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

as well as interrupting it, and that in direct ratio to the intensity of the elec- tric current so employed, and inversely to the want of susceptibility in the organism, or hinderance to the inworking of the current. Therefore, these being facts, for paralysis we are to direct one electrode — whether moist sponge, or metallic plate or ball, covered with wet cloth or buckskin — to the fleshy part of the affected muscle or muscles, while the other is planted over the large nerve, whose branches ramify that muscle, and thus run the current in a direct manner, from quarter minute to quarter minute. Let the breaking of the current be suddenly done, at the switch, or binding screw, and not by lift- ing off the electrode from the skin. So let the reversing of the current be done by the switch, or by exchanging the contacts with the electro-magnetic machine, or by the key-board of the galvanic battery,—i. e. metallic. — and not by exchanging the electrodes. Thus, for a few minutes, work up the polar molecular mobility of the affected nerves and muscles, and then for a few min- utes resort to Faradaizing, not only the sick nerves and muscle, but also those adjoining, or even the whole limb ; and thus alternately operating, more or less long and severe, at each seance, according to the strength of the patient and the effects produced. When we still suspect or fear existing central disease and source of the malady, (although in doubt, or even hoping to find a better state,) then we must not resort to any reversings of the current, nor even to sudden intermittences; at least not to risk this until after trying several applications on general vitalizing principles; such, for instance, as laid down for hysteria, and for atony of the abdominal viscera, &c, (for which see F., in Appendix.) Thus we can operate on a case so as not to disturb very much the central organs, i. e., the brain and spinal marrow, (while at the same time we do thus most profoundly modify the ganglionic centres,) by employing gentle and moderate direct currents, as under neuralgic rules; but we make somewhat more effect if we suddenly interrupt the current, or twitch the muscles by it; and we make more central effect still if we also reverse that current, and still greater effect if the current is directed considerable of the time towards the head, particularly if the negative electrode is about the neck, or near the head; and the effect is heightened still more if such a current is occasionally interrupted and reversed for a little, but 7naintained mostly in the up-running direction; and the profundity of every such impression is, moreover, in direct ratio to the strength of the electric current employed. If, therefore, any portion of the arm or hand is paralyzed, we must first place the negative electrode on the brachial plexus, or nerve medianus, and with the positive work a strong current over the neck, cervical and dorsal back, as well as over the pectoral and shoulder muscles, for a few minutes, and then, placing the positive stationary on the plexus or nerve, proceed with the negative to make such oblique passes and such interruptions and reverses of the current over the affected muscles as will bring them into full action. This may be followed up by Faradaization, at the same seance, with good effects. If any portion of the leg or foot is pai alyzed, we must first place the neg- ative electrode over the exit of the ischiatic nerve, or over the femoro-crural nerve, (according to the affection,) and with the positive proceed to bathe electricity over the whole spine, back muscles, and bowels, using a smart elec- tric current. After this, place the positive electrode stationary at one of those great nerves, and with the negative make such oblique passes and current reverses over the fleshy parts of the sick muscles as to cause them to freely contract; but always aim to bring this about with the least possible pain.