,university of ,michigan's ,making of ,america collection47 ,a ,,newly ,,discovered ,,system ,,of ,,electrical ,,medication4 ,,by ,,daniel ,,clark1 ,a4 ,m4 ,,cincinnati3 ,,printed ,,by ,,hitchcock ,,and ,,walden1 ,,for ,,the ,,author4 #ahge4 ,entered1 according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year #ahfi1 by ,,daniel ,,clark1 ,a4 ,m41 ,in the ,clerk's ,office of the ,district ,court of the ,united ,states for the ,northern ,district of ,illinois4 ,transcriber's ,note3 ,minor typographical errors have been corrected without note4 ,medical1 scientific1 archaic and variant spellings remain as printed1 except for obvious errors noted at the end of the text4 ,the oe ligature is shown as oe1 whilst - represents a right-pointing index4 ,,preface4 ,in the summer of #ahff1 the author of this little book1 moved by the repeated and earnest solicitation of his ,medical ,classes1 prepared and printed a small pamphlet entitled ,practical ,principles of ,medical ,electricity1 designed more particularly1 as the present work also is1 as a ,hand-,book to assist the memory of those who have taken a regular course of ,,lectures from himself1 or from some other competent instructor in the same general system of ,practice4 ,the edition of that work was exhausted somewhat more than a year ago4 ,still1 the book has continued to be frequently called for4 ,the author has1 therefore1 prepared1 and now offers to the ,profession1 the present volume1 comprising the substance of the previous work--corrected1 improved in arrangement and form1 and about doubled in size by the introduction of new matter4 ,while he has reason for gratitude that the former manual1 referred to above1 has met with so favorable a reception1 he can not but hope that the present work will be found even more acceptable and valuable to both practitioners and their patients4 ,it is but justice to say that the most essential principles of practice here presented did not originate with the present author1 but with ,,prof4 ,c4 ,h4 ,,bolles1 of ,philadelphia1 their discoverer1 from whom the writer received his first introduction to them4 ,yet1 the explanations here given of the ,law of ,polarization1 as respects the electric current in the circuit of the artificial machine1 as well as respecting the natural magnets and magnetic currents of the human organism2 the introduction of the long cord1 with the explanation of its advantages2 and also nearly everything of the philosophic theories here brought to view1 the author alone is responsible for4 ,this work1 like its little predecessor from the same pen1 has been adapted exclusively to the use of ,,dr4 ,,jerome ,,kidder',s ,electro-,magnetic ,machine1 manufactured and sold1 at present1 at ,no4 #edd ,broadway1 ,new ,york2 because the author1 having used in his own practice a considerable variety of the most popular machines intended for therapeutic purposes1 and having examined several others1 believes this to be incomparably the best in use4 ,dr4 ,kidder has1 with most laudable zeal1 pressed on his researches and improvements in the manufacture of these instruments1 until there seems to be scarcely anything more in them to be desired4 ,they are certainly not equalled by any others in ,america1 and probably not surpassed1 if equalled1 by any in the world4 ,d4 ,c4 ,,plainfield1 ,,ill41 ,june1 #ahfi4 ,,contents4 ,page4 ,,introduction xi ,,first ,,principles4 ,,dr4 ,,jerome ,,kidder',s ,,electro-,,magnetic ,,machine #ba ,,polarization #bf ,,the ,,electric ,,circuit #bh ,,polarization ,,of ,,the ,,circuit #bi ,,the ,,central ,,point ,,of ,,the ,,circuit #cc ,,the ,,current #ce ,,modifications ,,of ,,electricity #cf ,,the ,,vital ,,forces--,,animal ,,and ,,vegetable #cg ,,extent ,,of ,,electric ,,agency #db ,,theory ,,of ,,man #dd ,,the ,,lower ,,animals #ed ,,the ,,vegetable ,,kingdom #ef ,,natural ,,polarization ,,of ,,man',s ,,physical ,,organism #ef ,,electrical ,,classification ,,of ,,diseases #eh ,,philosophy ,,of ,,disease ,,and ,,cure #eh ,,principles ,,of ,,practice4 ,,polar ,,antagonism #fa ,,importance ,,of ,,noting ,,the ,,central ,,point #fb ,,distinctive ,,use ,,of ,,each ,,pole #fc ,,use ,,of ,,the ,,long ,,cord #fi ,,the ,,inward ,,and ,,the ,,outward ,,current #gd ,,mechanical ,,effect ,,of ,,each ,,pole #ge ,,relaxed ,,and ,,atrophied ,,conditions #gg ,,general ,,direction ,,of ,,the ,,current #gh ,,treating ,,with ,,electrolytic ,,currents #gi ,,positive ,,and ,,negative ,,manifestations #ha ,,healing #hd ,,diagnosis #hd ,,prescriptions4 ,,preliminary ,,remarks #id ,,general ,,tonic ,,treatment #ie ,,common ,,colds #ih ,,cephalagia 7,headache7 #ajj ,,deafness #ajb ,,noises ,,in ,,the ,,head #ajc ,,inflamed ,,eyes #ajc ,,amaurosis #ajd ,,strabismus 7,discordance of the ,eyes7 #ajd ,,catarrh 7,acute7 #aje ,,catarrh 7,chronic7 #aje ,,diphtheria #ajf ,,aphonia 7,loss of ,voice7 #ajf ,,croup #ajg ,,asthma #ajh ,,hepatization ,,of ,,lungs #ajh ,,pneumonia #ajh ,,pulmonary ,,phthisis 7,consumption7 #aji ,,neuralgia ,,and ,,rheumatism ,,of ,,the ,,heart #aaa ,,enlargement ,,and ,,ossification ,,of ,,the ,,heart #aab ,,palpitation ,,of ,,the ,,heart #aab ,,torpid ,,liver #aab ,,hepatitis 7,inflammation of ,liver7 #aac ,,enlargement ,,of ,,liver #aac ,,biliary ,,calculi 7,gravel in ,liver7 #aad ,,intermittent ,,fever 7,ague and ,fever7 #aad ,,nephritis 7,inflammation of ,kidneys7 #aae ,,renal ,,calculi 7,gravel in the ,kidneys7 #aaf ,,diabetes 7,a ,kidney ,disease7 #aaf ,,dyspepsia #aag ,,acute ,,diarrh,,oe,a #aai ,,chronic ,,diarrh,,oe,a #aai ,,cholic 7of whatever kind7 #abj ,,cholera ,,morbus #abj ,,cholera 7,malignant7 #aba ,,dysentery #abb ,,constipation ,,of ,,bowels #abb ,,haemorrhoids 7,piles7 #abc ,,rheumatism 7,acute ,inflammatory7 #abd ,,rheumatism 7,chronic7 #abe ,,dropsy #abf ,,neuralgia #abf ,,sciatica #abg ,,paralysis #abh ,,erysipelas #abi ,,eruptive ,,cutaneous ,,diseases #acj ,,common ,,cramp #aca ,,trismus 7,lockjaw7 #acb ,,tetanus #acb ,,cancers #acc ,,asphyxia 7,suspended ,animation7 #acd ,,recent ,,wounds1 ,,contusions ,,and ,,burns #ace ,,old ,,ulcers #ace ,,hemorrhage #acf ,,chlorosis 7,green ,sickness7 #acf ,,amenorrh,,oe,a 7,suppressed ,menstruation7 #ach ,,dysmenorrh,,oe,a 7,painful ,menstruation7 #ach ,,menorrhagia 7,excessive ,menstruation7 #aci ,,prolapsus ,,uteri 7,falling of the ,womb7 #adj ,,leucorrh,,oe,a 7,whites7 #adj ,,spermatorrh,,oe,a #ada ,,impotence #adb ,,introduction4 ,considerable parts of this book have been written for the unlearned4 ,for the scholarly reader such parts1 of course1 would be wholly superfluous2 yet it is hoped that they to whom these are familiar will be patient in passing through them for the sake of others to whom they may be instructive4 ,other parts1 again1 it is believed1 will be found new to the most of even educated minds4 ,but men of the largest intellectual attainments are commonly the most docile4 ,such men1 meeting this little work1 will not shrink from a candid examination of its contents merely on account of their comparative novelty1 nor because the views expressed differ essentially from those usually held by the medical faculty4 ,the candid1 yet critical1 attention of such gentlemen1 the author especially solicits4 ,he assures them that he does not write at random1 but from careful research and practical experience4 ,his philosophic theories he offers only for what they are worth4 ,his principles of practice he believes to be scientifically correct and of great value4 ,let it not be supposed that the author1 in this work1 assumes a belligerent attitude towards the members of the medical profession4 ,although anxious to modify and elevate their estimate of electricity as a remedial agent1 and to improve their methods of using it1 he has no sympathy with those who profess to believe1 and who assert1 that medicines of the apothecary never effect the cure of disease2 that where they are thought to cure1 they simply do not kill2 and who contend that the patient would have recovered quicker and better to have taken no medicine at all4 ,he knows that such allegations are false1 as they are extravagant2 and so does every candid and unprejudiced observer whose experience has given him ordinary opportunities to judge4 ,the writer believes it can be perfectly demonstrated that the advancement of medical science in modern times--say within the last two or three hundred years--has served to essentially prolong the average term of human life4 ,the world owes to medical instructors and practitioners a debt of gratitude which can never be paid4 ,their laborious and often perilous research in the fields of their profession1 and their untiring assiduity in the application of their science and skill to the relief of human suffering1 entitle them to a degree of confidence and affectionate esteem which few other classes of public servants can rightly claim4 ,for one1 the author of this little book most sincerely concedes to them1 as a body1 his confidence1 his sympathy1 and his grateful respect4 ,and the most that he is willing to say to their discredit1 7if it be so construed71 is that he regards them as having not yet attained perfection in their high profession1 and as not being generally as willing as they should be to examine fairly into the alleged merits of remedial agents and improved principles of practice1 7claimed to be such71 when brought forward by intelligent1 cultivated and respectable men1 outside of the regular profession4 ,this is said at the same time that the author gives much weight to their commonly offered defense1 viz3 that1 in the midst of professional engagements1 they have not always the time to spare for such examination2 and that1 since the most of alleged improvements in the healing art1 particularly of those introduced by persons who have not received a regular medical education1 sooner or later prove themselves to be worthless1 the presumption--though not the certainty--is1 whenever a new agent1 or a new method or principle is proposed by an outsider1 that this1 too1 if not willful charlatanism1 is a mistake2 and therefore1 the sooner it comes to an end the better it will be for the public health1 and that neglect is the surest way to kill it4 ,but the medical faculty have too widely employed electricity in the treatment of disease1 and that with too frequent success1 to admit of its being denied a place among important therapeutic agents by any respectable practitioner4 ,the only questions concerning it now are those which relate to the versatility of its power1 the scope of its useful applicability1 and the principles which should guide in the administration of it4 ,the general subject embraced in these questions is one in which suffering humanity has a right to claim that physicians shall be at home4 ,and yet it will scarcely be denied that1 in the exhibition of electricity1 more than of almost any other therapeutic agent1 medical practitioners feel incertitude as to what shall be its effect4 ,now and then it acts as they expected it to do2 sometimes it pleasantly surprises them2 oftener it offensively disappoints them4 ,they find it unreliable4 ,of other remedial agents1 they commonly know1 before administering them1 what sort of effect will be produced2 but in employing this1 while they have hope1 they are generally more or less in doubt4 ,they regard it as a stimulant2 although its action on the living organism appears to them to be largely veiled in mystery4 ,in many cases of disease1 particularly those of acutely inflammatory or febrile character1 they judge it to be not at all indicated4 ,to administer it in a case of bilious or typhoid fever1 or in a case of pneumonia1 pleuritis1 gastritis1 inflammatory rheumatism1 or acute1 and especially epidemic or malignant dysentery1 or in a case of pulmonary phthisis1 would probably be viewed by the most of physicians as the rashest empiricism1 if not the next thing to madness4 ,the idea of producing antagonistic effects with it at will1 they would1 for the most part1 esteem preposterous4 ,rather1 perhaps1 it may be said of the majority of medical practitioners that such an idea has never entered their minds2 so foreign is it to their conceptions of truth and propriety4 ,but1 at whatever risk of discredit or censure1 the writer of the present volume avers that this idea is both scientifically sound and of every day's practical verification4 ,the various and opposite forms of disease--acute and chronic1 hypersthenic and asthenic--are habitually treated and cured1 in his own practice and that of his students1 by electricity alone4 ,but cui bono8 may be asked4 ,what if it be true that these things can be done with electricity8 ,they are also done with medicines1 which are more quickly and conveniently administered1 and usually less annoying to the patient4 ,what1 therefore1 is the practical utility of your electric system above the ordinary practice1 especially if we include1 in the latter1 electrical treatment as occasionally employed by the most of respectable physicians8 ,this is the important question--that to which the author desires to call particular attention4 ,he1 therefore1 answers3 ,first4--,it is manifestly true that the most of diseases1 7the exceptions are comparatively few71 can be cured by the use of medicines4 ,it is also true that these can generally be administered with more convenience and less expenditure of time to the practitioner than electricity2 and this is a great advantage4 ,the author is often asked if he thinks his electric system will ever supersede the use of medicines4 ,his answer is uniformly1 ,no4 ,it takes too much time for that4 ,where the population is crowded1 as in cities and large towns1 it is often the case1 especially in times of prevailing epidemic1 that a physician can prescribe medicine for half a dozen or more patients in the time required to treat one electrically4 ,to reject medicines and rely alone on electricity would1 in periods and places of prevailing sickness1 leave many sufferers without professional service1 or would require that the proportion of doctors to the whole population should be largely increased--a thing certainly not often to be desired4 ,so much1 candor must concede4 ,second4--,it is not quite true that medicines are usually less annoying to the patient than electricity as we use it4 ,as administered by others1 it is often nearly intolerable4 ,in our hands1 on the contrary1 it seldom inflicts any pain or distress1 and almost invariably becomes agreeable to the patient after a very few applications4 ,we have no occasion to torture our patients in order to cure them4 ,but the cases are comparatively rare where medicines are not offensive2 commonly they are excessively so4 ,third4--,in not a few diseases1 and these among the most dangerous or distressful1 the electric current1 employed according to the system here taught1 is able to reach1 control and cure1 with facility1 where medicines are but slowly1 and in most instances imperfectly successful1 or fail altogether4 ,this is said1 or meant to be said1 not invidiously nor boastingly1 but in the candid utterance of a great and practically demonstrated truth4 ,it is1 perhaps1 most often exemplified in neuralgic1 rheumatic and paralytic affections4 ,the author is happy to acknowledge that these diseases are frequently mitigated1 and occasionally cured1 by means of electrical treatment administered by those who know nothing of the system here taught4 ,but the important fact is1 in their hands there is no certainty as to the effect before trial4 ,under this system1 the kind of effect is as certainly known before as after the trial1 since it can be made one thing or another at will4 ,cases are not unfrequently presented of inflammatory action1 more especially where it is internal--traumatic cases and others--which the practitioner finds it impossible to subdue with medicine4 ,but1 with a proper knowledge of the system herein taught1 he has at his command a power with which he can control such cases with almost infallible certainty1 provided he can get access to them within reasonable time4 ,the same may be said of fevers1 particularly those occasioned by miasmatic or infectious virus4 ,these are often difficult to manage by the use of medicine1 and not seldom prove fatal1 in spite of the best talent and skill which the profession can afford4 ,but the electric current1 rightly selected and scientifically applied1 destroys or neutralizes the virus and restores the normal polarization1 and so effects a cure4 ,neuralgic affections are frequently found difficult1 or even impossible1 to be cured by means of medicines1 and yet1 in the very same cases1 these affections yield and disappear with comparative facility when brought under the electric current1 judiciously applied1 according to the principles of this new system4 ,chronic cases1 and others of an asthenic character1 are often very stubborn under the medicines of pharmacy1 and are commonly the dread of physicians2 yet1 under scientific treatment by electricity1 they rarely fail to lose their formidable character and to become obedient to the remedial agent4 ,fourth4--,in enumerating a few of the peculiar advantages of this system1 ,i should add that it corrects the usual electric practice of the profession1 so far as they become acquainted with it4 ,as before intimated1 the mass of physicians at present1 who treat more or less electrically1 do so with no knowledge1 or next to none1 of the great versatility of action of which the electric current is capable4 ,they know nothing of the electrical polarization of the living organism in health1 nor how it is variously affected in disease4 ,the particular electrical state of the diseased organs is a matter foreign to their minds4 ,they appear to suppose the point to be immediately aimed at as a means of cure is to get the electricity from the machine into the affected part or parts2 whereas it should be to change1 by correction1 the polarization of the part or parts2 and1 if there be virus present1 to neutralize that4 ,equally unacquainted are they generally with the diverse physiological action of the several modifications of the electric force--galvanism1 magnetism1 faradism1 and frictional electricity4 ,this1 in their candor1 they commonly acknowledge4 ,and1 for the most part1 they are little or nothing better acquainted with the distinctive effects on the system of the positive and negative poles of the instrument4 ,there is1 therefore1 plainly no science in their electrical practice4 ,every thing is done at random--all is empirical4 ,but the system here taught opens the light upon all of these points4 ,for practical purposes1 at least1 it is1 in its essential features1 the only system of electrical therapeutics which has in it any real merit--the only system which can be true4 ,by this1 the writer does not mean to assert1 or to imply1 that the little book now before the reader contains no error1 either in respect to theory or practice4 ,in this early stage of our system's history1 it would be remarkable if it did not contain errors in both these respects4 ,but what it is intended to affirm is1 that the book presents the cardinal features of a true1 and the only possibly true1 system of electrical practice4 ,all possibly true systems of geometry must necessarily be essentially the same2 and so1 too1 all possibly true systems of electrical medication must be essentially one4 ,that one system1 it is candidly and confidently believed1 is briefly contained in the present little volume4 ,,electrical ,,medication4 ,,first ,,principles4 ,,dr4 ,,jerome ,,kidder',s ,,electro-,,magnetic ,,machine4 ,on opening the machine-box1 as it comes from the manufacturer1 there will be found a glass bottle1 intended to hold the battery fluid when not in use2 a