Electro-physiology and electro-therapeutics : showing the best methods for the medical uses of electricity / By Alfred C. Garratt.
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ceased, even while the current was still running. This was then gradually succeeded by a to-and-fro napping of the parie- tes of the abdomen, and at the same time these persons expressed a conscious feeling of hickup. This clearly proved that the diaphragm was assuming its natural rythrnatic contractions, even in the midst of the action of the electric currents, and while struggling with them. When the electrodes were re- moved, the diaphragm took on its normal functions." The rule is then obtained, that in order to electrize the mus- cles truly, methodically, and at the same time beneficially, either by Faradaic or Galvanic currents, we must become familiar with the bifurcation of the nerves, which is synonymous with the "border points" that simply mark the entrance jjlaces of the large nerves into the muscles. This knowledge is most readily obtained from experience in practice, and from trials on healthy persons ; or on very recent subjects, as can be done only in hos- pitals or almshouses. Since the motor nerves almost invariably enter the muscle on its sides, we will, in doubtful cases, or if but little experienced, or in such as where the immediate affec- tion of the nerve is, on the whole, not probable, act more judi- ciously by moving the metal ball electrode, covered with wet wash- leather, along the borders of the muscle, back and forth, until the spot is found and manifested by a good contraction, than by simply resting large sponge electrodes any where over the mus- cles, and regarding only the muscle fibres, according to the method of Dr. Duchenne. The operator, although inexperienced in all this, will soon discover that he can produce a together-drawing, or contraction, of the muscle biceps, for instance, or of the muscle deltoides, or of the muscle pectoralis major, far easier by applying the one small and wet electrode to the spot of nerve entrance, and with the other so situated as to direct the electric stream lengthwise and somewhat obliquely across the muscle, than if he seeks to act only with reference to the long direction of the fibres of the muscle. I need hardly remark that in cases where the revival of para- lyzed muscles is sought for, we then more especially must choose those points for the site or nucleus of wavy movements for one 28