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

distant part or limb, which, perhaps, shows itself repeatedly ; or there is a glow, or even a perspiration, where the skin has before been peculiar for its dryness. In other rare cases there are even automatic movements of particular muscles, or groups of mus- cles, that are repeated from time to time. Now, whenever any of these phenomena occur, we can rest assured that, whether the patient is benefited by our treatments or not, the needed degree of profound electro-nervous excitability is certainly not wanting. Messieurs Becquerel, Dubois-Reymond, and Remak, arc sever- ally of the opinion that the properly managed primary constant current of galvanism can produce good and effective service in spasmodic diseases, not because of the paralyzing effects, nor from that tendency, but, says the latter, " because in certain cases it restores to the central organs their power of dominion over the actions of the nerves and muscles, the want of which produces or alloivs clonic spasms and cramps ; in other cases, because it removes, by electrolytic in-workings, the peripheric or central irritation, where such is possible, through which many cases of spasmodic conditions are produced, and maintained, often, until the organism is self-destroyed." In some eminently practical observations, Dr. Remak further says that, on account of the great variations in the excitement of the motory and sensitive nerves of patients paralyzed from central, or even local peripheric causes, it is absolutely necessary for the physician who proposes to apply the primary current of galvanism, as a remedy, to be first well equipped with every facility necessary to give him a perfect command over the current as to strength, the varying of its intensity, interruptions, re- versing its direction, and as to electrodes of different sizes and material, as also the simultaneous and similar command of an ample induction or Faradaic current. He needs these, he says, at least, to work up the sunken excitability of the nerves, so as to produce powerful contractions, and, at the same time, not to torment the sensitive nerves, nor yet to fatigue or exhaust the muscles. He mentions that he has found the current-changer of the key-board of great use in clearing away the tonic contrac- tions of paralysis, and of old rheumatisms. He says such con-