glass cup or jar1 to serve as the battery cell2 a pair of insulated metallic conducting cords2 two tin electrodes2 a brass clamp2 and1 under the helix-box1 7which raise71 the battery metals and two connecting wires to unite the battery with the helix4 ,to put the machine in working condition--ready for use--proceed1 step by step1 as follows1 viz3 ,prepare the ,battery ,fluid by mixing twelve parts1 by measure1 of water with one part of sulphuric acid1 7good commercial acid is pure enough71 sufficient to fill the cell two-thirds or three-fourths full1 and place in it about one-third of an ounce of quicksilver4 ,next1 place the platina plate between the two zinc plates1 standing on their legs upon a table before you2 and bring the top of the wooden bar 7in a groove of which the platina is set7 up flush with the top of the zinc plates4 ,let the brass post1 standing on the top of this bar and soldered to the platina plate below1 be toward the left-hand side4 ,then take the brass clamp and place it across the top of these metallic plates1 a little to the right of the brass post1 or about midway between the right and left sides1 having its thumb-screw towards you1 and with it screw the three plates firmly together4 ,the platina is shorter than the zincs1 to prevent its reaching the quicksilver in the bottom of the cell2 and the wax balls on its sides are to insulate it from the zinc plates4 ,this platina should never be allowed to touch the mercury or the zinc4 ,let the plates1 properly screwed together1 be now placed in the cell with the ,battery ,fluid4 ,then1 with the two copper connecting-wires1 connect the post which stands on the wooden bar above the platina with the post stamped ,p on the helix-box1 and the brass clamp ,n with the post ,n on the helix-box4 ,if1 now1 the screws regulating the vibrating armature be in perfect adjustment1 the current will commence to run1 with a buzzing sound2 or it may be made to start by touching the hammer-like head of the flat steel spring4 ,if not1 the screws may be rightly adjusted in the following way3 ,the top screw1 which at its lower point is tipped with a small coil of platina wire1 should be made to press delicately upon the center of the little iron plate on the upper side of the spring1 so as to bear the latter down very slightly4 ,then raise or depress the screw-magnet1 which turns up or down under the hammer1 like the seat of a piano-stool1 until the vibration of the spring commences4 ,the rapidity of the vibrations1 by which is secured the alternate closing and breaking of the electric circuit 7or rather what1 in practical effect1 is equivalent to this--the direct and reverse action of the current in alternation7 is increased by raising the screw-magnet and diminished by lowering it4 ,when it is raised above what is required for ordinary use1 the noise becomes too loud and harsh for many nervous patients to bear4 ,it should then be depressed a little4 ,with respect to curative power1 ,i have discovered but little perceptible difference1 produced by the various degrees of rapidity in the vibrations1 effected within the range of this magnet4 ,the force of the current is regulated by means of a tubular magnet1 which slides over the helix1 and is called the plunger4 ,it is approached under a brass cap at the right-hand end of the machine4 ,the plunger is withdrawn1 more or less1 to increase the force2 pushed in to diminish it4 ,if in any case the current can not be softened sufficiently with the plunger1 the quantity of battery fluid in use must be made less4 ,after a time the current will become weak1 and fail to run well4 ,then renew the battery fluid4 ,when the quicksilver is all taken up by the zinc plates1 the machine may be run for a while without adding more4 ,but after it has considerably disappeared from the inside surface of the zinc plates1 the latter will begin to show more rapid corrosion1 while the current will be less4 ,then let a small quantity of quicksilver--one-fourth to one-third of an ounce--again be placed in the fluid4 ,when the machine is not in use1 let the metals be removed from the fluid2 and1 if not to be soon again used1 let them be rinsed with water1 carefully avoiding to wet the wooden bar in which the platina is set4 ,the posts1 with which the conducting-cords are to be connected1 are arranged in a row near the front of the helix-box1 and are marked ,a1 ,b1 ,c1 ,d4 ,either two of these posts may be used to obtain a current2 and since they admit of six varying combinations1 six different currents are afforded by the machine1 viz3 the ,a ,b current1 the ,a ,c current1 the ,a ,d current1 the ,b ,c current1 the ,b ,d current1 and the ,c ,d current4 ,whichever current is used1 it may always be known which of the two posts employed is the positive and which the negative1 by observing the letters stamped upon their tops4 ,the one whose letter comes first in the order of the alphabet is positive2 the other is negative4 ,also1 the one standing towards the left hand is positive1 and that at the right hand is negative4 ,the qualities of the several currents are stated in a descriptive paper on the inside of the lid of the machine1 which see4 ,it will there be found that three of the currents--viz1 the ,a ,b1 the ,a ,c and the ,a ,d currents--are electrolytic3 that is1 dissolving by electric action4 ,these electrolytic currents require to be used--one or another of them--whenever any chemical action is needed2 as1 in decomposing or neutralizing virus in the system1 destroying cancers1 reducing glands when chronically enlarged1 removing tumors or other abnormal growths1 and in treating old ulcers and chronic irritation of mucous membranes4 ,the other three1 being ,faradaic or induction currents1 and having no perceptibly chemical action1 are used where only change of electro-vital polarization is required4 ,these ,faradaic currents differ from each other in respect to being concentrative or diffusive in their effects1 and in their sensational force4 ,b ,c is concentrative and delicately sensational4 ,c ,d is also concentrative1 though less so than ,b ,c1 and is more strongly sensational4 ,b ,d is diffusive1 and the most energetically sensational of the three4 ,,polarization4 ,it may be proper1 in this place1 to spend a few words upon electrical polarization in general4 ,electrical polarity may be defined as a characteristic of the electric or magnetic fluid1 by virtue of which its opposite qualities1 as those of attraction and repulsion towards the same object1 are manifested in opposite parts of the electric or magnetic body4 ,these opposite parts are called the poles of the body1 as the positive and negative poles4 ,the difference between the positive and negative poles is believed to be that of plus and minus--plus being positive and minus negative4 ,this is the ,franklinian view1 and1 if ,i mistake not1 is the one most in favor with men of science at the present day4 ,this view supposes that the electricity or magnetism arranges itself in maximum quantity and intensity at the one extremity or pole of the magnetized body1 and in minimum quantity and intensity at the opposite extremity or pole2 and that1 between these points--the maximum and the minimum--the fluid is distributed1 in respect to quantity and intensity1 upon a scale of regular graduation from the one to the other4 ,the idea may be represented by a line1 commencing in a point at the one end1 and extending1 with regularly increasing breadth1 to the other end4 ,the larger end would represent the positive pole1 and the smaller1 the negative pole4 ,or perhaps a better representation of the magnet would be a line of equal breadth from end to end1 but having the one end white1 or slightly tinted1 say1 with red1 and the color gradually and regularly increasing in strength to the other end1 where it becomes a deep scarlet4 ,let the coloring-matter represent the magnetism in the body charged1 and we have the magnet illustrated in its polarization3 the deep-red end is the positive pole1 and the white or faintly-colored end is the negative pole4 ,it is a law of polarization that the positive poles of different magnets repel each other1 and the negative poles repel each other2 while positive and negative poles attract each other4 ,the same law of polarization rules in electric or magnetic currents as in magnets at rest4 ,,the ,,electric ,,circuit4 ,the ,electric ,circuit is made up of any thing and every thing which serves to conduct the electric current in its passage--outward and returning--from where it leaves the inner surfaces of the zinc plates in the battery cell to where it comes back again to the outer surfaces of the same plates4 ,when the conducting-cords are not attached to the machine1 or when the communication between the cords is not complete1 if the machine be running1 the circuit is then composed of the battery fluid1 the platina plate1 the posts1 the connecting-wires1 which unite the battery with the helix1 the helical wires1 and their appendages for the vibrating action4 ,but when a patient is under treatment1 the conducting-cords1 the electrodes1 and so much of the patient's person as is traversed by the current while passing from the positive electrode through to the negative electrode1 are also included in the whole circuit4 ,and whatever elements may serve to conduct the current in any part of its circuit--be they metal1 fluid1 nerve1 muscle1 or bone--the same are all1 for the time1 component parts of one complete magnet1 which1 in all its parts1 is subject to the law of polarization1 precisely as if it were one magnetized bar of steel4 ,usually1 however1 it is sufficient for practical purposes to contemplate the circuit as consisting only of that which the current passes through in going from the point where it leaves the positive post and enters into the negative cord1 around to the point where it leaves the positive cord and enters into the negative post4 ,,polarization ,,of ,,the ,,circuit4 ,i have said1 in effect1 a little above1 that1 while the current is running1 the entire circuit is one complete magnet1 which extends from the inner or positive sides of the zinc plates1 where the current commences1 all the way around to the outer or negative aides of the zinc plates1 to which it returns4 ,viewed in this light its negative pole or end is the battery fluid1 next to the positive surfaces of the zinc plates1 and its positive pole or end is the brass clamp which1 holding the metals together1 is in contact with the outer and negative surfaces of the zincs4 ,but1 for practical purposes1 it is sufficiently exact to consider the magnetic circuit as extending only from the positive post around through the conducting cords1 the electrodes and the person of the patient to the negative post4 ,the negative end or pole of this magnet is the wire end of the cord placed in the positive post1 and the positive end or pole is the wire end of the cord placed in the negative post4 ,but any magnet may be viewed either as one whole1 or be conceived as composed of a succession of shorter magnets placed end to end4 ,if we view it as one entire magnet1 we call the end in which the magnetic essence is in greatest quantity the positive end1 and the end where it is in least quantity the negative end4 ,but if we imagine the one whole magnet as being divided up into several sections1 then we conceive of each section as a distinct magnet1 having its own positive and negative poles4 ,and1 all the way through1 these sectional magnets will be arranged with the positive pole of the one joined to the negative pole of the next in advance of it4 ,it is just so in respect to the magnetic circuit of a moving current4 ,the whole circuit1 as before remarked1 is in reality one long magnet4 ,but in applying the terms positive and negative in our practice we often view the whole circuit--the one long magnet--as composed of a series of shorter ones1 arranged with positive and negative ends in contact2 and all the way the current in each section is supposed to be running from the positive pole of the magnet behind to the negative pole of the magnet before4 ,we consider the circuit1 from the positive post around to the negative post1 as composed of three magnets1 as follows3 ,magnet ,no4 #a1 which extends from the positive post1 along the cord and electrode1 to the body of the patient1 where the positive electrode is placed4 ,the negative pole of this magnet is the wire end of the cord placed in the positive post1 and its positive pole in the positive electrode placed upon the person of the patient4 ,no4 #b1 which is composed of the parts of the patient traversed by the current between the two electrodes4 ,its negative end or pole is the part in contact with the positive pole of magnet ,no4 #a1 and its positive pole is the part in contact with the negative pole of magnet ,no4 #c4 ,no4 #c extends from the positive pole of ,no4 #b1 through the electrode and along the cord1 to the negative post4 ,its negative pole is the negative electrode in contact with the positive end or pole of magnet ,no4 #b1 and its positive pole is the wire end of the cord in the negative post4 ,since in every magnet the magnetic fluid is supposed to be regularly graduated from minimum quantity in the negative end to maximum quantity in the positive end1 this is true in respect to the one magnet1 consisting of the whole magnetic circuit1 as well as in respect to each one of the sectional series4 ,consequently there must be the same quantity of magnetism in each negative pole of the sections as there is in the positive pole of the section immediately behind it4 ,and the magnetism of the whole circuit between the positive and the negative posts is in its least volume next to the positive post1 and in fullest volume next to the negative post4 ,if we consider the circuit as divided into two equal halves1 the negative half is plainly that which joins the positive post1 and the positive half that which joins the negative post4 ,from this it will be seen that what in practice are designated as the positive and negative posts1 and also positive and negative poles or electrodes are not such in relation to each other1 but the reverse of it2 that is to say1 the positive post is not positive in relation to the negative post1 but is negative to it2 and the positive electrode or pole is not positive in relation to the negative electrode1 but negative to it4 ,the positive post1 like the positive electrode1 is called positive1 because it is the positive end of the sectional magnet next behind it4 ,and the negative post1 as also the negative electrode1 is called negative because it is the negative end of the sectional magnet next in advance of it4 ,,the ,,central ,,point ,,of ,,the ,,circuit4 ,the central point of the circuit--that point which divides between its positive and negative halves--is reckoned1 in practice1 to be the midway point in the line over which the current passes1 in its whole course from the positive post around to the negative post4 ,when the cords are of equal length1 this point will always be in the person of the patient1 about midway between the parts where the two electrodes are applied4 ,this central point1 or point of centrality1 is practically neuter--neither positive nor negative2 and upon the two opposite halves of the circuit1 the positive and negative qualities of the current are in greatest force nearest to the posts1 and in least force nearest to the central point4 ,at this point they cease altogether1 and the central point is neuter4 ,it may1 perhaps1 be observed that1 in apparent contradiction of this statement1 the sensational effect of the current on the negative half of the circuit is least nearest to the positive post1 and becomes regularly greater as the current advances towards the central point2 and that at this point it is greater than at any other point between this and the positive post4 ,to relieve this seeming contradiction1 it is only necessary to consider that1 in fact1 the positive state on the negative half of the current does increase regularly from the positive post to the central point4 ,but that which is the increase of the positive state is the decrease of the negative state4 ,so it is still true that on the negative half of the circuit1 the negative qualities diminish as we advance towards the central point just as on the positive half1 the positive qualities diminish regularly towards the central point1 as stated above4 ,,the ,,current4 ,the current is that moving electric essence which traverses the circuit4 ,the course of the current is always from the positive to the negative4 ,it leaves the machine at the positive post1 where it enters the cord which holds the positive electrode or pole4 ,thence it advances around the circuit1 going out from the opposite cord where that connects with the negative post4 ,the forward end of the current is its positive end2 the rear1 of course1 is its negative end4 ,at its forward end it is in its greatest volume4 ,at its rear end the volume is least4 ,at the central point of its circuit there is the mean quantity--the average volume4 ,and because the positive and negative forces on either side exactly balance each other upon the central point1 therefore this point is practically neuter--neither positive nor negative4 ,,modifications ,,of ,,electricity4 ,in the present stage of electric science1 the conviction has become very general among experimenters that galvanism1 magnetism1 faradism1 frictional electricity and the electricity of the storm-cloud are1 in their essential nature1 one and the same2 being diversified in appearance and effects by the different modes and circumstances of their development4 ,this conviction has been reached in various ways2 but chiefly1 perhaps1 by observing the many analogies between the phenomena of these several forces1 and also by the fact that each of them can be made to produce or be produced by one or more of the others4 ,but ,i must forego any detailed discussion of this matter1 since my limits will not admit of it1 and shall assume that these apparently several agents are but modifications of the same generic force4 ,there are two other phases or modifications of the electric principle1 as ,i judge them to be1 which are not so generally classed here4 ,i refer to the forces of animal and vegetable vitality1 as viewed in the next section4 ,,vital ,,forces--,,animal ,,and ,,vegetable4 ,upon these points ,i must be permitted to offer a few words4 ,of the animal kingdom1 ,i regard the nervous fluid or nervous influence1 popularly so called1 as being the very principle of animal vitalization--the life force2 and that1 a modification of the electric force4 ,it is1 ,i think1 pretty generally conceded at this day that the nervous influence is probably electric4 ,there are some alleged facts1 and other certain facts1 which go far to sustain this view4 ,it is said that if we transfix1 with a steel needle1 a large nerve of a living animal1 as the great ischiatic1 and let it remain in that condition a suitable time1 the needle becomes permanently magnetized4 ,so1 too1 if the point of a lancet be held for some length of time between the severed ends of a newly-divided large nerve1 that point1 as ,i have heard it affirmed1 on what appeared to be good authority1 becomes magnetized2 although ,i have not attempted to verify either of these cases by experiment4 ,however1 admitting them to be true1 the metal is charged with simply the nervous fluid4 ,but the fact on which ,i myself chiefly rely for evidence of this identification1 being almost daily conversant with it in my practice1 is this3 ,the nervous influence obeys the laws of electrical polarization1 attraction and repulsion4 ,when ,i treat a paralyzed part1 in which1 