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

trode downwards, from stage to stage, mostly following, and pressing it over, the course of the affected nerves, but also wiping it over the muscles of the thigh, and about the knee joint, on its way down, terminating the seance by working the sponge down to the ankle. If there is arthritic rheumatism, then pass a strong current also through the affected joint, in a direction downwards and outwards, and so maintain it for some minutes. If, however, the pain, soreness, weakness, or contraction is rather on the anterior and inner side of the thigh, then proceed as before ; but, from the abdominal ring, crest of ilium, or exit of the great femoro-crural nerve, to the inner side of knee joint, for some time; then to the inner calf of leg, ankle joint, and inner edge of foot. Carry out these principles in all similar cases. If the case is a mixed one, or is not benefited by some three, or four, or half a dozen sittings, then try, or pursue the plan laid down in the next rule ; but observe only the one rule or the other throughout any one seance. Rule 2. For Pains in the Lower Limbs.—When the painful limb is plump, solid, and warm, i. e., when the tissues appear to be well nourished, particularly if the pains occur mostly or exclusively below the knee or ankle, or along the calf of the leg, or in the foot, — then, for the most of such eases, in order to be successful, we are obliged to apply the electric current, during the seance, in an inverse or up-running direction; always observing the same pre- cautions, and usually first trying the method laid down in the foregoing rule. For these cases we must, therefore, plant the positive sponge electrode at the root of the toes, while the negative is at the same time directed to the external peroneal nerve, or inner condyle of the knee, or popliteal space ; and so gliding it on over the vastus externus, and gluteus, to the great sciatic nerve trunk, or to the lumbar region; or else over the rectus femoris and adductors, to the crural nerve trunk, and from there to the lumbar region. Thus, at one of these places, let this negative electrode now rest; while, with the other, we proceed to work gently upwards, from half minute to half minute, from the foot, over the ankle, to the knee, and so on over the thigh muscles; and while here, the negative should be removed to, if not already at, the lumbar region, while the seance is being finished; by working the positive up to the groin, or ischiatic notch, and there retaining it a little, the whole occupying 5, 10, or 15 minutes. Let this be repeated daily, or every other day, until the patient is quite restored. Rule 3. For Pains in the Upper Limbs. (See page 454.) — Neuralgia, rheumatism, and other pain-causing conditions of the nerves, muscles, and joints of the shoulder, arm, and hand, must be treated much on the same principle as already laid down, under two rules, for sciatica, &c, (for which see at B., Rule 1.) If, therefore, the case presents a painful shoulder or arm, that is cold and soft, or lean, particularly if the pain or lameness is mostly or entirely about the shoulder, upper arm, or elbow, in such a case apply the cur- rent in a " direct" or doivn-running direction. First, plant the positive sponge electrode on the cervical spine, while the negative is being directed over the