Electro-physiology and electro-therapeutics : showing the best methods for the medical uses of electricity / By Alfred C. Garratt.
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Fig. 58. A View of a small piece nf tlie terminal loops of the human Auditory Nerve ; being highly magnified, so as to show the tubular structure of the nerve fibrils, and the manner in which they leave their Neuiilema as they anastomose with the layer of the Zona Mem- branacea. 1. Shows the distinct and tube-like form of the Nerve Fibrils, as they occupy the Osseus Ca- nals in the Zona Ossea of the Lamina Spiralis in the Internal Ear. 2. The natural size of this piece is seen just over this figure, that is, the same as we see magni- fied. 3. Anastomosis in the Zona Mollis, i, 4. The Neurilema leaving the Nervous Loops, or rather extending and in- terlocking to form with the membrane of the Zona. 2. Hearing-. — The normal effects of electricity on the audi- tory nerve and organs of hearing- are mostly those of increased noises, as roaring, scratching, and dropping, or of painfully ex- alted hearing and throbbing. But all these are greatly varied, according to the kind and method of electricity employed. The induction currents, as employed and advised by Dr. Duchenne, and so generally adopted by physicians as the electric remedy, are usually a failure. To fill the ear with water, and then main- tain the point of the electrode, during the seance, deep in the water and near to the tympanum, and that without touching the sides of the canal, is easier advised than done; besides, the patient will tolerate only so slight a current, that the result is apt to be fruitless. For these reasons, the author has abandoned that method entirely. From long experience he finds the following a more practical and successful method for this operation in the ear: First, to put into the ear of the patient one or two drops of warmish water. If by accident more is dropped, turn the head over to that side and work it out. Then adjust one electrode low on the back of the neck, which may be the large, flat, moist sponge, while into the meatus of the ear is