to all appearance1 the action of the nerve force is suspended1 ,i have but to assume that this force is electric1 and apply the poles of my instrument accordingly1 and ,i bring it in from the more healthy parts1 along with the inorganic current from my machine4 ,forcing conduction through the nerves1 by means of my artificial apparatus1 ,i rouse the susceptibility of the nerves until they will normally conduct the nervous influence or electro-vital fluid1 as ,i term it1 and the paralysis is removed4 ,again1 if ,i treat an inflamed part1 in which the capillaries are engorged with arterial blood1 ,i have but to assume that the affected part is overcharged with the electro-vital fluid1 through the nerves and the arterial blood1 and so to apply my electrodes1 according to well known electrical law1 as to produce mutual repulsion1 and the inflammatory action is sure to be repressed4 ,i manifestly change the polarization of the parts4 ,this thing is so perfectly regular and constant that ,i am entirely assured1 before touching the patient1 what sort of effect will be produced by this or that arrangement in the application of the poles of the instrument4 ,if ,i desire to increase or depress the nervous force in any given case1 ,i find myself able1 on this principle1 to produce the one effect or the other1 at will4 ,hence1 ,i say1 the nervous influence obeys the electric laws1 just as does the inorganic electricity4 ,i find this subtle agent not in the nerves only1 but also in muscle and blood--more especially in arterial blood4 ,indeed it seems to pervade1 more or less1 the entire solids and fluids of the animal system4 ,and wherever it exists1 its action is just that of an electro-vital force4 ,examples of this fact will appear further along in the present work4 ,while1 therefore1 ,i can not affirm the identity of animal electricity and animal vitality1 the theory of their identification1 to my view1 best accords with the manifestations under correct therapeutic treatment1 and ,i am unaware of any established fact to disprove it4 ,vegetable vitality1 also1 ,i regard as another modification of the electric force4 ,the fact has been proved by repeated experiments1 that galvanic currents1 passed among the roots of vegetables1 causes a quickened development of the plants to a degree that would be deemed incredible by almost any one who had neither seen it nor learned its rationale4 ,i have seen it stated1 on authority which commanded my credence1 that by this process lettuce leaves may be grown1 within a few hours only1 from the size of a mouse's ear to dimensions large enough for convenient use on the dinner-table4 ,the following experiment has been related to me by several different parties1 as having been made by ,judge ,caton1 of ,ottawa1 ,illinois2 and subsequently the same has been confirmed to me by his brother1 ,deacon ,wm4 ,p4 ,caton1 of ,plainfield1 ,illinois4 ,it is said that the ,judge had some interesting evergreens which appeared to be affected by an unhealthy influence1 causing a suspension of growth and withering of branches here and there1 until such branches died4 ,so the process went on1 terminating after a little time in the death of the trees4 ,in this way he had lost some valuable specimens4 ,at length a very fine and favorite evergreen was similarly attacked4 ,he felt1 of course1 annoyed by the destructive process1 and especially reluctant to lose this particular tree4 ,probably calling to his recollection something analogous to what ,i have referred to above1 he resolved to try the efficacy of galvanism to reinforce the vitality of the shrub4 ,having a telegraphic wire extending from the main line in ,ottawa to his own residence1 he availed himself of this facility1 and caused a wire to be passed among the roots of this tree in such a way as to bring the galvanic current to act upon them4 ,it was not long before he saw1 to his delight1 a new set of foliage starting from the twigs1 and after a little time the tree was again flourishing in all its beauty4 ,the electric current had evidently imparted to it a fresh vitality4 ,to insure the success of such an experiment1 a proper regard to polarization must be had1 such as is taught in the system presented in this book4 ,there may not have been any attention to this matter in the case just related2 but if not1 the ,judge must have stumbled upon the correct application of poles4 ,to have brought the roots under the influence of the wrong pole would have made sure the death of his tree4 ,now1 although1 if taken by themselves1 such experiments could not be regarded as conclusive in favor of the electric nature of vegetable vitality1 notwithstanding that this theory best explains the phenomena2 yet1 when considered in connection with the fact that the nervous fluid of the animal kingdom is evidently a modification of electricity1 and probably constitutes the vital force of the animal1 the theory of its identification1 under another modification1 with the vital principle in the vegetable kingdom also1 as deduced from experiments like those just adverted to1 receives strong confirmation1 and is now1 ,i believe1 being adopted by many of the best philosophers of the age4 ,,extent ,,of ,,electric ,,agency4 ,when we have settled upon the position that the electricity of the heavens and of the artificial machine are identical1 and that their identity is essentially one with galvanism1 magnetism1 the electro-vital fluid of animal and the life-force of the vegetable kingdoms1 it requires no extravagant imagination1 nor remarkable degree of enthusiastic credulity1 to suppose that all the forms of physical attraction and repulsion are due1 under ,god1 to the diversified modifications of the same all-pervading agent--,,electricity4 ,indeed1 for myself1 ,i feel no hesitation in expressing it as my belief that electricity1 in one phase or another1 and controlled only by ,,will1 is the grand motive-power of the universe4 ,i believe that1 in the form of electro-vital fluid1 the great ,creator employs it as ,his immediate agent to carry on all the functions of animal life2 and that1 in respect to voluntary functions1 ,he subordinates it as a servant to the will of the creature1 to effect such cerebral action and such muscular contractions as are demanded by the creature's volitions4 ,i am disposed to think that1 by the omnipotent power of ,his will1 ,he controls and uses electricity1 in its various modifications1 as the immediate moving-force by which ,he accomplishes all the changes in the physical universe4 ,it is fast becoming a generally-received opinion among modern savans1 that every body in nature is really magnetic1 more or less2 and that all visible or sensible changes are but the result of changing poles4 ,chemical affinities and revulsions are believed to be only the more delicate forms of electrical attraction and repulsion2 the ultimate particles of matter1 no less than matter in masses1 being subject to the control of electrical laws4 ,the imponderable agents1 light and caloric1 under the ingenious tests of scientific scrutiny1 are beginning to give some very decided indications of being simply electric phenomena4 ,indeed1 the doctrine or theory that supposes caloric to be simply atomic motion is even now being very generally accepted by the scientific world4 ,and that motion in the atoms of a body which causes in us the sensation of heat is probably electric motion4 ,and permit me to observe that1 though the operations of nature seem1 at first thought1 to be wonderfully complex and mysterious1 yet if the views here presented be correct1 the marvel is changed2 and we are brought to a profound admiration of the simplicity of the means by which the ,almighty conducts ,his material operations4 ,a single agent made to perform processes so infinitely numerous1 diversified and apparently complex6 ,how amazing6 ,simplicity in complexity6--majestic1 like the mind of ,god4 ,,theory ,,of ,,man4 ,let the question now be raised--,what is man8 ,the answer will have much to do with the remedial system which ,i aim to teach4 ,for this reason it is thus early introduced4 ,my answer to the above question is as follows3 ,man is a threefold being1 composed of a body material1 a body electrical1 and a spirit rational and indestructible4 ,let the elements of this definition be a little amplified3 #a4 ,the material body4 ,this is composed of various metals1 earths1 carbon1 phosphorus1 and gases4 ,i need not go into a representation of their multiplied and curious combinations to form the many parts of the body complete4 ,but these are the ultimate elements2 and a most superb and wonderful structure they here compose4 ,yet1 notwithstanding all the manifest skillfulness of its contrivance1 and the power of its accomplishment1 and the niceness and beauty of its execution1 it were a useless display if unaccompanied with the invisible agents which compose the two other grand constituents of man1 to wit3 the body electrical and the spirit1 or mind4 ,without these1 it would quickly fall into decay1 as we see it when deprived of them1 and would be resolved into its original elements again4 ,but to our gross material bodies the ,creator has added1 #b4 ,the body electrical4 ,by this1 ,i mean that which has commonly been termed nervous influence1 nervous fluid1 nervo-vital fluid1 and nervo-electric fluid4 ,i object1 however1 to each and all of these designations4 ,they are too restricted and specific4 ,they all seem to imply that it is an agent or influence which appertains especially to the nervous system2 whereas the entire organism is under its pervading force4 ,i do not doubt but its chief action is in and through the nervous system2 but it also pervades and1 as ,i think1 vitalizes the whole body4 ,the nervous system seems to be created as one principal means for its replenishment1,a and to serve as the medium of its ministrations to the body at large4 ,i choose to term it electro-vital fluid1 or electro-vitality4 ,my reasons for so designating it are the following3 7#a7 ,it is demonstrably electrical in its nature4 7#b7 ,it appears to be identified1 or at least connected immediately1 with the vitalization of the body4 7#c7 ,i wish1 by its name1 to distinguish it from mental vitality1 or the vitality of spirit4 ,whether1 as a peculiar manifestation of the electric principle1 it vitalizes by its own nature and action solely1 or whether it be charged with another mysterious element--a life-force--and vitalizes by ministering the latter to the material organism1 ,i will not positively affirm4 ,whichever it be1 the name ,i assign to it seems sufficiently appropriate4 ,but ,i strongly incline to the theory that this electro-vital principle does itself1 by virtue of its own nature1 vitalize the system4 ,in other words1 ,i am disposed to think that ,god makes it the immediate agent of vitalization2 having constituted it the vis vitae of both the animal and the vegetable kingdoms4 ,nor does this idea1 as ,i conceive1 necessarily conflict at all with the doctrine of cell-life1 as maintained by the best physiologists of the present day4 ,i also sometimes style this electro-vital element the body electrical1 because it is certainly an entity1 coextensive with and1 in greater or less force1 wholly pervading the visible1 material body4 ,at this point ,i will take the liberty to introduce1 although somewhat digressively1 a few thoughts on the ,,distinctions ,,of ,,vitality ,,or ,,life4 ,there are1 as ,i suppose1 the following several kinds of life3 7#a7 ,spirit life2 7#b7 ,moral life2 7#c7 ,electric life4 7#a47 ,there is spirit life4 ,and here are to be made several subdivisions4 #a4 ,uncreated spirit life4 ,this is the life of ,god4 ,of the nature of the ,divine ,essence we know nothing2 yet that ,god is a real1 living entity1 we do know4 ,my own conviction is that the divine essence and the divine life are identical2 that ,god1 a spirit1 is necessary1 infinite1 conscious ,,vitality--the voluntary ,originator of all existencies besides himself4 ,but as to what is the essential nature of this vitality--this eternal spirit-life--we can have no conception1 only that this life is ,god4 #b4 ,created spirit-life4 ,and here we make another subdivision4 7a7 ,the life of created immortal spirit4 ,this is a rational1 intelligent entity1 representing the spirit of man and of unembodied1 created intelligences above him4 ,this spirit ,god created as it pleased him--in his own likeness--a living1 indestructible essence2 and1 as ,i suppose1 its essence and its life the same4 7b7 ,the life of created mortal spirit1 as the spirit of the beast4 ,of the intrinsic essence of this spirit1 we are also necessarily ignorant4 ,yet1 of its attributes we know that it has consciousness1 sensibility1 and will4 ,of its life we know as little as of its essence2 both of which1 however1 as ,i conjecture1 are also one and the same--the spirit substance being itself essentially vital4 7#b47 ,we pass next to moral life4 ,this life is identical with holiness--the very opposite of that defilement that characterizes moral death1 which is a state of sin4 ,but let me again subdivide4 #a4 ,as to the moral life of ,god1 it consists in his infinite moral purity--his veracity1 justice and benevolence or love--qualities which1 in their combination make up his holiness4 #b4 ,the moral life of man1 as also of other rational creatures4 ,this consists in his sympathy of spirit with ,god in respect to those pure qualities which constitute the ,divine holiness4 7#c47 ,finally1 there is electric or physical life4 ,but here again there are varieties4 #a4 ,there is animal life1 as of man and the lower animals4 ,this ,i have already represented as consisting in the electro-vital force4 #b4 ,vegetable life4 ,this is another modification of the same essential principle--electro-vitality4 ,but now1 to return to the physical or animal life of man--the electro-vital element4 ,while this is in such immediate relation to the visible body on the one hand1 it holds1 also1 on the other hand1 an immediate relation to the mental part1 both of man and of the other animated beings of earth4 ,it serves to transmit1 through the nervous system to the mind1 all sensations and impressions from the outer world4 ,it1 moreover1 receives from the mind the action of its volitions and imaginary conceptions1 and conveys through the nerves the impressions or impulsions thus obtained to the various parts of the body1 and there secures the fulfillment of the mind's behests4 ,it appears to be only in this way that communication is had between the mind and its outer body4 ,the natures of spirit and of gross matter are so totally unlike1 that it seems impracticable for the mind and body to come into immediate mutual relation1 or to act reciprocally1 without the aid of a medium--ethereal1 semi-material and semi-spiritual1 such as is the electro-vital fluid4 ,and the ,creator has accordingly provided this mysterious1 invisible medium between the two1 and thus1 in a degree1 extended man's likeness to himself by making him a trinity in unity4 #c4 ,the mind or spirit4 ,this is immeasurably the highest and most important constituent of man4 ,his body material may fall back to dust4 ,his body electrical may be reabsorbed in the great ocean of natural electricity that fills the earth and the heavens4 ,but his mind is immortal4 ,his spirit1 made in the divine image1 lives and acts1 thinks and feels1 independently of every other existence save ,him from whom its being came4 ,while in connection with its visible body1 its good or ill1 its bliss or woe1 has1 indeed1 much to do with its bodily state4 ,but1 when separated from this body1 its high and more independent existence is at once asserted2 and then its good or ill are determined by its ,author only in accordance with the workings and affections within itself4 ,a spiritual and indestructible being like its ,creator1 it can never cease to be while he exists4 ,but our present concern is with the mind in its relation to that electro-vital medium between it and the body1 and to the body itself4 ,the mind's influence upon both of these lower parts of the entire man is truly wonderful1 although perceptible mostly on the material body4 ,few persons are aware how much the state of the mind affects the bodily health1 although the degree is often very great4 ,yet this is done by the mind's action1 first on the electro-vital functions1 and through these1 by way of the nerves1 upon the bodily tissue4 ,changes in the mental states will1 in this way1 frequently produce changed polarization in the physical organs1 and thus determine infallibly the matter of health or disease4 ,so1 too1 the condition of the bodily health will often determine irresistibly the mental state4 ,whatever bodily changes affect the polarization of the electro-vital medium in any part of the organism1 do thereby produce corresponding changes in the mind4 ,these views of the reciprocal action between mind and body1 through the medium of the electro-vital element1 may serve to explain those psychological wonders exhibited in the cure of diseases by the imagination1 as well as in diseases and even death induced by the imagination4 ,i would much like to unfold and illustrate this bearing of the subject2 and1 also1 in the light of it1 to show the philosophy of one mind acting intelligibly on another mind1 with1 and even without1 the aid of the physical organs1 as is sometimes seen in the facts of mesmerism4 ,this ,i have done in my written lectures1 for the instruction of classes2 but my limits will not admit of it here4 ,there is another thought which ,i will offer in this connection4 ,i maintain that all functional action of our bodily organism1 ab initio1 is conducted by thinking mind1 through the medium of organic electricity or the electro-vital fluid4 ,every organ as a whole1 and every life-cell in detail1 is charged with this active principle4 ,i believe that every one of then is controlled and guided incessantly in its propagating1 organizing and entire functional force by intelligent mind1 acting through this wonder-working agent--the electro-vital fluid4 ,in respect to our voluntary exercises1 this organic electrical force is made subject to our own mental activities1 and executes its office upon the bodily organism mainly through the medium of the nerves4 ,but1 as regards all the involuntary functions1 ,i believe that control is exercised directly by the omniscient and all-pervading ,god1 although in accordance with his own established laws4 ,once more of the mind let me remark1 that consciousness1 sensation1 and will belong to it alone4 ,the body never thinks nor feels2 nor does the organic electricity within it4 ,the popular idea1 especially with the less educated masses1 is that1 if a man burn his finger1 it is the finger that smarts4 ,but this can not be true4 ,pain can exist only where consciousness is4 ,and there is no consciousness in the finger1 nor in any material part4 ,only the mind is conscious of existence1 even2 and hence only the mind can be conscious of pleasure or pain4 ,if a limb be paralyzed1 by interrupting in any way the flow of the electro-vital fluid through its nerves1 and thus depriving the mind of its medium of communication with it1 you may burn that limb to a crisp and the subject will feel no pain4 ,when you burn your finger or break your arm1 you disturb the action of the electro-vitality in the injured part1 deranging its poles4 ,this electric agent instantly communicates its disturbance along the nerves to the brain1 where it reports to the mind and tells where the disturbance is4 ,the conscious mind takes cognizance of the fact and feels distress4 ,,the ,,lower ,,animals4 ,it may1 by some1 be objected that1 if we regard