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

" This was not the modus operandi in the sergeant's case, hut inflammation, and the deposit of lymph that occurred, filled up the sac. This latter mode was a hazardous one, and was not intentionally induced. The electro-magnetic effect was probably too violent to produce the former, though the ma- chine— an electro-magnetic coil (helix)—was used at its low- est power. Indeed, I thought at first too little had been done ; but when I found the external sign of the inflammation going on within the sac, accompanied by such constitutional disturb- ance, I began to fear that too much had been done. I watched with solicitude for the dark spot on the tumor—the forerunner of sloughing. Happily, the threatened danger passed away. The patient was of sound constitution ; he lay in a spacious, well-ventilated ward, and the season was favorable. Under op- posite circumstances the event might not have been so propi- tious. I should reluctantly resort to it (electro-magnetism) again, unless I had the proper primary electric current under my command." Acu-puncture may often be of the greatest service in some nerve affections, and in some cases it is quite adequate to suc- cess ; it can also be employed in neuralgia, as where no elec- tric machine is at hand, and where mustard, cupping, and the like fail to give relief. At least, this can be done to gain time, while getting an electric apparatus brought and ready for work. Then, by turning the switch of the machine so as to use only the primary current of the battery, by turning the connecting- wires from the battery, not to and through the helix, but rather directly to the acu-puncture needles, and thus rendering them " electro-puncture" and they become instantly many fold more potent than simple acu-puncture, in overcoming obstinate local pain. But a current of more intensity will do better still. I find the following case reported by Dr. Banks : " A sur- geon was obliged to ride in bad weather, and that inmiediatehy after fatigue and perspiration. He was consequently soon taken with chills, which were quickly followed by some fever, general aching, stiffness, &c.; went to bed warm, but was no better: