A NEWLY DISCOVERED SYSTEM

 OF

 ELECTRICAL MEDICATION. 

 BY DANIEL CLARK, A. M. 

 CINCINNATI: PRINTED BY HITCHCOCK AND WALDEN, FOR THE AUTHOR. 1875. 

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by

DANIEL CLARK, A. M. , In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for theNorthern District of Illinois. 

Transcriber's Note:

 Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Medical, scientific, archaic and variant spellings remain as printed, except for obvious errors noted at the end of the text. 

PREFACE. 

In the summer of 1866, the author of this little book, moved by therepeated and earnest solicitation of his Medical Classes, prepared andprinted a small pamphlet entitled _Practical Principles of MedicalElectricity_, designed more particularly, as the present work also is, as a _Hand-Book_ to assist the memory of those who have taken a regularcourse of LECTURES from himself, or from some other competent instructorin the same general system of Practice. The edition of that work wasexhausted somewhat more than a year ago. Still, the book has continuedto be frequently called for. The author has, therefore, prepared, andnow offers to the Profession, the present volume, comprising thesubstance of the previous work--corrected, improved in arrangement andform, and about doubled in size by the introduction of new matter. Whilehe has reason for gratitude that the former manual, referred to above, has met with so favorable a reception, he can not but hope that thepresent work will be found even more acceptable and valuable to bothpractitioners and their patients. 

It is but justice to say that the most essential principles of_practice_ here presented did not originate with the present author, butwith PROF. C. H. BOLLES, of Philadelphia, their discoverer, from whomthe writer received his first introduction to them. Yet, the_explanations_ here given of the Law of Polarization, as respects theelectric current in the circuit of the artificial machine, as well asrespecting the natural magnets and magnetic currents of the humanorganism; the introduction of the _long cord_, with the explanation ofits advantages; and also nearly everything of the _philosophic theories_here brought to view, the author alone is responsible for. 

This work, like its little predecessor from the same pen, has beenadapted exclusively to the use of DR. JEROME KIDDER'S Electro-MagneticMachine, manufactured and sold, at present, at No. 544 Broadway, NewYork; because the author, having used in his own practice a considerablevariety of the most popular machines intended for therapeutic purposes, and having examined several others, believes this to be incomparably_the best in use_. Dr. Kidder has, with most laudable zeal, pressed onhis researches and improvements in the manufacture of these instruments, until there seems to be scarcely anything more in them to be desired. They are certainly not equalled by any others in America, and probablynot surpassed, if equalled, by any in the world. 

 D. C. PLAINFIELD, ILL. , June, 1869. 

CONTENTS. 

 Page. INTRODUCTION xi

 FIRST PRINCIPLES. 

 DR. JEROME KIDDER'S ELECTRO-MAGNETIC MACHINE 21 POLARIZATION 26 THE ELECTRIC CIRCUIT 28 POLARIZATION OF THE CIRCUIT 29 THE CENTRAL POINT OF THE CIRCUIT 33 THE CURRENT 35 MODIFICATIONS OF ELECTRICITY 36 THE VITAL FORCES--ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE 37 EXTENT OF ELECTRIC AGENCY 42 THEORY OF MAN 44 THE LOWER ANIMALS 54 THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM 56 NATURAL POLARIZATION OF MAN'S PHYSICAL ORGANISM 56 ELECTRICAL CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES 58 PHILOSOPHY OF DISEASE AND CURE 58

 PRINCIPLES OF PRACTICE. 

 POLAR ANTAGONISM 61 IMPORTANCE OF NOTING THE CENTRAL POINT 62 DISTINCTIVE USE OF EACH POLE 63 USE OF THE LONG CORD 69 THE INWARD AND THE OUTWARD CURRENT 74 MECHANICAL EFFECT OF EACH POLE 75 RELAXED AND ATROPHIED CONDITIONS 77 GENERAL DIRECTION OF THE CURRENT 78 TREATING WITH ELECTROLYTIC CURRENTS 79 POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE MANIFESTATIONS 81 HEALING 84 DIAGNOSIS 84

 PRESCRIPTIONS. 

 PRELIMINARY REMARKS 94 GENERAL TONIC TREATMENT 95 COMMON COLDS 98 CEPHALAGIA (Headache) 100 DEAFNESS 102 NOISES IN THE HEAD 103 INFLAMED EYES 103 AMAUROSIS 104 STRABISMUS (Discordance of the Eyes) 104 CATARRH (Acute) 105 CATARRH (Chronic) 105 DIPHTHERIA 106 APHONIA (Loss of Voice) 106 CROUP 107 ASTHMA 108 HEPATIZATION OF LUNGS 108 PNEUMONIA 108 PULMONARY PHTHISIS (Consumption) 109 NEURALGIA AND RHEUMATISM OF THE HEART 111 ENLARGEMENT AND OSSIFICATION OF THE HEART 112 PALPITATION OF THE HEART 112 TORPID LIVER 112 HEPATITIS (Inflammation of Liver) 113 ENLARGEMENT OF LIVER 113 BILIARY CALCULI (Gravel in Liver) 114 INTERMITTENT FEVER (Ague and Fever) 114 NEPHRITIS (Inflammation of Kidneys) 115 RENAL CALCULI (Gravel in the Kidneys) 116 DIABETES (A Kidney Disease) 116 DYSPEPSIA 117 ACUTE DIARRHŒA 119 CHRONIC DIARRHŒA 119 CHOLIC (of whatever kind) 120 CHOLERA MORBUS 120 CHOLERA (Malignant) 121 DYSENTERY 122 CONSTIPATION OF BOWELS 122 HÆMORRHOIDS (Piles) 123 RHEUMATISM (Acute Inflammatory) 124 RHEUMATISM (Chronic) 125 DROPSY 126 NEURALGIA 126 SCIATICA 127 PARALYSIS 128 ERYSIPELAS 129 ERUPTIVE CUTANEOUS DISEASES 130 COMMON CRAMP 131 TRISMUS (Lockjaw) 132 TETANUS 132 CANCERS 133 ASPHYXIA (Suspended Animation) 134 RECENT WOUNDS, CONTUSIONS AND BURNS 135 OLD ULCERS 135 HEMORRHAGE 136 CHLOROSIS (Green Sickness) 136 AMENORRHŒA (Suppressed Menstruation) 138 DYSMENORRHŒA (Painful Menstruation) 138 MENORRHAGIA (Excessive Menstruation) 139 PROLAPSUS UTERI (Falling of the Womb) 140 LEUCORRHŒA (Whites) 140 SPERMATORRHŒA 141 IMPOTENCE 142

INTRODUCTION. 

Considerable parts of this book have been written for the unlearned. Forthe scholarly reader such parts, of course, would be wholly superfluous;yet it is hoped that they to whom these are familiar will be patient inpassing through them for the sake of others to whom they may beinstructive. Other parts, again, it is believed, will be found new tothe most of even educated minds. But men of the largest intellectualattainments are commonly the most docile. Such men, meeting this littlework, will not shrink from a candid examination of its contents merelyon account of their comparative novelty, nor because the views expresseddiffer essentially from those usually held by the medical faculty. Thecandid, yet critical, attention of such gentlemen, the author especiallysolicits. He assures them that he does not write at random, but fromcareful research and practical experience. His _philosophic theories_ heoffers only for what they are worth. His _principles of practice_ hebelieves to be scientifically correct and of great value. 

Let it not be supposed that the author, in this work, assumes abelligerent attitude towards the members of the medical profession. Although anxious to modify and elevate their estimate of electricity asa remedial agent, and to improve their methods of using it, he has nosympathy with those who profess to believe, and who assert, thatmedicines of the apothecary never effect the cure of disease; that wherethey are thought to cure, they simply do not kill; and who contend thatthe patient would have recovered quicker and better to have taken nomedicine at all. He knows that such allegations are false, as they areextravagant; and so does every candid and unprejudiced observer whoseexperience has given him ordinary opportunities to judge. The writerbelieves it can be perfectly demonstrated that the advancement ofmedical science in modern times--say within the last two or threehundred years--has served to essentially prolong the average term ofhuman life. The world owes to medical instructors and practitioners adebt of gratitude which can never be paid. Their laborious and oftenperilous research in the fields of their profession, and their untiringassiduity in the application of their science and skill to the relief ofhuman suffering, entitle them to a degree of confidence and affectionateesteem which few other classes of public servants can rightly claim. Forone, the author of this little book most sincerely concedes to them, asa body, his confidence, his sympathy, and his grateful respect. And themost that he is willing to say to their discredit, (if it be soconstrued), is that he regards them as having not yet attained_perfection_ in their high profession, and as not being generally aswilling as they should be to examine fairly into the alleged merits ofremedial agents and improved principles of practice, (claimed to besuch), when brought forward by intelligent, cultivated and respectablemen, outside of "the regular profession. " This is said at the same timethat the author gives much weight to their commonly offered defense, viz: that, in the midst of professional engagements, they have not alwaysthe time to spare for such examination; and that, since the most ofalleged improvements in the healing art, particularly of those introducedby persons who have not received a regular medical education, sooner orlater prove themselves to be worthless, the _presumption_--though notthe _certainty_--is, whenever a new agent, or a new method or principleis proposed by an "outsider, " that this, too, if not willfulcharlatanism, is a mistake; and therefore, the sooner it comes to an endthe better it will be for the public health, and that neglect is thesurest way to kill it. 

But the medical faculty have too widely employed electricity in thetreatment of disease, and that with too frequent success, to admit ofits being denied a place among important therapeutic agents by anyrespectable practitioner. The only questions concerning it now are thosewhich relate to the _versatility_ of its power, the _scope_ of itsuseful applicability, and the _principles_ which should guide in theadministration of it. The general subject embraced in these questions isone in which suffering humanity has a right to claim that physiciansshall be at home. 

And yet it will scarcely be denied that, in the exhibition ofelectricity, more than of almost any other therapeutic agent, medicalpractitioners feel incertitude as to what shall be its effect. Now andthen it acts as they expected it to do; sometimes it pleasantlysurprises them; oftener it offensively disappoints them. They find it_unreliable_. Of other remedial agents, they commonly know, beforeadministering them, what _sort_ of effect will be produced; but inemploying this, while they have hope, they are generally more or less indoubt. They regard it as _a stimulant_; although its action on theliving organism appears to them to be largely veiled in mystery. In manycases of disease, particularly those of acutely inflammatory or febrilecharacter, they judge it to be not at all indicated. To administer it ina case of bilious or typhoid fever, or in a case of pneumonia, pleuritis, gastritis, inflammatory rheumatism, or acute, and especially_epidemic_ or malignant dysentery, or in a case of pulmonary phthisis, would probably be viewed by the most of physicians as the rashestempiricism, if not the next thing to madness. _The idea of producingantagonistic effects with it at will_, they would, for the most part, esteem preposterous. Rather, perhaps, it may be said of the majority ofmedical practitioners that such an idea has never entered their minds;so foreign is it to their conceptions of truth and propriety. But, atwhatever risk of discredit or censure, the writer of the present volumeavers that this idea is both scientifically sound and of every day'spractical verification. The various and opposite forms of disease--acuteand chronic, hypersthenic and asthenic--are habitually treated and_cured_, in his own practice and that of his students, by electricityalone. 

