which he is called to 
treat and when this is properly and scientifically 
made, success follows the treatment ultimating in 
the cure of the patient. 
CEREBRAL ANAEMIA. 
117 
C E REBRAL A NM1A 
is a state in which the supply of blood in the brain 
is diminished and frequently altered ; when occur- 
ing suddenly, it produces unconsciousness or diz- 
ziness or stupor. Should it be general, and par- 
ticularly if associated with venous congestion, is 
apt to cause convulsions. When coming on more 118 
CEREBRAL AN7EMIA. 
gradually, it manifests itself by drowsiness, dis- 
tressing headache, frequently of the vertex, with 
pale face, rather prominent eye and large pupils, 
derangement of special senses,-vertigo. The 
other symptoms of cerebral disorder, being reliev- 
ed in the recumbent position ; also by the feeble 
pulse and cool forehead ; then, in tracing its his- 
tory, you are apt to find to occur in those who 
have been exhausted by debilitating diseases, and 
by frequent hemorrhages. The distinction from 
softening, lies in the history of the case, the ap- 
pearance of the patient, as well as the absence of 
palsies, or their passing nature must be considered. 
It must not be forgotten that if such morbid con- 
dition be long entertained, the poorly nourished 
brain will soften. 
Causes.-Frequent and profuse uterine hemor-' 
rhages are common causes, quickly following mis- 
carriages or abortions, also pernicious practice of 
which not a few women indulge in, taking forcing 
drugs each month, to regulate the period, long 
continued leucorrhoea, excessive nursing, day and 
night, diarrhoea, dysentery, bleeding hemorrhoides, 
epistaxis, long continued fevers, particularly, the CEREBRAL ANAEMIA. 
119 
persistent malarial fever, prevelant in the West- 
ern country, over mental application, night-work 
and night-watching, excessive study of all kinds, 
constant duty of the brain, the body compara- 
tively nothing. In following this course tends, first 
to hyperaemia of the cerebral substance, then ex- 
haustion, which is anaemia, the abuse of chloral 
bromide of potash, morphia, etc , have with some, 
been the means through which this condition of 
the brain has been the lesult. Insufficient nour- 
ishment, excessive use of tobacco with some peo- 
ple, and want of fresh a r and sunshine. As prin- 
ciple causes of partial cerebral anaemia, may be 
mentioned, tumors of the brain, aneurisms of cere 
bral vessels, old age, condition of the vessels of 
the brain, favoring thrombosis, a rheumatic diath- 
esis, organic d.sease of the heart, fatty degenera- 
tion of the heart, and aneurisms of the aorta or 
other large vessels favoring embolism. 
Diagnosis.-With a strict observation of the 
foregoing article on electrical diagnosis, and also a 
close observation of the objective symptoms as 
well as those subjective, will clearly indicate the 
character and seriousness of cases of this malady, 120 
and thus prevent a misconception as to the true 
nature of the complaint. 
Prognosis.-Many cases of cerebral anaemia are 
regarded favorable to recovery, providing the 
cause be removed. The prognosis may be regarded 
unfavorable in cases due to sudden and extreme 
hemorrhage. 1 n cases of partial cerebral anaemia, 
may be considered unfavorable, however, should 
such cases linger four to six days, succeeding the 
shock, resulting from embolism, they may possibly 
recover, strong probabilities of softening in such 
cases may be entertained, particularly those due 
to obstruction of large vessels, when the anaemic 
condition beyond the seat of lesion is great. 
TREATMENT. 
TREATMENT. 
In the treatment of this malady, as in other dis- 
eased conditions, the cause should first, if possible, 
be removed. Uterine hemorrhages, hemorrhoidal 
bleeding, leucorrhoea, excessive nursing, dysentery 
and diarrhoea and such conditions should receive 
immediate attention. The large number of such 
patients need rest and nature is, in the majority of cases, forcing them to this, which is often observ- 
ed in the difficulty of breathing, the tendency to 
become exhausted, as well as the drowsiness which 
overcomes them so readily at all times. Some of 
these patients need almost constant rest by lying 
down, others should take more or less exercise, 
some should discontinue business pursuits, while 
still others may be benefited by being engaged in 
their occupations, traveling may be beneficial in 
some instances, still others would be far better to 
stay at home. The more severe cases should be 
placed in bed and kept there. The recumbent 
position, good nourishment with suitable stimulants 
if necessary; lastly, but not least, electricity is ap- 
plicable in some cases and conditions of prostra- 
tion. All should be considered in the treatment 
of this malady. Electricity is, however, the most 
important remedy, and is generally required in 
nearly all such cases. Dr. Butler is said to have 
treated these conditions with electricity, which 
means was all that could be devised. The same 
treatment is adapted to partial cerebral anaemia, 
due to embolism, thrombus, or any growth, tumor 
or other substances obstructing the cerebral circu- 
TREATMENT. 
