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

earlier than otherwise. The figure gives a view of the spinal supporter as when applied and worn over the under linen. A A marks the part of lacing that can be adjusted so as to support the most projecting part of the back. B is the adjustable strap that connects the bars that support the shoulder. C is the steel base of the spinal support, covered, padded, and resting easily on the hips. D is the point or fulcrum of support for all parts of the apparatus. This is certainly a philosophic affair, that appears well calculated to be worn a portion of the time, and for a time, in certain cases, until weak muscles can recover their counterbalancing capability. The lower figure shows his boot-splint, as applied and worn on a paralyzed and contracted limb, which I have used with most sat- isfactory effects on children, while under electrical treatment for spasmo-paralysis, and for wasting palsy. F is a pawl and ratchet, to support the knee securely when walking, or to bend the limb while sitting. E is the thigh socket, wadded and adjusted to the size of the limb. C is the pawl ratchet and spring, to give easy support, and incline the foot to a" natural position. It is certainly an admirable contrivance for the purpose. He prepares the same arrangements for palsied arms and hands, or contracted fingers. Mr. J. S. Drake's office and rooms for fitting these splints to palsied, withered, or contracted limbs, is at 297 Tremont Street, corner of Warren, Boston. The advantages of division of tendons in older persons and longer standing cases, i. e., where there is structural short- ening of muscles, and consequent limitation of movement and functions of articulations, with deformity, cannot be exaggerat- ed. These are the cases in which the greatest permanent ben- efit accrues to the patient, and to the future reputation of the surgeon. When the previously contracted, structurally short- ened muscles are divided by sub-cutaneous tenotomy, they evince then comparatively little tendency to re-contraction. On the contrary, especially during childhood, when the con- tracted articulation can be moved through a considerable por- tion of the natural range of movement; when the resistance is somewhat elastic, instead of being rigid and unyielding; when in 47