But "_cui bono?_" may be asked. "What if it be true that these thingscan be done with electricity? They are also done with medicines, whichare more quickly and conveniently administered, and usually lessannoying to the patient. What, therefore, is the _practical utility_ ofyour electric system above the ordinary practice, especially if weinclude, in the latter, electrical treatment as occasionally employed bythe most of respectable physicians?"

This is the important question--that to which the author desires to callparticular attention. He, therefore, answers:

_First. _--It is manifestly true that the most of diseases, (theexceptions are comparatively few), can be cured by the use of medicines. It is also true that these can generally be administered with moreconvenience and less expenditure of time to the practitioner thanelectricity; and this is a great advantage. The author is often asked ifhe thinks his electric system will ever supersede the use of medicines. His answer is uniformly, "No. " It takes too much time for that. Wherethe population is crowded, as in cities and large towns, it is often thecase, especially in times of prevailing epidemic, that a physician canprescribe medicine for half a dozen or more patients in the timerequired to treat one electrically. To reject medicines and rely aloneon electricity would, in periods and places of prevailing sickness, leave many sufferers without professional service, or would require thatthe proportion of doctors to the whole population should be largelyincreased--a thing certainly not often to be desired. So much, candormust concede. 

_Second. _--It is not quite true that medicines are usually less annoyingto the patient than electricity as _we_ use it. As administered byothers, it is often nearly intolerable. In our hands, on the contrary, it seldom inflicts any pain or distress, and almost invariably becomesagreeable to the patient after a very few applications. We have nooccasion to torture our patients in order to cure them. But the casesare comparatively rare where medicines are not offensive; commonly theyare excessively so. 

_Third. _--In not a few diseases, and these among the most dangerous ordistressful, the electric current, employed according to the system heretaught, is able to reach, control and cure, with facility, wheremedicines are but slowly, and in most instances imperfectly successful, or fail altogether. This is said, or meant to be said, not invidiouslynor boastingly, but in the candid utterance of a great and practicallydemonstrated truth. It is, perhaps, most _often_ exemplified inneuralgic, rheumatic and paralytic affections. The author is happy toacknowledge that these diseases are frequently mitigated, andoccasionally cured, by means of electrical treatment administered bythose who know nothing of the system here taught. But the important factis, in _their_ hands there is _no certainty_ as to the effect beforetrial. Under _this_ system, the kind of effect is as certainly knownbefore as after the trial, since it can be made one thing or another _atwill_. 

Cases are not unfrequently presented of _inflammatory action_, moreespecially where it is internal--traumatic cases and others--which thepractitioner finds it impossible to subdue with medicine. But, with aproper knowledge of the system herein taught, he has at his command apower with which he can control such cases with almost infalliblecertainty, provided he can get access to them within reasonable time. The same may be said of fevers, particularly those occasioned bymiasmatic or infectious virus. These are often difficult to manage bythe use of medicine, and not seldom prove fatal, in spite of the besttalent and skill which the profession can afford. But the electriccurrent, rightly selected and scientifically applied, destroys orneutralizes the virus and restores the normal polarization, and soeffects a cure. 

_Neuralgic affections_ are frequently found difficult, or evenimpossible, to be cured by means of medicines, and yet, in the very samecases, these affections yield and disappear with comparative facilitywhen brought under the electric current, judiciously applied, accordingto the principles of this new system. 

_Chronic cases, and others of an asthenic character_, are often verystubborn under the medicines of pharmacy, and are commonly the dread ofphysicians; yet, under scientific treatment by electricity, they rarelyfail to lose their formidable character and to become obedient to theremedial agent. 

_Fourth. _--In enumerating a few of the peculiar advantages of thissystem, I should add that it corrects the usual _electric_ practice ofthe profession, so far as they become acquainted with it. As beforeintimated, the mass of physicians at present, who treat more or lesselectrically, do so with no knowledge, or next to none, of the great_versatility_ of action of which the electric current is capable. Theyknow nothing of the electrical polarization of the living organism inhealth, nor how it is variously affected in disease. The particular_electrical_ state of the diseased organs is a matter foreign to theirminds. They appear to suppose the point to be immediately aimed at as ameans of cure is to get the electricity from the machine into theaffected part or parts; whereas it should be to change, by correction, the _polarization_ of the part or parts; and, if there be virus present, to neutralize that. Equally unacquainted are they generally with thediverse physiological action of the several modifications of theelectric force--galvanism, magnetism, faradism, and frictionalelectricity. This, in their candor, they commonly acknowledge. And, forthe most part, they are little or nothing better acquainted with the_distinctive_ effects on the system of the positive and negative polesof the instrument. There is, therefore, plainly no _science_ in theirelectrical practice. Every thing is done at random--all is empirical. 

But the system here taught opens the light upon all of these points. Forpractical purposes, at least, it is, in its essential features, the onlysystem of electrical therapeutics which has in it any real merit--theonly system which _can be true_. By this, the writer does not mean toassert, or to imply, that the little book now before the reader containsno error, either in respect to theory or practice. In this early stageof our system's history, it would be remarkable if it did not containerrors in both these respects. But what it is intended to affirm is, that the book presents the _cardinal features_ of a true, and the onlypossibly true, system of electrical practice. All possibly true systemsof geometry must necessarily be essentially the same; and so, too, allpossibly true systems of electrical medication must be essentially one. That one system, it is candidly and confidently believed, is brieflycontained in the present little volume. 

ELECTRICAL MEDICATION. 

FIRST PRINCIPLES. 

DR. JEROME KIDDER'S ELECTRO-MAGNETIC MACHINE. 

On opening the machine-box, as it comes from the manufacturer, therewill be found a glass bottle, intended to hold the battery fluid whennot in use; a glass cup or jar, to serve as the battery cell; a pair ofinsulated metallic conducting cords; two tin electrodes; a brass clamp;and, under the helix-box, (which raise), the battery metals and twoconnecting wires to unite the battery with the helix. 

To put the machine in working condition--ready for use--proceed, step bystep, as follows, viz: Prepare the _Battery Fluid_ by mixing twelveparts, by measure, of water with one part of sulphuric acid, (goodcommercial acid is pure enough), sufficient to fill the cell two-thirdsor three-fourths full, and place in it about one-third of an ounce ofquicksilver. 

Next, place the platina plate between the two zinc plates, standing ontheir legs upon a table before you; and bring the top of the wooden bar(in a groove of which the platina is set) up flush with the top of thezinc plates. Let the brass post, standing on the top of this bar andsoldered to the platina plate below, be toward the left-hand side. Thentake the brass clamp and place it across the top of these metallicplates, a little to the right of the brass post, or about midway betweenthe right and left sides, having its thumb-screw towards you, and withit screw the three plates firmly together. The platina is shorter thanthe zincs, to prevent its reaching the quicksilver in the bottom of thecell; and the wax balls on its sides are to insulate it from the zincplates. This platina should never be allowed to touch the mercury or thezinc. 

Let the plates, properly screwed together, be now placed in the cellwith the Battery Fluid. Then, with the two copper connecting-wires, connect the post which stands on the wooden bar above the platina withthe post stamped P on the helix-box, and the brass clamp N with thepost N on the helix-box. 

If, now, the screws regulating the vibrating armature be in perfectadjustment, the current will commence to run, with a buzzing sound; orit may be made to start by touching the hammer-like head of the flatsteel spring. If not, the screws may be rightly adjusted in thefollowing way: The top screw, which at its lower point is tipped with asmall coil of platina wire, should be made to press delicately upon thecenter of the little iron plate on the upper side of the spring, so asto bear the latter down very slightly. Then raise or depress thescrew-magnet, which turns up or down under the hammer, like the seat ofa piano-stool, until the vibration of the spring commences. The_rapidity of the vibrations_, by which is secured the alternate closingand breaking of the electric circuit (or rather what, in practicaleffect, is equivalent to this--the _direct_ and _reverse_ action of thecurrent in alternation) is increased by raising the screw-magnet anddiminished by lowering it. When it is raised above what is required forordinary use, the noise becomes too loud and harsh for many nervouspatients to bear. It should then be depressed a little. 

With respect to curative power, I have discovered but little perceptibledifference, produced by the various degrees of rapidity in thevibrations, effected within the range of this magnet. 

_The force_ of the current is regulated by means of a tubular magnet, which slides over the helix, and is called _the plunger_. It isapproached under a brass cap at the right-hand end of the machine. Theplunger is withdrawn, more or less, to increase the force; pushed in todiminish it. If in any case the current can not be softened sufficientlywith the plunger, the quantity of battery fluid in use must be madeless. 

After a time the current will become weak, and fail to run well. Thenrenew the battery fluid. When the quicksilver is all taken up by thezinc plates, the machine may be run for a while without adding more. Butafter it has considerably disappeared from the inside surface of the zincplates, the latter will begin to show more rapid corrosion, while thecurrent will be less. Then let a small quantity of quicksilver--one-fourthto one-third of an ounce--again be placed in the fluid. 

When the machine is not in use, let the metals be removed from thefluid; and, if not to be soon again used, let them be rinsed withwater, carefully avoiding to wet the wooden bar in which the platina isset. 

_The posts_, with which the conducting-cords are to be connected, arearranged in a row near the front of the helix-box, and are marked A, B, C, D. Either two of these posts may be used to obtain a current; andsince they admit of six varying combinations, six different currents areafforded by the machine, viz: the A B current, the A C current, the A Dcurrent, the B C current, the B D current, and the C D current. Whichever current is used, it may always be known which of the two postsemployed is the positive and which the negative, by observing theletters stamped upon their tops. The one whose letter comes first in theorder of the alphabet is positive; the other is negative. Also, the onestanding towards the left hand is positive, and that at the right handis negative. _The qualities_ of the several currents are stated in adescriptive paper on the inside of the lid of the machine, which see. Itwill there be found that three of the currents--viz, the A B, the A Cand the A D currents--are _electrolytic_: that is, dissolving byelectric action. These electrolytic currents require to be used--one oranother of them--whenever any chemical action is needed; as, indecomposing or neutralizing _virus_ in the system, destroying cancers, reducing glands when chronically enlarged, removing tumors or otherabnormal growths, and in treating old ulcers and chronic irritation ofmucous membranes. The other three, being Faradaic or induction currents, and having no perceptibly chemical action, are used where only change ofelectro-vital polarization is required. These Faradaic currents differfrom each other in respect to being _concentrative_ or _diffusive_ intheir effects, and in their _sensational_ force. B C is concentrativeand delicately sensational. C D is also concentrative, though less sothan B C, and is more strongly sensational. B D is diffusive, and themost energetically sensational of the three. 

POLARIZATION. 

It may be proper, in this place, to spend a few words upon electricalpolarization in general. 

