Electro-physiology and electro-therapeutics : showing the best methods for the medical uses of electricity / By Alfred C. Garratt.
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The consequence of this arrangement, notwithstanding the frequent communications by which this impediment is in some degree obviated, must be, that the blood will move more slowly, and with greater difficulty. That congestion does sometimes happen from this peculiar disposition of the veins of the spinal axis, must, therefore, be extremely probable. Olivier men- tions that he had often found in his dissections fibrinous clots blocking up and distending the veins of the spinal cord, and even those which accompany its nerves; and many other in- stances are related by Morgagni. The influence of electro-magnetism in restoring the power of locomotion is here certainly more remarkable than any thing ordinarily witnessed. That this was in reality the result of the electric stimulus, and not, as we know is sometimes the case, by some sudden moral impression unloosing the magic web, which seems to hold captive the power of volition, I think there cannot be the least doubt. The effect of this agent was perceptible at each application ; for it was not until the remedy had been persevered in for some time, that the beneficial results were manifested so strikingly. " To show how powerful electricity can stimulate the vol- untary muscles," says Dr. B., " I may add that she felt, as she often expressed, a strong inclination to walk after each seance, — so much so that she many times made the attempt, but always without success, — falling thump upon the floor, until the period mentioned ; and even then, when she had regained the power of standing in the erect attitude, it re- quired much determination to keep it; and but for the exercise of a series of movements, she feels convinced that she would not have been able to retain her position. " I may mention that I have made trial of this remedy at a much earlier period in this case without observing any benefit; on the contrary, many of the symptoms appeared to be aggra- vated, after its use. It was, therefore, at a particular stage of the disease, when counter-irritant and alterative medicines had removed the more active symptoms of the complaint, that gal- vanism appeared to do good. This remedy, therefore, like any