REPORT OF CASES 
t-'io r 
Yf ekted by Electricity, 
BEING A REPRINT FROM THE 
TRANSACTIONS 
OF THE 
jbdial and (I Mnltg 
OF THE 
•! Maryland* 
AT ITS 
tfcrww-Forffra Anvnu Sssgi@Nt 
HELD AT BALTIMORE, AID., APRIL, 1873; 
AND 
7k It DEKD A: 
Electro-Medicine, and Electro-Surgery; 
S BY 
JOHN J.TALDWELL, M. D. 
BALTIMORE, ZNZEID. 
Box «39. 
Baltimore: . . . )Vm. JBgyle (Son, Printers 
1873. TREATMENT OF NERVOUS DISEASES, TUMORS AND 
OTHER MORBID GROWTHS. 
The above is an illustration of the case of Eugene Lee 
Crutchfield, the son of A. P. Crutchfield, editor of the Balti- 
morean, who suffered from atrophy and partial paralysis of the 
muscles of the right lower extremity, after an operation for 
club foot, several years ago, for which he wore a Scarper's shoe, 
with lateral splints, supporting the limb to the knee. He 
came under our care on May 29th, 1873, when we commenced 
the treatment of these palsied muscles by the Faradic current, 
which we continued the applications of every alternate day for 
two or three months, with entire success. The following ex- 
tract from his father's letter will fully explain : 
Office of the Baltimorean, 
August Ydth, 1873. 
Dr. Jno. J. Caldwell, 
64 St. Paul St., Baltimore. 
Dear Sir.-I cheerfully communicate the benefits you 
have conferred upon my son, who was born July, 1862, with 
his left foot so deformed and misshapen as to be generally 
known as the club foot. Residing at the time in Petersburg, 
Virginia, the child was taken, when only six weeks old, to Dr. 
John J. Theawtt, an eminent practitioner of that city. He 2 
examined the case, and pronounced it one that could be easily 
remedied. 
In the autumn of 1869 my attention was directed to Dr. 
White, Professor of Surgery in the Medical College at Rich- 
mond, Virginia. After a careful investigation Professor White 
decided to operate, and was assisted by Professors Cunning- 
ham, Cabell and others. 
The tendons were cut immediately in rear of the ankle and 
just above the heel, also through or under the instep from the 
bottom of the foot. The foot was straightened and gradually 
assumed a natural position, but he could only walk with the 
aid of a shoe made specially for him, and then heavily sup- 
ported by steel splints. 
The left leg was much atrophied, and seemed sadly deficient 
in strength. He found it impossible to walk any distance un- 
less supported by the shoe and splint which I have described, 
and which extended nearly to the knee. 
About three or four months ago, when, the child was in his 
eleventh year, my attention was called to your mode of treat- 
ment, and I placed him under your care. 
In a short time the muscles of the smaller limb commenced 
to develop and his strength to increase. About three weeks 
since, by your advice, the steel splint was discarded altogether, 
and he can now use an ordinary shoe and walk any distance, 
without pain or fatigue. 
I attribute the recovery solely to your application of elec- 
tricity. 
Very truly yours, 
A. F. CRUTCHFIELD, 
Editor oj the Baltimorean. 3 
REPORT OF CASES TREATED BY ELECTRICITY. 
By J. J. CALDWELL, M. D. 
Cass 1st. Mrs. L., aged 39, a resident of Brooklyn, and 
mother of three children, called at our office, November 15th, 
18t>9, to consult concerning a tumor that occupied two-thirds 
of the breast as well as the glands of the axilla, presenting all 
the appearances of scirrhus. Her general history was as follows : 
About one year ago, she noticed a small hard tumor in the 
left breast, which grew larger and more painful, until she was 
induced by her friends to go to the Clinic of the Twenty-third 
street College, where she says, she was told her trouble was 
cancer, and her only remedy speedy extirpation with the knife. 
Upon examination the tumor was found hard and stony to the 
touch, and she complained much of lancinating pain, that pro- 
ceeded from a ragged ulcer, four inches in length, situated at 
its base, that had long been discharging the fluid that under 
the microscope is considered diagnostic of malignant disease. 
We determined to try the electrolytic power of Dr. Palmer's 
Voltaic Battery, a cheap little instrument, consisting of small 
alternate plates of zinc and copper. When used, these are 
simply sponged with dilute acetic acid and closed. The poles 
are upon the back with gold thread conductors. It acts pri- 
marily by disintegrating the tissues into their components, just 
as a drop of water is resolved by the same means into hydrogen 
and oxygen at the two poles, and secondarily by the gases, 
salts and coagula (now foreign bodies) producing pressure and 
chemical effects that lead to suppuration, absorption or both. 
We immediately commenced treatment by a few minutes 
application of the electrodes, afterward ordering the ulcer to be 
dressed with a solution of carbolic acid and glycerine. 
November 17th.-Pain almost gone, rest and appetite better ; 
made another application of electricity, duration long enough 
to produce livid congestion of the skin over the tumor. 
November 20th.-Much improvement in the ulcerated tract 
with indication of healthy granulations. 4 
November 22d and 27th.-Tumor softer and smaller, bright 
granulations throughout the ulcer, no more pain; applied 
electricity on both days. 
November 29th and December 2d.-Still improving, con- 
tinued treatment. 
December 9th, 12th and 30th.-Tumor decreased fully two- 
thirds, general appearance much better, leaden complexion of 
the face disappearing, treatment kept up. 