_Electrical polarity_ may be defined as a characteristic of the electricor magnetic fluid, by virtue of which its opposite qualities, as thoseof _attraction_ and _repulsion_ towards the same object, are manifestedin opposite parts of the electric or magnetic body. These opposite partsare called the _poles_ of the body, as the _positive_ and _negative_poles. The difference between the positive and negative poles isbelieved to be that of _plus_ and _minus_--plus being positive and minusnegative. This is the Franklinian view, and, if I mistake not, is theone most in favor with men of science at the present day. This viewsupposes that the electricity or magnetism arranges itself in _maximum_quantity and intensity at the one extremity or pole of the magnetizedbody, and in _minimum_ quantity and intensity at the opposite extremityor pole; and that, between these points--the maximum and theminimum--the fluid is distributed, in respect to quantity and intensity, upon a scale of regular graduation from the one to the other. The ideamay be represented by a _line_, commencing in a _point_ at the one end, and extending, with regularly increasing breadth, to the other end. Thelarger end would represent the positive pole, and the smaller, thenegative pole. Or perhaps a better representation of the magnet would bea line of equal breadth from end to end, but having the one end _white_, or slightly tinted, say, with _red_, and the color gradually andregularly increasing in strength to the other end, where it becomes a_deep scarlet_. Let the coloring-matter represent the magnetism in thebody charged, and we have the magnet illustrated in its polarization:the deep-red end is the positive pole, and the white or faintly-coloredend is the negative pole. 

It is a law of polarization that the positive poles of different magnetsrepel each other, and the negative poles repel each other; whilepositive and negative poles attract each other. The same law ofpolarization rules in electric or magnetic _currents_ as in magnets atrest. 

THE ELECTRIC CIRCUIT. 

_The Electric Circuit_ is made up of any thing and every thing whichserves to conduct the electric current in its passage--outward andreturning--from where it leaves the inner surfaces of the zinc plates inthe battery cell to where it comes back again to the outer surfaces ofthe same plates. When the conducting-cords are not attached to themachine, or when the communication between the cords is not complete, ifthe machine be running, the circuit is then composed of the batteryfluid, the platina plate, the posts, the connecting-wires, which unitethe battery with the helix, the helical wires, and their appendages forthe vibrating action. But when a patient is under treatment, theconducting-cords, the electrodes, and so much of the patient's person asis traversed by the current while passing from the positive electrodethrough to the negative electrode, are also included in the wholecircuit. And whatever elements may serve to conduct the current in anypart of its circuit--be they metal, fluid, nerve, muscle, or bone--thesame are all, for the time, component parts of _one complete magnet_, which, in all its parts, is subject to the law of polarization, precisely as if it were one magnetized bar of steel. Usually, however, it is sufficient for _practical_ purposes to contemplate the circuit asconsisting only of that which the current passes through in going fromthe point where it leaves the positive post and enters into the negativecord, around to the point where it leaves the positive cord and entersinto the negative post. 

POLARIZATION OF THE CIRCUIT. 

I have said, in effect, a little above, that, while the current isrunning, _the entire circuit is one complete magnet_, which extendsfrom the inner or positive sides of the zinc plates, where the currentcommences, all the way around to the outer or negative aides of the zincplates, to which it returns. Viewed in this light its negative pole orend is the battery fluid, next to the positive surfaces of the zincplates, and its positive pole or end is the brass clamp which, holdingthe metals together, is in contact with the outer and negative surfacesof the zincs. 

But, for practical purposes, it is sufficiently exact to consider the_magnetic circuit_ as extending only from the positive _post_ aroundthrough the conducting cords, the electrodes and the person of thepatient to the _negative_ post. The negative end or pole of this magnetis the wire end of the cord placed in the positive post, and thepositive end or pole is the wire end of the cord placed in the negativepost. 

But any magnet may be viewed either as one whole, or be conceived ascomposed of a succession of shorter magnets placed end to end. If weview it as one entire magnet, we call the end in which the magneticessence is in greatest quantity the _positive_ end, and the end where itis in least quantity the _negative_ end. But if we imagine the onewhole magnet as being divided up into several sections, then we conceiveof each section as a distinct magnet, having its own positive andnegative poles. And, all the way through, these sectional magnets willbe arranged with the positive pole of the one joined to the negativepole of the next in advance of it. 

It is just so in respect to the magnetic circuit of a moving current. The whole circuit, as before remarked, is in reality one long magnet. But in applying the terms _positive_ and _negative_ in our practice weoften view the whole circuit--the one long magnet--as composed of aseries of shorter ones, arranged with positive and negative ends incontact; and all the way the current in each section is supposed to berunning from the positive pole of the magnet behind to the negative poleof the magnet before. 

We consider the circuit, from the positive post around to the negativepost, as composed of three magnets, as follows: Magnet No. 1, whichextends from the positive post, along the cord and electrode, to thebody of the patient, where the positive electrode is placed. The_negative pole_ of this magnet is the _wire end of the cord_ placed inthe positive post, and its _positive_ pole in the _positive electrode_placed upon the person of the patient. No. 2, which is composed of theparts of the patient traversed by the current between the twoelectrodes. Its negative end or pole is the part in contact with thepositive pole of magnet No. 1, and its positive pole is the part incontact with the negative pole of magnet No. 3. No. 3 extends from thepositive pole of No. 2, through the electrode and along the cord, to thenegative post. Its negative pole is the _negative electrode_ in contactwith the positive end or pole of magnet No. 2, and its positive pole isthe _wire end of the cord_ in the negative post. 

Since in every magnet the magnetic fluid is supposed to be regularlygraduated from minimum quantity in the negative end to maximum quantityin the positive end, this is true in respect to the one magnet, consisting of the whole magnetic circuit, as well as in respect to eachone of the sectional series. Consequently there must be the samequantity of magnetism in each negative pole of the sections as there isin the positive pole of the section immediately behind it. And themagnetism of the whole circuit between the positive and the negativeposts is in its _least_ volume next to the _positive post_, and in_fullest_ volume next to the _negative post_. If we consider the circuitas divided into two equal halves, the _negative half_ is plainly thatwhich joins the _positive post_, and the _positive half_ that whichjoins the _negative post_. 

From this it will be seen that what in practice are designated as thepositive and negative _posts_, and also positive and negative _poles_ or_electrodes_ are _not_ such _in relation to each other_, but the_reverse_ of it; that is to say, the positive _post_ is not _positive_in relation to the _negative post_, but is _negative_ to it; and thepositive _electrode or pole_ is not positive in relation to the_negative_ electrode, but _negative_ to it. The positive _post_, likethe positive _electrode_, is called _positive_, because it is thepositive end of the sectional magnet next _behind_ it. And the_negative_ post, as also the negative electrode, is _called negative_because it is the negative end of the sectional magnet next _in advance_of it. 

THE CENTRAL POINT OF THE CIRCUIT. 

_The central point_ of the circuit--that point which divides between itspositive and negative halves--is reckoned, in practice, to be themidway point in the line over which the current passes, in its wholecourse from the positive post around to the negative post. When thecords are of equal length, this point will always be in the person ofthe patient, about midway between the parts where the two electrodes areapplied. This central point, or "point of centrality, " is practicallyneuter--neither positive nor negative; and upon the two opposite halvesof the circuit, the positive and negative _qualities_ of the current arein greatest force nearest to the posts, and in least force nearest tothe central point. At this point they cease altogether, and the centralpoint is _neuter_. 

It may, perhaps, be observed that, in _apparent_ contradiction of thisstatement, the _sensational_ effect of the current on the negative halfof the circuit is _least_ nearest to the positive post, and becomesregularly _greater_ as the current advances towards the central point;and that _at_ this point it is greater than at any other point betweenthis and the positive post. To relieve this seeming contradiction, it isonly necessary to consider that, in fact, the _positive_ state on thenegative half of the current _does_ increase regularly from thepositive post to the central point. But that which is the _increase_ ofthe positive state is the _decrease_ of the negative state. So it isstill true that on the negative half of the circuit, the _negative_qualities _diminish_ as we advance towards the central point just as onthe positive half, the _positive_ qualities diminish regularly towardsthe central point, as stated above. 

THE CURRENT. 

_The current_ is that moving electric essence which traverses thecircuit. The _course_ of the current is always from the positive to thenegative. It leaves the machine at the positive post, where it entersthe cord which holds the positive electrode or pole. Thence it advancesaround the circuit, going out from the opposite cord where that connectswith the negative post. The forward end of the current is its positiveend; the rear, of course, is its negative end. At its forward end it isin its greatest volume. At its rear end the volume is least. At the_central point_ of its circuit there is the _mean_ quantity--the_average_ volume. And because the positive and negative forces on eitherside exactly balance each other upon the central point, therefore thispoint is practically neuter--neither positive nor negative. 

MODIFICATIONS OF ELECTRICITY. 

In the present stage of electric science, the conviction has become verygeneral among experimenters that galvanism, magnetism, faradism, frictional electricity and the electricity of the storm-cloud are, intheir essential nature, one and the same; being diversified inappearance and effects by the different modes and circumstances of theirdevelopment. This conviction has been reached in various ways; butchiefly, perhaps, by observing the many analogies between the phenomenaof these several forces, and also by the fact that each of them can bemade to produce or be produced by one or more of the others. But I mustforego any detailed discussion of this matter, since my limits will notadmit of it, and shall assume that these apparently several agents arebut modifications of the same generic force. 

There are two other phases or modifications of the electric principle, as I judge them to be, which are not so generally classed here. I referto the forces of animal and vegetable vitality, as viewed in the nextsection. 

VITAL FORCES--ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE. 

Upon these points I must be permitted to offer a few words. 

Of the _animal kingdom_, I regard the "nervous fluid" or "nervousinfluence, " popularly so called, as being the very principle of _animalvitalization_--the life force; and that, a modification of the_electric_ force. It is, I think, pretty generally conceded at this daythat the "nervous influence" is probably electric. There are somealleged facts, and other certain facts, which go far to sustain thisview. It is said that if we transfix, with a steel needle, a large nerveof a living animal, as the great ischiatic, and let it remain in thatcondition a suitable time, the needle becomes permanently magnetized. So, too, if the point of a lancet be held for some length of timebetween the severed ends of a newly-divided large nerve, that point, asI have heard it affirmed, on what appeared to be good authority, becomesmagnetized; although I have not attempted to verify either of thesecases by experiment. However, admitting them to be true, the metal ischarged with simply the "nervous fluid. " But the fact on which I myselfchiefly rely for evidence of this identification, being almost dailyconversant with it in my practice, is this: _The "nervous influence"obeys the laws of electrical polarization, attraction and repulsion. _When I treat a paralyzed part, in which, to all appearance, the actionof the nerve force is suspended, I have but to assume that this force iselectric, and apply the poles of my instrument accordingly, and I _bringit in_ from the more healthy parts, along with the inorganic currentfrom my machine. Forcing conduction through the nerves, by means of myartificial apparatus, I rouse the susceptibility of the nerves untilthey will normally conduct the "nervous influence" or electro-vitalfluid, as I term it, and the paralysis is removed. Again, if I treat aninflamed part, in which the capillaries are engorged with arterialblood, I have but to assume that the affected part is overcharged withthe electro-vital fluid, through the nerves and the arterial blood, andso to apply my electrodes, according to well known electrical law, as toproduce mutual repulsion, and the inflammatory action is sure to berepressed. I manifestly change the polarization of the parts. This thingis so perfectly regular and constant that I am entirely assured, beforetouching the patient, what sort of effect will be produced by this orthat arrangement in the application of the poles of the instrument. If Idesire to increase or depress the nervous force in any given case, Ifind myself able, on this principle, to produce the one effect or theother, at will. Hence, I say, the nervous influence obeys the electriclaws, just as does the inorganic electricity. I find this subtle agentnot in the nerves only, but also in muscle and blood--more especially inarterial blood. Indeed it seems to pervade, more or less, the entiresolids and fluids of the animal system. And wherever it exists, itsaction is just that of an _electro-vital_ force. Examples of this factwill appear further along in the present work. While, therefore, I cannot _affirm_ the identity of animal electricity and animal vitality, thetheory of their identification, to my view, best accords with themanifestations under correct therapeutic treatment, and I am unaware ofany established fact to disprove it. 

