Electro-physiology and electro-therapeutics : showing the best methods for the medical uses of electricity / By Alfred C. Garratt.

applied in this department of medical practice, becomes, in part, but a modified transcript of the originals; but in another sense or part, and that the more practical, there is conceived to be a large share of originality pervading this whole work, if the selecting, classifying, and adapting the information so vari- ously obtained to the very purposes for which it was intended, so as to be more practical and useful, can be construed as originality. Is not this, in fact, (when we except accidental discovery,) the true basis of all scientific discovery and originality ? In fine, the author has perseveringly labored to gather what- ever is known on this subject, found in any language, that is practical; and that from the highest sources, and from first hands. Here he has been greatly favored by the kindness of Professor Scherb and Mr. Frederick Penard, in their readings and translations out of the Italian and German. The best of au- thorities have been consulted, and each has given his testimony on this part or that. From the writings of Galvani, Volta, Humboldt, Nobili, Marianini, Matteucci, Magendie, Becquerel, Marshall Hall, and Faraday ; from De la Rive, Duchenne, Middeldorpff, Remak, Todd, Alfred Smee, and Brown-Sequard ; from these and others have we recorded individual researches of the most intrin- sic significance, as well as their individual opinions. But where quotations are made, they are duly acknowledged. Thus we find a rich field of facts for us, which ha> e been accumulating in variety, and maturing by corroboration for the past half century. But the right or wrong interpretation of these facts, or their apparent conflicts, &c, we must leave for others to discuss. Success in prac- tice, not theory, is our aim. A work of merit, I feel satisfied, is not in the end injured by criticism, if fairly done ; but this is too much to be expected every where. The author, however, cannot be Burprisi d. Xo one sees so well as himself how little he feels that he knows of the length and breadth of this intricate and extensive subject; although he may be permitted to add, that he has had the honor and the advantages of the personal instructions, conversations, correspondence, and encouragements of some of the most renowned philosophers and truly expe- rienced " medical electricians " in Europe ; to which has also succeeded a cease- less tide of bedside experiences, exclusively in this special practice ; and that also during the unavoidably protracted time occupied in the preparation of this work for the press. But to the subject directly: Careful and repeated observations of Electro- physiologic, pathologic, and therapeutic phenomena very soon leads us to dis- cover two prominent and distinct points of view. One of these comprehends the General Laws of Electricity, in this respect; the other view comprehends the results arising from the manifestation of " animal electricity" in living bodies, and the action of the various forms, and methods of application of electricity, upon these bodies, and their native currents. The facts and deduc- tions of the one require to be studied, to understand those of the other. Anat- omy and physiology, also, need to be viewed through this medium, as well as from other stand-points, in order to get a true stereoscopic view of the philos- ophy of life, the laws of disease, and the catastrophe of death.