January 3d, 1870.-Called to report great progress, breast 
nearly well, retracted nipple commencing to bulge perceptibly. 
Mrs. L. continued to call at intervals of ten days until the 
middle of March, when she was discharged cured. Here are 
two photographs of the breast taken during the early part of 
the treatment. Any one can see the marked improvement in 
size of breast and ulcer. Since that time she has been deliv- 
ered of a healthy child, and is able to nurse it well. 
In applying electricity to tumors we use electrodes with 
sponge tips, saturated with a strong solution of chloride of 
sodium. We always commence from the border of the tumor 
and gradually approach the more solid particles-as a result, 
suppuration sets in and destroys the growth. For a more rapid 
destruction we place no reliance on the subcutaneous applica- 
tion by needles. Since this case was treated a more conve- 
nient form of instrument for electrolysis and gaivano-caustic 5 
effects has been invented by Dr. Byrne, of Brooklyn, a pic- 
ture of which is before you. 
It is of the size of an ordinary Faradaic machine, or about 
one-half the proportions of the smallest caustic apparatus usually 
found at the instrument makers, yet quite as powerful and re- 
liable as the best. It is capable of holding twelve inches of 
No. 21 platinum wire at a white heat as long as required under 
any circumstances, and being largely composed of hard rubber, 
is the most convenient and portable instrument at present known. 
Case 2d. Since the above report, • we have treated the Rev. 
Dr. G., a prominent Catholic clergyman, of this city, who suf- 
fered from malignant tumor, involving the right side of the 
face, neck, trachea and other vital organs to such an extent 
that surgical interference was entirely out of the question. lie 6 
had consulted prominent members of the profession, both at 
home and abroad, without encouragement or success. The 
growth was rapid and pointing to an early dissolution by suf- 
focation, presenting all the characteristics of scirrhus. On June 
5th, 1871, he called at our office to consult us concerning his 
trouble, whereupon we informed him of its serious and question- 
able nature, and that in our opinion, little encouragement could 
be given, save that which might be afforded by the judicious 
use of electricity. Our mode of treatment in this case was 
daily application of the galvanic current, from a sixteen cell 
battery (of G. F. Manf. Co.) This treatment was continued 
from June 5th to July 7th, twenty-four applications in all, 
with great success, the tumor having entirely disappeared, re- 
lieving him of all its distressing features. 
Case 3d. This was a little patient from Savannah, Georgia, 
aged 10 years, daughter of wealthy and influential parents, re- 
siding at the Arlington House, New York ; where we treated her 
for hip joint disease in the second stage, of about one year 
standing. Here we had to contend with great atrophy of the 
affected limb, especially of the lower part, and refrained from 
the use of electricity until she had kept perfect rest and posi- 
tion long enough to insure certain recovery of the diseased 
joint. As soon as we were assured of this we commenced treat- 
ment by the Franklinic or Friction Battery during August, 
1869, continuing till January, 1871, when we had the pleasure 
of discharging her cured. No limp, shortening or atrophy; use 
and strength almost perfect. (For appearance see plates.) 7 
Case 4th. Jennie McK. was brought to our office in July, 
1869, by her father, who (to use his own expression) said, " we 
have been taking her to an eminent physician for the last three 
weeks, as she had ceased to walk, and was unable to put her 
right foot to the ground. The Dr. gave us a prescription for a 
mild wash to use upon a swelling in her groin, and did not seem 
to think it of any consequence." After stripping her we soon 
discovered indications of hip joint disease in the first stage. 
(Traumatic.) The injury was caused by a fall from a carriage. 
There was an abscess originating about the joint pointing in 
groin and vagina. We placed her under the usual treatment 
for hip joint disease. When the inflammatory process bad sub- 
sided, we relied upon rest, good diet, friction and the Faradaic 
current to restore the parts to their usual vigor and strength. 
After twelve weeks treatment as above, she was placed upon 
her feet again with the happiest results. See plate. 
Value of the three Currents, viz: Electro- Tonic, Electrolysis, 
Electro-Cautery. 
Electro-Tonic, especially Faradism, has proved of service in 
the cure of so many heterogenous maladies, according to our 
own experience, as well as the testimony of many authors, so 
often accomplishing wonders almost incredible, it would be the 
work of severest labor to attempt to review all reports pub- 8 
lished by scientific writers; although such a review would 
greatly enrich medical literature. The diseases in which this 
branch has shown itself most efficacious are those of the 
nervous system; while with electrolysis or galvanism, the 
effect for good has been demonstrated successfully upon anoma- 
lous secretions, excretions, and morbid cell developments. 
Although the electro-cautery, in the surgical art, has been but 
a short time in the field of practice, its achievements have not 
been less satisfactory, especially in the cure of varices, aneur- 
isms, and more particularly in the astounding and happy 
results in the removal of soft and fungoid growths, where the 
knife and other appliances have been entirely out of the ques- 
tion-yes, indeed, the "noli me tangere," of other days. 
In Hammonds, (Meyer,) the following note is found. 
"In obstetrics, finally, the electric current has been applied 
by the English to excite the activity of the parturient efforts, 
and to arrest Metrorrhagia and more recently by the French 
to overcome version and prolapsus of the womb. 
Analysis of solids, liquids and gases may be affected by this 
power (Electrolysis) in connection with the spectroscope. See 
our article, " Light of Science," as reported in the Wharton 
case, by Herald, N. Y., January 3d, 1872. 