_Vegetable vitality_, also, I regard as another modification of theelectric force. The fact has been proved by repeated experiments, thatgalvanic currents, passed among the roots of vegetables, causes aquickened development of the plants to a degree that would be deemedincredible by almost any one who had neither seen it nor learned its_rationale_. I have seen it stated, on authority which commanded mycredence, that by this process lettuce leaves may be grown, within a fewhours only, "from the size of a mouse's ear to dimensions large enoughfor convenient use on the dinner-table. "

The following experiment has been related to me by several differentparties, as having been made by _Judge Caton_, of Ottawa, Illinois; andsubsequently the same has been confirmed to me by his brother, DeaconWm. P. Caton, of Plainfield, Illinois. It is said that the Judge hadsome interesting _evergreens_ which appeared to be affected by anunhealthy influence, causing a suspension of growth and withering ofbranches here and there, until such branches died. So the process wenton, terminating after a little time in the death of the trees. In thisway he had lost some valuable specimens. At length a very fine andfavorite evergreen was similarly attacked. He felt, of course, annoyedby the destructive process, and especially reluctant to lose thisparticular tree. Probably calling to his recollection somethinganalogous to what I have referred to above, he resolved to try theefficacy of galvanism to reinforce the vitality of the shrub. Having atelegraphic wire extending from the main line in Ottawa to his ownresidence, he availed himself of this facility, and caused a wire to bepassed among the roots of this tree in such a way as to bring thegalvanic current to act upon them. It was not long before he saw, to hisdelight, a new set of foliage starting from the twigs, and after alittle time the tree was again flourishing in all its beauty. Theelectric current had evidently imparted to it a fresh vitality. 

To insure the success of such an experiment, a proper regard topolarization must be had, such as is taught in the system presented inthis book. There may not have been any attention to this matter in thecase just related; but if not, the Judge must have _stumbled_ upon thecorrect application of poles. To have brought the roots under theinfluence of the wrong pole would have made sure the death of his tree. 

Now, although, if taken by themselves, such experiments could not beregarded as _conclusive_ in favor of the electric nature of vegetablevitality, notwithstanding that this theory best explains the phenomena;yet, when considered in connection with the fact that the nervous fluidof the animal kingdom is evidently a modification of electricity, andprobably constitutes the vital force of the animal, the theory of itsidentification, under another modification, with the vital principle inthe vegetable kingdom also, as deduced from experiments like those justadverted to, receives strong confirmation, and is now, I believe, beingadopted by many of the best philosophers of the age. 

EXTENT OF ELECTRIC AGENCY. 

When we have settled upon the position that the electricity of theheavens and of the artificial machine are identical, and that theiridentity is essentially one with galvanism, magnetism, the electro-vitalfluid of animal and the life-force of the vegetable kingdoms, itrequires no extravagant imagination, nor remarkable degree ofenthusiastic credulity, to suppose that all the forms of physicalattraction and repulsion are due, under God, to the diversifiedmodifications of the same all-pervading agent--ELECTRICITY. Indeed, formyself, I feel no hesitation in expressing it as my belief thatelectricity, in one phase or another, and controlled only by WILL, isthe grand motive-power of the universe. I believe that, in the form ofelectro-vital fluid, the great Creator employs it as His immediate agentto carry on all the functions of animal life; and that, in respect tovoluntary functions, He subordinates it as a servant to the will of thecreature, to effect such cerebral action and such muscular contractionsas are demanded by the creature's volitions. I am disposed to thinkthat, by the omnipotent power of His will, He controls and useselectricity, in its various modifications, as the immediate moving-forceby which He accomplishes all the changes in the physical universe. It isfast becoming a generally-received opinion among modern _savans_, thatevery body in nature is really magnetic, more or less; and that allvisible or sensible changes are but the result of changing poles. Chemical affinities and revulsions are believed to be only the moredelicate forms of electrical attraction and repulsion; the ultimateparticles of matter, no less than matter in masses, being subject to thecontrol of electrical laws. The imponderable agents, light and caloric, under the ingenious tests of scientific scrutiny, are beginning to givesome very decided indications of being simply electric phenomena. Indeed, the doctrine or theory that supposes caloric to be simply_atomic motion_ is even now being very generally accepted by thescientific world. And that motion in the atoms of a body which causes inus the sensation of heat is probably electric motion. And permit me toobserve that, though the operations of nature seem, at first thought, tobe wonderfully complex and mysterious, yet if the views here presentedbe correct, the marvel is changed; and we are brought to a profoundadmiration of the _simplicity_ of the means by which the Almightyconducts His material operations. A _single_ agent made to performprocesses so infinitely numerous, diversified and apparently complex!How amazing! Simplicity in complexity!--majestic, like the mind of God. 

THEORY OF MAN. 

Let the question now be raised--_What is man?_ The answer will have muchto do with the remedial system which I aim to teach. For this reason itis thus early introduced. 

My answer to the above question is as follows: _Man is a threefoldbeing, composed of a body material, a body electrical, and a spiritrational and indestructible. _

Let the elements of this definition be a little amplified:

1. _The material body. _ This is composed of various metals, earths, carbon, phosphorus, and gases. I need not go into a representation oftheir multiplied and curious combinations to form the many parts of thebody complete. But these are the ultimate elements; and a most superband wonderful structure they here compose. Yet, notwithstanding all themanifest skillfulness of its contrivance, and the power of itsaccomplishment, and the niceness and beauty of its execution, it were auseless display if unaccompanied with the invisible agents which composethe two other grand constituents of man, to wit: the body electrical andthe spirit, or mind. Without these, it would quickly fall into decay, aswe see it when deprived of them, and would be resolved into its originalelements again. But to our gross material bodies the Creator has added, 2. _The body electrical. _ By this, I mean that which has commonly beentermed "nervous influence, " "nervous fluid, " "nervo-vital fluid, " and"nervo-electric fluid. " I object, however, to each and all of thesedesignations. They are too restricted and specific. They all seem toimply that it is an agent or influence which appertains especially tothe _nervous_ system; whereas the entire organism is under its pervadingforce. I do not doubt but its chief action is in and through the nervoussystem; but it also pervades and, as I think, vitalizes the whole body. The nervous system seems to be created as one principal means for itsreplenishment, [A] and to serve as the medium of its ministrations to thebody at large. I choose to term it _electro-vital fluid_, or_electro-vitality_. My reasons for so designating it are the following:(1) It is demonstrably electrical in its nature. (2) It appears to beidentified, or at least connected immediately, with the vitalization ofthe body. (3) I wish, by its name, to distinguish it from _mental_vitality, or the vitality of _spirit_. Whether, as a peculiarmanifestation of the electric principle, it vitalizes by its own natureand action solely, or whether it be _charged_ with another mysteriouselement--a _life-force_--and vitalizes by ministering the latter to thematerial organism, I will not positively affirm. Whichever it be, thename I assign to it seems sufficiently appropriate. But I stronglyincline to the theory that this electro-vital principle does itself, byvirtue of its own nature, vitalize the system. In other words, I amdisposed to think that God makes it the _immediate_ agent ofvitalization; having constituted it the _vis vitæ_ of both the animaland the vegetable kingdoms. Nor does this idea, as I conceive, necessarily conflict at all with the doctrine of _cell-life_, asmaintained by the best physiologists of the present day. I alsosometimes style this electro-vital element the _body electrical_, because it is certainly an entity, coëxtensive with and, in greater orless force, wholly pervading the visible, material body. 

At this point I will take the liberty to introduce, although somewhatdigressively, a few thoughts on the DISTINCTIONS OF VITALITY OR LIFE. 

There are, as I suppose, the following several kinds of life: (1)_Spirit life_; (2) _Moral life_; (3) _Electric life_. 

(1. ) There is _spirit_ life. And here are to be made severalsubdivisions. 

[1. ] _Uncreated_ spirit life. This is the life of God. Of the nature ofthe Divine Essence we know nothing; yet that God is a real, livingentity, we do know. My own conviction is that the divine essence and thedivine life are identical; that God, a spirit, is necessary, infinite, conscious VITALITY--the voluntary Originator of all existencies besideshimself. But as to what is the essential nature of this vitality--thiseternal spirit-life--we can have no conception, only that this life isGod. 

[2. ] _Created_ spirit-life. And here we make another subdivision. 

(_a_) The life of created _immortal_ spirit. This is a rational, intelligent entity, representing the spirit of man and of unembodied, created intelligences above him. This spirit God created as it pleasedhim--"in his own likeness"--a living, indestructible essence; and, as Isuppose, its essence and its life the same. 

(_b_) The life of created _mortal_ spirit, as the spirit of the beast. Of the intrinsic essence of this spirit, we are also necessarilyignorant. Yet, of its attributes we know that it has _consciousness_, _sensibility_, and _will_. Of its life we know as little as of itsessence; both of which, however, as I conjecture, are also one and thesame--the spirit substance being itself essentially vital. 

(2. ) We pass next to _moral_ life. This life is identical with_holiness_--the very opposite of that defilement that characterizesmoral _death_, which is a state of _sin_. But let me again subdivide. 

[1. ] As to the moral life of _God_, it consists in his infinite moralpurity--his _veracity_, _justice_ and _benevolence_ or _love_--qualitieswhich, in their combination make up his holiness. 

[2. ] The moral life of _man, as also of other rational creatures_. Thisconsists in his _sympathy of spirit with God_ in respect to those purequalities which constitute the Divine holiness. 

(3. ) Finally, there is _electric_ or _physical life_. But here againthere are varieties. 

[1. ] There is _animal_ life, as of man and the lower animals. This Ihave already represented as consisting in the electro-vital force. 

[2. ] _Vegetable_ life. This is another modification of the sameessential principle--electro-vitality. 

But now, to return to the _physical_ or _animal life of man_--theelectro-vital element. While this is in such _immediate_ relation to thevisible body on the one hand, it holds, also, on the other hand, an_immediate_ relation to the mental part, both of man and of the otheranimated beings of earth. It serves to transmit, through the nervoussystem to the mind, all sensations and impressions from the outer world. It, moreover, receives from the mind the action of its volitions andimaginary conceptions, and conveys through the nerves the impressions orimpulsions thus obtained to the various parts of the body, and theresecures the fulfillment of the mind's behests. It appears to be only inthis way that communication is had between the mind and its outer body. The natures of spirit and of gross matter are so totally unlike, that itseems impracticable for the mind and body to come into _immediate_mutual relation, or to act reciprocally, without the aid of a_medium_--ethereal, semi-material and semi-spiritual, such as is theelectro-vital fluid. And the Creator has accordingly provided thismysterious, invisible medium between the two, and thus, in a degree, extended man's likeness to himself by making him _a trinity in unity_. 

