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

sistent. The would-be doctor may give bread pills for placebo, or dabble with ipecac, rhubarb, and saffron, but never with the contents of the surgeon's case, nor yet with the currents of electricity. Before commencing the treatment of a new case, it is well first to ascertain as near as possible the extent of the pain or palsy, deficiency or deformity of the muscle or limb. I usually make a record, for example, of the angle of the tonic contrac- tion— of the coldness or heat of the limb — of the height to which the patient can raise the hand or arm laterally, or in front, as well as behind the back — measure the atrophied limb very carefully, and ascertain the precise character of pain or remaining sensibility and muscular response to various stim- uli. In the lower limbs, in case of sciatica, rheumatism, palsy, or spasmo-paralysis, it is important to find the angle the thigh can make on the body — how far apart the patient can separate his feet, or his knees, by his utmost effort, &c. Thus to scruti- nize severely, in the commencement of each case, the minutest peculiarities, and the degree of these, for the correct application of Galvanic or Faradaic currents, although unable to accomplish an improvement in some cases, yet in others not unfrequently the very first five minutes may obtain a partial and permanent bettering that would not otherwise be accredited. Especially must we always bear in mind the great difference there is in persons as to susceptibility to the influence of the different currents ; and for that reason alone we should begin very gently, and make the first seance as short as the obtaining of some given end is had. Some persons, we find, can bear the most powerful and frequent applications of any form of currents without experiencing any after-workings; — while there are many others, who, after a single active trial, experience chills down the thighs, or drowsiness, or even lassitude. But others more frequently find from it a most refreshing sleep, where they had not had such before perhaps for months or years. Even an inability to sleep may appear in others after the first few sittings; but this usually gives way finally to most comfortable rest. By watching such after-workings we shall be able the better to