The induced current (Electro Tonic) may be found highly 
useful in paralysis of all kinds, especially where any contrac- 
tility of muscular fibre remains, in modifying irritability of 
nerves of special sense, viz: olfactory, optic and auditory, 
gustatory, in the sentient and motor nerves of the face, skin, 
and indeed all parts of the body. 
Galvanism, (Electrolysis.}-This influence on the sympa- 
thetic nerve has been found curative in partial paralysis of the 
vasa motor nerves, in troubles of the pneuma-gastric nerve, 
such as asthma, dyspepsia, etc., etc., in primary arterial 
spasms, apoplectic paralysis, in the cases of muscular progres- 
sive atrophy, in early stages of progressive locomotor ataxy, 
in neuralgic affection of cerebro-spinal nerves. 
Authorities on the same are numerous. Both at home and 
abroad first class minds are engaged in this order of thera- 
peutics. 9 
As a Diagnostic Agent.-Hammonds, (Meyer,) page 188, 
says: After long experience he has become convinced of the 
importance of electricity in diagnosis and prognosis of para- 
lytic diseases in general. 
"A feeble contraction, under local muscular excitement, may 
indicate a diminished irritability of muscle and nerve fibre. 
If a muscle, excited by the force of the will or by electric 
irritation of the nerve that ramifies through it, contracts in a 
normal manner it cannot be essentially diseased ; but if the 
expected reaction is wanting the abnormal effect is connected 
with a diseased condition of the intra-muscular nerve fibres, 
say, in paralysis of long standing, where the central parts 
develop secondary changes, and so exert an influence upon the 
electric condition. This will render diagnosis difficult. 
" When a tumor, proceeding from the cortical substance of 
the brain, gradually increasing in size, compresses special nerves, 
we may have peripheric and central paralysis at the same time." 
" The independent irritability of the muscle fibres has been 
proved not only by Bernard and Koilliker's experiments in poi- 
soning with curarina, but also by the continued contraction of 
a muscle, while subjected to a constant current, a fact first 
observed by Wundt, as well as by the peculiar condition of a 
muscle in electrotonus." Vide M. Benedikt on the Method of 
the Electric Examination of the Nervous System. 
As a pathfinder in disease we prefer the Electrolic (Gal- 
vanic) current, as there is a freedom from the rattling noise 
attending the helix and hammer, and no matter how obscure 
or central the trouble may be, this quiet investigator is almost 
sure to produce some demonstration which will lead us to a 
correct conclusion, or nearly so, it being as it were a finger- 
board pointing to the shortest avenues to the seat of trouble. 
Thus we may cite injuries and other troubles of the spinal cord 
where the pain is referable (as a rule) to remote points or 
peripheric distributions. 
By passing the current on the line of the cord, as we 
approach the point of injury, the patient 'complains of sharp 
pain or abnormal sensations under the electroides, and forgets 
his seat of imaginary injury temporarily. This fact holds 
good with all the organs of the body, viz : The Remote De- 10 
monstration. Hence the necessity of taking up each and 
every division of the body in order to arrive at a safe diagnosis. 
Marshal] Hall was the first to direct the notice of phy- 
sicians to this mode of investigation. 
We will now pass on to the Electro-Cautery, having shown 
the manner of diagnosis by the Electrolic (Galvanic) current. 
We will endeavor to show by the experience of Professor 
Byrne, of New York, and other authorities, the advantages 
to be derived from the Electro-Cautery in uterine surgery. 
In the Medical Record for December, 1872, Professor Byrne 
states that the number of cases within his own observation 
of cautery operations, has been seventy-three. He gives a 
list of the cases and their results. Reference to the Medical 
Record, as stated, will be found not only interesting but 
instructive. 
REPORT OF CASES UNDER OUR OWN OBSERVATION. 
* Case 1.-Mrs. W. F., of Kentucky ; her husband, a medical 
gentleman, had brought her east, in hopes of some relief, but 
it was too late. The growth which originated upon her left 
breast had grown so rapidly as to produce great constitutional 
disturbances, by deposits in other parts. Though in her case 
we were able to afford great benefit temporarily, for, cropping 
out from the main growth, was a bleeding fungoid, which was 
so large as to involve the axilla and impinge upon the free 
movement of the arm ; this we removed while the patient 
was etherized, by the electric cautery loop ; she rallied kindly 
and did not lose enough blood to stain the clothes about her. 
* The second case was that of Mrs. W., of Troy, a lady fifty 
odd years of age, who had several grown children. Some 
months previous she had suffered constant burning pains, with 
loss of blood and ichorous discharge of offensive matter from 
the vagina. When first examined, we found that canal 
occluded in a great measure by a soft bleeding growth attached 
to the right lateral wall of the vagina, encroaching upon the 
mouth and neck of the womb, also by extension involving the 
rectum to that extent as to greatly impede the discharges from 
*From the Physician and Surgeon's Medical Journal, of Baltimore, November, 1872. 11 
the same. Although her doctors had given her little hope, we 
ventured the opinion that the tumor could be safely removed, 
with great relief to her. In the early part of September her 
doctor sent her to our office, whereupon we removed the un- 
healthy mass by piecemeal, we being unable (as in the case of 
the breast) to get around the growth with the galvanic loop, 
but with it we succeeded in destroying it, part after part (with 
this great heat) until the base was arrived at, and then we 
cauterized thoroughly in all directions the diseased tissue; as 
before, with no hemorrhage, pain, or shock worth mentioning. 