121 122 
TREATMENT. 
lation. 'rhe remedies for medicinal treatment, 
which should not be discarded nor forgotten, but 
combined in treatment generally, are the following : 
Argentum Nit. Extreme mental depression, 
apathy and influence, loss of memory, extreme 
idiocy in some cases, deep seated, constant head- 
ache, and there is an utter inability to do mental 
work, disturbed sleep with dreams, physical pros- 
tration, muscular trembling, a highly esteemed 
remedy in chronic forms, etc. 
Zincum. There is rapid loss of memory, the 
patient becomes silly in the manner of talking, 
cold skin and earthy colored, emaciation of mus- 
cular tissues and spinal sensitiveness, there is 
coated tongue, constipation, the lower extremites 
are restless and fidgety, being in constant motion, 
cases with depressed anterior fontanel are said to 
improve by the use of zincum, also cases of cere- 
bral atrophy and mental depression. 
Phosphorus Is recommended for old cases of 
long standing, those advanced in years with symp- 
toms of arterial degeneration, cerebral softening, 
due to anaemia, insufficient blood supply of par- 
ticular portions of cerebral substance, neuralgia of TREATMENT. 
123 
fifth pair, left side, cerebral anaemia, associated 
with sexual debility from long continued excess, 
tendencies to tuberculoses, watery diarrhoea early 
in morning. 
Phosphoric Acid, May be thought of and con- 
sidered in extreme debility, also sexual weakness, 
debilitated night sweats, chronic diarrhoea of 
whitish gray stools. Symptoms due to prolonged 
sexual excess, particularly masturbation, low spirit- 
ed, continued, dull, heavy headache, effecting the 
vertex. The patient is not able to think. 
Arsenicum Album. Ext:eme prostration, anx- 
iety and fear of death, chronic diarrhoea, discharg- 
es of burning character, skin cold and glossy, ex- 
treme restlessness, incessant thirst, much worse at 
night, nausea, vomiting with purging, immediately 
after drinking, malarial fevers and cinchonism. 
China. Debilitating, exhaustive, acute diseases, 
anaemic conditions after the patient seems to have 
got well, long continued nursing, uterine hemorrh- 
ages, sexual excesses, emissions, masturbations,etc., 
dizziness and amaurosis, particularly malarial 
poisoning. 124 
Nux. Vom. Sedentary habits, extreme mental 
work, very little physical exercise, great loss of 
sleep, long continued stimulating from coffee, tea, 
tobacco and liquors, constipation and hemorrhoids, 
gastric conditions, vesical irritations, back ache, 
dull frontal headache. 
Aurum. Melancholic patients, inclined to sui- 
cide, cases in which syphilis and the abuse of mer- 
cury have been the means of cerebral anaemia. 
Sulphur. Old chronic cases, indisposed to 
mental application, persons stoop in walking and 
standing, vertigo, constipation and hemorrhoids, 
diarrhoea, driving one out of bed in the morning, 
burning of the vertex and feet, spinal tenderness. 
CHANGE (JE LIKE. 
THE CHANGE OF LIFE 
This is a term used, which means the cessation 
of the functions of ovulation and menstruation. 
This period does not usually occur all at once, nor 
does it occur with all alike, or at a particular stat- 
ed time. With some it may embrace a period of CHANGE OF LIFE. 
