IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 ;f:lllllM 112.5 lis Uffi 14 2.0 1.8 U 11 1.6 V] y] 7. JT'^ Uy% Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. MS80 (716) 873-4503 iV v '^ >^ ^9) V 6^ >^ 4f.r €^. <:>",. W t// I CIHM Microfiche Series (Monographs) ICMH Collection de microfiches (monographies) Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions histoiiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes / Notes techniques et bibliographiques The to th The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. 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Orig begi the! sion othe first sion or ill \7\ / y y Showthrough/ Transparence Quality of print varies/ Qualite inegale de I'impression Continuous pagination/ Pagination continue Includes index(es)/ Comprend un (des) index Title on header taken from:/ Le titre de ren-t§te provient: The shall TIM whi« Map diffe entii begi right requ met! iivraison □ Title page of issue/ Page de titre de la ii □ Caption of issue/ Titre de depart de la Iivraison n Masthead/ Generique (periodiques) de la Iivraison This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est filme au taux de reduction indique ci-dessous. 10X 14X 4 A Vy ICA ,U.'A 26 X 30 X J 12X 16X 20X 24 X 28X 32 X lu'il cet de vue le ition lies The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: National Library of Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in l/.T . iviKU- •Mnma^«sb«9T^^^'^'*^^'"'' iwre, tn tgistrar IPC* r^" tne puolicaMon of my small pamphlet on the appUcation of e.o tricity aa a remedial agent, in which its curative powers have been fully tested, a sufficient number of facts have accumulated to warrant the belief that we have at last discovered in mild streaming elec tricity, the management of an agent of unequaled power in the treatment of disease. Much has been said and written upon the medical application of electricity, but the hitherto general use by practioners of the broken cur- rents given out by the electro-magnetic and magneto electric machines, are the strongest proofs of the igno- rance still prevailing with regard to this young but im- portant branch of the physics; and although electricity is by no means advocated as a specific for all the ills of life. There are cases where either, used alone, might have failed, which if combined might have succeeded, yet as a remedial agent, electricity furnishes us with a power, in comparison with which everything else becomes sub^ ordinate. In an age like ours, iu which the collateral sciences are o '-i-.i ^,rvg,tcaD, Liiu uuuiiug an; or meoieal science cannot afford to stand still, although it must ERRATA. Paqb 3,— 9th line of preface from top, for pradionert read pradi- timers; and the 15th line, after Zt/e read nor to the exclusion of medical advice, or other remedial means. Page 17,— 9th line from top, for prcpridcr read author; for amaurosis leai amaurosis. ,, .. Paqe 32, — 12th line from bottom, for %atorM read ligammts. i.-..^.. ♦{wf- "■ Entered according to J.ct of the Provincial Legislature, in the year 18b3, by Henry Palmer, in the Office of the Registrar of the Province of Canada. praeti- usionof or; for nil. '• Ittre, tfi gistrar PKEPACB. Since the puoHofjHon of my small pamphlet on the application of e.o tricity as a remedial agent, in which its curative powers have been fully tested, a sufficient number of facts have accumulated to warrant the belief that we have at last discovered in mild streaming elec- tricity, the management of an agent of unequaled power in the treatment of disease. Much has been said and written upon the medical application of electricity, but the hitherto general use by practioners of the broken cur- rents given out by the electro-magnetic and magneto electric machines, are the strongest proofs of the igno- rance still prevailing with regard to this young but im- portant branch of the physics ; and although electricity is by no means advocated as a specific for all the ills of Ufe, There are cases where either, used alone, might have failed, which if combined might have succeeded, yet as a remedial agent, electricity furnishes us with a power, in comparison with which everything else becomes sub- ordinate. In an age like ours, in which the collateral sciences are makinor such ranid nrnorPHH thp Vi'»oii'n0' nrf ^^ ^/.^:~t science cannot afford to stand still, although it must 4 PREFACE. neccsHarily be the last to niovo on. The microscope is already unfolding to the astonished gaze a new anatonjy of parts that have hitherto been hidden from view. Chemistry is lending its mighty aid, and electricity steps in the last, because the finest substance we have to deal with, and acquaints us with those principles, or governing laws upon which is based the true theory of disease, and its method of euro. Those principles or governing laws are briefly sketched here (with the view at some future period of further ela- boration, they will however be recognized as true) in order that the greatest space of tliesc few pages may be devote- ed to tlie method of applying the galvanic current in a few of the most prominent forms of disease. I will merely add that tliis little treatise is more especially designed for the comprehension of the unpro- fessional reader. I have therefore endeavored to avoid technicalities, humbly presenting it to the inquiring and candid reader with the request that he will overlook its defects in style and expression, not only for the sake of the truths that may be gleaned from it, but from an earn- est desire to assist in placing the treatment of disease on a more simple and rational footing than it at present occupies. then ELECTRO PHYSIOLOGY. Electricity pen-ades all bodies, both animate, and in- animate. Ip the former, a portion is constantly polarised by the li\'ing organism, in the latter, it is always in a state of rest, unless the molecules of the body are disturbed ; there are therefore two states in which this agent can be placed : first, a state of rest ; 'second, a polar state of action. That in action, has been termed positive, while that in rest, has been called negative. The positive state is warm and expansive. The negative is cold and contractive. The two positive states repel each other, so do tie two negative ones; but the ])nsitive and negative states attract each other, in order to iussu«:. a state of rest. All the alkalines go over to the negative, while all the acids proceed to the positive state. The positive poles of electro motive molecules are always turned in the direction that the electric current goes, so that the negatives point in the direction from whence the current comes ; the head of the current is thereiore warm and expausive, while the tail of the cur- rent is cold and contractive. 