The patient in this case being etherized for over two hours. 
The after-dressing and treatment were simple. After a few 
days the discharges began and were of healthy pus and flakes 
of carbonized tissue. The first night administered an anodyne 
suppository. After three weeks she returned home relieved, 
and greatly improved generally. 
These cases may or may not return, still it is the medical 
man's duty to afford immediate relief; then aim at a perma- 
nent cure. 
The cicatrix should be carefully watched, so as to control a 
return by Electrolytic applications. 
Of the authors abroad who have operated1 with the Electro- 
Cautery successfully, we would mention Steinhil, Amussat and 
Middeldorpff. The latter gentleman, in 1859, gave the Gal- 
vano-Caustic loop its greatest reputation by successfully remov- 
ing a morbid growth from the windpipe of a prominent clergy- 
man, thus snatching him from the jaws of death. By the 
electrolic power we have removed successfully three cases of 
scirrhus during the early stages of development, which were 
fully reported in the medical journals and read before societies 
in New York and Brooklyn during the past four years, and 
as yet there has been no return of the disease. Benedict, 
Neftel and other pathologists of note agree that this disease is 
at first local, afterwards becomes constitutional. 
We have recently exhibited the Faradic Current successfully 
in Baltimore, in restoring an intercepted .gut in a laborer over 
forty years of age ; and in resuscitating a child in a comatose 
condition of opium poisoning after twelve hours duration, which 
required our persistent efforts for three consecutive hours. It 12 
was then only that the great sensorium was capable of 
responding to the remedial agents offered. 
Julius Althaus, M. D., M. R. C. P., Physician to the Lon- 
don Infirmary for Epilepsy and Paralysis, says, in an article in 
the Louisville Journal, of July, 1868, that the entire number 
of cases treated by him up to that time, by electrolysis, amounts 
to sixty-three; amongst these were fifty-two non-malignant, and 
eleven of the malignant kind. 
" The most precise and interesting researches on the relation 
between Voltaic electricity and the phenomena of life, are 
those contained in Dr. Wilson Phillips' dissertations in the 
Philosophical Transactions; as well as in his experimental 
inquiries into the laws of the vital functions. In one instance 
he divided the 10th pair of nerves, distributed to the stomach, 
by incisions in the necks of several living rabbits. After this 
operation the parsley they ate remained in their stomachs un- 
digested, and the animals, after evincing much difficulty in 
breathing, seemed to die of suffocation. In other rabbits simi- 
larly treated, when the galvanic power was transmitted along 
the nerve, no difficulty of breathing occurred, the Voltaic 
action being kept up for twenty-six hours, the rabbits were 
then killed, and the parsley found in a perfectly digested state, 
hence it appears that the galvanic energy is capable of supply- 
ing the nervous influence, so that while under it, the stomach, 
otherwise inactive, digests food as usual. The same experiment 
was tried upon dogs with like results, the battery never being 
so strong as to occasion painful shocks." 
Dr. Phillips, of England, evidently deserves the credit of 
being the first to use electricity in that country as a treatment 
for diseases of the human body ; for the removal of dyspnoea, as 
stated above, led him to try Galvanism as a remedy in asthma. 
By transmitting the current from the nape of the neck to the pit 
of the stomach, he gave decided relief in every one of twenty- 
two cases, of which four were in private practice and eighteen 
in Worcester infirmary. The power employed varied from ten 
to twenty-five cells. The general inferences deduced by him 
from his many experiments, are "that Voltaic electricity is 
capable of affecting the formation of secreted fluids, when 
applied to the blood, in the same manner in which the nervous 13 
influence is, and that it is capable of occasioning an evolution 
of caloric from arterial blood. Galvanism seems competent to 
perform all the functions of the nervous influences in the ani- 
mal economy, but it obviously cannot excite the functions of 
animal life, unless when acting on parts endowed with the liv- 
ing principle." 
Claud Bernard believes, too, that in the human subject 
diabetes mellitus likewise is due to an over activity of the 
nerves, which stimulate the function of the liver, and considers 
it possible that, if it were in our power to galvanize the sym- 
pathetic nerve, this would be the best possible mode of treating 
diabetes symptomatically, the function of this nerve being 
weakened by the undue activity of its antagonists. 
* "Electricity and galvanism have long been extensively em- 
ployed, but when there is any structural disorganization they 
do harm. Thus they aggravate the mischief in cases of cere- 
bral hemorrhage, in softening and atrophy of the cerebral sub- 
stance, in pressure from tumors, and in paralysis due to disease 
of the spinal cord. But after reparation of the mischief, (as 
by complete absorption of the clot, the nervous substance being 
left uninjured,) when paraiyfls remains without any muscular 
rigidity, galvanism will do good. It is also uselul in hys- 
terical, rheumatic and lead palsy, as well as in reflex paralysis 
from disease of the urinary organs, in diptheria, fever, etc. 
Moreover, in cases of mal-nutrition and atrophy of muscular 
tissue it acts well by augmenting chemical changes in the 
muscles, and increasing, therefore, the supply of blood to them. 