sensation as existing only in the mind1 as affirmed above1 then we must concede mind to the lower animal tribes1 since they are subjects of consciousness1 sensation and will1 as truly as ourselves4 ,i admit this necessity1 and unhesitatingly take the position1 as has been already done in the classification of minds1 that the lower animals are in fact endowed with a something higher and more spiritual than their material bodies or their animal vitality--something which bears distinguishing characteristics of mind4 ,i would not1 however1 be understood to say1 or to imply1 that they possess all the characteristics of our minds1 even in a rudimental degree4 ,i do not believe they do4 ,my theory does not accord to them either reason or immortality4 ,yet1 in respect to the latter1 my views are less decisive1 and my utterances usually more reserved4 ,but ,i think their minds may1 and probably do1 perish with their bodies4 ,nevertheless1 the existence of consciousness1 sensation and will1 in any orders1 does evidently presuppose some sort of mental constitution4 ,and such mental structure1 in them as well as in us1 must be distinct from and superior to the animal vitality--compelling service from the latter1 and using it as a medium for communicating with the body1 and with the outer world in general4 ,,the ,,vegetable ,,kingdom4 ,as to the vegetable kingdom1 there is here1 so far as we can discover1 only a duality of principle1 viz3 the material body and a modified phase of electro-vitality4 ,these component parts appear to sustain to each other1 in the vegetable1 relations quite analogous to those of the corresponding parts in the animal4 ,but here the mental part is wanting2 and consequently there is no consciousness1 sensation1 nor will2 and the electro-vital action is guided in its elaborate and beautiful operations for the forming and developing of the plant1 and in all its vital functions1 by the all-pervading mind of ,god4 ,,natural ,,polarization ,,of ,,man',s ,,physical ,,organism4 ,the electro-vital fluid1 in the animal economy1 is subject to the same principles of polarization as the magnetic current from the artificial machine1 or the magnetism of the bar-magnet4 ,in the material organism of man1 the great nerve-centers--the brain1 the spinal cord1 and the ganglions--appear to act the part of fixed magnets1 charged with the electro-vital fluid4 ,indeed1 there is much reason to believe that this fluid is elaborated within these nerve-centers--more especially within the brain--from the inorganic electricity of the outer world1 which is supplied through the lungs in respiration1 and conducted thence to these laboratories by a remarkably interesting process--a process which ,i have not room here to describe1 but which ,i have drawn out in detail in a manuscript lecture on the circulation of the blood1 for my classes1 and which may some day see the light4 ,these nerve-centers1 viewed as magnets of electro-vitality1 require to be regarded as having each a positive nucleus in the interior1 on which are ranged the negative ends of the currents which go out from this positive nucleus in every direction to the surface of the medullary organ--so radiating1 as it were1 from center to periphery4 ,and the nerve-lines and ramifications which issue from these great nerve-centers are polarized evidently in the same way--the electro-vital fluid being disposed with its negative ends to the positive surfaces of the nerve-centers1 and its positive or plus ends to the vital organs1 and especially to the surfaces of the organism as a whole4 ,there are many other polarizations in the human system1 subordinate to those mentioned above2 but ,i have no room to speak of them in detail4 ,,electrical ,,classification ,,of ,,diseases4 ,there are two1 and only two1 primary classes of disease--those in which the electro-vital force is abnormally positive1 and those where it is preternaturally negative4 ,the former class comprises every variety and phase of hypersthenia1 and the latter1 every sort and degree of anaesthesia1 or rather1 of azooedynamia4 ,inflammation may be taken as a general representative of the positive or hypersthenic class--those forms of disease in which there is too much electro-vitality1 or in which the vital force may be said to be too active4 ,paralysis may stand as a general representative of the negative or azooedynamic class--those in which the vital action is too low or weak4 ,,philosophy ,,of ,,disease ,,and ,,cure4 ,in every part of the animal economy1 polar derangements in the electro-vital principle are liable to occur4 ,these derangements are always the real foundation of disease4 ,they may be occasioned by a thousand agencies1 which act as the procuring cause of disease2 but the proximate and sustaining cause is polar disturbance--derangement of the electro-vital poles4 ,parts which1 in health1 are relatively positive1 may become negative1 and that which should be negative may become positive4 ,or again1 a part1 naturally positive to its counterpart1 may become excessively so1 and that which should be relatively negative may become negative to a morbid degree4 ,to correct these polar disturbances and restore the normal polarization1 is to cure the complaint4 ,this is1 under the treatment of most physicians1 often accomplished by the use of medicines1 and by mechanical or surgical agency4 ,we accomplish it by the proper application of the poles of our electrical apparatus4 ,in cases where there is virus to be destroyed1 or abnormal growths to be removed1 we also secure the chemical action appropriate to these ends by the proper selection of our current4 ,it often happens that mechanical or surgical action is demanded4 ,in many such cases1 we do not profess to secure normal polarization and consequent cure by means of electricity alone4 ,yet1 in a large proportion of the cases where mechanical or surgical agency is usually thought to be indispensable1 we are able to cure by electric action only1 since by it we can exert very considerable mechanical force at will2 and can also1 in many instances1 attain much more happily1 by means of electricity1 the very ends or the best ends which would be aimed at by skillful surgical operations4 ,,principles ,,of ,,practice4 ,,polar ,,antagonism4 ,when the conducting cords are of equal length1 as commonly they should be1 each of the two poles or electrodes produces a polar effect in the patient directly the opposite of that produced by the other4 ,also1 at any point in either half of the circuit1 if it be within the person of the patient1 the polar effect produced is the very reverse of what is experienced at the corresponding point in the other half of the circuit4 ,and further2 each half of the current produces a polar effect1 at every point in the parts of the patient through which it runs1 the same in kind1 though differing in degree1 as is produced immediately under the pole or electrode with which it is connected2 yet an effect antagonistic to that which is produced under the other pole1 or at the corresponding point in the other half of the current4 ,,importance ,,of ,,noting ,,the ,,central ,,point4 ,from the above observations1 it will be plain that1 when we wish to bring a diseased organ under the influence of the positive pole1 we must carefully place our electrodes so that none of the organ1 or none of the diseased part of it1 shall appear on the positive,b side of the central point of the circuit2 it being understood that the current moves as nearly in direct lines as the best conducting medium will admit4 ,or again1 if it be desired to bring a diseased organ1 or any extended part of it1 under the influence of the negative pole1 we must first calculate in placing our electrodes about where the central point will come1 and then so apply them that no part of the lesion or disease shall appear on the negative,b side of the central point2 otherwise so much of it as lies on that side will come under the force of the wrong pole1 and thus be affected in a way the opposite of what was intended4 ,the characteristic influence of each pole is felt throughout its own half of the circuit4 ,,distinctive ,,use ,,of ,,each ,,pole4 ,i have said that every disease is preternaturally either positive or negative4 ,i have further said1 that the application of either pole to a given part produces an effect the opposite of what would be produced in the same part by a reversal of the poles4 ,the way is now prepared for me to announce ,,the ,,central ,,principle of our system of practice4 ,the reader will bear in mind that all acutely inflammatory or hypersthenic affections are electrically positive in excess--having too much vital action--being overcharged with the electro-vital fluid2 and that all paralytic diseases1 or those of a sluggish1 azooedynamic character1 are electrically negative--having too little electro-vital fluid--too little vital action4 ,it is a universal law of electricity that positives repel each other1 and that negatives repel each other2 but that positives and negatives attract each other4 ,this is a principle of electric action everywhere known1 where any thing is known on the subject4 ,we appropriate it practically to therapeutic purposes4 ,therefore1 when ,i wish to repress or repel inflammation1 which is electrically positive in excess1 ,i put the positive pole to it2 or1 at least1 ,i bring it under that half of the circuit with which the positive pole is connected1 and as near to the pole or electrode as possible4 ,and because two positives repel each other1 and also because the direction of the current is always from the positive to the negative pole1 carrying the electro-vital fluid with it1 either ,i must withdraw my positive electrode1 or that excess of electro-vitality in the diseased part which makes it morbidly positive1 and thus produces inflammation1 must give way4 ,i will not withdraw my positive pole1 and therefore the positive inflammation must retreat and be dispersed4 ,in treating this case1 ,i will place my negative electrode either on some healthy part1 or1 if there be perceptible anywhere in the system a morbidly negative part1 as is often the case1 ,i will place my negative pole there4 ,for example3 if ,i am treating for nephritis--inflammation of the kidneys--when ,i do not perceive any part to be abnormally negative1 ,i manipulate with my positive electrode over the inflamed kidney1 having the negative electrode placed at the coccyx--lowest part of the spine4 ,my positive pole repels the positive inflammation from the kidney2 or1 rather1 repels from it that excess of electro-vital fluid which makes it morbidly positive and induces the inflammation1 while the negative pole attracts the same towards the coccyx4 ,on its way1 it becomes more or less diverted to adjacent nerves2 or1 if gathered in the healthy part1 under the negative pole1 it is immediately dispersed by the normal circulation as soon as the electrode is removed4 ,but if ,i find a spinal irritation1 say in one or more of the cervical or dorsal vertebrae1 and1 at the same time1 a stomach affected with chronic dyspepsia1 accompanied with constipation of bowels1 ,i will work over the inflamed or irritated spine with my positive pole1 because ,i know from its irritation that there is an excess of electro-vital fluid in the part1 making it improperly positive2 and1 with my negative electrode1 ,i will1 at the same time1 treat over the stomach1 bowels and liver2 because ,i know1 from the inaction of these organs1 that there is a lack of the vital force--a deficiency of the electro-vital fluid--there1 and that1 consequently1 they are too negative4 ,adopting this method1 ,i accomplish two objects in the same treatment4 ,first1 my positive pole1 applied to the spinal disease1 repels from it the excess of electro-vital fluid which was there doing mischief2 and1 second1 my negative pole attracts the same1 along with the artificial or inorganic electricity1 to the stomach and bowels where it is wanted1 since negatives attract positives4 ,or ,i wish to rouse to action a torpid liver4 ,now1 if ,i find inflammation1 or enlargement of the spleen1 as is commonly the case in chills and fever1 ,i place the positive pole upon the spleen1 at the left side1 just below the false ribs1 and the negative pole on the liver1 which is best reached immediately below the ribs on the right side1 and around backward and upward as far as to the spine4 ,the positive pole repels the excess of electro-vitality away from the positive spleen1 and so reduces the improper excitement there1 while at the same time it rushes1 by attraction1 to the negative liver1 under the negative pole1 and makes that more positive1 and so more active4 ,in this way1 ,i change the polarization of the parts1 and1 in so doing1 remove the sustaining cause of the disease4 ,you here perceive that ,i treat a positive part with the positive pole1 so as to repel the excess of electro-vitality from it1 and thus repress its excessive action2 and that ,i treat a negative part with the negative pole1 so as to attract the electro-vital fluid1 along with the current from the machine1 to it from under the positive pole1 and thus increase the action by making it more positive4 ,but suppose ,i do what nearly all of the doctors do1 who use electricity with any regard to polarity2 that is1 if treating acutely inflamed eyes1 for example1 apply the negative pole to the eyes1 thinking thereby to make them more negative2 or1 if treating amaurosis1 apply the positive electrode to the affected parts1 thinking thereby to make them more positive6 ,i say1 suppose ,i do this same thing1 do you not see that1 by the fixed laws of electricity1 ,i necessarily increase the evils that ,i would remedy8 ,do you not see that1 by placing my negative pole on the already overcharged and inflamed eyes1 ,i attract to them yet more of the electro-vital fluid1 and so increase their positive condition and aggravate the inflammation8 and that1 by presenting my positive electrode to the eyes already more or less paralyzed1 ,i repel what little electro-vitality there was there1 and so make the nerves all the more negative and dead8 ,and yet1 ,i repeat it1 this is precisely the plan of almost all the men who use electricity in therapeutic practice with any regard to its polarization4 ,they treat a positive disease--rather1 a hypersthenic disease1 7for they seldom know anything of the electrical states of diseased parts71 with the negative pole1 and an azooedynamic disease1 which is negative1 with the positive pole6--all directly antagonistic to science and success4 ,but the great mass of physicians1 who attempt to treat electrically1 have no knowledge either of the electrical condition of the various forms of disease1 nor of the distinctive and peculiar effects produced by either pole of the artificial current2 and consequently all their use of this powerful agent is entirely empirical--merely haphazard experiment4 ,i may have raised an inquiry a few moments since which ought to be answered4 ,i said1 in effect1 that in treating a positive disease1 such1 for instance1 as acute1 inflammatory rheumatism or acute pleurisy1 ,i would use the positive pole on the inflamed parts1 and the negative pole on either some healthy part or on a morbidly negative part1 if ,i could find such4 ,so1 too1 ,i said ,i would treat a negative disease1 such as amaurosis or torpidity of liver1 with the negative pole1 placing the positive pole on either some healthy or morbidly positive part4 ,the query may have arisen1 ,by placing the one pole or the other on a healthy part1 do you not derange the normal electro-vital action there1 disturbing its healthy polarization8 ,i answer1 yes1 for the time being1 ,i do2 and if this disturbing force were to be steadily continued for any considerable time1 the disturbance would produce manifest and serious disease4 ,but then1 a pole or electrode1 placed on a healthy part1 we generally move1 or ought to move1 more or less1 every few moments1 which prevents the establishment of any perverted action in the part2 and the moment the electrode is withdrawn1 the normal polarization and healthy action are resumed4 ,,use ,,of ,,the ,,long ,,cord4 ,it is often desirable to bring the entire parts of the patient1 through which the current is made to pass1 under one and the same kind of influence--such as shall make them all more positive or more negative4 ,especially is this true in many cases where we wish to run through but a short space4 ,for this purpose1 there is frequent advantage in using conducting cords of unequal length4 ,as my views on this point have been disputed in certain quarters1 ,i will endeavor here to place them in such a light that they shall not be rejected for want of being rightly understood4 ,i have previously remarked,c that1 for practical purposes1 it is sufficiently exact to consider the magnetic circuit as extending only from the positive post1 around through the conducting cords1 the electrodes1 and the person of the patient1 to the negative post4 ,we will so regard it at present4 ,this circuit may be viewed as one continuous magnet1 made up of several sections or shorter magnets placed end to end--the positive end of the first to the negative end of the second1 and the positive end of the second to the negative end of the third4 ,in this arrangement1 the negative end of the first section is the negative pole of the one whole magnet1 and the positive end of the third section is the positive pole of the whole magnet4 ,the minimum quantity of the magnetism is supposed to be at the negative pole1 and the maximum quantity at the positive pole2 and the quantity is supposed to increase1 by regular graduation1 from the negative to the positive pole4 ,this being so1 the quantity is the same in the positive end of either section and the negative end of the adjoining section1 at their point of contact4 ,now1 in practice1 the body of the patient1 or so much of it as is embraced between the two electrodes1 may be regarded as the second section in this magnet2 and the cord connected with the positive post1 together with its electrode attached1 may be counted the first and most negative section2 and the cord connected with the negative post1 along with its electrode1 may be the third and most positive section4 ,and if this whole magnet be more and more positive1 by regular degrees through all the sections1 from its negative to its positive end or pole1 then the nearer any given part of it1 say the second section--the patient's person1 may be to its positive pole in the negative post1 so much the more positive that section or part will be4 ,and the nearer such part or section may be to the negative pole in the positive post1 so much the more negative it will be4 ,if the cords be of equal length1 the central point in the circuit or magnet will be in the second section--the person of the patient1 midway between the electrodes2 and that section will be charged with the mean quantity of the magnetic fluid4 ,the central point will hold exactly the mean quantity4 ,but if the cord in the first section be two yards long1 and that in the third section be four yards1 then section second--the patient's parts under treatment--will be nearest to the negative pole in the positive post1 and consequently will be charged with much less than the mean quantity of the fluid1 and will therefore be made so much the more negative4 ,if1 on the other hand1 the cord in section first be four yards in length1 and that in section third be only two yards1 then the patient's body--section second--will be brought nearest to the positive pole in the negative post1 and of course be charged with much more than the mean quantity of the magnetic fluid1 and hence will be made so much the