6 ELECTRO PHYSIOLOGY. The animal system requires a due amount of electric- ity in a polar state, in order to enjoy the highest amount of health and vigor. When the positive electricity is deficient, the organic functions become dormant, more or less according to the deficiency. When the positive force is in excess, the or- ganic action will be proportionately excessive. An undue share of electricity may be distributed all over the body as evidenced in fevers, or it may bo concen- trated in one organ or part, as in local pain, heat, swelling ; in cither case, causing the acids to predom- inate locally or generally in the system. On the con- trary a deficient amount of positive electricity in the an- imal produces the reverse of the foregoing, viz.: c/tt7^; or it may be deficient in one organ or part, evidenced in slow digestion, torpidity of the liver, &c., causing the alkalines to predominate. Electricity, being the finest substance in the body, is the first to become afiected in disease, then the nerves — these ramifying upon the surfaces of every conceivable portion of the body, become lost or end in the paraa- chema of the organs, affect the soft, and lastly the hard solids of the body. The existing state of electric' ^y in the living body is influenced by the mental emotions of the mind, as well as by the outward physical agents, but by the former, more directly than by the latter. The emotions of love, hope, and joy, exalt, while those of fear, revenge, KLECTRO PHY8I0L0OT. ■■ or hatred, deprewt the electrioity ciroulating in the fljstem. All chemical, agents belonging to the cla«H called aed- «tivc8, reduce, while those belonging to the class called €xcitativcs, increase the polarized electricity already cir- "culating in the nerves, but they do so chemically, and therefore indirectly and always generally, when in a great many cases, the eflFects of a remedy should be pro- duced locally only. That in the normal action of the organism, elec- trioity proceeds from the nervous centres — the brain, the spinal column and several ganglia — along the millions of nerve chords, to their terminal ends, for the purpose of carrying on the functions of animal life, and the move- ments subservient to will. That in order to cure disease, we should act directly upon the electricity m the portion of the body that is affected ; by mea.is of another polarized electric current. The object can be only to rouse the electricity at rest, into a state of polar action, or on the contrary, to cause that already in excess, to ai>aume a state of rest. The ingoing current produces negative effects, such as cold, contraction, &c. The outgoing current produces positive effects such as heat, expansion, &c. When a. currant is sent in a direction from the roots or centres of the nerves, to their terminal branches, their excitability is lessened. 8 ELECTRO PSYSIOLOOY. When a current is sent in the opposite direction, the •excitability of the nerves is increased, consequently a portion of the positive state cf electricity, can be instantly changed into a negative state, and its results will be less heat and expansion, and less action in the -capillaries. On the other hand, where weakness al- ready exists, a portion of electricity in rest, can be in- stantly roused into polar action, and the result will be, warmth, and increased action of the capillaries. The circulation of the blood is governed by the electro nervous fluid, evidenced by the expansive, and con- tractive movements of the respiratory and circulatory apparatus. That when an excessive share of electricity is distri- buted to one part, the blood follows; as is evidenced in apoplexy, &c. The electro nervous current proceeds from the brain and spinal column, the positive poles of the nervous system, and the nerves serve as channels to conduct it downwards and outward to every other part of the body. The electro muscular current proceeds from the inte- rior of the muscular fasiculi and flows upon their outside longitudinal surfaces. An excess, or a deficiency of the electricity in polar action may occur either in the nerves or in themuscles^ or in both together. When the electro nervous force is abnormal in the nerves, it will be evidenced in the sensitive systeza, as follows, viz : J ELECTRO PHYSIO LOO Y, 9 First, pain, — neuralgia. Second, loss of sensation, — anesthesia. In the moter system. First, by involuntary movements of the body. Second, by paralysis in its circumscribed sense. When the muscular electricity is abnormal, either the acid or the alkaline elements are rapidly absorbed, and the result is either u, congestive, or an inflammatory state. Disease for all practiciil purposes, may ther* e be di- vided into two great classes, viz: — A, positive, or warm and inflamatory. B, negative or cold and congestive. In applying electricity to the nerves, our object can only be to, increase or decrease, their excitability. la order to lessen their excitability, the positive disk is placed upon the positive centre, and the negative one over the termination ol the nerve. We shall thus have placed the poles of a like nature together, consequently a portion of the natural electricity circulating in the part is repelled, according to the law or principle—like polarities repel. Uniting it becomes latent, p^^reeable with the principle— opposite forces combine in order to assume a state of rest, consequently the excitability of the nerves is decreased. By reversing the foregoing arrangement of the poles, we must necessarily place the unlike polarities together. Now, an attraction tjikea place, and the electricity that was previously made to assume a state of rest, by the other operation, is by this 10 ELECTRO PHYSIOLOGY. set free again, and the excitability of the nerves will be augmented. When the sensitive nerves are more par- ticularly influenced, it will be sometimes necessary to galvanize the cutaneous ends of the fibres,— at other times over the localities of the roots only. When disease more particularly aflfectb the other structures of tne body, remedies either of an acidify- ing, or an alkaline nature combined with the electrical treatment, facilitate the cure. In class A, the acids of the system are rapidly absorbed, hence acids and the refrigerants are called for. In class B, chemicals of an alkaline nature are required. In localizing the application of electricity, it is ne- cessary to act upon the muscular electricity of the part. When a continuous uninterrupted voltaic current is transmitted through the body, it passes straight through from the positive, to the negative disk, and no where else. The centre of the current's path through the body, may be termed the point of neutrality. To this centre therefore the ingoing current is negative and cold. The outgoing current from this point, is the positive and warm half. In illustration of this vitally important fact — place the naked disks upon the delicate skin, one •on each arm. No sensation of heat is experienced under the positive, where the current enters, but where the current makes its exit out of the body, at the negative one the sensation will be warm, hot, and perhaps unbearable ; agreeable with the prin- ET.ECTRO PHYSIOLOay. 