Induction currents are to be used, so as to excite the vitality 
of the motor nerves, the continuous current proving useless in 
the cases under consideration. Opinions differ widely as to 
the direction in which the induced current should be sent 
through the paralyzed limb. Naturally, the course of nervous 
influence is from the trunk towards the extremities, and hence 
it has been argued that the induced electric current should be 
made to travel through the nerves in the same direction, in 
other words, the direct current is to be used, and not the in- 
verse. But this view is not borne out in practice ; and the 
inverse current is generally employed, because it excites 
* Tanner's Index and Practice. 14 
stronger contractions in the muscles than the direct. First a 
gentle current is to be applied, the intensity being gradually 
increased ; while as a rule the administration should not last 
for more than fifteen minutes at a time, even if for so long." 
The removal of medullary or soft cancer growths, can be 
most successfully done by the Electro-Cautery operation. 
* GALVANO-CAUSTIC BATTERY. 
The advantages of this mode of operation over the knife are, 
little or no hemorrhage, freedom from shock, plenty of time in 
uterine cases, an avoidance of the dangers commonly attending 
operations in the pelvic region, viz: peritonitis, (fee., &c. The 
mode of operating is to attach a platinum wire, large size, to the 
ends of the insulated wire conductors, also large size. By 
placing the above named platinum wire about the growth to be 
removed, then by immersing the elements the wires surrounding 
the tissues become white hot, then by slowly dragging it 
through the base, the tumor is removed, the parts now 
sponged, and the surfaces thoroughly and deeply cauterized. 
• 
*Read before the Electro-Therapeutical Society, N. York.-N. Y. Med. Jour., Dec. IbTO. 15 
The advantages over the actual cautery are a more constant 
heat, more time for the operation, and that different shaped 
instruments may be adjusted to the various requirements of the 
case. Aside from all this, there seems to be something elec- 
trical to oppose the bad effects of the anaesthesia. Soft growths 
and cauliflower excrescences cannot safely be approached by 
any other mode, especially when they are located in the vagina, 
rectum, or other passages. Instruments and electrodes of va- 
rious type are required particularly for these cases. 
. * Case 4.-In June, 1869, we were called to see Miss C-, of 
Warren street, suffering from acute rheumatism of the joints. 
She informed us that she endured these attacks every spring or 
summer for years past. We found her intolerable to the 
slightest touch or movement about the affected parts, so much 
so that we had to commence the treatment (Faradic current) 
at some distance from the seat of trouble, and gradually 
approach it. After ten or fifteen minutes of Faradaism the 
pain and tenderness were much subdued : henceforth she could 
tolerate the bed-clothes, and place herself in any position. 
June 7.-Made our second visit, and found her greatly re- 
lieved ; had slept soundly for the first time in many nights ; 
less swelling and redness about the joints. Examined the 
urine ; found it laden with uric acid and urates. Ordered the 
saline mixture ; repeated the Faradic treatment. 
June 9.-She is much improved. Urine of lighter color; 
less acid. Continued the treatment. 
June 12.-No pain ; joints a little stiff. Application of 
electricity was continued for ten days longer, which ended the 
attack in a shorter period than any of the manv seizures she 
had endured for years past. In her family it was hereditary. 
Ever since she has been able to ward off' the attack by the 
application of the current. 
ARTICULAR RHEUMATISM. 
FACIAL NEURALGIA. 
*Case 5.-Miss F-, Court street, aged 35, has been a sufferer 
many years from facial neuralgia. Tried many remedies in 
vain. 
* Read before the Medical Society of the County of Kings. New York, and published 
in the Medical Record. New York. Sep. 1869. 16 
Oct. 5, 1869.-Made an application of the galvanic current, 
the positive pole to the orbit, while with the negative pole we 
passed a small metallic brush over the distribution of the facial 
nerves. The result was happy, affording instant relief. By 
the next morning her attack was renewed with violence. This 
occurred for several days, when we obtained information of a 
syphilitic taint; therefore we placed her upon the specific 
treatment, and continued battery current with much success. 
Since then she has had no return of her trouble. 
This is a selection of many cases that have come under our 
observation in the application of electricity to medical and 
surgical cases during the past four years. 
We have tried almost every electrical battery and machine of 
the present day, and find none so portable and so reliable at all 
times and under all circumstances as those made by the 
Galvano-Faradic Manufacturing Company of New York. 
* Since the above report of cases, we have treated the Rev. Dr. 
G-, a prominent Catholic clergyman of this city, who suffered 
from malignant tumor involving the right side of the face, neck, 
trachea, and other vital organs, to that extent wherein surgical 
interference was almost out of the question. He had consulted 
prominent members of the profession both at home and abroad 
without encouragement or success. The growth was rapid, and 
pointing to an early dissolution by suffocation, indicating all 
the characteristics of 
On June 5th, 1871, he called at my office to consult me 
concerning his trouble, whereupon I informed him of its serious 
and questionable nature, and that in my opinion little encour- 
agement could be given save that which might be afforded by 
the judicious use of electricity. Our mode of treatment in 
this case was daily applications of the galvanic current from a 
16-cell battery (of G. F. Manufacturing Co.) 
This treatment was continued from June 5 to July 7, twenty- 
four applications in all, with great success, the tumor having 
entirely disappeared, relieving him of all its distressing features. 
* Read before the Medical Society of the County of Kings, New York, and published 
in the Medical Record, N. York, September, 1864. 17 
[From the New York Medical Journal, May, 1872.] 
Removal of a Naso-Pharyngeal Polypus by the Galvano and 
Faradic Current. 