3. _The mind or spirit. _ This is immeasurably the highest and mostimportant constituent of man. His body material may fall back to dust. His body electrical may be reabsorbed in the great ocean of naturalelectricity that fills the earth and the heavens. But his mind isimmortal. His spirit, made in the divine image, lives and acts, thinksand feels, independently of every other existence save Him from whom itsbeing came. While in connection with its visible body, its good or ill, its bliss or woe, has, indeed, much to do with its bodily state. But, when separated from this body, its high and more independent existenceis at once asserted; and then its good or ill are determined by itsAuthor only in accordance with the workings and affections withinitself. A spiritual and indestructible being like its Creator, it cannever cease to be while he exists. 

But our present concern is with the mind in its relation to thatelectro-vital medium between it and the body, and to the body itself. The mind's influence upon both of these lower parts of the entire man istruly wonderful, although perceptible mostly on the material body. Fewpersons are aware how much the state of the mind affects the bodilyhealth, although the degree is often very great. Yet this is done bythe mind's action, first on the electro-vital functions, and throughthese, by way of the nerves, upon the bodily tissue. Changes in themental states will, in this way, frequently produce changed polarizationin the physical organs, and thus determine infallibly the matter ofhealth or disease. So, too, the condition of the bodily health willoften determine irresistibly the mental state. Whatever bodily changesaffect the polarization of the electro-vital medium in any part of theorganism, do thereby produce corresponding changes in the mind. 

These views of the reciprocal action between mind and body, through themedium of the electro-vital element, may serve to explain thosepsychological wonders exhibited in the cure of diseases by theimagination, as well as in diseases and even death induced by theimagination. I would much like to unfold and illustrate this bearing ofthe subject; and, also, in the light of it, to show the _philosophy_ ofone mind acting intelligibly on another mind, with, and even _without_, the aid of the physical organs, as is sometimes seen in the facts ofmesmerism. This I have done in my written lectures, for the instructionof classes; but my limits will not admit of it here. 

There is another thought which I will offer in this connection. Imaintain that all _functional_ action of our bodily organism, _abinitio_, is conducted by _thinking mind_, through the medium of organicelectricity or the electro-vital fluid. Every organ as a whole, andevery life-cell in detail, is charged with this active principle. Ibelieve that every one of then is controlled and guided incessantly inits propagating, organizing and entire functional force by _intelligentmind_, acting through this wonder-working agent--the electro-vitalfluid. In respect to our _voluntary_ exercises, this organic electricalforce is made subject to our own mental activities, and executes itsoffice upon the bodily organism mainly through the medium of the nerves. But, as regards all the _involuntary_ functions, I believe that controlis exercised _directly_ by the omniscient and all-pervading God, although in accordance with his own established laws. 

Once more of the _mind_ let me remark, that _consciousness, sensation, and will belong to it alone_. The _body_ never thinks nor feels; nordoes the organic electricity within it. The popular idea, especiallywith the less educated masses, is that, if a man burn his finger, it isthe finger that smarts. But this can not be true. Pain can exist onlywhere consciousness is. And there is no consciousness in the finger, norin any material part. Only the _mind_ is conscious of _existence_, even;and hence only the mind can be conscious of pleasure or pain. If a limbbe paralyzed, by interrupting in any way the flow of the electro-vitalfluid through its nerves, and thus depriving the _mind_ of its medium ofcommunication with it, you may burn that limb to a crisp and the subjectwill feel no pain. When you burn your finger or break your arm, youdisturb the action of the electro-vitality in the injured part, deranging its poles. This electric agent instantly communicates itsdisturbance along the nerves to the brain, where it reports to the mindand tells where the disturbance is. The conscious mind takes cognizanceof the fact and feels distress. 

THE LOWER ANIMALS. 

It may, by some, be objected that, if we regard sensation as existingonly in the _mind_, as affirmed above, then we must concede mind to thelower animal tribes, since they are subjects of consciousness, sensationand will, as truly as ourselves. I admit this necessity, andunhesitatingly take the position, as has been already done in theclassification of minds, that the lower animals are in fact endowed witha something higher and more spiritual than their material bodies ortheir animal vitality--something which bears distinguishingcharacteristics of _mind_. I would not, however, be understood to say, or to imply, that they possess _all_ the characteristics of our minds, even in a rudimental degree. I do not believe they do. My theory doesnot accord to them either reason or immortality. Yet, in respect to thelatter, my views are less decisive, and my utterances usually morereserved. But I think their minds may, and probably do, perish withtheir bodies. Nevertheless, the existence of consciousness, sensationand will, in any orders, does evidently presuppose some sort of mentalconstitution. And such mental structure, in them as well as in us, mustbe distinct from and superior to the animal vitality--compelling servicefrom the latter, and using it as a medium for communicating with thebody, and with the outer world in general. 

THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 

As to the vegetable kingdom, there is here, so far as we can discover, only a duality of principle, viz: the material body and a modified phaseof electro-vitality. These component parts appear to sustain to eachother, in the vegetable, relations quite analogous to those of thecorresponding parts in the animal. But here the _mental_ part iswanting; and consequently there is no consciousness, sensation, norwill; and the electro-vital action is guided in its elaborate andbeautiful operations for the forming and developing of the plant, and inall its vital functions, by the all-pervading mind of God. 

NATURAL POLARIZATION OF MAN'S PHYSICAL ORGANISM. 

_The electro-vital fluid_, in the animal economy, is subject to the sameprinciples of polarization as the magnetic current from the artificialmachine, or the magnetism of the bar-magnet. In the material organism ofman, the great nerve-centers--the brain, the spinal cord, and theganglions--appear to act the part of fixed magnets, charged with theelectro-vital fluid. Indeed, there is much reason to believe that thisfluid is elaborated within these nerve-centers--more especially withinthe brain--from the inorganic electricity of the outer world, which issupplied through the lungs in respiration, and conducted thence to theselaboratories by a remarkably interesting process--a process which I havenot room here to describe, but which I have drawn out in detail in amanuscript lecture on the circulation of the blood, for my classes, andwhich may some day see the light. These nerve-centers, viewed as magnetsof electro-vitality, require to be regarded as having each a positivenucleus in the interior, on which are ranged the negative ends of thecurrents which go out from this positive nucleus in every direction tothe surface of the medullary organ--so radiating, as it were, fromcenter to periphery. And the nerve-lines and ramifications which issuefrom these great nerve-centers are polarized evidently in the sameway--the electro-vital fluid being disposed with its negative ends tothe positive surfaces of the nerve-centers, and its positive or plusends to the "vital organs, " and especially to the surfaces of theorganism as a whole. There are many other polarizations in the humansystem, subordinate to those mentioned above; but I have no room tospeak of them in detail. 

ELECTRICAL CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES. 

There are two, and only two, primary classes of disease--those in whichthe electro-vital force is abnormally _positive_, and those where it ispreternaturally _negative_. The former class comprises every variety andphase of hypersthenia, and the latter, every sort and degree ofanæsthesia, or rather, of azoödynamia. _Inflammation_ may be taken as ageneral representative of the positive or hypersthenic class--thoseforms of disease in which there is too much electro-vitality, or inwhich the vital force may be said to be too active. _Paralysis_ maystand as a general representative of the negative or azoödynamicclass--those in which the vital action is too low or weak. 

PHILOSOPHY OF DISEASE AND CURE. 

In every part of the animal economy, polar derangements in theelectro-vital principle are liable to occur. These derangements arealways the real foundation of disease. They may be occasioned by athousand agencies, which act as the _procuring_ cause of disease; butthe _proximate_ and _sustaining_ cause is polar disturbance--derangementof the electro-vital poles. Parts which, in health, are relativelypositive, may become negative, and that which should be negative maybecome positive. Or again, a part, naturally positive to itscounterpart, may become _excessively_ so, and that which should berelatively negative may become negative to a _morbid degree_. 

To correct these polar disturbances and restore the normal polarization, is to _cure the complaint_. This is, under the treatment of mostphysicians, often accomplished by the use of medicines, and bymechanical or surgical agency. We accomplish it by the properapplication of the _poles_ of our electrical apparatus. In cases wherethere is _virus_ to be destroyed, or _abnormal growths_ to be removed, we also secure the _chemical_ action appropriate to these ends by theproper _selection of our current_. It often happens that _mechanical_ or_surgical action_ is demanded. In many _such_ cases, we do not professto secure normal polarization and consequent cure by means ofelectricity alone. Yet, in a large proportion of the cases wheremechanical or surgical agency is usually thought to be indispensable, we are able to cure by electric action only, since by it we can exertvery considerable mechanical force at will; and can also, in manyinstances, attain much more happily, by means of electricity, the veryends or the _best_ ends which would be aimed at by skillful surgicaloperations. 

PRINCIPLES OF PRACTICE. 

POLAR ANTAGONISM. 

_When the conducting cords are of equal length_, as commonly they shouldbe, each of the two poles or electrodes produces a polar effect in thepatient directly the opposite of that produced by the other. Also, _atany point_ in either half of the circuit, if it be within the person ofthe patient, the polar effect produced is the very reverse of what isexperienced at the corresponding point in the other half of the circuit. And further; each half of the current produces a polar effect, at everypoint in the parts of the patient through which it runs, the same in_kind_, though differing in _degree_, as is produced immediately underthe pole or electrode with which it is connected; yet an effectantagonistic to that which is produced under the other pole, or at thecorresponding point in the other half of the current. 

IMPORTANCE OF NOTING THE CENTRAL POINT. 

From the above observations, it will be plain that, when we wish tobring a diseased organ under the influence of the _positive_ pole, wemust carefully place our electrodes so that none of the organ, or noneof the diseased part of it, shall appear on the positive[B] side of the_central point of the circuit_; it being understood that the currentmoves as nearly in direct lines as the best conducting medium willadmit. Or again, if it be desired to bring a diseased organ, or anyextended part of it, under the influence of the _negative_ pole, we mustfirst calculate in placing our electrodes about where the central pointwill come, and then so apply them that no part of the lesion or diseaseshall appear on the negative[B] side of the central point; otherwise somuch of it as lies on that side will come under the force of the wrongpole, and thus be affected in a way the opposite of what was intended. The characteristic influence of each pole is felt throughout its ownhalf of the circuit. 

DISTINCTIVE USE OF EACH POLE. 