11 ciple. The electro motive molecules turn all their posi- tive poles in the direction which the current goes, and their negative ones in the direction from whence it comes, consequently, one-half of the current produces the positive, while the other half gives the negative effects. In the electrical treatment of class A, it must be obvious that in order to exert a curative influence, the affected part mugt be brought under the control only of the ingoing, negative, or cooling half of the current. On the contrary, those of class B, must be submitted to the influence only of the outgoing, positive, or warm half of the current. It is evident from what has been stated, that vibratory or shock currents, pass up and then down the struc- tures many thousand times in a minute, and conse- quently, thie electro motive molecules of these parts, are being constantly upset, or made as rapidly to reverse their positions. The electro magnetic and magneto electric machines are therefore wrong in principle ; the current emenating from them, contains a very small amount of electricity, lut of extremely lii and he came to the conclusion, that the electric current was produced by the chemical action of nutrition in the muscle itself; and that when a continuous electric cur- rent is sent from the bruin to the extremities, the mus- cular electricity, is piovonted from entering into the nerve, and the latter loses its excitability; and that when the electric current is sent in the opposite direc- tion, the muscular current accumulates in the nerves, and its excitability is augmented. Du Bois Eaymond however, conclusively demonstrates, that electric cur- rents exist in all parts of the ncTvous system, independ- ently of the muscles. The apparatus he employed to demonstrate these facts, was a coil of copper wire, of three miles and a half in length ; wound round a wood- en bobbin, which was fixed upon a stand. Each end of this wire terminated in a separate minute cushion^ made of layers of blotting paper, whicli rested firmly on the edge of two glass tumblers. A magnetic needle upon an index scale, stood at some little distance, but perfectly isolated from tlio bobbin of wire. A small piece of nerve, was now phioiid in contact with both the cush- ions of paper, and it was found, that when contact was made with the longitudinal sections only, or with the transverse, artificial sections only, the needle remainedl perfectly stationery at zero; but the moment the trans- verse section of the nerve touched one cushion, and the ELECTRO PHYSIOLOar. 15 longitudinal section the other, the coil of wire became charged, and induced the needle to describe an arc of 10 degrees upon the index scale, a piece of muscle pro- duced the same phenomena : thus, shewing that electri- city is generated in the interior of tlie nerves, and muscles, and that the positive force circulates upon the outside .surface of these structures. In order to demonstrate tlie circulation of electricity in the muscular action of living animals, Du Bois Raymond now placed the ends of the coil of wire in two sej)arate basins of salt water ; and upon placing a hand in each solution, the needle remained pointing at zero, so long && the hands remained quiet, and alike passive, but the instant one of tlie lumds was closed,— the other remaining passive, the coil became charged and deflect- ed the needle. Du Bois Raymond therefore came to the conclusion, that the electric current is produced by electro motive molecules in the nerves ; as well as in the muscles, and that they are to be considered as in the condition of a closed circuit ; that every current, produced by a nerve, is to be regarded as derived from a current circulating in the nerve itself. That the nerves and muscles together witli the brain and spinal cord, are endowed during life with an electro motive power. That if any part of a nerve is submitted to the action of a permanent current, the nerve in its whole extent. le BLBOTRO PHY8I0L0OT. suddenly undergoes a material change in its internal constitution, and returns as suddenly, to its former condition, on breaking the current. That the exciting current throughout the nerve, sets in action electro motive elements, which turn all their positive poles in the direction in which the current goes, and their negative ones in the direction from whence it comes. MANAGEMENT OF THE APPARATUS. SOLUTION FOR DAMPING THE BATTERY. Acetic acid, obtained of a druggist, reduced with water to the strength of strong vinegar. Wet a small piece of sponge with the acid solution, and lightly, but thoroughly saturate both sides of each wing of the battery ; then replace it in its case, taking care that the P on the battery, and the one marked on the case, shall be on the same side ; hook on the con- ducting cords and it is ready for use. Be sure to rinse the battery after using it, in a little cold water, wipe with a soft cloth — hang the inp*^^rnnient on a nail until dry, then replace it in the cfise, and it will be fit for use on another occasion. * -^ careful not to get the conducting cords wet, or the silver ELECTRO PHYSIOLOOY. 17 !: A Be oord beneath tlie cotton, will become tarnished and stop the current : when tarnished, the part becomes stiff, and may be readily detected by passing the strings through the fingers, the remedy is to cut out the part, re-unite the silver cord, and cover over with the cotton again. Note. — A new pair of strings will be forwarded by Post to any address, on receipt of letter prepaid, enclosing forty cents in postage stamps. Extra appliances can also be obtained by addressing the proprietor. Whenever, the naked metal plate, or the fork is used, connect it with the cord leading from the N pole of the battery, or the required effects will not take place, while the other disk is always in these cases, covered with wet cotton, and held in the patient's hand. Where both tin disks are used, each one must have a strip of cotton cloth, the width of the tin disk, and about ten inches long, wrapped round it several times. These cotton coverings must always be wet when used. It must be borne in mind, tliat the current comes up 'Out of the buttery at the ano.le pole or door marked P, passes along the conducting cord, to that point of the body, upon which its disk is applied, then goes directly through, in as straight a line as possible, and comes out of the body at the point where the other disk is placed, then proceeds along the cord, down through the cathode pole, or door marked N, into the battery again, 18 ELECTRO PHYSIOLOGY. DISEASES REQUIRING THE ELECTRICITY CIRCULATING IN THE NERVES TO BE ' INCREASED. In tliesc affections an undue share of nervous force is in a state of rest : hence the nerves having lost a portion of their excitability, the result is weakness. Treatment..— llonse the latent electricity in the part into ^o?ar action. General Debility, Loss of Smell, Hysteria, Loss of Taste, Amourosis, Loss of voice, Deafness, Paralysis of other nervoe, Loss of Cutaneous Sensation. a, ELECTEO PHYSIOLOGY. 19 „ lUUi ' ) >t 1 1 NEGATIVE STATES OF DISEASE. General Debility. — Application — Place tho soles of the patient's feet in a tepid solution of salt and water, of any strength, put a couple of hot bricks under the pan, to keep up the temperature of the solution. Tho solution nmst be in connection with the P disk. Wrap wet cotton round the N disk, and let the operator apply it high up on the nape of the neck, for one min- ute at A, then at B another minute, then C, and s< on at each vertebrae, all down the spine, — time occupied forty minutes — every other day. Period of treatment, four weeks, unless the debility, is attended with hypochon- driasis, or hysteria, when the treatment will be one, or two weeks longer. If the debility proceeds from losses, and derangement of the generative organs, njake the applications as directed under that head also, and attend io rule A. Rule A. — Exercise, without fatiguing the mind, retire and rise early, sleep with the head to the north, in an airy well ventilated room ; the windows facing to the south, so as to admit the sun's rays as much as possible ; sponge the body rapidly, wipe quickly, and rub the part with a coarse dry towel briskly, until the skin is red, and unless used to bathing, cover over, and proceed in like manner with other parts of the body — time alto- gether, not exoeedi'.ig five minutes, once to three times a week. KLEOTRO PHYSlOLoaY. AlMOuRrtais — Paralym of the Optic iVeruc— The i*ur4 i» /Iwived from the Greek, \ mejins to darken, or to obscure. The eye being an organ of special sense, is adapted only for the purpose of transmitting to the brain, by means of the sensorial nerve, the impressions of the rays of light which fall upon the retina. In the no'-mal action of this organ, the object perceiv- ed by the mind, and the rapid contractions, and dilatar tions, are simultaneous, because the eye and its nerves with their centres form a complete voltaic circle. In amourosis, there, is a complete or partinl loss of sight ; and although the eye appears perfectly natural close inspection reveals, that the pupil is more, or leas dilated, and is incapable of contruuiing. Treatment. — Wet the cotton round both disks, with fresh water; place the P disk, on the closed eyelid, wet the hair on the lower portion of the back of the head ; place the N disk on the wetted part, a little to the opposite side from the centre of the eye under treatment. T^:ae, not exceeding three minutes to each eye, every other day. Period of treatment, from one t-o forty applications. Deafness. — Paralyds of fhc, Auditory her»e'-^"''h'^r ear being an organ of special Benae, ia only adapted tor the purposaoftrtmsinittlng to th^ brain, by means o# the a" «itory nerve, the impressions of the yibratians of the & If, Vu'' is propagated through the walls of the KLBCTBU PUYSIOLOUy^. 21 vestibule, and uoohlou, to the fluid witUia, ia whic'-U>4oat tUo filamcntf} ol' the uccoustic uorv«), ; . %k\» D0rvo transmits the impression of sound to the mind, lU^d wUofi paralyzeu, ceases to do so. , . „A;^li'.a'io/i, — Attach the ear instrument to the P conductor, wet the sponge, and place it in the tube of tin affected ear, wet the liair on the lower portion of the }ioad, and place the N disk at a point a little to the cgntre of t!;e opposite side from the ear under treatment. Time, five minutes or less, to each oar, every other day. Note. — Lawrence states : " As a «i;euurul guide, if the deafness varies with the weatlier, or the general state of the health, the Jipplication produeiug a humming i>oiae, which ceases with the current, the patient may be certain of receiving benefit. Period of troatuient, fro?a one to thirty applications." Loss OF Smell. — Paralysis of the Ol/actojy Nerve. Treatment. — Attach the P conductor to the ear instru- ment, wet the sponge and insert it in the nostril ; place the wet N disk on letter A, back of the neck— time, two or three minutes every other day ; period of treatajont^ o^jie. to fifteen applications. Loss OF Tast."^, — Application. — Attach the ear ia- *t»:umeni to the P Cord, and place it on the roof of the motith, then on the tongue; puth the ^her N 4i8k on tHko back of the neck, then oa ' ihi iroof oft' thj& mouth, while the other is upon the tongue. Time, same as the foreg:)ing. 22 ELBOTRO ■pHY91dyji/^:Vo£CE. -Paralysis af the Laryngeal Nerve. Appliokiion.^AuMi the P cord to the throat instru- ment, and apply it over tho larynx, place the wet N disk on the neck at letter A. Time, one or two minutes, every day— period of treatment, one to twelve applica- tions. Anasthesia— i.oss of KSemation of the Skin.— Treatment.— The patient holds the wet P disk in his hand. ' The operator attaches the N cord to the fork, and applies the points lightly on the affected parts, for a few seconds only, at a time, this will bring back sensation in the part, apply the fork over other portions, the next, or the day after. Paralysis op Nerves and Muscles.— Pmc^icaf Rules from Duchenn, Becquerd, Meyer, Lawrence, and 'Others. 