* Case 2.-Mr. F. came under our observation February 10, 
1871, for the treatment of nasal polypus of over three years' 
standing, the history of which ran as follows: He had con- 
sulted the first surgeons of New York and Brooklyn, and had 
spent a little fortune in this effort, without relief. After 
exploring the cavity and finding the tumor so soft, so yielding 
as to resist all instrumental interference, we commenced the 
treatment by the application of the constant current. This 
was repeated day after day until the last of March, with par- 
tial success, when we began the application of the Faradic 
current, which was continued up to April 15th, when we dis- 
charged him cured ; or, as he said, in a condition which he 
had not experienced for over three years. Mode of applica- 
tion : a positive pole with a curved electroid passed into the 
nasal cavity of the affected side, the negative pole similarly 
constructed applied back of the velum palati. Duration of 
application, three to five minutes. In the nose, throat, and 
other passages, the parts must be educated to the treatment. 
So long ago as 1848, my esteemed friend, Professor Harvey 
L. Byrd, formerly Professor of the Principles and Practice of 
Medicine in the Oglethorpe Medical College of Savannah, 
Georgia, now Professor of Diseases of Women and Children in 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore, wrote 
learnedly of his practical experience of Electro-Magnetism in 
the management of convulsive affections, and of its use in 
cholera, in uterine troubles, impotence of the male, and in 
nervous troubles of various kinds, citing many cases of so 
great an interest as to attract the attention of distinguished 
members of the medical profession in this country and Europe.f 
We will take this occasion to thank the learned Professor, 
and Drs. Chew, Van Bibber, Christian, Professor Murray, and 
several other medical brothers of our city, as well as those 
who are scattered throughout the country, viz : Dr. Arnold, of 
* Read before the Medical Society of the. County of Kings, and published in the 
Medical Record, New York, September, 1869. 
fSee Oglethorpe Medical and Surgical Journal of June, 1859, 18 
Savannah ; Dr. Conden, of Louisville, Ky.; Dr. Richard 
Bloss, of Troy, N. York ; Dr. Thompson, and others, of L. I. ; 
and many others, who trusted their cases to my care and treat- 
ment. 
Tibbits' Medical Electricity, p. 45, says: "To Duchenne, 
who has been aptly called the ' father of Electro-Therapeutics', 
may be fairly ascribed the birth of Medical Electricity, and 
says the application of it in diseases has been the growth of 
the last thirty years." But we will mention, that in the last 
ten years this agent has become one of the greatest additions 
to the healing art. Abroad we will cite such names as 
Althaus, Russel, Reynolds, Tanner, Anstie, Du Bois, Ray- 
mond, Duchenne, Myer and others eminent in the profession : 
and at home, Putnam, Hammond, M. Clymer, Beard, Rock- 
well, Murray, Wier, Mitchel, Chew, Van Bibber, Roberts, Bar- 
tholow, Louis Bauer, and Jos. Jones, of Rew Orleans, and 
scores of others in our land, whom we cannot now remember. 
We will here mention two cases, lately under our observa- 
tion, of Progressive Locomotor Ataxy in its first stage, as the 
result of sexual excesses and exposure to cold, successfully 
treated by the Faradic current, w'ith hypodermic injections of 
strychnia along the cord-duration of treatment about three 
months, with an application of the current every other day, of 
fifteen minutes seance, each ; injections two or three times a 
week. In the first case the young man had lately married, 
and to the ardor of youth we must ascribe his trouble. In 
the second case a young English gentleman endured great 
exposure to cold on a gunning frolic in old Virginia, the ther- 
mometer ranging about zero, being much below his native 
climate, (England.) In both cases the symptoms were much 
alike, viz : a loss of power of co-ordinating movements; so 
they had difficulty in walking, lost their balance frequently, 
had an uncertain and tottering gait, much like a drunken man, 
could not w'alk across the floor with their eyes dosed without 
danger of falling head-foremost to the floor, suffered from rheu- 
matic pains, sharp pains in limited spots, say thigh, knees and 
shin bones. Bottom of the feet felt as though covered with 
thick plasters, with occasional prickings, as with pins and 19 
needles ; when walking must watch their legs to prevent 
staggering or falling; legs thrown forward spasmodically. 
Hammond and others report such cases also treated success- 
fully. We will mention an interesting case sent to us by Dr. 
White, of Portsmouth, Virginia. A lady suffering from 
anaemia of the brain and cord, (or. to use the nomenclature of 
Beard & Rockwell, of New York,) general neuro-astlienia, to 
the extent of almost complete absence of muscular contractility 
throughout her body, under the most powerful application of the 
Farady current until we had exhibited strychnia (in phosphoric 
acid) sufficient to produce some constitutional irritation. Neu- 
ralgic pains existed throughout every point or articulation in 
her body. The results of treatment are manifestly slow. 
With all, we have great hopes. In her case we find every 
nerve and muscle respond to a gentle Faradic current, and 
when applied over the drum of the ear, her hearing is tem- 
porarily restored, though she has been deaf for several years. 
II.-Electro-therapeutics, Electrolysis, and Electro-chemical 
Action on Cell-tissues. With a Case of Scirrhus of the 
Breast. Read by John J. Caldwell, M. D., before the 
Electro-Therapeutical Society of New 'York.* 
September 25, 1871.-Mrs. J. N. B. called at my office, 
for treatment of a tumor of the right breast, which her phy- 
sician (Dr. Thompson, of Islip, L. I.) and several other medical 
gentlemen of that neighborhood, had pronounced cancerous. 
