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

Where the smaller branches of sentient nerves cannot always he avoided, and as the line plush of skin nerves is every where present to greet the electrode, I usually employ a strong- pressure of the electrodes on the skin, to lessen the skin sensation and pain ; and this proves a most effectual means, as can be tested on the forearm or on the interossei muscles. Patients usually assure me that they do not feel any thing really disagreeable; and yet perhaps the muscles are in full play from the influence of the current. Others say that the sharp prickling or burning sensation produced by the too light or careless application of the moist ball electrode ceases as soon as it is more firmly hold; and then in its stead there comes a dull, but more supportable, deep-seated, indescribable sensation. It is necessary at the same time not to make the pressure too great, for this will increase the pain rather than diminish it, not only from the pressure itself, but by conveying the current to the periosteum of some under- lying bone. It is also important and necessary ever to give the parts we wish to operate upon a firm and easy resting posture, such as will also make the border point of the muscles acces- sible, where it is possible to be done. Nor must we be too ready to remove or incessantly slide the electrode this way or that on the skin, unless it is to avoid a painful sentient nerve, or to move to, or more surely fix \ipon the exact spot we have been led to believe is the most suitable. The better way is to choose the spot, and then apply that electrode boldly and firmly at once, and hold it with a steady hand from second to second, or minute to minute, or less, but never more. These directions apply, how- ever, more especially to the treatment of paralysis. (Seep.478,C.) My advice is to commence with throwing aside the awkward yet every where provided and used metallic electrodes or " han- dles," as they are called. The custom has been to hold these in the hands, or to stuff wet sponges in their outer ends, and thus apply them to the body, or else drop one of them into a bath tub, together with the feet or hands. But all this is unphilosophical, hap-hazard, and, in plain words, sheer empiricism. It is better to make use of fixed insulating electrodes provided with metallic oval ends or surfaces, that vary both in form and size. Of these,