125 
several months, or extend to as many years. Some 
women cease menstruation as early in life as thirty, 
while others continue on to the advanced age of 
sixty. Such extreme cases, however, are rare eith- 
er way. The average duration of menstruation 
is usually observed to be about thirty to thirty-five 
years. With many women, the change of life is 
so gradual in its appearance and progress, the sys- 
tem seems to conform to the approaching new or- 
der of things, the nervous and circulatory systems 
are but slightly disturbed, the most frequent and 
favorable symptoms being an irregular return of 
the period, less frequent, a less quantity of the 
flow, till it ceases entirely. Those who are inclin- 
ed to profuse hemorrhages, particularly those of 
plethoric and nervous make up, or those who have 
indulged in sexual excesses or those who are sub- 
ject to hemorrhages, alternating with whitish leu- 
corrhoea, which has a feted odor is acrid and very 
copius, which may continue long after the mens- 
trual discharges has ceased, to appear with colic, 
uterine cramps, pains in the sides, dull pains and 
weight in sacro-lumbar region, uncontrolable itch- 
ing of the parts, bloating of the abdomen, ex- 126 
treme nervousness, sleeplessness, etc., such re- 
quire treatment. With some, the cessation of the 
menstrual functions are sudden. Dr. Eaton says 
" generally, as a first effect of the menstrual cessa- 
tion, the uterus may be felt congested and enlarg- 
ed, and it is likely the ovaries and entire pelvic 
viscera are, in a measure, congested also. This 
congestion and over-fullness of the blood vessels 
in the pelvis, especially in the uterus, causes irrita- 
tion of the nerves of those parts which is com- 
municated to the spinal cord and sympathetic 
ganglia, which explains somewhat, the manifesta- 
tions of diseases, particularly common at this 
epoch. The mind, with some, is very decidedly 
effected, very changable, manifestations of mental 
derangement are present." I might add many 
more symptoms peculiar to the change of life, pre- 
suming however, this is sufficient, will call the 
attention of the reader to the 
TREATMENT. 
TREATMENT. 
The conditions which call for treatment, may be 
classed under three heads, viz: First, Sympathet- ic nervous symptoms, negative condition ; Second, 
Muscular sympathy, negative relaxation ; Conges- 
tion, positive and contractive. 
Under first heading we have mental derange- 
ment, dull, confused pressing pains in vertex and 
forehead, vertigo, nausea, neuralgia, pains in vari- 
ous parts of the body, defective circulation, prick- 
ling sensations of the extremities with numbness, 
cold feet and hands, sleeplessness, etc. All of 
these symptoms call for plus electricity. 
Second. Muscular sympathy is due to want of 
nervous forces, chronic uterine congestion, prolap- 
sus, dull, heavy, sacro-lumbar region pains, heavy 
bearing down in hypogastrum, general muscular 
relaxation, plus electricity. 
Third. The congestive conditions are hot flashes 
congestion to the head, uterine congestion and heat 
of whole pelvic viscera, etc., which call for minus 
electricity. 
The nearer balanced the nervo-electrical forces 
in the system, the nearer we are to good health. 
The medicinal treatment that combines well with 
electricity, may be selected from the following 
group of remedies: Lachesis, Cocculus, Pulsa- 
TREATMENT. 
127 128 
tilla, Sulphur, Crocus, Conium, Sepia, Ignitia, 
Sanguinaria, Nux Void., Ipecac, Bell., Trillium, 
Nit. Ac., China, Viburnum, Prun., Verat. Vir. and 
Acid Sulph. Out of the group of remedies giv- 
en, the following may be more especially particu- 
larized : 
Cocculus. Is indicated by the sensation of 
nausea, the occasional bilious vomiting which 
sometimes occurs, also violent, spasmodic cramp- 
like pains in the bowels which are apt to occur up- 
on the cessation of the menstrual discharge. 
Nux. Vom. May be considered in the treat- 
ment of persons of nervous or bilious make up, 
dark complexion and spare frame who are subject 
to piles, and in those whom the sufferings are agra- 
vated or present upon rising in the morning, par- 
ticularly if there be distention of the epigastrum 
and region of false ribs, restlessness, irritability, 
disposition to outbursts of temper, constant incli- 
nation to lie down, etc. 
Pulsatilla. Is particularly adapted to those of 
habituality, mild, and sensitive disposition, round, 
full and soft frame, phlegmatic temperament and 
TREATMENT. TREATMENT. 
lymphatic constitution. The sufferings are greater 
towards night. 
Lachesis. Is more particularly indicated at 
critical age, when excessive nervous irritations 
exist, with tendency to vertigo, throbbing headache, 
spasms of the stomach, constipation, there may 
be sudden attacks of looseness of the bowels. 
Belladona. Heavy, pressive bearing down pains, 
dull aching pains and weight in the small of the 
back, bloated red face, strong pulsations of the 
arteries of the neck and temples, there may be 
constant feeling of weight and pressure and also 
oppression without aching pain in the chest and 
region of the stomach. 
Sulphuric Acid. Flushes of heat and sudden 
and excessive or profuse sweats, diminishing on 
movement, may be considered the key note of 
this remedy, in this abnormal condition, as well as 
dry tongue, thirst, weakness in the back and legs, 
general languor and feelings of tremulousness, still 
do not tremble. 