From all its clinical bearings we fully concurred in their opinion, 
and commenced treatment by application of a constant current 
of electricity from eight to ten cells, duration from ten to fifteen 
minutes. 
Mrs. B. informed us that her attention was drawn to her 
trouble in April last; first noticed a small, hard growth, about 
the size of a walnut, which became larger and more painful, 
until it reached its present size, occupying the base of the 
gland, and involving the nipple; surrounding tissues were 
hard and irregular, skin tense and purple, with two or three 
ulcerating points discharging the ichorous matter pathogno- 
monic of carcinoma. In this case we could trace no hereditary 
taint. 
* Published in New York Medical Journal. (See original article.) 20 
September 27 th.-Continued the galvanic treatment, and 
ordered her a wash of carbolic acid and glycerine as a disin- 
fectant. 
September 29th, October IsZ, 3o?, 7th, \2th, AAth, \5th, \3th, 
22d, 27th, and 39th.-Continued treatment. 
October 5th.-Consulted Drs. Beard and Gregory. Dr. 
Gregory takes a specimen for microscopic examination. 
October \3th.-Two or three small nodes are all that is left 
of the tumor. 
Last evening her case, as well as one of Dr. Beard's, was 
presented to King's County Medical Society, N. Y., when sev- 
eral of the medical gentlemen concurred with us as to its being 
truly scirrhus, judging alone from its clinical appearance, which 
Dr. Krackowitzer has declared the most reliable. 
October 39th.-Consulted Drs. Beard and Fleet Speir. 
A specimen taken by Dr. Speir, with a trocar, for examina- 
tion. 
(Copy of Dr. Speir's letter in reference to the specimen, 
November 1, 1871.) 
My Dear Doctor:-In the specimen removed I can only 
find evidence of condensed connective tissue. There is no in- 
dication of cancer so far as this specimen goes. 
Very truly yours, etc. 
(Signed) S. Fleet Speir. 
November 1, 1871.-Mrs. B. discharged cured. 
(Copy of Dr. Gregory's letter.) 
Dear Doctor: The specimen you sent me for examination 
I find to contain cancer-cells. 
Yours, etc., 
(Signed.) J. E. Gregory, M. D. 
The following is from a letter of Dr. Thompson, of Islip, 
L. L: 
"I omitted to say that the improvement in Mrs. B.'s case 
has been very satisfactory. Have advised her to continue 
your treatment six weeks to two months longer." 
Also the annexed from Dr. W. S. Preston, Patchogue, L. I.: 
" Mrs. B. has given you more of a history of her tumor than 
I can. I consider it truly scirrhus." 21 
The argument that, because cancer is a constitutional taint, 
there is no use in treating it locally, now belongs to "the light 
of other days." Who for one momentjvould hesitate to treat 
chancre locally, because the patient might have syphilitic 
taint? Again, who knows but in cancer, as well as in syphilis, 
the local manifestations are primary, and the constitutional 
symptoms secondary ? The ichorous cancer-matter may be 
absorbed from the tumor, thus poisoning the system ; so far as 
we know at present, it is the " oak and the acorn, or the acorn 
and the oak." 
In our opinion, the whole secret of treatment consists in the 
electrolytic power, or influence over a drop of water, the oxy- 
gen being given off at the positive pole, and the hydrogen at 
the negative. In applications to tumor we use electrodes with 
sponge-tips, saturated with a strong solution of chloride of 
sodium. This may have some remedial agency. 
Commencing from the border of the tumor, and gradually 
approaching the more solid particles, suppuration sets in and 
destroys the growth. 
After a dissolution in the manner above mentioned, there 
must be a deposit and coagulum. These, being foreign matters, 
must cause suppuration or absorption. Thus the tumor is 
destroyed. 
To prove this, place a piece of beef in a solution of chloride 
of sodium at a temperature of 100° to 110°; this fluid must 
be maintained at the above temperature, in a sand-bath, or in 
any other convenient manner, in order to make the decompo- 
sition more satisfactory and rapid ; then, by bringing this tissue 
in contact with the positive and negative poles (platinum wire) 
of a constant-current battery of some eight or ten pairs, the 
process of electrolysis is vividly and beautifully demonstrated. 
Histologically speaking, the oxygen and hydrogen of these 
cells being divorced, the albuminous elements, alkaline and 
earthy salts, fatty matter, etc., are dissolved or precipitated. 
Physically, the process is highly interesting. From the 
positive pole will be seen flakes of coagulum, with a florid-red 
stain of hematine, or hydrocblorate of cruentine ; while, at 
the negative pole, hydrogen bubbles away, with a snow-white 
fleecy cloud, making an ebullition, like boiling water, quite 
audible to the bystander. 22 
Chemically, the chloride of sodium is robbed of its chlorine, 
parts of which are set free, while other portions of this gas unite 
with oxygen, forming Cl o chloric acid, while at the negative 
pole we have still another portion uniting with hydrogen 
forming HCL, or hydrochloric acid. This action, together 
with the thermic influence, much resembles the digestive forces 
of the stomach. The electricity represents the vital forces, 
the chloric and hydrochloric acids the digestive fluids, the arti- 
ficial the animal heat. 
We here present the beef fluidized, after thirty-six hours of 
electro-chemical action, as above described ; you will see it 
presents the appearance of a fresh sample of the fluid extract; 
no doubt, this will some day be one of the modes of manufac- 
turing this, and perhaps other extracts, as well as of cooking 
our food in summer time, saving much heat and annoyance. 