I have said that every disease is preternaturally either positive ornegative. I have further said, that the application of either pole to agiven part produces an effect the opposite of what would be produced inthe same part by a reversal of the poles. The way is now prepared for meto announce THE CENTRAL PRINCIPLE of our system of practice. The readerwill bear in mind that all acutely inflammatory or hypersthenicaffections are electrically _positive_ in excess--having too much vitalaction--being _overcharged_ with the electro-vital fluid; and that allparalytic diseases, or those of a sluggish, azoödynamic character, areelectrically _negative_--having too little electro-vital fluid--toolittle vital action. It is a universal law of electricity that positivesrepel each other, and that negatives repel each other; but thatpositives and negatives attract each other. This is a principle ofelectric action everywhere known, where any thing is known on thesubject. _We appropriate it practically to therapeutic purposes. _Therefore, when I wish to repress or repel inflammation, which iselectrically positive in excess, I put the positive pole to it; or, atleast, I bring it under that half of the circuit with which the positivepole is connected, and as near to the pole or electrode as possible. Andbecause two positives repel each other, and also because the directionof the current is always from the positive to the negative pole, carrying the electro-vital fluid with it, either I must withdraw mypositive electrode, or that excess of electro-vitality in the diseasedpart which makes it morbidly positive, and thus produces inflammation, must give way. I _will not_ withdraw my positive pole, and therefore thepositive inflammation _must_ retreat and be dispersed. In treating thiscase, I will place my _negative_ electrode either on some healthy part, or, if there be perceptible anywhere in the system a morbidly negativepart, as is often the case, I will place my negative pole there. Forexample: if I am treating for _nephritis_--inflammation of thekidneys--when I do not perceive any part to be abnormally negative, Imanipulate with my positive electrode over the inflamed kidney, havingthe negative electrode placed at the coccyx--lowest part of the spine. My positive pole repels the positive inflammation from the kidney; or, rather, repels from it that excess of electro-vital fluid which makes itmorbidly positive and induces the inflammation, while the negative poleattracts the same towards the coccyx. On its way, it becomes more orless diverted to adjacent nerves; or, if gathered in the healthy part, under the negative pole, it is immediately dispersed by the normalcirculation as soon as the electrode is removed. But if I find _a spinalirritation_, say in one or more of the cervical or dorsal vertebræ, and, at the same time, a stomach affected with _chronic dyspepsia_, accompanied with _constipation of bowels_, I will work over the inflamedor irritated spine with my positive pole, because I know from itsirritation that there is an excess of electro-vital fluid in the part, making it improperly positive; and, with my negative electrode, I will, at the same time, treat over the stomach, bowels and liver; because Iknow, from the _inaction_ of these organs, that there is a lack of thevital force--a deficiency of the electro-vital fluid--there, and that, consequently, they are too negative. Adopting this method, I accomplishtwo objects in the same treatment. _First_, my positive pole, applied tothe spinal disease, repels from it the excess of electro-vital fluidwhich was there doing mischief; and, _second_, my negative pole attractsthe same, along with the artificial or inorganic electricity, to thestomach and bowels where it is wanted, since negatives attractpositives. Or I wish to rouse to action a _torpid liver_. Now, if I find_inflammation, or enlargement_ of the spleen, as is commonly the case in_chills and fever_, I place the positive pole upon the spleen, at theleft side, just below the false ribs, and the negative pole on theliver, which is best reached immediately below the ribs on the rightside, and around backward and upward as far as to the spine. Thepositive pole repels the excess of electro-vitality away from thepositive spleen, and so reduces the improper excitement there, while atthe same time it rushes, by attraction, to the negative liver, under thenegative pole, and makes that more positive, and so more active. In thisway, I change the polarization of the parts, and, in so doing, removethe sustaining cause of the disease. You here perceive that I treat apositive part with the positive pole, so as to repel the excess ofelectro-vitality from it, and thus repress its excessive action; andthat I treat a negative part with the negative pole, so as to attractthe electro-vital fluid, along with the current from the machine, to itfrom under the positive pole, and thus increase the action by making itmore positive. 

But suppose I do what nearly all of the doctors do, who use electricitywith any regard to polarity; that is, if treating acutely inflamed eyes, for example, apply the negative pole to the eyes, thinking thereby tomake them more negative; or, if treating amaurosis, apply the positiveelectrode to the affected parts, thinking thereby to make them morepositive! I say, suppose I do this same thing, do you not see that, bythe fixed laws of electricity, I necessarily increase the evils that Iwould remedy? Do you not see that, by placing my negative pole on thealready overcharged and inflamed eyes, I attract to them yet more of theelectro-vital fluid, and so increase their positive condition andaggravate the inflammation? and that, by presenting my positiveelectrode to the eyes already more or less paralyzed, I repel whatlittle electro-vitality there was there, and so make the nerves all themore negative and dead? And yet, I repeat it, this is precisely the planof almost all the men who use electricity in therapeutic practice withany regard to its polarization. They treat a positive disease--rather, a_hypersthenic_ disease, (for they seldom know anything of the_electrical_ states of diseased parts), with the negative pole, and anazoödynamic disease, which is negative, with the positive pole!--alldirectly antagonistic to science and success. 

But the great mass of physicians, who attempt to treat electrically, have no knowledge either of the electrical condition of the variousforms of disease, nor of the distinctive and peculiar effects producedby either pole of the artificial current; and consequently all their useof this powerful agent is entirely empirical--merely haphazardexperiment. 

I may have raised an inquiry a few moments since which ought to beanswered. I said, in effect, that in treating a positive disease, such, for instance, as acute, inflammatory rheumatism or acute pleurisy, Iwould use the positive pole on the inflamed parts, and the negative poleon either some healthy part or on a morbidly negative part, if I couldfind such. So, too, I said I would treat a negative disease, such asamaurosis or torpidity of liver, with the negative pole, placing thepositive pole on either some healthy or morbidly positive part. Thequery may have arisen, "By placing the one pole or the other on ahealthy part, do you not derange the normal electro-vital action there, disturbing its healthy polarization?" I answer, yes, for the time being, I do; and if this disturbing force were to be steadily continued for anyconsiderable time, the disturbance would produce manifest and seriousdisease. But then, a pole or electrode, placed on a healthy part, wegenerally move, or ought to move, more or less, every few moments, whichprevents the establishment of any perverted action in the part; and themoment the electrode is withdrawn, the normal polarization and healthyaction are resumed. 

USE OF THE LONG CORD. 

It is often desirable to bring the entire parts of the patient, throughwhich the current is made to pass, under one and the same kind ofinfluence--such as shall make them all more positive or more negative. Especially is this true in many cases where we wish to run through but a_short_ space. For this purpose, there is frequent advantage in usingconducting cords of unequal length. As my views on this point have beendisputed in certain quarters, I will endeavor here to place them in sucha light that they shall not be rejected for want of being _rightlyunderstood_. 

I have previously remarked[C] that, for practical purposes, it issufficiently exact to consider the _magnetic circuit_ as extending onlyfrom the _positive post_, around through the conducting cords, theelectrodes, and the person of the patient, to the _negative post_. Wewill so regard it at present. This circuit may be viewed as onecontinuous magnet, made up of several sections or shorter magnets placedend to end--the positive end of the first to the negative end of thesecond, and the positive end of the second to the negative end of thethird. In this arrangement, the negative end of the first section is thenegative pole of the one whole magnet, and the positive end of the thirdsection is the positive pole of the whole magnet. The minimum quantityof the magnetism is supposed to be at the negative pole, and the maximumquantity at the positive pole; and the quantity is supposed to increase, by _regular graduation_, from the negative to the positive pole. Thisbeing so, the quantity is _the same_ in the positive end of eithersection and the negative end of the adjoining section, at their point ofcontact. 

Now, in practice, the body of the patient, or so much of it as isembraced between the two electrodes, may be regarded as the _second_section in this magnet; and the cord connected with the positive post, together with its electrode attached, may be counted the _first_ and_most negative_ section; and the cord connected with the negative post, along with its electrode, may be the _third_ and _most positive_section. And if this whole magnet be more and more positive, by regulardegrees through all the sections, from its negative to its positive endor pole, then the nearer any given part of it, say the _secondsection_--the patient's person, may be to its positive pole in thenegative post, so much the more _positive_ that section or part will be. And the nearer such part or section may be to the negative pole in thepositive post, so much the more _negative_ it will be. If the cords beof equal length, the central point in the circuit or magnet will be inthe second section--the person of the patient, midway between theelectrodes; and that section will be charged with the _mean_ quantityof the magnetic fluid. The _central point_ will hold _exactly_ the meanquantity. But if the cord in the _first_ section be _two_ yards long, and that in the _third_ section be _four_ yards, then sectionsecond--the patient's parts under treatment--will be nearest to the_negative_ pole in the positive post, and consequently will be chargedwith much _less_ than the mean quantity of the fluid, and will thereforebe made so much the more _negative_. If, on the other hand, the cord insection _first_ be _four_ yards in length, and that in section _third_be only _two_ yards, then the patient's body--section second--will bebrought nearest to the _positive_ pole in the negative post, and ofcourse be charged with much _more_ than the mean quantity of themagnetic fluid, and hence will be made so much the more _positive_. 

It is true that the positive and negative poles of section second--theparts of the patient between the electrodes--will not be _reversed_ byany such changes in the length or relative positions of the conductingcords; nor is such reversal required in those cases where the use of the_long cord_ is indicated. The only change of polarization called for insuch cases, is that _all_ the parts through which the current is topass should, in greater or less degree, be affected alike, as being mademore positive or more negative. Of course these parts will be soaffected in different degrees--those nearest to the _short_ cord the_most_; those nearest to the _long_ cord the _least_. 

The class of cases where the use of the _long cord_ is more especiallyadvantageous, comprises those in which it is desirable to run thecurrent _out_ of the patient at the shortest admissible distance fromthe positive electrode. For example, in treating _cynanche tonsillaris_, (quinsy), if treating with the positive pole in the mouth, we would notwish to run the current further than to the back of the neck; or, iftreating externally, we would not wish to carry the negative electrodefurther from the positive than from side to side. Here the _long cord_, with the negative electrode, would be a special advantage in subduingthe inflammation. We would not care to _increase_ the inflammatoryaction, as we should necessarily do on the positive side of the centralpoint, by using cords of _equal_ length. 

Again, if treating a case of acute _enteritis_--inflammation of theintestines--we would not wish, while treating the abdomen with thepositive pole, to increase the inflammation in the lower parts, by usingequal cords and placing the negative pole at the sacrum or the coccyx. Neither would we wish to reduce the strength of the lower limbs bycarrying the negative pole to the feet. Nor, yet again, would we care toendanger the thoracic viscera by running the current from the abdomen upto the dorsal or cervical vertebræ. The true way, in such a case, wouldbe to connect the negative electrode with a _long cord_, and then to runthe current through the inflamed parts, and _out_ somewhere from thelumbar vertebræ to the coccyx, by treating over the abdomen with thepositive pole, and placing the negative pole on the lower parts of thespine. 

As the cords that accompany the machine from the manufacturer areusually cut about two yards in length, every practitioner should supplyhimself with an extra cord, of at least three yards, to be used as the_long cord_. 

THE INWARD AND THE OUTWARD CURRENT. 

I have already said that when the conducting-cords are of equal length, as for the most part they should be, the central point of the circuitwill be in the person of the patient, about midway between the twoelectrodes. Now, since the current always runs from the positive to thenegative pole, and makes its whole circuit in that direction, it will bereadily seen that, from the place on the patient where the positive poleis applied, inward as far as to the central point, the direction of thecurrent may properly be said to be _inward_; and that, from the centralpoint to the place of the negative electrode, where the current comesout, its direction may be said to be _outward_. When, therefore, a partis treated with the positive pole, or when the part under treatmentappears anywhere between the positive pole and the central point, it isnot unusual to say, It is treated with the _inward current_. And when apart is treated with the negative pole, or when it appears between thecentral point and the negative pole, it is often spoken of as beingtreated with the _outward current_. 

MECHANICAL EFFECT OF EACH POLE. 