more positive4 ,it is true that the positive and negative poles of section second--the parts of the patient between the electrodes--will not be reversed by any such changes in the length or relative positions of the conducting cords2 nor is such reversal required in those cases where the use of the long cord is indicated4 ,the only change of polarization called for in such cases1 is that all the parts through which the current is to pass should1 in greater or less degree1 be affected alike1 as being made more positive or more negative4 ,of course these parts will be so affected in different degrees--those nearest to the short cord the most2 those nearest to the long cord the least4 ,the class of cases where the use of the long cord is more especially advantageous1 comprises those in which it is desirable to run the current out of the patient at the shortest admissible distance from the positive electrode4 ,for example1 in treating cynanche tonsillaris1 7quinsy71 if treating with the positive pole in the mouth1 we would not wish to run the current further than to the back of the neck2 or1 if treating externally1 we would not wish to carry the negative electrode further from the positive than from side to side4 ,here the long cord1 with the negative electrode1 would be a special advantage in subduing the inflammation4 ,we would not care to increase the inflammatory action1 as we should necessarily do on the positive side of the central point1 by using cords of equal length4 ,again1 if treating a case of acute enteritis--inflammation of the intestines--we would not wish1 while treating the abdomen with the positive pole1 to increase the inflammation in the lower parts1 by using equal cords and placing the negative pole at the sacrum or the coccyx4 ,neither would we wish to reduce the strength of the lower limbs by carrying the negative pole to the feet4 ,nor1 yet again1 would we care to endanger the thoracic viscera by running the current from the abdomen up to the dorsal or cervical vertebrae4 ,the true way1 in such a case1 would be to connect the negative electrode with a long cord1 and then to run the current through the inflamed parts1 and out somewhere from the lumbar vertebrae to the coccyx1 by treating over the abdomen with the positive pole1 and placing the negative pole on the lower parts of the spine4 ,as the cords that accompany the machine from the manufacturer are usually cut about two yards in length1 every practitioner should supply himself with an extra cord1 of at least three yards1 to be used as the long cord4 ,,the ,,inward ,,and ,,the ,,outward ,,current4 ,i have already said that when the conducting-cords are of equal length1 as for the most part they should be1 the central point of the circuit will be in the person of the patient1 about midway between the two electrodes4 ,now1 since the current always runs from the positive to the negative pole1 and makes its whole circuit in that direction1 it will be readily seen that1 from the place on the patient where the positive pole is applied1 inward as far as to the central point1 the direction of the current may properly be said to be inward2 and that1 from the central point to the place of the negative electrode1 where the current comes out1 its direction may be said to be outward4 ,when1 therefore1 a part is treated with the positive pole1 or when the part under treatment appears anywhere between the positive pole and the central point1 it is not unusual to say1 ,it is treated with the inward current4 ,and when a part is treated with the negative pole1 or when it appears between the central point and the negative pole1 it is often spoken of as being treated with the outward current4 ,,mechanical ,,effect ,,of ,,each ,,pole4 ,the mechanical effect of the forward end of the current1 or that part of it which is under the negative electrode1 is to relax1 expand and weaken2 while that of the rear end1 under the positive electrode1 is to contract and strengthen4 ,a moving ship disperses the waters at its bow1 but draws them in at its stern4 ,the bullet shot from a gun1 in passing through a plank1 leaves the perforation closed where it enters in1 but wide open where it comes out4 ,thus1 in physics1 the advance end of a moving body tends to disperse the element through which it is passing1 while the rear end tends to its contraction4 ,analogous to this are the mechanical effects of the different ends of an electrical current in the living tissue4 ,when1 therefore1 we wish to relax a muscle that is unnaturally contracted1 as by rheumatism or otherwise1 we must bring it under the forward end--the outward current--the negative pole4 ,if we desire to contract ligaments or muscles that are abnormally relaxed1 7not atrophied71 as in prolapsus uteri1 we must subject them to the rear end of the current--the positive pole4 ,parts that are unnaturally contracted are electrically negative in excess1 and need to be made more positive4 ,and parts that are unhealthily relaxed are too positive1 and should be made more negative4 ,we make a part more positive by applying to it the negative pole1 and more negative by applying to it the positive pole4 ,parts spasmodically contracted are acute and positive2 those permanently contracted are chronic and negative4 ,,relaxed ,,and ,,atrophied ,,conditions4 ,i alluded1 above1 to a distinction between a relaxed and an atrophied condition of an organ4 ,there is such a distinction1 which should be carefully observed while treating parts so affected4 ,an atrophied muscle or organ becomes soft and flabby from lack of nourishment4 ,but this condition is not properly one of relaxation4 ,it is rather a diminution--a thinning out of atoms1 by wasting without replenishment4 ,such a condition is always negative1 and requires treatment under the negative pole4 ,on the contrary1 relaxed parts1 such as appear in prolapsus uteri1 and in the sagging down of the diaphragm1 with the thoracic and abdominal viscera1 exhibit no lack of nutrition or of vital action4 ,relaxation is a loosening of atoms from each other1 more or less1 without loss of aggregate weight2 and implies a condition electrically positive in excess1 and calls for treatment with the positive pole4 ,,general ,,directions ,,of ,,the ,,current4 ,negative affections1 as a general rule1 are best treated with the upward-running current--the positive pole being placed at a lower point than the negative4 ,inflammatory affections1 and other plus conditions1 for the most part1 should be treated with the down-running current1 keeping the negative pole at a lower point than the positive4 ,but these rules admit of frequent exceptions1 which every practitioner's experience will soon reveal4 ,the downward current1 running with the downward and outward course of the nerves1 tends to depletion and weakness1 for the reason that it runs off from the system the electro-vital fluid4 ,the upward current1 on the other hand1 running against the nerves1 inward towards their source1 feeds the system with fresh electricity1 and gives a tonic effect4 ,yet for this purpose1 it must not be too long continued1 nor of too severe strength1 lest it overtask and irritate the nerve-sheaths4 ,in treating a paralyzed organ1 the current should commonly be run from a healthy part1 whether that require it to be directed downwards or upwards4 ,for example3 ,in treating a paralyzed foot or leg1 the positive pole should be upon the lower part of the spine--at the coccyx--or even under the sole of the opposite foot4 ,it is best to alternate between these positions4 ,so in treating a paralyzed hand or arm1 let the current be run from the upper part of the spine1 and frequently also from the opposite hand4 ,with the negative electrode1 treat all over the paralyzed parts4 ,yet it is well1 in these cases1 often to reverse the direction of the current for a brief period at the close of the sittings1 say one to two minutes1 for the purpose of rousing the nervous susceptibility1 and to prevent exhaustion from too continuously running off the electro-vital fluid4 ,,treating ,,with ,,electrolytic ,,currents4 ,for decomposing and carrying off unnatural growths1 as fistula1 ficus1 glandular enlargements and other tumors1 it is often best to dilute the electrolytic quality of the galvanic current ,a ,b with one or both of the ,faradaic currents1 as by taking ,a ,c or ,a ,d instead of ,a ,b4 ,but malignant and poisonous affections1 as scirrhus and other varieties of cancer1 and also cases of infectious virus1 demand continually1 or with but occasional exceptions1 the primary galvanic current ,a ,b4 -,in treating these malignant affections1 the current should be run through as short a distance of healthy tissue as possible1 yet so as fairly to reach the diseased part4 ,and whether this part be brought1 for a given time1 under the one pole or the other1 the opposite pole should be attached to the long cord1 so as to throw the central point of the circuit1 not in the person of the patient1 but out on the long cord1 thus bringing the entire organic parts though which the current is passed on one and the same side of the center1 and so1 under the ruling influence of the same pole4 ,those diseases which require the chemical or electrolytic currents should1 for the most part1 be treated under the negative pole1 particularly those which need the galvanic current ,a ,b1 and also old ulcers and chronic irritation of mucus surfaces4 ,glandular enlargements not of scirrhous character1 and excrescent growths not poisonous1 may often be reduced1 and perhaps sometimes cured1 under the positive pole4 ,but my own experience1 even with these affections1 is that it is better to treat them under the negative pole until they come to assume1 as sometimes they will1 an acute state1 when the positive pole may be used with success4 ,if1 however1 it appears desirable to produce a cauterizing effect1 this must be done by persistent treatment under the negative pole of a strong ,a ,b or ,a ,c current1 and1 if the disease be external1 with a small pointed electrode4 ,,positive ,,and ,,negative ,,manifestations4 ,acute diseases are to be regarded as electrically positive1 and chronic affections as negative4 ,the exceptions are rare1 if any at all4 ,malignant cholera1 which is eminently acute1 might by some be considered as an exception4 ,in negative diseases1 there is a low degree of electro-vitality4 ,and it has been remarked by careful observers1 particularly in the ,orient1 that cholera rages with greatest destructiveness when no special electric phenomena have for long time appeared in the atmosphere1 and when the artificial electrical apparatus could be made to yield its sparks only with difficulty1 or not at all4 ,and again1 after a thunderstorm1 when the electric machine works again freely1 the cholera is also found to abate quickly1 and sometimes very greatly4 ,the inference drawn from these facts has been that the prevalence of cholera is largely owing to a lack of electricity in the atmosphere1 and consequently to a want of the animal electricity or electro-vitality in the system of the patient2 and thence it might be concluded that cholera implies a negative condition of the system4 ,i think there is a fallacy in this reasoning4 ,there appears to me to be an unwarrantable assumption in confidently attributing the long absence from the heavens of marked electrical phenomena1 and the failure of the electric machine to give its spark1 to an unquestioned deficiency of atmospheric electricity4 ,electrical manifestations take place only when the plus and minus conditions are existing1 in relation to each other1 somewhat near1 or not very remote2 and the visible phenomena appear when the positive and negative rush together1 so as to produce a polar equilibrium4 ,but suppose a plus condition to exist over a wide region1 then1 everything being overcharged1 the visible phenomena would be as rare and as difficult of attainment as if all around were negative4 ,how1 then1 can it be inferred1 with any certainty1 from such data1 that there is a deficiency of electricity1 rather than an excess of it8 ,i have not treated a case of cholera2 but my own impression of it is1 that in the first stage1 or during the rice-water discharges1 the condition of the system is1 as in other acute affections1 excessively positive2 but that1 as the collapse comes on1 it rapidly subsides into an intensely negative state1 thus assuming the chief characteristic of a chronic condition4 ,in the above remarks1 ,i would not be understood to indicate any doubt that the prevalence of cholera is often aggravated or mitigated by peculiar electrical states of the atmosphere4 ,it appears altogether probable that such may be the fact2 and ,i should presume that electrical treatment1 properly administered1 would be found eminently successful in this fearful malady4 ,again1 in chronic rheumatism there might1 at first view1 seem to be frequent exceptions to the rule last above stated2 but the cases alluded to are not such4 ,it is often the fact1 during chronic rheumatism1 that soreness and severe pain are felt1 especially under the presentation of the negative pole1 thus showing that these points require to be treated with the positive pole4 ,but1 in such cases1 although the general disease of the system be chronic and negative1 these sore and severely painful points have1 for the time1 risen in their electro-vital condition1 and so become acute and positive4 ,but when chronic rheumatism is attended with only a dull pain1 and that chiefly under exercise of the parts1 and with little or no increase of pain under an application of the negative pole of the ,a ,d current1 medium strength1 and with no swelling1 then the pain1 the stiffness and the lameness are all marks of the negative state1 and the parts must be treated with the negative pole of the ,a ,d current1 strongly at first1 but diminishing in force1 from time to time1 as the patient becomes relieved4 ,alkaline affections--those causing excessive alkaline secretions--are electrically positive4 ,acid or acidulous states are negative4 ,,healing4 ,for healing wounds1 burns1 ulcers1 irritation of mucous membranes1 and cutaneous eruptions1 the ,a ,d current is by far the best4 ,recent wounds1 contusions and burns are electrically positive4 ,old ulcers and irritations are generally negative4 ,,diagnosis4 ,to make a correct diagnosis1 it is needful to bear in mind the following general principles3 #a4 ,where the organism is in health1 the momentary application to the patient of the negative pole of the double ,faradaic current ,b ,d--the best for diagnostic use--in good medium strength1,d will be directly felt1 yet will cause no pain4 ,whatever muscular contractions may be produced for the time1 they are harmless1 and need not be noticed4 ,wherever the electro-vital fluid is in excess1 producing hypersthenia--too much vital action--the part is morbidly positive2 and1 excepting sometimes in the stomach and bowels1 the ,b ,d current1 of medium force1 directed to that part under the negative pole1 will produce sharp pain4 ,but where a current of full medium strength can not be felt under the negative pole1 there is a morbidly negative state--a deficiency of vital action--a condition of at least partial paralysis--anaesthesia4 #b4 ,in a state of health1 different persons will have different degrees of sensibility to the electric current1 depending on their varied nervous susceptibility4 ,again1 the same person will be much less sensitive to the current when directed to the spine1 particularly the lower part of it1 and to the stomach1 than when directed to most other parts4 ,also1 where bones lie near the surface1 the periosteum--the membrane immediately investing the bone--is apt to feel more sensibly under the electrodes than the muscular parts4 ,but these variations soon become so familiar to the practitioner that he finds no difficulty in making the proper allowances for them4 ,in making an electrical examination1 the two following questions present themselves to be answered3 ,first1 whether anywhere1 and1 if so1 where is there a morbid electrical state in the body of this patient8 ,second1 what is the electrical condition of that unhealthy part8 ,is it positive or negative8 ,these questions being answered1 according to the tests just given1 the well-instructed practitioner is prepared to go on and treat the patient judiciously1 and with success1 if success be attainable by any form of medication4 ,let me next say1 ,it is best1 as a general rule1 to make examinations with the negative pole4 ,the reason of this is that1 since the current is always more energetic under the negative than under the positive pole1 it makes itself more sensibly felt there than under the positive pole4 ,indeed1 it will commonly be felt even to painfulness there1 if the part were overcharged and inflamed before4 ,thus1 under the negative electrode1 the current readily detects any active disease4 ,but1 if we be making the examination with the positive pole1 as we come upon any point more or less inflamed1 the current1 quick as lightning1 rushes away from such inflamed part to the part under the stationary negative pole1 carrying with it1 for the time being1 more or less of that excess of electro-vital fluid which was in force at the inflamed point2 so that no pain1 perhaps1 is experienced there2 and thus the disease escapes detection4 ,i am aware that it has been said by some of our practitioners1 with1 if ,i rightly remember1 the able discoverer of the grand practical principles of our system1 ,prof4 ,c4 ,h4 ,bolles1 at their head1 that it is not quite prudent to use the negative pole in hand for diagnosis1 lest we possibly contract the disease from the patient2 since1 in that case1 the current runs from the patient to the practitioner4 ,they think it safer to use the positive pole in hand2 so letting the current run from the practitioner to the patient4 ,there is force in this consideration1 without doubt1 where the patient is affected with a poisonous or malignant disease4 ,and where any thing of this nature is apprehended1 ,i would never examine with the negative pole in hand4 ,but these cases are commonly so manifest1 or so easily determined by colloquial inquiry1 that examination with the electric current is rarely if ever necessary4 ,and when the disease is plainly not of a poisonous or infectious nature1 ,i do not think there is any danger to be apprehended from the cause stated4 ,i therefore prefer1 as a general rule1 to examine with the negative pole2 and for the reason given above4 ,the temperature of the room and the adjustment of apparel should be the same as for treatment4 ,to prevent improper chilliness1 the room ought to be of such temperature that clothing is not required for bodily comfort--say1 from #gj to #hj degrees1 ,fahrenheit4 ,seat the patient on a stool or chair1 7a stool is most convenient71 and yourself at his side1 with your machine1 ready for use1 on a table or bench before him1 and a vessel of warm water within easy reach4 ,if the patient be a man we let his trunk be disrobed1 giving free access to the back1 chest and abdomen4 ,if the patient be a woman1 let her be covered with a treating-robe1 of which garments the practitioner should keep a supply4 ,they are made much like a lady's plain nightgown2 but large and loose1 so as to serve ladies of any size1 and give ample room to work the electrodes under them4 ,her skirts should be dropped below the seat1 so far that their bands shall lie across her lap4 ,let us now suppose the machine to be working4 ,we will take the ,b ,d current4 ,let it be of good medium strength4 ,we regulate the strength by the quantity of fluid in the battery1 so far as volume is concerned1 and by means of