1. -Electricity should never be used, so long as there are involuntary twitchings of the limbs. 2. Electricity cannot prevent the coming on of atro- phy, but after six, or ten months, the muscles begin to be nourished again, when electricity should now be used. 3. Paralysis of large muscles, require to and fro" currents, and the applications require the poles to be of a flat, and unyielding surface, and both placed upon the belly of the muscle. 4. If the electro muscular contractility is not lost, the local galvanization may be commenced at once. Cures take place in the following order : ELECTRO PHYSIOLOGY. £3; First, in the inmles, neareat the centre of lai^er trunks of nerves, then sensation, next nutrition, then the tonacity appears, and lastly, voluntary power. The average period for the treatment of traumatic paralysis, is three months, but many cases require several years. Paralysis OF the Lower Extremities— B-ea<- ment.-Vhce the soles of the feet on thick brown paper thoroughly saturated with a solution of salt and water • place the P disk on the paper; the wet N disk must be put at letter C, on the spine, from ten to twenty minutes then on letter I, on the lower portion of the spine, for same length of time— use every other day. Paralysis op one or both Upper Extremities.. -Treatment.-Fhce ihe hand, or both if affected, in a- bowl of salt and water, connect the P pole wi'h the so- lution ; place tlic N wet dink at letter C, for twenty-Uve minutes, every other day. Paralysis of the TosauK—lWatmenf..- Connect the P cord, to a small silver npoon, apply it on the tongue ; place the wet N disk, on the upper portion of the back of the neck, from ten to twenty miautea every other day.. 'lo 'lii (HH]U i' . rf?oi.ti.')(If(q,i on'j L:..; .olDKum 9ilt 'io YJIyd ''ifi,<(Y'i.'i Ti !(!-iHnm i\t')r,"i\r, qrfi ']! 24 ELECTRO PHYSlOIiOOT. DISEASES RiEQUIRING THE ELECTRICITY oi/fCHtCUI^ATING IN THE NERVES, TO •(^mofrjvn BE DECREASED. ;These affections are generiilly caused by an excessive share of electricity in polar action ; hence the nerves, become unduly excited ; the result is either pain, or involuntary motions of the body. Neuralgia of the head, or face. Neuralgia of the side. Neuralgia of the lining membrane of the chest. Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve, — lumbago. Delerium tremens. Chorea, — St. Vitus' dance. Tetanu?, — Lock-jaw. . Epilepsy. Treatment. — Cause a portion of the electricity in the part afifected, to assume a state of rest. NEURALGIA. Lawrence says, '* The various quaolc remedies adver- tised as specifics for the cure of this exceedingly painful affection, are the strongest proofs of its obstinate nMure. " The principle, or law, that a sudden, or acute pain, developed on the surface of the skin, antagonized (jertain sciatic neuralgias waft derived from the vetorina^y,,fu-t ; and the Result of electric cauterization, in the treatment of this disease, in those cases in which medical treatjnent has been employed without avail, proves this law to be true." BLEOrjU) PUYSIOLO^iU'j. DIABETES. ^ i')Ur,o ,l,iiiii •- Application. — First, give applicatidrtftf? 'for 'general debility, then place the wet P disk over the kidneys, and the wet N one over the region of the bladder — time half an hour every other day. DISEASES OF AN ACTIVE OR INFLAMMA- TORY NATURE. , Treatment. — Submit the part affected, to the influence of the ingoing, or cold half of the galvanic current. Inflammatory rheumatism. Inflammation of the liver. Acute inflammation of the eye. Apoplexy. INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATISM. AppUaxtion. — First, make the application as for general debility, with these exceptions, viz : The N disk must be in contact with a solution of strong vinegar, ''and the soles of the feet placed therein. The P disk ^ saturated with the same solution, must bo passed all over and down the spine; then thoroughly saturate two bands of coarse brown paper, in the same solution, and apply as follows, viz ; 30 ELECTRO PHrsiOLOOY. If the Shoulder is affected, wrap one of the bands roupa tho arm at G, and connect it with the N disk Mak^, a pad of the other band, and place it at letter O on the back. If the elbow, fold a band round the arm' above and one below 11, place the P disk on the upper' and the N on the lower band. If in the knee, fold band^ at the numbers, one above, and the other below the joint P on upper, N on lower band. Proceed in like manner when the ankles or wrists are affected—time, in everj case, ten minutes. MJ8 >ii.; INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. Application.— FlacetliQ wet P disk over No. 8 • place the wet N disk above the hip on the opposite 'side of the body, for ten minutes, then shift the N disk to the ,sole of the right foot, for t€n minutes longer. ACUTE INFLAMMATION OP THE EYE. Application.~.¥irst give the general application as for fdtdr. Then place the wet P disk all round the re- gion of the eye for five minutes. Direct the patient to hold the wet N disk in the hand, on the same side with tihe voyo under treatment. Another plan is to place the P wet disk over the closed eye lid, the patient, as abbve, holding the wet Jf' disk— timeoot exceeding thtee minutesC'^wn In. t/ioiM Another-Wpiaoe bife ntrotfP disk in the patient's hand^- let th'i assibfcMat>.ii^'}>ijJt)l»e'nfekod H disk lor tt fev^igicv/ onds at a time over the temple of the eye affected, the obieet heino- in omnfa « f^A.^^ — ^c At._ -i • ^ J i * 4 ELECTRO PHYSIOLOOV. 31 APOPLEXY. "The electrioitj of the nervous system, in this affec- tion, is concentrated upon the preat nervous centres; hence, a rush of blood follows. Treatment.-Phce the patient's naked feet in a tepid solution of salt and water; connect this with the N disk. Let the operator pass the wet P disk three or four tiu.es down the spine, from top, to bottom, then wet the hair on the top of the head, and hold the P disk there not exceeding five minutes. If consciousness has not returned, repeat the application down the spine only, until the senses are restored. nii>iy> I DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. I .1 ^ Absent and Suppressed Menstruation. ^ Treatmmt.-Aitend to Rule A, and give the applica- I tions, as for general debility ; then during the week of th^ new, and the full moon, make the applications as fol- Ws^viz: Attach the N conductor to the womb instru- ment, and introduce it into the vagina, until the wet sjtoi^ touches the os, at mouth,t>f t&e womb ; place the w«iP disk at letter A, 6n.ithebalob6f t^oaeok. Time one hour at bed time; by this operation, the womb will be brought under the influence of the warm, expansive, half of the current. KLECTRO PUYSIOLOOY. Ijimoderate Flow ov the Menses.