Electro-physiology and electro-therapeutics : showing the best methods for the medical uses of electricity / By Alfred C. Garratt.
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bing sensation which characterizes inflammation of the perios- teal coverings of the spines and bodies of the vertebrae, only it comes on in very distinct rheumatic-like attacks, whereas in inflammation it is more persistent. Circle treatments, with Faradaic currents, will cure this ; and then the internal admin- istration of the iodide of potassium, together with restricted labor and habits, can fortify the system against the culminating of this pain-inducing condition. (See pp. 408,430,475, and C.) Rule. — In those cases where there are " contracted muscles" and if these, for example, are mostly about the shoulder, then we are to apply one electrode on the arm below, with a one- way doion-running current of primary and constant galvan- ism ; since, from all past experience, this proves the best means for permanently relaxing them ; but in those cases where the muscle contractions are farther down on the arm, or in the hand, then the up-running current will the better succeed, provided the direction of the current in either case is never reversed on the same muscles for flexion, at the same seance. Yet a constant down-running current, led, for exam- ple, from the pectoralis to the palm of the hand for one minute, may be succeeded by an up-running electro-magnetic current on the extensors of that same limb for half a minute, and thus alternated for two or three or half a dozen times with extra good effect; indeed, thus succeeding where either may have failed before. When muscle rheumatism has its seat either in the muscle fibres or in the fascia just under the skin nerves, it may bo known by the flying pains, and the extreme change from place to place ; and this characteristic is still more marked while the electrodes are being applied. Here then the quick touches and lively-gliding movements of large and soft electrodes and smart currents are very often sufficient to chase away at once all these pains. The best way is to attack these pains boldly, hold- ing and moving the electrodes all the while with but a few inches between them, allowing no painful or tender spot to go untouched, until all pain is eradicated, and so that the contracting of the muscles or any motion of the body or limb