the plunger as respects intensity4 ,the electrodes should be dampened with warm water4 ,let the sponge-roll1 a very thin expansion of sponge1 quilted upon a muslin lining1 and enveloping one of the tin electrodes1 be made the positive pole1 and be placed under the coccyx--lowest part of the spine4 ,then attach the positive cord2 that is1 the cord connected with the negative post1 to another sponge-roll1 to be held in the operator's right hand2 or1 what is better1 attach it to a thin1 flexible1 metallic wristband1 7brass is good1 but metallic lace--such as is used in trimming regalia1 is best71 underlaid with wet muslin1 and fastened around the right wrist4 ,this brings the operator's hand into the circuit as the negative electrode or pole4 ,next1 pass a moist1 warm sponge all over the patient's back4 ,now1 before the back becomes dry1 press the points of two fingers firmly1 yet not uncomfortably1 upon the back of the neck at the base of the skull2 thence move gradually downward1 by frequent touches of the same firm but gentle character1 keeping one finger on each side of the spinous processes1 until the whole length of the spine has been1 in this manner1 passed over4 ,if sharp pain or soreness be felt at any point1 note that point2 there is inflamed irritation there4 ,then return up to the right or left shoulder1 and pass1 in like manner1 by frequent touches with one or two fingers1 over all parts of the back on that side of the spine1 down to the hips4 ,then1 in the same way1 examine the shoulder and back on the other side of the spine1 noting1 as before1 every point1 if there be any1 where soreness and pain appear4 ,after this1 pass over the entire neck1 then over the front parts of the thorax and abdomen1 down to the pelvic bones1 everywhere watching for soreness and pain4 ,next1 go to the head4 ,wet the hair through to the scalp1 7because dry hair is a bad conductor17 and change to a very soft ,b ,c current4 ,then go over all the head in the same manner as over the neck and trunk4 ,better reverse the poles on the head1 by transposing the cords in the posts1 so as to make the manipulating hand the positive pole4 ,the head is1 or ought to be1 extremely sensitive4 ,you need not do this1 however1 if the negative pole can be received on the head without discomfort1 as it sometimes can be4 ,commence on the cerebrum1 and then pass to the cerebellum4 ,if1 in the examination of the spine1 the practitioner finds it uncomfortable to bear in his fingers a current of sufficient strength to be distinctly felt in that part of the patient1 he may use the side-sponge cup on the spine4 ,but let him never use a current on another person which he does not first apply to his own nerves1 so as to know its intensity4 ,indeed1 if one prefer to use the side-sponge cup through the whole process1 he can do so2 although there is advantage in using the fingers1 since1 by their concentrated impressions1 he is more sure to detect disease than by the broader face of the sponge cup4 -,now1 wherever there is found soreness or lancinating pain under the touch1 it is sure that the part is preternaturally positive--more or less so1 according to the degree of painful irritability4 ,on the other hand1 if there be found a part evincing much less than the usual sensibility found in the healthy corresponding part of other patients1 it may safely be pronounced torpid or paralytic1 more or less4 ,it lacks sufficient electro-vitality--is improperly negative1 and needs to be treated with the negative pole4 ,it will often happen that diseased action is found in parts where the patient was entirely unaware of its existence until the practitioner's fingers or other electrode revealed it4 ,again1 it will sometimes be found that there is no disease whatever in parts where the patient supposed disease to be active4 ,but when we find patients to be especially nervous1 it is not always best to tell them immediately just what our examinations have revealed to us--how severely or how little we think them diseased4 ,it is sometimes better to humor1 more or less1 the patient's own views for a time2 lest1 by exciting him or her1 we make a difficult case out of one that might have been mastered with comparative ease4 ,in this matter discretion should guide us4 ,but let me say farther1 what ,i deeply feel1 that neither do ,i think it right to persistently conceal from patients1 especially those who are dangerously affected1 a knowledge of their true condition4 ,in my opinion1 physicians often unwittingly incur an awful responsibility in this way1 wronging their patients in the most vital and momentous of all interests--the interests involved in a due preparation for death4 ,i believe the true way1 in every such case1 is for the physician himself1 in a kind and soothing manner1 to reveal to the patient1 little by little1 if need be1 what he really thinks1 or to ask the patient's pastor1 or some other calm and judicious person to do it for him4 ,i believe the visits of a discreet and affectionate pastor1 or1 in the absence of a pastor1 of some other mild and ,christian friend1 to the bedside of the sick is1 nine times in ten1 not only no embarrassment to the patient's recovery1 but positively favorable to it1 and ought to be habitually encouraged1 rather than restrained1 by medical practitioners4 ,,prescriptions4 ,,preliminary ,,remarks4 ,the author wishes to caution the reader not to rely merely on the forms of treatment here prescribed1 but to study thoroughly the principles taught in the preceding pages1 until he shall have mastered them1 and can judge for himself of the correctness of these prescriptions4 ,it should be remembered1 however1 that the diseases here considered are viewed in their simple or uncomplicated states4 ,where complications exist1 the treatment must be modified according to the judgment of the practitioner4 ,in these instructions1 it is always to be understood that the treatment prescribed is with cords of equal length1 except when the long cord is especially mentioned4 ,in most of the local diseases here named1 particularly those which are electrically negative1 it is desirable to supplement the local treatment prescribed with occasional general tonic treatment1 where1 in the judgment of the practitioner1 it can be given without detriment to the local affection4 ,in all treatments1 the electrodes should be moistened with warm water4 ,,general ,,tonic ,,treatment4 ,take the ,b ,d current1 7,a ,d is very good71 of fair medium strength4 ,place the sponge-roll1 ,n4 ,p4 ,negative ,pole1 at the coccyx--lowest point of spine--and manipulate with side-sponge cup1 ,p4 ,p4 ,positive ,pole1 from the feet all over the lower limbs to and about the hips2 occupying three or four minutes1 or less4 ,then remove the ,n4 ,p41 substituting for the sponge-roll the end-sponge cup1 and place this upon the spine at the lower part of the neck4 ,now manipulate with side-sponge cup1 ,p4 ,p41 over the trunk generally1 from the lower to the upper parts2 giving special attention to the spinal column by treating it somewhat more than other parts4 ,treat the trunk some five to eight minutes4 ,next1 keeping the ,n4 ,p4 still upon the back of the neck1 treat with ,p4 ,p4 over the hands and arms1 up to and about the shoulders4 ,treat here two or three minutes4 ,it has been customary1 for the most part1 in giving general tonic treatment1 to make the ,p4 ,p4 stationary--placing it successively at the feet1 the coccyx and the hands--and to manipulate above it with the ,n4 ,p4 ,but the better way is as directed above4 ,the object is to reinforce the main nerve-lines and centers with electricity from without4 ,the nerves branch off from their centers--the brain1 the spinal cord1 the ganglions1 and the great plexuses--and run1 in general1 downward and outward from the trunk lines1 in a manner somewhat analogous to the branches and twigs of an inverted little tree4 ,if we place before us such a shrub1 with the root upward and the branches pointing downwards1 and then draw lines from the lowest point of the lowest twig to the outer ends of all the branches surrounding the main trunk1 we shall see that our lines1 instead of running in the general directions of the limbs1 will1 for the most part1 run across the twigs4 ,but1 if we draw our lines from the outer extremities of the branches and twigs up to the root1 or near to the source of the trunk1 we will find the lines1 in the main1 running nearly parallel with the branches4 ,now1 let us substitute for this inverted tree the nervous system of a man1 and remember that the electric current moves from the positive to the negative pole as nearly in straight lines as it can where there are good conductors1 such as the nerves and muscles1 and it will at once appear that1 in treating the lower limbs1 if we place our ,n4 ,p4 at the coccyx1 and then manipulate with ,p4 ,p4 over the feet and legs1 our electric lines are running from all the surface extremities of the nerve ramifications1 wherever the ,p4 ,p4 is moving1 directly into and along these fine ramifications1 and1 through the larger nerve-branches1 up to the stationary ,n4 ,p4 ,or1 if we treat the trunk of the body by placing the ,n4 ,p4 on the spine1 near its upper end1 and then manipulate with ,p4 ,p4 from the lower part upward over the back1 sides1 abdomen and chest1 our current strikes into the surface extremities of the nerves at every point where the electrode touches1 and makes its way upwards1 along the nerve-lines1 to the great spinal cord under the ,n4 ,p4--thus replenishing with fresh electricity all the ganglions1 plexuses and nerve-trunks along the way4 ,but if ,p4 ,p4 be made stationary at the lower end of the section under treatment1 and we manipulate over the parts with the ,n4 ,p41 the current strikes from ,p4 ,p41 across the nerve branches and comes out at their surface extremities wherever the negative electrode moves--so reaching but indirectly and imperfectly the trunk-lines and their centers4 ,,common ,,colds4 ,take the ,b ,d ,faradaic current--moderate strength4 ,if the affection be mainly in the head1 give1 #ast4 ,a face bath4 ,let an earthen wash-basin1 nearly filled with tepid water1 be placed on a table or chair before the patient1 he holding the sponge-roll see page #hi ,n4 ,p4 in his hands4 ,now let him bury his face in the water as long as he can hold his breath4 ,at the instant after his face is in the water1 drop into the water the tin electrode ,p4 ,p4 ,repeat this process as often as he recovers his breath1 some eight1 ten or a dozen times4 #b;d4 ,place the sponge-roll ,n4 ,p4 in the hands as before1 and1 making an electrode ,p4 ,p4 of your own hand1 in the manner directed for diagnosis1 clasp the nose of the patient between your thumb and finger1 moving them up and down along the sides of the nose1 and on the nose between the eyes1 about five minutes4 ,repeat the above forms twice or thrice a day4 ,if there be hoarseness1 or cough1 or stricture of lungs1 or soreness of chest1 place ,n4 ,p41 with long cord1 upon back of neck1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 over the front part of neck and breast1 and wherever upon the thorax stricture or soreness appears4 ,if there be a feverish condition of the system1 attended1 perhaps1 with pain in the head1 place ,p4 ,p4 on the spine1 a little below the cranium1 and treat with ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 all the way down the spine1 and over the entire back1 sides1 thorax and abdomen4 ,in this case let the current be rather mild1 and be continued for a considerable length of time1 with the view of bringing out perspiration4 ,it is best that the patient should receive treatment in bed1 perfectly protected from any cool air that might restrain or check perspiration4 ,in these cases1 ,i not unfrequently treat with a light ,b ,d current a full hour1 unless perspiration start freely in shorter time1 working over the trunk and limbs generally4 ,but1 while treating over the lower limbs1 the ,p4 ,p4 should be upon the hypogastric flexus1 at the small of the back4 ,treat once or twice a day until relief appears4 ,after the stricture and soreness of the lungs are removed1 and the general febrile action is suppressed1 it is desirable to give a general tonic treatment4 ,,cephalagia4 7,headache47 #a4 ,nervous headache4 ,take the ,b ,d current--moderate force4 ,place ,p4 ,p4 on back of neck1 just below the brain1 and manipulate with side-sponge cup1 ,n4 ,p41 all the way down the spine and over the back4 ,it may often be necessary to apply the ,p4 ,p4 directly to the suffering part of the head4 ,in that case1 take the soft ,faradaic current ,b ,c4 ,if the fluid in the battery cell be fresh1 use very little--just enough to reach well the platina plate and make the machine run4 ,wet the hair thoroughly through to the scalp1 where the electrode is to be applied4 ,seat the patient on ,n4 ,p41 or let him hold it in both his hands1 7the former is the better way71 and treat lightly over the affected parts of the head with ,p4 ,p4 ,treat five to ten minutes1 as may be required1 and if the pain returns1 repeat the treatment4 ,only a very light current can be safely applied directly to the brain1 and that an induced ,faradaic current4 #b4 ,sick ,headache4 ,the procuring cause of this distressing disease is involved in considerable mystery4 ,it seems1 however1 to be largely dependent on the secretion and discharge into the duodenum of an improper quantity of bile1 and an irregularity in the peristaltic action of the upper part of the bowels1 particularly of the duodenum1 in which that action more or less is reversed1 and thereby throws the biliary fluid up1 through the pylorus1 into the stomach4 ,after a time1 the stomach becomes nauseated by its accumulation2 and the head1 through nervous sympathy1 is rendered electrically positive in excess1 and thus is made to ache4 ,yet there are certain characteristics of the disease which this view does not satisfactorily explain1 and which must remain unexplained until advancing science shall reveal to us more perfect light4 ,when this disease has become habitual and periodic1 it is very obstinate1 and requires persistent treatment--often for several months4 ,take the ,b ,d current1 with moderate force4 ,place the ,n4 ,p4 on the spine1 immediately above the kidneys1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 over the stomach and the duodenum1 7lying transversely just below the stomach71 three to five minutes4 ,treat in this manner about twice a week4 ,it may sometimes be necessary to treat the head directly4 ,if so1 after the treatment above prescribed1 add that prescribed for the head directly1 in nervous headache1 with this difference1 viz3 instead of seating the patient on the ,n4 ,p41 or placing the same in his hands1 pass it over the stomach and duodenum1 unless the former may be already too positive4 ,in that case1 let the ,n4 ,p4 be at the seat4 ,,deafness4 ,the prognosis is very uncertain4 ,this infirmity is often cured by our system1 even when of long standing2 and often1 again1 the treatment fails4 ,the uncertainty arises from the difficulty in determining the exact pathological derangement4 ,take the ,a ,d current1 mild force4 ,introduce the ear electrode as the ,n4 ,p4 when the disease is of long standing1 or as the ,p4 ,p4 when it is of recent origin4 ,apply the opposite pole to the back of the neck4 ,treat five to eight minutes1 once a day for three or four days1 and afterwards three times a week4 ,if no success appears within three weeks1 it will probably be vain to expect it afterwards4 ,,noises ,,in ,,the ,,head4 ,treat the same as for deafness4 ,,inflamed ,,eyes4 ,if the disease be recent and acute1 7but not infectious71 as from sewing or reading by lamp light or other irritation1 take the ,c ,d current1 of moderate force4 ,treat with the eye-bath1 filled with tepid water1 having the eye open in the water4 ,make the bath the ,p4 ,p41 and place the ,n4 ,p4 on the spine at the upper dorsal vertebra4 ,treat each eye three minutes daily4 ,if the disease be acute and infectious1 use the ,a ,c current some four to six times1 and then change to ,a ,d4 ,apply the current as directed above4 ,if the disease be chronic1 or the lids granulated1 treat with ,a ,d1 very mild current1 applying the eye-bath1 ,n4 ,p41 to the eyes1 and place the ,p4 ,p4 upon the spine1 at the top of the back4 ,treat each eye three to five minutes three times a week4 ,in cases of simple inflammation1 7not infectious71 and that chiefly or entirely in the lids1 it is often quite as well or better to treat over the closed lids with the finger1 holding the sponge-roll ,p4 ,p4 in the same hand4 ,,amaurosis4 7,paralysis of the optic nerve47 ,use ,b ,d current1 moderate force1 three or four times1 and then change to ,c ,d4 ,apply the eye-bath1 ,n4 ,p41 to the eye1 and sponge-cup ,p4 ,p4 upon one of the upper dorsal vertebrae4 ,treat three to five minutes on each eye1 three times a week4 ,,strabismus4 7,discordance of the eyes47 ,if neither of the rectus muscles have been cut and cicatrized1 and if the deformity be not congenital1 it may ordinarily be cured4 ,take ,b ,d current1 with small pointed electrodes4 ,if the eye be turned inward1 insert ,p4 ,p4 in the outer angle of the eye1 so as to bear upon the rectus externus1 and ,n4 ,p4 in the inner angle1 so as to bear on the rectus internus4 ,let the current be of what force the patient can bear4 ,withdraw the electrodes frequently1 to rest the eye1 and then reapply them4 ,apply the current in this manner six to ten or twelve times at a sitting4 ,the eye will soon become inflamed1 but the inflammation will quickly go down4 ,treat daily1 or on alternate days1 as the eye can bear4 ,after treating some ten or twelve times1 if the organ does not come into place let it rest a week1 and then resume the treatment as before4 ,if the eye be turned outward1 treat in the same manner as directed above1 except that in this case1 the ,p4 ,p4 must be inserted in the inner and the ,n4 ,p4 in the outer angle4 ,,catarrh4 7,acute47 ,if in the head1 treat as prescribed for common colds in the head4 ,if in the throat1 place ,n4 ,p4 somewhere on the dorsal vertebrae1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4--tongue instrument--in the mouth about five minutes1 and then with end-sponge cup externally upon the affected parts as much longer4 ,use the ,b ,d current1 in good medium strength1 twice a day4 ,,catarrh4 7,chronic47 ,if in the head1 first give face-bath1 as in common colds1 except with reversed poles and changing to the ,a ,d current1 very mild force4 ,if in the throat or bronchial tubes1 place the ,p4 ,p4 of the ,a ,d current1 with long cord1 on the back of the neck or in the mouth1 and treat with ,n4 ,p41 soft current1 upon the affected parts1 eight or ten minutes4 ,repeat treatment about three times a week4 ,,diphtheria4 ,use the ,a ,d current1 strong force4 ,place the ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 upon the lower cervical vertebrae1 and then treat1 first1 with the tongue instrument1 ,p4 ,p41 in the mouth1 as far back on the tongue as can be borne1 three to five minutes4 ,next1 manipulate with sponge-cup1 ,p4 ,p41 or the tin electrode filled with sponge1 over all the front parts of the neck and throat1 down to the chest1 five to eight minutes4 ,treat as often as once in two or three hours4 ,,aphonia4 7,loss of voice47 ,this affection requires treatment variously1 as it depends on one or another procuring cause4 ,if it be the result of recent cold1 inducing acute catarrhal irritation in the larynx1 treat first as for common cold1 and close the sitting as follows3 ,place ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 of ,a ,d current1 in good medium force1 upon back of neck