— Flooding. The cause of this formidable, and often exceedingly dangerous affection, is simply owing to a relaxed or di- lated state of the muscular orifices, or mouth of the blood vessels of the inner surfaces of the womb, hence their contents are poured out. Treatment^Suhmit the organ, to the cool, and con- tractive influences, of the ingoing half of the electric current. Application.-^Ait&oh the P conductor to the womb instrument, introduce it into the vagina, until the wet sponge touches the os, or mouth of the womb. The N disk at letter G, on the back— time, until the flow is arrested. Fall OF THE Womb. This very common complaint is caused by a veak, or relaxed 8tat« of the muscles,and ligatures, supporting the womb. Treatment—The cord leading from the P pole, must be attached to the vaginal instrument ; wet the sponge and introduce the instrument into the vagina, until the sponge touches the os, or mouth of the womb ; then place the wet N disk attached to the other cord, on letter Gr, on the back Time, twenty to thirty minutes every day— period of treatment, frc(m, two to fifty applications. The following facilitates the cure : Note.— Make a tea of a handful of the roots of lady's slipper, to a quart of boiling water, when cold drink u wine glassful, three or four times a day. ELKCTRO PHYSIOLOOY. 33 Leuoorkh(e.a, or Whites. ;r Application.-^ Attach the N conductor, to the metal- lic, vaginal instrument; introduce it into the vagina, place the wet P disk, at letter H. T:inie, one minute twice a week, and give one or two applications, as for general debility, attend to Rule A. Wkakness of the Seminal Duct!^ AppUtation.—Vhcii the wet P disk between the anus and 8C).(;tum, and the wet N disk at letter H, on the spine, for twenty-five minutes, every otlier day—attend to Rule A. Dropsy of the Scrotum. Trmt)7ieut.^Aiiadi a fine pointed silver needle to each of the terminal brass wires of the conducting cord«, and apply their points in the sac, upon opposite points of tin circumference of the tumor, for ten or fifteen minutes every other day. Period of treatment, thirty Head Aches. Application.— Vhce the wet P polo over the part affected. The patient holds the wet N disk in the hand, to complete the circuit—time, one to five minutes. If tlie 9toma«h is the cause of the ache, mak^ the applica- tions the same as for dyspepsiajn.oj.iiftoiflo boho(f— .oiuooil^ tiiiiilkmi jifiiwolld'l :ii ELECTRO PilYSTOLOfllt."' DI&J5ASES UKQUiarXG ELECTROCHEMICAL ^* BECOAf POSITION TO BE PRODUCED. U\r In the treatment of these diseases our object is : 1st. To decompose the morbid deposits. 2n(i. To disperse it by absorption. Cancers. Tumors — Goitre, &c. Fever sore. Catarrh. Gout and Rheumatism. ♦Opacity of the Cornea. Hydrocele, or Dropsy. Note. — At the end of the application, give the general treatment, in order to arouse the absorbents ; s^at the patieut on the wet P disk, and apply the wet N disk over the chest, stomach, and bowels. CANCERS. An electro-lytio institution, has been founded ia Moscow, under the direction of several medical gentlemon, who report to have cured sixteen cases of cancer, and to have removed the whole of a female breast, without the use of a knife, or tho tying of an artery, m nndmuK Trent tnGMt.r-rT^primi ofieii cancer, attach a small silyeu . plate to the brass wire of the P conducting cord, arid apply it on the open sore, and attach the brass wire of the N conducting cord to a small zinc plate ; place the latter on another part of the sore. ILECTBO PHT810LOOY. 85 I The application wilJ produce a coi^nil-.ted crust over the 8urface, under tl^e silver, and whoa thin sloughs off, there will be a healthy «ore ; the fo<.tid «iMelJ, the constant .severe pain, and the hardness will be greatly relieved. "^ <}01TRE— THICK NKOK. Treatment.—Snhmit the enlargement to the inflaence of the contractive cool half of the current. AppUcation.^ApT^ly the wet P disk over the circum- ferance of the swelling; at the same time, place the wet N disk over the entire spine, commencing at A, then at B, Sic. ; allowing the disk to renmin for one minute at each joint of the spine— every other day. FEVER SORE. Application.^^cat the patient upon the wet P disk, place a five, ten, or twenty-five cent silver piece on the open sore, then touch the silver with the terminal brass end of the N conducting cord, for a few seconds ut a t,me,~use every other day. If there is an orifice in the sore, pass a silver probe into it. and touch it with the bra.ss end for a few seconds at a time-use every other day. ''''■ ^'-^'•■" CATARRH. Numbers are suffering from this diseaBc because in its ewlj^iBtage it is considered to be merely a cbmmcm cold afad consequently allowed to pass into a chronic or neg- ative condition, in which state it may continue for years, the acrid poison gradually involving the whole of the air 36 ELECTRO PHYSIOLOGY. passages and lungs. It does not appear to be curable by ordinary means, but it is readily removed by the mild streaming electric current, if not too far advanced. Treatment. — Place the wet N disk at the root of the nose, roof of the mouth, the throat and upper part of the chest. At the same time, direct the patient to sit upon the wet P disk — time from five to twenty-five minutes, according to circumstances, every other day. RHEUMATIC EFFUSION INTO THE JOINTS. The application of the electric current to joints which are stifi" and distended with fluid will succeed in render- ing them supple, and its continued use will affect the absorption of the fluid. Application — Apply a disk on each side of the joint, it matters not which pole, the object being to pass the current through and through the part The N disk should be wet in a solution of strong vinegar. RHEUMATIC GOUT — PAIN IN THE SMALL JOINTS. Mir thoroughly a teacupful of good dry hard wood jishes with one pint of scalding water, when sufl&ciently cool, wet both the disks thoroughly with the solution and apply the one leading from the P pole, two inches above the part affected, the other disk two inches, below the affected part — time, from five to ten minutes, or until the pain is gone. OPACITY OF THE CORNEA. " This is the result of adhesive inflanmiation. The ELECTRO PHYSIOLOGY. 