The instrument used on this occasion was a portable galvanic 
battery, manufactured by the Galvano-Faradic Manufacturing 
Company of New York. It is a very reliable instrument; 
the thirty-cell battery is most powerful, and far more con- 
tinuous than Smee's sixty-cell. It is in many respects superior 
to Stohrer's. 
The hydrostat is also a valuable addition. This ingenious 
contrivance prevents an overflow of the battery-fluid, when 
the instrument is carried from place to place. 
Mrs. McG., of Glen Cove, L. I., aged fifty-three, called at 
the office, and stated that, when a child, she noticed a little 
hard, flat point, about the size of a nickel cent, which remained 
the same until about three years since, when it began rapidly 
to increase in size, without pain. Drs. Wright and Aught- 
muller informed her that it was a cancer-tumor, and advised 
her to go to the city for its excision or removal. 
Now it presents a most formidable appearance, the whole 
gland being involved, with a scirrhous attachment to the rib, 
and the same deposit along the intercostal spaces, also infil- 
trating the axillary glands, the respiratory movement of both 
sides being free. Upon the base of the gland there is a de- 
nuded surface, circular in form, of two and a half inches in 
diameter, from which (during the last sixteen months) she has 
suffered, at intervals of several days, quite free haemorrhage. 23 
She has never suffered the slightest pain ; the appearance of 
the latter part of the tumor looks to be much like fungus 
hsematodes. Her general health is good, no hereditary taint; 
though she informs me that her sister has the same character- 
istic painless tumor in the womb, and that the doctors have 
failed to relieve her. To-day commenced electrolytic treat- 
ment with the Galvano-Faradic Manufacturing Company's 
battery. Application of eight cells, sponge-tip electrodes, sat- 
urated with chloride of sodium. 
After three applications, she discontinued treatment. 
The two cases here presented represent the extremes of this 
malady : the first the milder one, when the trouble is local ; 
and the second, the last stage, wherein the constitutional taint 
is manifested plainly throughout, and where but little hope 
can be held out, save by applying the constant current to 
modify the severe pain, and by anodynes to smooth the path 
to the grave. 
In the early stages, electrolysis or the electro-cautery offers 
the only safe and true mode of removal. 
We may say, in conclusion, that the specimen of what we 
have called hydrochlorate of cruentine was pronounced to be 
such by Dr. S. Waterman, after examination with the micro- 
spectroscope. IN DE X. 
Page. 
No. 1-Partial Paralysis of Lower Extremity, following Club Foot... 1 
2 -Cancer of the Breast ; 3 
3- Cancer of the Face and Throat 5 
4- Illustration of Byrne's Cautery-Battery, 5 
5- Palsy of a Lower Extremity, following Hip Joint Disease, two 
cases 6, 7 
6- Value of the Three Currents, viz : Electro-Tonic, Electrolysis, 
Electro-Cautery 7 
7- Electro-Tonic as a Diagnostic Agent 9 
8- Galvanism as a Diagnostic Agent 9 
9- Remote Demonstrations. Professor Byrne 9 
10- Case of Mrs. W. F., of Ky., Cancer of the Breast 10 
11- Case of Mrs. W., of Troy, N. Y., Soft Cancer of the Womb 
and Vagina . 10 
12- The Cicatrix 11 
13- Steinhil, Amussat, Middeldorpff, Byrne 11 
14 - Middeldorpff's Case of a Growth in a Clergvman's Throat.... 11 
15- Benedict Neftel, and others, on Pathology of Cancer 11 
16- A Case of Intercepted Gut 11 
17- Case of Opium Poisoning in a Child 11 
18- Julius Althaus, M. D., M. R. C. P., on the Treatment of 
Tumors 12 
19- Dr. Wilson Phillips' Dissertations on the Current and Asthma 
Cases 12 
20- Claud Bernard on Diabetes Mellitus 13 
21- Electricity, when Useful and Detrimental in Disease 13 
22- The Removal of Soft Growth 14 
23- of Galvano-Caustic Cautery Battery 14 
24- The Advantages of this Mode of Operation 14 
25- Articular Rheumatism 15 
26- Facial Neuralgia 15 
27- Galvano-Faradic Manufacturing Company, of N. Y 16 
28- Case of the Rev. Dr. G 16 
29- Nasal Polypus 17 
30- Prof. Byrd on Electro-Medicine, and Cases 17 
31- Our Thanks and Obligation to the Profession 17 
32- Tibbits' Medical Electricity 18 
33- Duchenne the Father of Electro-Therapeutics 18 
34- Great Authorities, Home and Abroad, on this Treatment 18 
35- Two Cases of Progressive Locomotor Ataxy 18 
36- White's Case of general Neuro-Asthenia 19 
37- Case Scirrhus of the Breast and Electro-Chemical Action in 
Cell-Tissues. : 19 Chas. Willms & Co. 
IN~o. 113 ISTortli Howard Street, 
BETWEEN SARATOGA AND MULBERRY STS. 
BALTIMORE, 
EVERY VARIETY OF 
&c., &c. 
A. SPECIALTY ITS! 
A11111 op oe did A pp ar a t ti s 
For the Treatment of Deformities. 
ALSO, LARGE ASSORTMENT OF 
GALVANIC & FARADIG BATTERIES. 
AT FACTORY' PRICES. 
Mrs. Willms is always in attendance for application of 
Trusses and Bandages to lady customers.