or in the mouth1 and treat three to five minutes1 twice a day1 with ,p4 ,p41 over the front parts of the air pipe in the neck2 mostly over the larynx--,adam's apple4 ,if it be from paralysis of the larynx1 treat with ,b ,d current1 rather strong force2 placing ,p4 ,p41 long cord1 on back of neck or in the mouth1 and work with ,n4 ,p4 over the larynx1 and somewhat over the air tube of the neck generally4 ,treat three to five minutes1 daily4 ,if1 as is sometimes the case1 the difficulty proceeds from a relaxation of the diaphragm1 with general sagging down of the thoracic and abdominal viscera1 so as to draw upon the trachea1 then treat the whole trunk tonically1 using the ,b ,d current4 ,place the ,n4 ,p4 low on back of neck1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 over the abdomen and thorax1 and especially all around the edge of the diaphragm--along the lower line of the false ribs4 ,treat with medium strength of current1 ten minutes1 three times a week4 ,the aim is to contract all the relaxed parts1 so to relieve the larynx from the strain upon it4 ,,croup4 ,treat croup1 whether membranous or spasmodic1 much the same as is prescribed for diphtheria1 only1 in the latter part of the form1 treat less4 ,,asthma4 ,use the ,a ,d current1 medium force4 ,treat with ,p4 ,p4 over the shoulders and between the scapulae1 and with ,n4 ,p4 in front upon the lungs1 heart and diaphragm4 ,treat five to ten minutes1 daily1 for three or four days2 after that1 three times a week4 ,,hepatization ,,of ,,lungs4 ,take ,a ,d current1 pretty strong force4 ,treat in front1 over the lungs1 with ,p4 ,p41 moving ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 on spine from neck to near the kidneys2 that is1 over all the dorsal vertebrae4 ,if the current be severely painful1 moderate it to endurance4 ,treat six to ten minutes twice a day4 ,,pneumonia4 ,take ,b ,d current1 forceful as the patient can bear1 and treat briefly--say five to seven minutes1 several times a day1 until relief is experienced4 ,place ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 low on back of neck1 and move ,p4 ,p4 over all the upper part of the lungs4 ,then remove ,n4 ,p4 to the lower dorsal vertebrae1 just above the kidneys1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 over the lower part of the lungs4 ,if typhoid symptoms attend1 follow the above with placing ,p4 ,p41 medium force1 on back of neck1 close below the cranium1 and ,n4 ,p4 at coccyx1 two or three minutes4 ,,pulmonary ,,phthisis4 7,consumption47 ,after tubercles have been formed extensively in the lungs1 and have softened down over considerable area1 carrying down the pulmonary tissue with them into a state of pus1 there is commonly but little hope of successful treatment4 ,but where they are restricted to comparatively small extent1 and no ulceration exists1 they may be decomposed and absorbed away1 or be thrown off in expectoration1 and the affected parts be healed4 ,if the case be a recent one1 and acute fever1 combined1 perhaps1 with more or less inflammation1 appear in the lungs1 use the ,a ,c current1 in moderate force1 yet all the patient can bear without special distress4 ,place ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 upon the upper dorsal vertebrae for treating the upper part of the lungs1 or upon the lower dorsal vertebrae for treating their lower part4 ,then pass ,p4 ,p4 over all the affected parts4 ,treat in this manner five to eight minutes1 daily1 until the inflammation is suppressed1 which will be indicated by an abatement of the extreme sensitiveness and lancinating pain under the electrode4 ,then1 if feverish action continue high1 remove the ,n4 ,p4 to the coccyx1 or to the lower part of the sacrum1 taking the ,b ,d current1 mild force1 with cords of equal length1 and treat1 as before1 with ,p4 ,p4 over the affected parts1 and also over the thorax generally1 and along down the spine to the lower dorsal vertebrae4 ,continue this treatment ten to fifteen minutes1 daily1 until the fever is removed1 or nearly so4 ,for this part of the treatment1 it is best to use the hand as the ,p4 electrode1 and to diffuse the current over the whole palm of the hand wherever special soreness appears4 ,it is better1 also1 that the patient receive the treatment in bed1 secure from any chilliness or current of air1 so as to facilitate perspiration4 ,if the case be one of long standing1 and more or less of pus1 or pus and tubercles1 be raised in coughing1 take the ,a ,d current1 with equal cords and very mild force4 ,reduce the quantity of battery fluid if necessary4 ,now place ,p4 ,p4 at the coccyx and treat with ,n4 ,p41 7the hand is here much the best71 over all the diseased parts4 ,change occasionally by removing ,p4 ,p4 to back of neck with long cord4 ,the object is to bring the diseased parts under a very light force of the ,a ,d current1 such as is especially healing in old ulcers and chronic irritation4 ,but if this action should at any time increase fever or inflammation in the lungs1 the poles must be reversed for one or two treatments4 ,in this stage of the disease1 treat ten to twelve or fifteen minutes1 daily1 for three or four days1 and after that1 three times a week4 ,,neuralgia ,,and ,,rheumatism ,,of ,,the ,,heart4 ,if neuralgia1 use ,b ,d current2 if rheumatism1 use ,a ,d4 ,in either case1 treat the heart with ,p4 ,p41 moderate force1 placing ,n4 ,p4 at lower dorsal or upper lumbar vertebrae4 ,treat five to eight minutes1 daily1 until relief is gained4 ,rheumatism of the heart may be distinguished from neuralgia by its occasioning irregularity in the cardiac contractions1 commonly a sense of soreness and pain under pressure by the hand1 and often perceptible enlargement of the organ1 which neuralgia does not1 and also by its pains being more constant--less fitful--than those of neuralgia4 ,,enlargement1 ,,or ,,ossification ,,of ,,the ,,heart4 ,treat these two affections in the same way4 ,take the ,a ,d current1 moderate force4 ,place ,n4 ,p4 at the coccyx1 or alternately there and1 with long cord1 on the spine opposite to the heart4 ,manipulate with ,p4 ,p4 over the heart4 ,treat five to eight minutes1 three times a week4 ,,palpitation ,,of ,,the ,,heart4 ,this is commonly a symptomatic or sympathetic affection--rarely idiopathic--and disappears on cure of the disease from which it proceeds4 ,it usually denotes nervous weakness1 and often general debility4 ,general tonic treatment is indicated1 as far as can be given without interfering with the proper treatment of any local affections on which the palpitation depends4 ,,torpid ,,liver4 ,take ,a ,d or ,b ,d current1 full medium force4 ,treat with ,n4 ,p4 over the liver1 at the right side1 immediately below the short ribs1 and thence backward and a little upward1 as far as to the spine1 holding ,p4 ,p4 on the left side1 close under the ribs1 for about four to six minutes4 ,then remove ,p4 ,p4 to the spine1 on back of neck1 two or three minutes4 ,next1 go with the ,p4 ,p4 to coccyx two or three minutes2 continuing1 as at first1 to manipulate with ,n4 ,p4 over the liver4 ,let the whole treatment occupy some eight to twelve minutes4 ,repeat the sittings about three times a week4 ,,hepatitis4 7,inflammation of ,liver47 ,use the ,b ,d current1 with what force the patient can bear4 ,place ,n4 ,p4 at the coccyx1 and also somewhat on the trunk1 opposite to the inflammation4 ,then manipulate with ,p4 ,p4 over the inflamed and sore part4 ,treat five to eight minutes1 once or twice a day4 ,,enlargement ,,of ,,liver4 ,take ,a ,d current1 with medium force4 ,place ,n4 ,p41 some three to five minutes1 on left side1 over the spleen2 and then as much longer at the coccyx4 ,manipulate with ,p4 ,p4 over the liver4 ,treat about three times a week4 ,if the enlargement be recent1 it will subside2 if of long standing1 its restoration will be slow1 and somewhat uncertain4 ,,biliary ,,calculi4 7,gravel in ,liver47 ,take ,a ,c current1 strong as can be borne2 and treat the inflamed and painful part with ,p4 ,p41 while ,n4 ,p4 is upon the right end of the duodenum4 ,treat eight to ten minutes1 daily4 ,,intermittent ,,fever4 7,ague and ,fever47 ,use the ,a ,d current4 ,first1 give general tonic treatment4 7,see page #ie47 ,then close the sitting with a strong current1 running from spleen to liver--,p4 ,p4 upon spleen1 in the left side1 just below the ribs1 and ,n4 ,p4 upon liver--best reached in the right side1 close under the ribs1 and around backward and a little upward as far as to the spine4 ,the spleen is morbidly positive1 and probably enlarged1 while the liver is too negative4 ,treat spleen and liver in this transverse manner about five minutes4 ,if the chills occur on alternate days1 treat on the intervening days2 if every day1 treat about two hours before the chill is expected4 ,,nephritis4 7,inflammation of ,kidneys47 #a4 ,acute4 ,if the urinary secretion be reddish and scant1 with or without sedimentary deposit1 let the inflammation be regarded as acute2 and use upon it the ,b ,d current of good medium strength1 or a little more1 if the patient can bear it4 ,the pain from the current will probably subside somewhat1 and perhaps altogether1 under treatment4 ,place ,n4 ,p4 at the coccyx1 and manipulate over the inflamed and sore parts with ,p4 ,p4 ,treat five to eight minutes1 twice a day1 if the case be recent1 or once a day1 if it be of some weeks standing4 #b4 ,chronic4 ,if it be an old case1 and attended with a brownish or a brickdust-like sediment in the urine1 it may be considered chronic1 and should be treated with a moderate ,a ,d current1 once in two days4 ,place ,p4 ,p4 at the coccyx1 and treat with ,n4 ,p4 over the affected kidneys4 ,there may be no sense of soreness or swelling1 but dull pain4 ,treat six to ten minutes4 ,but if the inflammation should rise to an active or acute state1 reverse the poles4 ,,renal ,,calculi4 7,gravel in the ,kidneys47 ,take the ,a ,c current1 of considerable force4 ,place ,n4 ,p4 low upon the bladder1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 upon the inflamed and painful point five to eight minutes1 once or twice a day4 ,if treating twice a day1 continue not more than five minutes at a time4 ,,diabetes4 7,a ,kidney ,disease47 ,this disease occurs in two forms--diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus4 ,in the first named form1 the disease is readily cured4 ,in the latter1 it is very formidable1 and is rarely1 if ever1 cured by medicines2 especially when of long standing4 ,in this latter variety of the disease1 the urea is absent from the urine1 and in its place is found more or less of sugar--often large quantities3 ,dunglison says #b-a_/b oz4 in a pint4 ,the electrical state of the disease1 in both of these forms1 is negative in excess4 #a4 ,d4 insipidus4 ,use the ,b ,d current1 of moderate force4 ,place ,p4 ,p4 at the coccyx or on the upper dorsal vertebra1 or on both in alternation1 which is better1 and treat over the kidneys with ,n4 ,p4 five to eight minutes1 once a day for three or four days4 ,if this should fail to cure1 7as it seldom will71 go on with the same treatment three times a week4 #b4 ,d4 mellitus4 ,take the ,a ,d current1 of mild force4 ,place ,p4 ,p4 as in d4 insipidus1 and treat the kidneys with ,n4 ,p4 about five to eight minutes1 three times a week2 supplementing this with general tonic treatment1 once or twice a week4 ,be patient and persevering4 ,in bad cases1 months will be required to effect a cure2 but persistent effort1 as above prescribed1 will rarely if ever fail1 unless the vital force is nearly expended4 ,,dyspepsia4 ,this is one of the most difficult of diseases to control by any of the ordinary modes of medical practice2 and yet1 under judicious electrical treatment1 it is one of the surest to yield4 ,the disease assumes various phases in different persons1 and at different times in the same person1 requiring varied treatment4 ,the pain1 after eating1 is severe2 exhalations of air1 apparently from the inner surfaces of the stomach and bowels1 or of gas from their decomposing contents1 are large--often enormous4 ,the stomach is much of the time acid1 and1 in some cases1 sensibly cold1 ejecting often a cold mucus4 ,the bowels are habitually constipated4 ,the patient is nervous1 irritable1 and subject to great depression of spirits4 ,in this stage or phase of the disease1 there is a negative condition of the digestive apparatus generally4 ,treat with the ,a ,d current1 in mild force1 and expect the case to require considerable time4 ,but1 since there is no approach to uniformity among patients1 no approximation to definite time can be stated4 ,give general tonic treatment1 7page #ie71 three times a week1 and close each sitting with local treatment1 having ,p4 ,p4 at the coccyx1 and manipulating some five minutes with ,n4 ,p4 over the entire front parts of the abdomen and thorax1 and over the liver4 ,it is sometimes found1 in old cases1 that there is no sensible acidity of stomach2 but a pyrosis--a burning sensation in the stomach1 or a little above1 in what is usually termed the pit of the stomach4 ,treat this about three minutes with the ,p4 ,p41 strong force2 moving ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 over the lower dorsal vertebrae4 ,,acute ,,diarrh,,oe,a4 ,take ,b ,d current4 ,place ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 upon the lumbar vertebrae and sacrum1 moving it often along the spine1 from a position opposite to the umbilicus down to the coccyx2 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 over the abdomen1 and more especially wherever pain or sensations of uneasiness appear4 ,in severe cases1 treat several times in a day--once in two to three hours1 if need require1 three to five minutes at a time4 ,use current of full medium strength1 if the patient can bear it4 ,,chronic ,,diarrh,,oe,a4 ,take ,a ,d current1 of very mild force4 ,place ,p4 ,p4 at the feet1 and treat with ,n4 ,p4 over the lower limbs briefly2 then over the bowels and stomach1 both front and rear1 some three to five minutes2 then pass up with ,n4 ,p4 over the anterior parts of the chest1 two or three minutes2 and1 next1 place ,n4 ,p4 low on the back of neck1 with ,p4 ,p4 still at feet1 two or three minutes4 ,treat in this manner once daily4 ,if at any time the bowels should become unusually flatulent1 and evacuations should increase in frequency1 change the treatment4 ,place ,n4 ,p4 at back of neck1 as before1 and treat about five minutes with ,p4 ,p4 7force increased to moderate current7 over the abdomen1 daily1 from one to three days1 as may be necessary4 ,after this1 resume treatment as first above prescribed4 ,,colic--of whatever kind4 ,use ,a ,d current1 pretty strong force4 ,in severe cases1 introduce the rectum instrument ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 or in mild cases1 place sponge-roll ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 at coccyx1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 over all the abdomen1 three to five minutes4 ,it may be repeated1 if necessary1 in thirty minutes4 ,,cholera ,,morbus4 ,keep the patient still as possible on his back4 ,use ,a ,d current1 strong force4 ,place ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 at coccyx1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 over abdomen1 five to ten minutes1 and repeat1 if necessary1 in thirty to sixty minutes4 ,if there be cramps1 touch the contracted muscles with the ,p4 ,p41 for a few moments1 without disturbing ,n4 ,p4 ,,cholera4--7,malignant47 ,as in cholera morbus1 keep the patient on his back1 still as can be4 ,use ,a ,d current1 full medium strength4 ,in the early stage1 or during the rice-water discharges1 and down to the time of collapse1 treat the abdomen and thorax with ,p4 ,p41 having ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 on back of neck--not too near the head4 ,after treating so a few moments--say four to six minutes--remove ,p4 ,p4 to the back1 and pass it along close upon each side of the spinous processes from the lower lumbar up to about the middle of the dorsal vertebrae4 ,continue this about three or four minutes4 ,if cramping accompany the vomiting and purging1 carry the ,p4 ,p4 a part of the time to the muscles in spasm1 leaving ,n4 ,p4 still at the back of neck1 with long cord4 ,repeat the above processes as often as once an hour until symptoms improve4 ,then reduce their frequency as the case will admit of4 ,in the state of collapse1 place ,p4 ,p41 long cord1 at the coccyx1 and manipulate with ,n4 ,p4 over the entire trunk and arms2 bestowing a larger share of treatment along up the spine than elsewhere4 ,then remove ,p4 ,p41 long cord1 to feet1 and work with ,n4 ,p4 all over the lower limbs and hips4 ,treat in this stage of the disease some six or eight minutes at a time1 and repeat it as the case seems to demand--once in thirty minutes to once in two1 four or six hours1 until improvement or death shall ensue4 7,see page #ha47 ,,dysentery4 ,treat exactly as in acute diarrhoea1 except that ,p4 ,p4 should be moved more over the colon and rectum than in diarrhoea4 ,,constipation ,,of ,,bowels4 ,this disease may proceed from either a negative condition--a state of atony from lack of nutrition1 or a partial paralysis of the bowels--or from a positive condition--a state of relaxation and consequent weakness of the muscular tissues of the bowels4 ,in either of these cases1 the peristaltic action of the intestines becomes enfeebled1 and constipation ensues4 ,in either case1 use the ,a ,d current1 of medium force4 ,in the first-mentioned case1 place ,p4 ,p4 at back of neck1 or in the mouth with tongue instrument1 and treat with ,n4 ,p4 over liver1 stomach and bowels2 or place ,n4 ,p4 at the anus4 ,treat so five to eight minutes4 ,in the second-specified case1 place ,n4 ,p4 at back of neck or on the dorsal vertebrae1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 over the bowels five to eight minutes4 ,in both cases1 repeat the treatment daily until relief is afforded4 ,or1 if the case be chronic1 treat daily for three or four days1 and1 after that1 three times a week4 ,it is well also to give general tonic treatment as often as once a week4 ,the patient should be urged to retire and invite an evacuation regularly1 about the same hour daily1 whether success attend it or not4 ,,haemorrhoids4 7,piles47 ,if the case be recent1 take the ,b ,d current2 if old1 take ,a ,d4 ,place the patient in a recumbent position1 and let the rectum instrument1 ,p4 ,p41 be introduced1 wet4 ,manipulate with ,n4 ,p4 along the spine upon the dorsal vertebrae4 ,where there is prolapsus ani1 the sponge-roll1 placed at the anus1 may be used instead of the rectum instrument1 particularly for the first few treatments4 ,,rheumatism4 7,acute ,inflammatory47 ,first ascertain if the kidneys be morbidly positive--urine scant and too highly colored4 ,if so1 as is commonly the case1 begin with the ,b ,d current1 good medium force4 ,place ,n4 ,p4 at the pelvis1 and treat over the kidneys with ,p4 ,p4 some three or four minutes4 ,let this be the commencement of every treatment until this difficulty is corrected4 ,next1 change to ,a ,d current4 ,if the disease be located in the hips or lower limbs1 put the feet in warm water with the tin electrode ,n4 ,p41 or place the sponge-roll ,n4 ,p4 at the soles of the feet1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 upon and a little above the affected parts2 using such force of current as the patient can bear4 ,the pain will commonly subside under treatment4 ,if the disease be as low as the ankles or feet1 use the long cord with ,n4 ,p4 ,if the shoulders1 arms or hands be affected1 treat them on the same principles as are prescribed for the lower limbs2 using the long cord with ,n4 ,p4 when the