37 rent acts most beneficially in those cases where the efFu- 8ion has taken place between the layers of the cornea, and has not become orffanized. , * . Application — Connect a small ball of silver to., the cord leading from the N pole, place it lightly over the opacity, place the tin disk in the patient's liand — time, a few seconds at a time A pricking, burning, pain will be experienced, tlie conjunctiva will redden, and some lachrymation be produced, but these eifects will quickly subside on applying cold water. If the opacity begins to break up under the application, it will soon disappear." —Lawrence. . xtit^ or EXTRAORDINARY CUIIE>S. ,, , Tlie address of any of the parties whose initials' are ^ven in the following cases, may be obtained by any person, who deeming himself to be similarly affected, feds desirous of communicating with the party. I/, nimi'}itti.i' CASES OP PARALYSIS; «,ilu dlJw iKniRiffht Wrist. — Four years and a half standing, very great difficulty in using the pen. Case, Mr. B., of dbfltham, C. W. ; one applicatimi of tpn .minutes, cured this case. al moil .-mib — tii;t| bfA;yMA ;>>> Eye Lids. — C. II., of Detroit, U. S., some years previous, received a kick from a horse, injuring the frontal bone. Four applications were given to the D 38 ELECTRO PHYSIOLOGY. patient, when he was enabled to raise the lids 'witliout the use of his fingers. Rx^ht .4»7».— Mr. I., tanner of Aylnier, C. W., re- ceived an injury from a falling tree, striking the shoulder, twcniy four years ago, unable to lift the arm. One application often niiiintes enabled the patient to use the arm freely, and he derOared he was now worth two dollars a day. Left Arm. — 'SlrH. S., of Bayhani, (J. AV., had been unable to use the arm for fifteen years ; after ten minutes application, the patient used her arm freely. Left Jrm.— Mrs. Capt. C, of Windsor, C. W. ; total loss of motion and sensation for three months. In fifteen minutes the arm was completely restored. NSUBALOIA. Mrs. Woods, of 29 Abbot Street, Detroit, U.S. ; Bevere intermittarit pain, commenced seven years ago ; first in tlie small toe of the left foot, shifting occa.sionally near the ear in the back of the head, severe pain every morning in the right temporal region for the last four years ; pain in the right shoulder, and contraction of the muscles of the right arm and fingers, numbness in the right arm and left kg. The electrical applications were continued for nearly five weeks, when she was dismissed cured; the arm was restored to use on the first appli- cation. Miss S., Dundas Street, London, C. W., severe inter- mittent pain in the face for three days ; one application of three minutes permanently cured the patient. , s vvitliout J. W., re^ shonlder, ni. One to use the orth two had been » niinuten v.; total [n fifteen t, U.S.i ars ago ; asionally in every ast four an of the 3 in the sns were ismissed 5t appli- re inter- >Iication B^EOTBO PHTSlOLOay. 39 Mrs. G. C, of Talbot Street, London, C. W. ; severe " tic" in the lace, for three nights, the last attack kept the family up all night ; one application completely cured this lady. Miss S. J. K.. of Sparta, C. W., severe intermittent pain in the face for three weeks, three or four teeth had been extracted, but the pain continued ; an application of one minute entirely cured this patient. Mr D., of Aylmer, C. W., severe intermittent pain in the face for one week ; two applications of one minute each, entirely cured this patient. Mrs. O., of London, C. W., sciatic nerve oxcrutiutiug pain in the left limb for some days ; tiftev'i applications entirely cured this liidy^f,j,;,j(| . Miss N., of Lobo, Q. W,,, sciatic ueivc great pain in the hip and left limb for some wecLs; applications ■every fovty-eight hours during six months cured this lady. RHEUMATISM AND GOtlT."'' "*''^ " ' Acute liheumatism.—Txxhe 1 J^O. Miss S., 34 Griswold t.Strcet, Detroit, U. S., attjicked in the shoulder; entirely cured by two applications, within forty-eight hours. 'jti, Rhtumutic Gout. — Pulse 105. Misa McD., of London, Ci W., oxcrutiating pain, had not slept for the last two nights, other remedies had no effect in allaying the pain ; an application of eight minutes entirely subdued the T»ain= A subsequent application of five minutes entirely cured this lady. 40 ELECTRO PHYSIOLOGY. Rhermatic Gont-m. M., of London, C. W. • several attacks within the last five years; generally confined to bed SIX to nine weeks. Present attack commenced four daj^ agx), in the left shoulder. Ten minutes application enabled the patient to dress him.elf; it had previously required two persons to take off his coat; the patient's hngers were stiff and useless, owing to the deposits of lethato of soda upon the joints. A few subsequent ap- plications enabled the patient, as he expressed it, to use these rather useful mcmbors-the hands-freely. TUMOUR. Mrs. B., of London, C.AV. ; tumour the size of a large pea on the lower eye-lid; had been form- ing for three years ; four years previously a tumovir was removed from the san.e lid by the knife. Application, l.re, minutes evory forty-eight hours; treatment eon- hnued for two months,, when the tumour had entirely disappeared. "^ Acute and Chronic Inflammation of the Eije.-Ux B 01 Aylmer, C.W., attack commenced in one eye 36 hours previously, now extended to the other; obliged to keep both from the ligl.t. Two applications of ten seconds each, and other chemical means, cured this patient entirely in 30 hours after. ' Miss C. ri.: of Norwichville, C.W., chronic sore eyes for three years past; lids of both eyes drooping : tbe eyes appear to be half closed: nnnn.f .^.^g:... . marble at two yards distance. Three weeks appiicltioa ■' ELECTKO P'lYSIOLOOY. 41 sore i ■of three minutes every 48 hours eotirelv cured this , patieat, lUoJ hn- ;> ASTHMA. . j,,^, Mr. J. K., farmer of Malahidc, C.W., spasmodic Jiumid asthma of 4 years and 9 months standing; un- able to work even for half an Iiour a day. Applicatiou.s every 48 hours, and other remedial means, enabled this patient, in three weeks, " to do as good a day's work,', he said, " as any of his hired hands." DYSPEPSIA. Mr. T., ofNissouri West, C.W.; this patient dare not touch meat ; wore the battery for two hour.