Diet and Regimen. The diet should be plain 
and unstimulating, regular hours and exercise, 
change of air and of scenery, avoid all stimulat- 
129 130 
ing drinks as well as every source of emotion and 
excitement. The free use of cold water followed 
with brisk friction are some of the best rules to be 
observed by those of whom the climax of life is 
attended with more or less suffering and incon- 
venience. 
MISCELLANEOUS. 
The following clinical cases may be of interest 
to the reader, owing to the fact they were treated 
wholly electrically, without the aid of medicine, by 
Dr. Shedd. 
Case masturbation, aged 19, had masturbation 
since a small boy, till he was bordering on idiocy. 
Things which happened yesterday, seemed to him a 
year ago, nocturnal emissions without erections 
occur nightly. He was cured in two weeks by 
electricity. 
Another case. A sailor was made impotant 
from the fall of a barrel and contents on the cer- 
vical region of spine, crushing him to the floor. 
From that time, for two years, he was unabie to 
stand erect, as well as impotent. After three 
weeks of electrical treatment, the impotency was cured, and he could straighten up five and one- 
half inches taller, and by electricity alone. 
Still another case. Bleeding hemorrhoides, was 
obliged to wear glazed silk drawers, to conduct 
the hemorrhages into his boots, frequently when 
walking from his house to the store the hemorrh- 
age would be so free as to partly fill his boots. 
TREATMENT. 
131 
TREATMENT. 
Placed rectum electrode attached to positive 
pole in rectum, manipulating sacrum and across 
epigastrum with negative pole, daily for one week, 
after which less frequent. The patient was dismiss- 
ed cured in four weeks. INDEX. 
Abortion 103 
Ague in the Breast 28 
Anti version 21 
Amaurosis 48 
Amaurosis, treatment of 49 
Articular Rheumatism 74 
Auditory Nerve, Paralysis of 49 
Cephalalgia Rheumatica 36 
Cephalalgia Rheumatica, treatment of 40 
Cervico-occipital neuralgia 38 
Cervico-occipital neuralgia, treatment of 40 
Crural neuralgia 37 
Crural neuralgia, treatment 39 
Cerebral Anaemia 117 
Change of Life 124 
Coryza 
Coryza, treatment of 60 
Chlorosis 27 
Currents, use of the different 112 
Disease IO 
Diagnosis of Disease 11 
Dyspepsia 28 
Diseases adapted to Electricity 60 INDEX. 
II 
Electricity, its polarities 9 
Facial neuralgia 38 
Female Diseases 21 
Female insanity 82 
General treatment 21 
Glosso-Laryngeal Paralysis 51 
Glosso-Laryngeal Paralysis, treatment 52 
Hemorrhoides 44 
Hemorrhoides, treatment 45 
Introductory 7 
Intercostal neuralgia 38 
Intercostal neuralgia, treatment 41 
Impotence 95 
Lateral Version 22 
Leucorrhoea Uterine 23 
Mental and Nervous Exhaustion 60 
Menstruation Suppressed 25 
Nasal Catarrh 30 
Neuralgia of the Trigeminus 38 
Neuralgia of the Trigeminus, treatment 40 
Nervous Dyspepsia, treated by Dr. Shedd.... 73 
Paralysis 46 
Paralysis of the Auditory Nerve 49 
Paralysis of the Auditory Nerve, treatment.... 50 INDEX. 
III 
Paralysis of the Face 54 
Paralysis of the Face, treatment 55 
Paralysis, pre-disposed to wander 55 
Phlegmasia Alba Bolens (milk leg) 99 
Phlegmasia Alba Dolens, treatment 100 
Pleurodynia Rheumatica- 36 
Pleurisy 41 
Relaxation of Uvula 58 
Relaxation of Uvula, treatment 58 
Retroversion 22 
Rheumatism 35 
Simple Prolapsus ' 23 
Sciatica ; 27 
Sciatica, treatment 39 
Sopor from Opium and Morphia 114 
Statical Electricity 109 
Sympathetic Irritation 115 
Spermatorrhoea 93 
Suppressed Menstruation 25 
Therapeutics 10 
The Use of the Different Currents. . 112 
Toncillitis Quinsy 56 
Toncillitis, treatment 57 
Torticollis Rheumatica 36 
Uterine Leucorrhcea 23 
Varicose Veins 42 DR. JEROME KIDDER'S 
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