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

whenever the application of electricity is indicated in the treat- ment of a case of paralysis consecutive to a cerebral hemorrhage, even if indicated in such a maimer as seems positive, yet must we proceed to Faradaize the patient with the utmost precaution. It is necessary, he says, first of all, and indeed at all cost, to take care that the currents do not pass from the extremity that is acted upon, to the nervous centres, by directing the current so as to traverse the nerves in that direction of their length. For this reason it is his practice, in such cases, to bring the position of the electrodes upon the affected muscle, as nearly transversely, and as close together, as possible, so that the workings of the electro-magnetic currents may be confined within the touched muscles themselves. As to the distinctive characteristics of the two great classes of cerebral and spinal paralysis, as manifested by the electric test, we find that M. Bcequerel has studied them particularly. He comes to the conclusion, that there must necessarily be distinc- tions for particular cases. The degree or intensity of the sus- ceptibility of a case to electro-muscular contractility is found to be about in proportion to the conservation of the power and ability of voluntary movements; i. e., in the muscles affected. So that this susceptibility disappears in an absolute manner, only, where the paralysis is complete, and where, at the same time, the voluntary movements are entirely abolished. For all of this kind of cases, Dr. Becquerel advises the more simple kinds of treatments by Faradaic currents, and especially directs that each seance be short. But he does not so appear to dread the effects of reflex action from this procedure, but rather embraces the nerves in the current with this expectation. The peculiar views of Dr. Marshall Hall, so important on this point, may be profitably rehearsed here. He gives as the result of his conclusions, that all kinds of muscular paralysis may be arranged, by the electro-muscular test, into two great classes — first, the Cerebral; second, the Spinal: this latter includes all local, peripheral, and traumatic cases. Thus he speaks: — " I designate that paralysis as cerebral, in which, by whatever means or disease, the influence of the brain is severed; and I 42