disease is below the elbows4 ,when the disease is in the hands or feet1 or near to them1 if the shoulders or hips be not involved1 it is often necessary1 after three or four treatments as above described1 to reverse the poles for a few moments1 giving an ascending current2 but still using the long cord with ,n4 ,p4 ,if the disease be located anywhere in the trunk1 neck or head1 treat the affected part with ,p4 ,p41 placing ,n4 ,p4 on some adjacent part of the spine1 and usually at a point somewhat lower down than the disease4 ,for acute inflammatory rheumatism1 treat once a day4 ,the length of time for each treatment must depend on the location and extent of the affected part or parts4 ,in this matter1 the practitioner must decide for himself1 or infer from the time prescribed in the treatment of other inflammatory affections4 ,,rheumatism4 7,chronic47 ,use the ,a ,d current always in rheumatic affections4 ,if there be no visible inflammation or swelling in the diseased parts1 approach such parts in the same manner as in acute inflammatory rheumatism1 except with reversed poles4 ,the parts affected require to come under the ,n4 ,p4 rather than the ,p4 ,p41 and to be treated with considerable force4 ,there are apparently exceptional cases1 referred to on page #hc1 which see4 ,where joints are being dislocated1 treat the parts with ,n4 ,p41 quite mild force1 so long as it can be done without exciting acute inflammation4 ,if this should arise1 it must be repressed with ,p4 ,p4 ,treat chronic rheumatism about three times a week4 ,,dropsy4 ,use the ,a ,d current1 moderate force4 ,give general tonic treatment2 then place ,p4 ,p4 with the feet1 in a vessel of warm water1 or place the sponge-roll ,p4 ,p4 at the soles of the feet1 and treat the affected parts a few minutes with ,n4 ,p41 to quicken the absorbents4 ,if the disease be in the feet or lower limbs1 use long cord with ,p4 ,p4 while treating them4 ,next place ,n4 ,p4 upon the lower part of the bladder1 or1 what is better1 immediately below the pubic articulation1 and treat over the kidneys three to five minutes with ,p4 ,p4 ,repeat the treatments about three times a week4 ,,neuralgia4 ,if the disease be general in the system1 moving from place to place1 or causing transient acute pains here and there1 give general tonic treatment1 three times a week1 for several weeks--perhaps a month or two1 provided the case be an old one4 ,this will invigorate the nervous system and equalize the electric action4 ,relief will be afforded soon2 but for the sake of cure1 the treatment of an old case should be continued as here directed4 ,if the disease be local1 use the ,b ,d current1 with as much force as the patient can bear without irritating painfulness4 ,treat the affected part1 or parts1 with ,p4 ,p41 placing ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 upon some approximate healthy part1 at a point a little lower down than the part in pain4 ,the spine1 when convenient1 is commonly the best point for it4 ,in treating the painful part1 pass the electrode more or less also over the nerves adjacent to the one principally affected4 ,treat five to eight minutes daily4 ,,sciatica4 ,this is neuralgia in an ischiatic nerve1 commonly the great ischiatic4 ,use the ,b ,d current1 strong as the patient can well bear4 ,place the foot in warm water with ,n4 ,p41 or place the sponge-roll ,n4 ,p4 at the sole of the foot1 7the former is the best17 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 over the painful part1 and also1 more or less1 over adjacent parts4 ,it is also well1 in order to prevent too much exhaustion of the limb1 to reverse the poles every third or fourth time2 but in so doing1 use the long cord with ,n4 ,p4 ,,paralysis4 ,take the ,b ,d current1 medium force4 ,if the paralysis be in a lower limb1 place ,p4 ,p41 long cord1 upon the lower lumbar vertebrae1 so as to reach the hypogastric plexus1 and treat with the metallic brush1 ,n4 ,p41 five to eight minutes1 over all the affected parts4 ,then close the sitting with reversed poles1 about one to two minutes1 having ,p4 ,p41 long cord1 at the foot1 and manipulating over the parts affected1 and especially over the lumbar vertebrae1 with ,n4 ,p4 ,this is to prevent depletion by running off the electro-vital fluid too much1 and to force the electric current through the nerves in an upward and inward tonic-giving direction4 ,if the disease be in an arm or hand1 treat it in a manner analogous to the above2 extending the treatment from back of neck to the affected parts4 ,in case of hemiplegia or paraplegia1 run the current from the healthy side of the spine1 7in hemiplegia17 or from a healthy part of the spine1 7in paraplegia17 to and through the paralyzed parts1 by placing ,p4 ,p41 long cord1 on spine1 and manipulating with ,n4 ,p41 metallic brush commonly1 upon the parts paralyzed4 ,close the treatment with reversed poles for a moment or two1 as in the preceding cases4 ,old paralysis requires considerable time to cure it4 ,treat about three times a week1 occasionally omitting a week4 ,,erysipelas4 ,take the ,a4 ,d4 current1 medium force1 in all forms of the diseases4 #a4 ,when acute1 and characterized by high inflammation1 with bright1 smooth swelling1 and spreading gradually and sometimes rapidly to surrounding parts2 or when small vesicles appear on the inflamed parts1 which dry up in little branlike scales and fall off4 ,if it be located anywhere upon the face1 place ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 upon back of neck1 and treat the parts affected with ,p4 ,p4 ,treat about three to five minutes at a time1 three or four times daily4 ,if it be located in the arm or hand1 place the extremity in tepid water with ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 and treat upon or just above the diseased part with ,p4 ,p4 ,if it be in any part of the trunk1 7which1 in this form1 is not so common17 place ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 upon some point of the spine as near the diseased part as may be1 but a little lower down1 and treat the part affected with ,p4 ,p4 ,in each of these cases1 treat briefly1 but frequently1 as directed above4 #b4 ,when small1 blister-like1 serous vesicles--phlyctaena--appear1 and the inflammation terminates in gangrene2 or when there is such an infiltration of serum as to produce an oedematous condition1 place ,p4 ,p41 long cord1 upon some convenient healthy part1 7the spinal cord1 or other nerve centre which gives nervous service to the part affected1 is best17 and treat the lesion with ,n4 ,p41 light force1 five to eight minutes daily4 ,,eruptive ,,cutaneous ,,diseases4 ,take ,a ,d current1 pretty vigorous force in acute cases2 mild in chronic affections4 ,if the eruption be inflamed and acute1 use long cord with ,n4 ,p42 if sluggish and chronic1 use long cord with ,p4 ,p4 ,move the two electrodes parallel to each other1 upon the patient1 about two or three inches apart2 and pass them over all the affected surface4 ,repeat the treatment daily in acute affections1 and three times a week in chronic cases4 ,,common ,,cramp4 ,although either the positive or the negative pole1 applied to the healthy muscle1 may produce spasmodic contraction1 yet the negative pole contracts much more powerfully than the positive--a fact which shows an electrically plus condition in the nerves and muscles involved4 ,yet we know that cramps are more apt to attend a low condition of general vitality in the system than the opposite4 ,from several considerations1 which can not be detailed here1 ,i am led to think that cramps are produced1 generally1 at least1 by a temporary or spasmodic reaction of the electro-vital force from an improperly negative to an excessively positive state in the parts affected4 ,my practice is1 when the spasm is on1 to treat the parts in cramp by momentary touches rapidly repeated1 with the ,p4 ,p4 of the ,b ,d or ,a ,d current1 good medium force1 placing ,n4 ,p4 at the back of neck1 if the disturbance be in an arm2 or at the coccyx1 if it be in a leg or in the abdomen or chest4 ,in treating parts subject to cramp while the spasm is not on1 give them1 along with other parts of the system1 general tonic treatment1 as directed on page #ie4 ,this elevates and equalizes the electro-vital action1 and relieves the difficulty4 ,,trismus4 7,lockjaw47 ,for traumatic trismus1 use the ,b ,d current1 of vigorous force4 ,let the wound be kept open and clear1 except that soothing emollients may be applied4 ,place ,n4 ,p4 at the coccyx1 or near it on the spine2 and then treat1 by firm but momentary touches of the ,p4 ,p41 over the lower maxillary--pterygoid--muscles and nerves2 indeed1 over the entire lower jaw and its articulations4 ,treat five to ten minutes1 if necessary1 or until the jaws relax4 ,,tetanus4 ,this is substantially the same thing as trismus1 except that it extends to other parts1 and often to nearly all the muscles of the organism4 ,under ordinary treatment1 it is almost invariably fatal4 ,i am not aware that it has been sufficiently submitted to our electrical system to determine satisfactorily the question of its amenability to it4 ,yet ,i see no reason to doubt that1 in the most of cases1 when taken within reasonable time1 it may be cured4 ,use the ,b ,d current1 in pretty strong force4 ,place the ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 at the feet1 and treat with ,p4 ,p4 from the medulla oblongata1 or from the upper cervical vertebra1 all along down the spine1 for several minutes--say1 three to five minutes4 ,then pass with ,p4 ,p4 over the whole trunk and limbs4 ,continue to treat until relaxation takes place1 or all hope of relief departs4 ,,cancers4 ,cancers take on a variety of forms1 distinguished by different names2 but since they all require substantially the same electrical treatment1 it is unnecessary here to describe them4 ,begin with the ,a ,b current in pretty full volume4 ,the volume of the current is increased by increasing the quantity of battery fluid4 ,use this for several weeks1 and then change to the ,a ,d current4 ,treat daily4 ,the time for each treatment must be determined by the judgment of the practitioner2 varying it according to the peculiar character and location of the disease4 ,if the cancer be on the face1 or on any part of the head or breast1 place ,p4 ,p4 on back of neck2 but if it be in the stomach1 uterus1 or any of the abdominal viscera1 place ,p4 ,p4 on spine1 a little higher than the affected part4 ,then treat the disease with ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 so as to run the current immediately out from the lesion1 and yet bring the latter on the negative side,e of the central point in the circuit2 that is1 within the negative half of the whole circuit4 ,,asphyxia4 7,suspended ,animation47 ,use ,b ,d current1 pretty strong force4 ,place ,p4 ,p4 at back of neck--second or third cervical vertebra1 and treat with ,n4 ,p41 over all the chest and along the lower margin of the ribs1 so as to excite the pectoral muscles1 lungs and diaphragm4 ,,recent ,,wounds1 ,,contusions ,,and ,,burns4 ,use the ,b ,d current1 strong force as can be borne4 ,bring the lesion under ,p4 ,p41 and place ,n4 ,p4 at discretion1 in view of the location of the injury4 ,treat five to eight minutes1 twice or thrice on the same day4 ,unless the injury is very severe1 no further treatment will be required4 ,healing will take place with little or no soreness or swelling4 ,in severe cases1 repeat the treatment whenever inflammation gets too high4 ,if fungus--proud flesh--should appear1 treat that with a small-pointed electrode1 ,n4 ,p41 placing ,p4 ,p4 on a healthy part1 not remote1 using ,a ,c current1 in pretty strong force4 ,,old ,,ulcers4 ,take the ,a ,d current4 ,if torpid1 treat with mild force4 ,treat the sore with ,n4 ,p41 while ,p4 ,p4 is held upon some healthy part1 and usually at a higher point4 ,treat five to ten minutes1 three or four times a week4 ,if high inflammation be present1 this must first be reduced by applying ,p4 ,p41 in pretty strong force1 with ,n4 ,p41 on a healthy part not far away4 ,for this purpose1 treat some five to eight minutes daily4 ,then1 when the inflammation is sufficiently subdued1 treat as when torpid1 with mild force and less frequently4 ,it is best1 when it can be done1 to place the affected part in warm water along with ,n4 ,p42 bringing the ulcer immediately above the surface of the water4 ,,hemorrhage4 ,take ,b ,d current1 strong force4 ,apply ,p4 ,p4 to the open blood-vessel1 or as near to it as possible2 placing ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 to some adjacent part1 and1 as nearly as practicable1 in the direction from which the blood chiefly comes4 ,,chlorosis4 7,green ,sickness47 ,this is a disease mostly or entirely peculiar to young women who have not menstruated1 and disappears on the establishment of the monthly periods4 ,take the ,a ,d current4 ,if any symptoms exist of an effort of nature to bring on the menses1 note the time of them1 and regard it1 in the treatment1 as the proper monthly period4 ,if no symptoms of such a period are perceptible1 the practitioner must fix upon a time for it1 and regard it accordingly4 ,about four to six days before the periodic time1 commence to treat as follows1 using a moderate force3 ,insert the uterine electrode1 ,n4 ,p41 wet in warm water1 per vagina1 until it meets the uterus2 and manipulate with ,p4 ,p4 over the dorsal and first two lumbar vertebrae1 and more or less over the back on both sides of the spinal column1 some six or eight minutes daily1 down to the period fixed upon for the catamenia to appear4 ,if they do not start1 let the patient rest for some four or five days1 and then begin with general tonic treatment4 7,see page #ie47 ,continue this1 three times a week1 until within a little less than a week of the periodic time1 when the same treatment with the uterine electrode as was at first employed should be resumed1 and again be continued to the time assigned for the menses4 ,if no success should appear1 return1 after a few days1 to general tonic treatment as before4 ,let these forms of treatment be prosecuted until success crowns the effort4 ,ordinarily1 not many months--perhaps not more than one or two months--will be required2 especially1 if the treatment be aided1 on the part of the patient1 by a good degree of moderate exercise in the open air1 and a free1 nourishing diet4 ,,amenorrh,,oe,a4 7,suppressed ,menstruation47 ,treat as for chlorosis4 ,but if the case be recent--the effect of taking cold--begin1 in the first few sittings1 to treat eight or ten minutes as for common cold2 then conclude the sitting by treating1 about as many minutes1 in the same manner as prescribed for chlorosis4 ,,dysmenorrh,,oe,a4 7,painful ,menstruation47 ,if the disease be occasioned by uterine displacement1 obstructing the os uteri1 the organ must be restored to its normal position4 ,this can best be done by mechanical action4 ,but it is most commonly occasioned by irritation of the mucus membrane lining the interior cavity of the uterus4 ,mucus surfaces1 under chronic irritation1 are electrically negative4 ,therefore1 in this case1 if it be an old one1 taking the ,a ,d current1 very mild force1 apply the uterine electrode1 ,n4 ,p41 to the os uteri1 and treat over the lower dorsal and upper lumbar vertebrae with ,p4 ,p41 long cord4 ,treat five to eight minutes1 three times a week4 ,but ,i should add1 that recovery from this infirmity1 when occasioned by uterine irritation1 will be much aided by commencing each sitting with a general tonic treatment 7see page #ie71 and closing with the treatment just above prescribed4 ,the last described form of dysmenorrhoea is sometimes attended with spasmodic contraction of the os uteri1 thus preventing the catamenial flow4 ,this may be readily relieved by applying ,p4 ,p4 to uterus1 and ,n4 ,p4 to lower dorsal and upper lumbar vertebrae4 ,,menorrhagia4 7,excessive ,menstruation47 ,if the menstrual flow is apt to terminate in hemorrhage1 it is best to give general tonic treatments1 about three times a week1 between the periods2 and during the last four or five days before color is expected to appear1 to take the ,b ,d current1 medium force1 and treat the uterus directly1 once a day1 with the uterine electrode ,p4 ,p41 while moving ,n4 ,p4 over the dorsal vertebrae1 about five to eight minutes1 at the close of general tonic treatment4 ,if there be no hemorrhage1 properly1 but only too profuse or too long-continued flow of catamenia1 the discharge may commonly be stopped by one or two treatments1 of eight to ten minutes each1 with the uterine electrode1 as prescribed above4 ,,prolapsus ,,uteri4 7,falling of the ,womb47 ,take the ,b ,d current1 of good medium force1 and give general tonic treatment 7see page #ie71 on alternate days1 ten minutes1 passing briefly over the several parts4 ,after this1 treat five to eight minutes with uterine electrode1 in the manner prescribed for menorrhagia4 ,then close the sitting by removing the uterine instrument1 substituting the sponge-cup as ,p4 ,p41 and treating with it externally1 about five minutes1 over the pelvic region1 while ,n4 ,p4 is stationed on the spine1 at the first or second dorsal vertebra4 ,on the intervening days1 treat only with the uterine electrode1 as above prescribed4 ,,leucorrh,,oe,a4 7,whites47 ,take ,a ,d current1 very mild force4 ,introduce the vaginal electrode1 ,n4 ,p41 until it meets the uterus1 and manipulate with ,p4 ,p4 over the dorsal vertebrae five to eight minutes1 three times a week4 ,once or twice a week1 on the intervening days1 give general tonic treatment4 ,omit treatment altogether1 for one or two weeks1 once in two to three months4 ,considerable time is often required for the cure of old cases4 ,,spermatorrh,,oe,a4 ,the points to be gained are1 to reduce the action of the amatorial organs of the brain and the secretion of the testes1 and to contract and strengthen the tissue of the seminal vesicles and the prostrate gland4 ,take the ,b ,d current4 ,first1 treat the lowest part of the cerebellum1 on both sides of the spinal cord1 with a mild force2 using ,p4 ,p4 upon these organs of amativeness1 and ,n4 ,p4 on the dorsal vertebrae4 ,treat so some three minutes4 ,next1 increase the current to medium force2 and1 taking a handled cup or mug1 holding a pint to a quart1 mostly filled with tepid water1 drop the penis and testicles into it1 along with the tin electrode ,p4 ,p41 and move ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 over the lumbar vertebrae4 ,treat in this manner about five minutes4 ,then place the ,p4 ,p4 on the pelvis1 close above the penis1 and again treat with ,n4 ,p41 long cord1 over the small of the back1 two or three minutes4 ,treat about three times a week4 ,,impotence4 ,take ,b ,d current1 moderate force4 ,treat exactly as in spermatorrhoea1 except with reversed poles1 using the long cord with ,p4 ,p4 ,treat thrice a week4 ,,footnotes3 ,a ,the process of this will probably be explained if another edition should be called for4 ,it is given in one of the author's ,class ,lectures4 ,b ,study carefully ,polarization of the ,circuit1 page #bi4 ,c ,polarization of the ,circuit1 page #bi4 ,d ,by a current of good medium strength1 ,i mean one which1 in the hands1 is ordinarily felt rather strongly1 yet not sufficiently so to produce distress4 ,e ,see ,polarization of the ,circuit4 ,page #bi4 ,transcriber's ,endnotes3 ,the following corrections have been made to the original text3 ,contents ,p4 #abc4 ,hoemorrhoids amended to ,haemorrhoids4 ,p4 xix ,p4 #cf4 faradaism amended to faradism4 ,this1 however1 could be an obscure variant as with ,faradaic1 ,faradic4 ,p4 #aja4 pilorus amended to pylorus4 ,p4 #acj4 oedemetous amended to oedematous4