The _mechanical_ effect of the forward end of the current, or that partof it which is under the negative electrode, is to relax, expand andweaken; while that of the rear end, under the positive electrode, is tocontract and strengthen. A moving ship disperses the waters at its bow, but draws them in at its stern. The bullet shot from a gun, in passingthrough a plank, leaves the perforation closed where it enters in, butwide open where it comes out. Thus, in physics, the advance end of amoving body tends to disperse the element through which it is passing, while the rear end tends to its contraction. Analogous to this are the_mechanical_ effects of the different ends of an electrical current inthe living tissue. When, therefore, we wish to relax a muscle that isunnaturally contracted, as by rheumatism or otherwise, we must bring itunder the forward end--the outward current--the negative pole. If wedesire to contract ligaments or muscles that are abnormally relaxed, (not _atrophied_), as in prolapsus uteri, we must subject them to therear end of the current--the positive pole. Parts that are unnaturallycontracted are electrically negative in excess, and need to be made morepositive. And parts that are unhealthily relaxed are too positive, andshould be made more negative. We make a part more positive by applyingto it the negative pole, and more negative by applying to it thepositive pole. Parts _spasmodically_ contracted are acute and positive;those _permanently_ contracted are chronic and negative. 

RELAXED AND ATROPHIED CONDITIONS. 

I alluded, above, to a distinction between a _relaxed_ and an_atrophied_ condition of an organ. There is such a distinction, whichshould be carefully observed while treating parts so affected. Anatrophied muscle or organ becomes soft and flabby from lack ofnourishment. But this condition is not properly one of _relaxation_. Itis rather a diminution--a _thinning out_ of atoms, by wasting withoutreplenishment. Such a condition is always negative, and requirestreatment under the negative pole. On the contrary, relaxed parts, suchas appear in prolapsus uteri, and in the sagging down of the diaphragm, with the thoracic and abdominal viscera, exhibit no lack of nutrition orof vital action. Relaxation is a _loosening_ of atoms from each other, more or less, without loss of aggregate weight; and implies a conditionelectrically positive in excess, and calls for treatment with thepositive pole. 

GENERAL DIRECTIONS OF THE CURRENT. 

_Negative_ affections, as a general rule, are best treated with the_upward-running_ current--the positive pole being placed at a lowerpoint than the negative. _Inflammatory_ affections, and other _plus_conditions, for the most part, should be treated with the down-runningcurrent, keeping the negative pole at a lower point than the positive. But these rules admit of frequent exceptions, which every practitioner'sexperience will soon reveal. 

The _downward_ current, running _with_ the downward and outward courseof the nerves, tends to _depletion_ and _weakness_, for the reason thatit _runs off_ from the system the electro-vital fluid. The _upward_current, on the other hand, running _against_ the nerves, inward towardstheir source, feeds the system with fresh electricity, and gives a_tonic_ effect. Yet for this purpose, it must not be too long continued, nor of too severe strength, lest it overtask and irritate thenerve-sheaths. 

In treating a _paralyzed_ organ, the current should commonly be run froma _healthy_ part, whether that require it to be directed downwards orupwards. For example: In treating a paralyzed foot or leg, the positivepole should be upon the lower part of the spine--at the coccyx--or evenunder the sole of the opposite foot. It is best to alternate betweenthese positions. So in treating a paralyzed hand or arm, let the currentbe run from the upper part of the spine, and frequently also from theopposite hand. With the _negative_ electrode, treat all over theparalyzed parts. Yet it is well, in these cases, often to _reverse_ thedirection of the current for a brief period at the close of thesittings, say one to two minutes, for the purpose of rousing the nervoussusceptibility, and to prevent exhaustion from too continuously runningoff the electro-vital fluid. 

TREATING WITH ELECTROLYTIC CURRENTS. 

For decomposing and carrying off unnatural growths, as fistula, ficus, glandular enlargements and other tumors, it is often best to dilute the_electrolytic_ quality of the galvanic current A B with one or both ofthe Faradaic currents, as by taking A C or A D instead of A B. But_malignant_ and _poisonous_ affections, as scirrhus and other varietiesof cancer, and also cases of infectious virus, demand continually, orwith but occasional exceptions, the primary galvanic current A B. ☞Intreating these malignant affections, the current should be run throughas short a distance of _healthy_ tissue as possible, yet so as fairly toreach the diseased part. And whether this part be brought, for a giventime, under the one pole or the other, the opposite pole should beattached to the _long cord_, so as to throw the central point of thecircuit, not in the person of the patient, but out on the long cord, thus bringing the entire organic parts though which the current ispassed on one and the same side of the center, and so, under the rulinginfluence of the same pole. 

Those diseases which require the chemical or electrolytic currentsshould, for the most part, be treated under the negative pole, particularly those which need the galvanic current A B, and also oldulcers and _chronic irritation of mucus surfaces_. Glandularenlargements not of scirrhous character, and excrescent growths notpoisonous, may often be reduced, and perhaps sometimes cured, under thepositive pole. But my own experience, even with these affections, isthat it is better to treat them under the negative pole until they cometo assume, as sometimes they will, an _acute_ state, when the positivepole may be used with success. If, however, it appears desirable toproduce a _cauterizing_ effect, this must be done by persistenttreatment under the negative pole of a strong A B or A C current, and, if the disease be external, with a small pointed electrode. 

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE MANIFESTATIONS. 

_Acute_ diseases are to be regarded as electrically positive, and_chronic_ affections as negative. The exceptions are rare, if any atall. _Malignant cholera_, which is eminently acute, might by some beconsidered as an exception. In negative diseases, there is a low degreeof electro-vitality. And it has been remarked by careful observers, particularly in the Orient, that cholera rages with greatestdestructiveness when no special electric phenomena have for long timeappeared in the atmosphere, and when the artificial electrical apparatuscould be made to yield its sparks only with difficulty, or not at all. And again, after a thunderstorm, when the electric machine works againfreely, the cholera is also found to abate quickly, and sometimes verygreatly. The inference drawn from these facts has been that theprevalence of cholera is largely owing to a lack of electricity in theatmosphere, and consequently to a want of the animal electricity orelectro-vitality in the system of the patient; and thence it might beconcluded that cholera implies a negative condition of the system. Ithink there is a fallacy in this reasoning. There appears to me to be anunwarrantable assumption in confidently attributing the long absencefrom the heavens of marked electrical phenomena, and the failure of theelectric machine to give its spark, to an unquestioned deficiency ofatmospheric electricity. Electrical manifestations take place only whenthe _plus_ and _minus_ conditions are existing, in relation to eachother, somewhat near, or not very remote; and the visible phenomenaappear when the positive and negative rush together, so as to produce apolar equilibrium. But suppose a _plus_ condition to exist over a wideregion, then, everything being _overcharged_, the visible phenomenawould be as rare and as difficult of attainment as if all around werenegative. How, then, can it be inferred, with any certainty, from suchdata, that there is a _deficiency_ of electricity, rather than an_excess_ of it?

I have not treated a case of cholera; but my own impression of it is, that in the first stage, or during the "rice-water" discharges, thecondition of the system is, as in other acute affections, excessivelypositive; but that, as the collapse comes on, it rapidly subsides intoan intensely negative state, thus assuming the chief characteristic of achronic condition. 

In the above remarks, I would not be understood to indicate any doubtthat the prevalence of cholera is often aggravated or mitigated bypeculiar electrical states of the atmosphere. It appears altogetherprobable that such may be the fact; and I should presume that electricaltreatment, properly administered, would be found eminently successful inthis fearful malady. 

Again, in _chronic rheumatism_ there might, at first view, seem to befrequent exceptions to the rule last above stated; but the cases alludedto are not such. It is often the fact, during chronic rheumatism, thatsoreness and severe pain are felt, especially under the presentation ofthe negative pole, thus showing that these points require to be treatedwith the positive pole. But, in such cases, although the general diseaseof the system be chronic and negative, these sore and severely painfulpoints have, for the time, risen in their electro-vital condition, andso become acute and positive. But when chronic rheumatism is attendedwith only a _dull_ pain, and that chiefly under exercise of the parts, and with little or no increase of pain under an application of thenegative pole of the A D current, medium strength, and with no swelling, then the pain, the stiffness and the lameness are all marks of thenegative state, and the parts must be treated with the negative pole ofthe A D current, _strongly_ at first, but diminishing in force, fromtime to time, as the patient becomes relieved. 

_Alkaline_ affections--those causing excessive alkaline secretions--areelectrically positive. _Acid_ or _acidulous_ states are negative. 

HEALING. 

For healing wounds, burns, ulcers, irritation of mucous membranes, andcutaneous eruptions, the A D current is by far the best. _Recent_wounds, contusions and burns are electrically positive. _Old_ ulcers andirritations are generally negative. 

DIAGNOSIS. 

To make a correct diagnosis, it is needful to bear in mind the followinggeneral principles:

1. Where the organism is in health, the momentary application to thepatient of the negative pole of the double Faradaic current B D--thebest for diagnostic use--in good medium strength, [D] will be directlyfelt, yet will cause no pain. Whatever _muscular contractions_ may beproduced for the time, they are harmless, and need not be noticed. Wherever the electro-vital fluid is in _excess_, producinghypersthenia--too much vital action--the part is morbidly _positive_;and, excepting sometimes in the stomach and bowels, the B D current, ofmedium force, directed to that part under the negative pole, willproduce _sharp pain_. But where a current of full medium strength cannot be felt under the negative pole, there is a morbidly negativestate--a deficiency of vital action--a condition of at least partialparalysis--anæsthesia. 

2. In a state of health, different persons will have different degreesof sensibility to the electric current, depending on their variednervous susceptibility. Again, the same person will be much lesssensitive to the current when directed to the spine, particularly thelower part of it, and to the stomach, than when directed to most otherparts. Also, where bones lie near the surface, the periosteum--themembrane immediately investing the bone--is apt to feel more sensiblyunder the electrodes than the muscular parts. But these variations soonbecome so familiar to the practitioner that he finds no difficulty inmaking the proper allowances for them. 

In making an electrical examination, the two following questions presentthemselves to be answered: First, whether anywhere, and, if so, where isthere a morbid electrical state in the body of this patient? Second, what is the electrical condition of that unhealthy part? Is it_positive_ or _negative_?

These questions being answered, according to the tests just given, thewell-instructed practitioner is prepared to go on and treat the patientjudiciously, and with success, if success be attainable by any form ofmedication. 

Let me next say, It is best, as a general rule, to make examinationswith the _negative pole_. The reason of this is that, since the currentis always more energetic under the negative than under the positivepole, it makes itself more sensibly _felt_ there than under thepositive pole. Indeed, it will commonly be felt even to _painfulness_there, if the part were overcharged and inflamed before. Thus, under thenegative electrode, the current readily detects any active disease. But, if we be making the examination with the _positive pole_, as we comeupon any point more or less inflamed, the current, quick as lightning, rushes away from such inflamed part to the part under the stationarynegative pole, carrying with it, for the time being, more or less ofthat excess of electro-vital fluid which was in force at the inflamedpoint; so that _no pain_, perhaps, is experienced there; and thus thedisease escapes detection. 