-i every day for six days ; says he can now oat anything, and feels altogether different. Mr. A. A., of London, C.W. ; dyspepsia for upwards of 20 years. Patient says he wore the battery all nio-ht for four niglits, and experienced the most signal bene- fit. Eats and digests anything, and is rapidly gaining in flesh. Mrs. {}., i)f London, C.W. , in a very weak state for the last 10 months; has worn the battery for a num- ber of times; would not be without one for any con- ■sideration ; is always benefited. Can now eat three meals a day, before she could only partake of two very , light meals ; her general health has much improved. Mr. T. C, of Strathroy, C.W., had been troubled for some time with indigestion; always experiences the greatest relief after using the instrument. This gentle- 42 EI-iflOTRO PHYSIOLOGY. man received a cut on the lip from a stone, some 20 year« previously; the lip has always been tender since with occasional breaking out, until Tvithin the last «ix months, when a constant succession of dry scabs we-e thrown off, accou,panicd by a burning paia, which nothing relieved, used the batteiy about six times and it is now almost healed ; after the first application the pain never returned. SUPPRESSKD MENSTRUATION. Miss A. B., Strathroy, catamcnia absent for two years. One application succeeded in restorin'^ the menses. OENERAL DEBILITY. % B.,of J.oudon, C.W., had applied the battery a number of times, always folt better after using it • has gamed in flesh considerably; had tried other means water cure institution, &c.; experienced the best results' troni the use of the battery. "''*yR'M:v¥i:t6t»fi Nations. As an anasthetic. the battery will be found useful in the painful operations of drawing or filling sensitive 4 i ELEOTEO PHYSIOLOGY. 43 some 20 ler since, » last six lbs were h which K times, plication for two in^r the battery it ; has means, results AppHcation.—Attiich the P conductor to the - head wire>" and adjust it so that the wet sponges will lay orerboth ganglions of the dental nerves; slide tlie N conductor on to the handle of the forceps, theinstnnt the latter grasps the tooth, the current flows without inter- mission, from both ganglions, to the tooth under operation, and prevents in a great measure, if not always entirely, the transmission of pain to the brain. Broken and intermittent currents are not available for the purpose, because the mind recognizes the pain, between the vibrations, be they ever so rapid. Ao^c.—There is nothing gained by wearing a glove, but the jaws of the forceps should have at least three coatings of shellac varnish upon the outside surface, so as to prevent the lips, tongue, and gums of the patient from diverting the electric stream. Wc have seen a great number of t6eth 6^tracted without the slightest pain of any kind. Pul in sitive (From (he British American Journal.) PALMERS ELECT JiO-Vp^.TAtC INSTRU MENT. ^ We were exceedingly pleased a few days aao. in having Deeu waited on by Mr. Palmer, a gentleman from London. C. W., who called to make us ti^iuainted with ""."i.'. " -■■JJUfluiaw'!! 44 ELKCl'BO PUYSIOLOGY. I ! { i I I '■I i I an instrument devised by himself, intended for the pur- pose of transmitting through any portion of the body a continuous stream of galvanism. It is exceedinglT simple in its construction, and is at once put into action by m^erely damping the tubes, which are 42 or more in number by diluted acetic acid, or a weak solution of salt and water. The current thus evolved is continuous and unremit- ting, and when the little battery is enclosed in its card case, It will continue to generate the excitement for a considerable time without redampin"-. Although the current possesses" sufficient force to overcome the resistance of the bodies of six or more per- sons in contact, if properly managed, yet by applyin Mn. Thomas John Haves, Rmidmt Mi^^icai Officer, Toronto General llospikd. ",',''."'. I liavo tried Mr. Palmer, pocket ^oltaie battel voa several patients, with the consent of the r^Kpomive medical oflicers interested in the case, and nm.t suv that tlie relief afforded was in most instances very satisfactory A female patient was brought from the police station yesterday in a state of high nervous excitement, 1 re- quested Mr. Palmer, who was then in the hospiLd, to try his battery, which lie did with most o.xt;a.rdia;.ry success The patient becime perfectly calm withinva period of five minutes, and in loss than fifteen minutes was ma quiet sieep, which lasted for nearly nine hours without any depressing effect on tiie system. This woman was not under the influence of alcohol at ail I believe her excitement is caused by some domestic afflic- tion. From what I have seen, I believe Mr. Palmer's invention will prove a very valuable aid in practice. Toronto, 13th March, 1861. Froml\omB.T Gr km, Attending Physkxan, Montreal General Hospital. I have had the pleasure of observing the effect of electricitv, as nnnlip/il Ktt .v!oor,o --.f M- Tt-,\--- 1 , , , v' rsr- — -v '■f-o'to tji iTii. x aimer s pocket battery, m several painful diseases, and have no hesita- vion m declaring the beneficial effect to be more rapid 4(5 BLECTRO PHY8I0L00Y. and complete than after any of the methods formerly m use. f jjive in illustration the following case • Harnet Pepper, a patient in the Montreal General Hospital, had been suffering from severe muscular pain m the right .shoulder and arm, to such an extent aa to render oven slight movement intolerable. By the use of the battery, she was able in less than five minutes to move the arm freely above her licad, and to dress herself without assistance. After the lapse of forty-eioht hours the pain had not returned. '^ Montreal, 10th May, 18G1. • is formerly lase: eal General scular pain jxtent as to y tho use of minutes to Iress herself eiglit hours 1 3sr ID E 3s: - II sifqgo} ■PAOK, Ainourosis 20 Apoplexy 31 Anasthesia 22 Battery, Manjtgemont of l(j Cancers 84 Catarrh 35 Chorea 26 Constipation 27 Deafness 20 Debility I9 Dropsy 33 Delerivm Tremens 26 Dyspepsia 27 Diabetes 29 Du Bois Kaymond I4 Dental Operations 42 Extract from British American Journal 43 Blxtraordinary Cures 37 Eye, Inflammation 30 Epilepsy 26 Electro Physiology 5 Fall of the Womb.. 32 s ever iZ)vrC 35 Gout, Rheumatic 36 Aft iNDEX. Headache, Sick „^' ' Jaw, Lock ' ^ • , , , . , 27 Inflammatory Rhomnutism ^g Lumbago ~. Leucorrhooa . 33 Liver, Torpidity Mon,s(;t<, linmoderato Flow o.> Mental Excitement p" Muscular Electricity !', Menntruation, Absent o, Neurakiu p , ": 25 1 aralysi.s ... •' 2'> Pleurisy . . • • — •' i)fr Preface 2 fiheumatism Srucll, Lows of Spermatorrhoea '1 Sciatica 25 St. Vitus' Dance '" [J Spiral Twisting of Plants ..*.'.."*.*..*. la fikin, Loss of Sensation oa Thick Neck *"*"""" "** Taste, Loss of. Tongue, Paralysis " it it Blackburn's City Steam Press, 96 Yonge St^nr^toi Lj^jltl^ ^^ ''^<^^ A-^rn^