I am aware that it has been said by some of our practitioners, with, ifI rightly remember, the able discoverer of the grand practicalprinciples of our system, Prof. C. H. Bolles, at their head, that it isnot quite prudent to use the negative pole in hand for diagnosis, lestwe possibly contract the disease from the patient; since, in that case, the current runs from the patient to the practitioner. They think itsafer to use the positive pole in hand; so letting the current run fromthe practitioner to the patient. There is force in this consideration, without doubt, where the patient is affected with a poisonous ormalignant disease. And where any thing of this nature is apprehended, Iwould never examine with the negative pole in hand. But these cases arecommonly so manifest, or so easily determined by colloquial inquiry, that examination with the electric current is rarely if ever necessary. And when the disease is plainly not of a poisonous or infectious nature, I do not think there is any danger to be apprehended from the causestated. I therefore prefer, as a general rule, to examine with thenegative pole; and for the reason given above. 

The temperature of the room and the adjustment of apparel should be thesame as for treatment. To prevent improper chilliness, the room ought tobe of such temperature that clothing is not required for bodilycomfort--say, from 70 to 80 degrees, _Fahrenheit_. Seat the patient on astool or chair, (a stool is most convenient), and yourself at his side, with your machine, ready for use, on a table or bench before him, and avessel of warm water within easy reach. If the patient be a man we lethis trunk be disrobed, giving free access to the back, chest andabdomen. If the patient be a woman, let her be covered with atreating-robe, of which garments the practitioner should keep a supply. They are made much like a lady's plain nightgown; but large and loose, so as to serve ladies of any size, and give ample room to work theelectrodes under them. Her skirts should be dropped _below the seat_, sofar that their bands shall lie across her lap. 

Let us now suppose the machine to be working. We will take the B Dcurrent. Let it be of good medium strength. We regulate the strength bythe quantity of fluid in the battery, so far as _volume_ is concerned, and by means of the plunger as respects _intensity_. The electrodesshould be dampened with warm water. Let the _sponge-roll_, [a very thinexpansion of sponge, quilted upon a muslin lining, and enveloping one ofthe tin electrodes], be made the positive pole, and be placed under thecoccyx--lowest part of the spine. Then attach the _positive_ cord; thatis, the cord connected with the _negative_ post, to another sponge-roll, to be held in the operator's right hand; or, what is better, attach itto a thin, flexible, metallic wristband, (brass is good, but metalliclace--such as is used in trimming _regalia_, is best), underlaid withwet muslin, and fastened around the right wrist. This brings theoperator's hand into the circuit as the negative electrode or pole. Next, pass a moist, warm sponge all over the patient's back. Now, beforethe back becomes dry, press the points of two fingers firmly, yet notuncomfortably, upon the back of the neck at the base of the skull;thence move gradually downward, by frequent touches of the same firm butgentle character, keeping one finger on each side of the spinousprocesses, until the whole length of the spine has been, in this manner, passed over. If sharp pain or soreness be felt at any point, _note_ thatpoint; there is inflamed irritation there. Then return up to the rightor left shoulder, and pass, in like manner, by frequent touches with oneor two fingers, over all parts of the back on that side of the spine, down to the hips. Then, in the same way, examine the shoulder and backon the other side of the spine, noting, as before, every point, if therebe any, where soreness and pain appear. After this, pass over the entireneck, then over the front parts of the thorax and abdomen, down to thepelvic bones, everywhere watching for soreness and pain. Next, go to thehead. Wet the hair through to the scalp, (because dry hair is a badconductor, ) and change to a _very soft_ B C current. Then go over allthe head in the same manner as over the neck and trunk. Better _reverse_the poles on the head, by transposing the cords in the posts, so as tomake the manipulating hand the _positive_ pole. The head is, or ought tobe, extremely sensitive. You need not do this, however, if the negativepole can be received on the head without discomfort, as it sometimes canbe. Commence on the cerebrum, and then pass to the cerebellum. 

If, in the examination of the spine, the practitioner finds ituncomfortable to bear in his fingers a current of sufficient strength tobe distinctly felt in that part of the patient, he may use theside-sponge cup on the spine. But let him _never use a current onanother person_ which he does not first apply to his own nerves, so asto know its intensity. Indeed, if one prefer to use the side-sponge cupthrough the whole process, he can do so; although there is advantage inusing the fingers, since, by their concentrated impressions, he is moresure to detect disease than by the broader face of the sponge cup. 

☞Now, wherever there is found _soreness_ or _lancinating pain_ under thetouch, it is sure that the part is preternaturally _positive_--more orless so, according to the degree of painful irritability. On the otherhand, if there be found a part evincing much _less_ than the usualsensibility found in the _healthy_ corresponding part of other patients, it may safely be pronounced torpid or paralytic, more or less. It lackssufficient electro-vitality--is improperly _negative_, and needs to betreated with the negative pole. 

It will often happen that diseased action is found in parts where thepatient was entirely unaware of its existence until the practitioner'sfingers or other electrode revealed it. Again, it will sometimes befound that there is no disease whatever in parts where the patientsupposed disease to be active. But when we find patients to beespecially nervous, it is not always best to tell them immediately justwhat our examinations have revealed to us--how severely or how little wethink them diseased. It is sometimes better to humor, more or less, thepatient's own views for a time; lest, by exciting him or her, we make adifficult case out of one that might have been mastered with comparativeease. In this matter discretion should guide us. 

But let me say farther, what I deeply feel, that neither do I think itright to _persistently_ conceal from patients, especially those who aredangerously affected, a knowledge of their true condition. In myopinion, physicians often unwittingly incur an awful responsibility inthis way, wronging their patients in the most vital and momentous of allinterests--the interests involved in a due preparation for death. Ibelieve the true way, in every such case, is for the physician himself, in a kind and soothing manner, to reveal to the patient, little bylittle, if need be, what he really thinks, or to ask the patient'spastor, or some other calm and judicious person to do it for him. Ibelieve the visits of a discreet and affectionate pastor, or, in theabsence of a pastor, of some other mild and Christian friend, to thebedside of the sick is, nine times in ten, not only no embarrassment tothe patient's recovery, but positively favorable to it, and ought to behabitually encouraged, rather than restrained, by medicalpractitioners. 

PRESCRIPTIONS. 

PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

The author wishes to caution the reader not to rely merely on the formsof treatment here prescribed, but to study thoroughly the principlestaught in the preceding pages, until he shall have mastered them, andcan judge for himself of the correctness of these prescriptions. Itshould be remembered, however, that the diseases here considered areviewed in their _simple_ or _uncomplicated_ states. Where complicationsexist, the treatment must be modified according to the judgment of thepractitioner. 

In these instructions, it is always to be understood that the treatmentprescribed is with _cords of equal length_, except when the _long cord_is especially mentioned. 

In most of the local diseases here named, particularly those which areelectrically _negative_, it is desirable to supplement the localtreatment prescribed with occasional _general tonic_ treatment, where, in the judgment of the practitioner, it can be given without detrimentto the local affection. 

In all treatments, the electrodes should be moistened with warm water. 

GENERAL TONIC TREATMENT. 

Take the B D current, (A D is very good), of fair medium strength. Placethe sponge-roll, N. P. [Negative Pole], at the coccyx--lowest point ofspine--and manipulate with side-sponge cup, P. P. [Positive Pole], fromthe feet all over the lower limbs to and about the hips; occupying threeor four minutes, or less. Then remove the N. P. , substituting for thesponge-roll the end-sponge cup, and place this upon the spine at thelower part of the neck. Now manipulate with side-sponge cup, P. P. , overthe trunk generally, from the lower to the upper parts; giving specialattention to the spinal column by treating it somewhat more than otherparts. Treat the trunk some five to eight minutes. Next, keeping the N. P. Still upon the back of the neck, treat with P. P. Over the hands andarms, up to and about the shoulders. Treat here two or three minutes. 

It has been customary, for the most part, in giving general tonictreatment, to make the P. P. Stationary--placing it successively at thefeet, the coccyx and the hands--and to manipulate above it with the N. P. But the better way is as directed above. The object is to reinforcethe main nerve-lines and centers with electricity from without. Thenerves branch off from their centers--the brain, the spinal cord, theganglions, and the great plexuses--and run, in general, downward andoutward from the trunk lines, in a manner somewhat analogous to thebranches and twigs of an inverted little tree. If we place before ussuch a shrub, with the root upward and the branches pointing downwards, and then draw lines from the lowest point of the lowest twig to theouter ends of all the branches surrounding the main trunk, we shall seethat our lines, instead of running in the general directions of thelimbs, will, for the most part, run _across_ the twigs. But, if we drawour lines from the outer extremities of the branches and twigs up to theroot, or near to the source of the trunk, we will find the lines, in themain, running nearly parallel with the branches. Now, let us substitutefor this inverted tree the nervous system of a man, and remember thatthe electric current moves from the positive to the negative pole asnearly in straight lines as it can where there are good conductors, suchas the nerves and muscles, and it will at once appear that, in treatingthe lower limbs, if we place our N. P. At the coccyx, and thenmanipulate with P. P. Over the feet and legs, our electric lines arerunning from all the surface extremities of the nerve ramifications, wherever the P. P. Is moving, directly into and along these fineramifications, and, through the larger nerve-branches, up to thestationary N. P. Or, if we treat the _trunk_ of the body by placing theN. P. On the spine, near its upper end, and then manipulate with P. P. From the lower part upward over the back, sides, abdomen and chest, ourcurrent strikes into the surface extremities of the nerves at everypoint where the electrode touches, and makes its way upwards, along thenerve-lines, to the great spinal cord under the N. P. --thus replenishingwith fresh electricity all the ganglions, plexuses and nerve-trunksalong the way. But if P. P. Be made stationary at the lower end of thesection under treatment, and we manipulate over the parts with the N. P. , the current strikes from P. P. , across the nerve branches and comesout at their surface extremities wherever the negative electrodemoves--so reaching but indirectly and imperfectly the trunk-lines andtheir centers. 

COMMON COLDS. 

Take the B D Faradaic current--moderate strength. If the affection bemainly in the head, give, _1st. _ _A face bath. _ Let an earthen wash-basin, nearly filled withtepid water, be placed on a table or chair before the patient, heholding the sponge-roll [see page 89] N. P. In his hands. Now let himbury his face in the water as long as he can hold his breath. At theinstant after his face is in the water, drop into the water the tinelectrode P. P. Repeat this process as often as he recovers his breath, some eight, ten or a dozen times. 

_2d. _ Place the sponge-roll N. P. In the hands as before, and, making anelectrode P. P. Of your own hand, in the manner directed for_diagnosis_, clasp the nose of the patient between your thumb andfinger, moving them up and down along the sides of the nose, and on thenose between the eyes, about five minutes. 

Repeat the above forms twice or thrice a day. 

If there be hoarseness, or cough, or stricture of lungs, or soreness ofchest, place N. P. , with _long cord_, upon back of neck, and treat withP. P. Over the front part of neck and breast, and wherever upon thethorax stricture or soreness appears. 

If there be a feverish condition of the system, attended, perhaps, withpain in the head, place P. P. On the spine, a little below the cranium, and treat with N. P. , _long cord_, all the way down the spine, and overthe entire back, sides, thorax and abdomen. In this case let the currentbe rather mild, and be continued for a considerable length of time, withthe view of bringing out perspiration. It is _best_ that the patientshould receive treatment in bed, perfectly protected from any cool airthat might restrain or check perspiration. In these cases, I notunfrequently treat with a light B D current a full hour, unlessperspiration start freely in shorter time, working over the trunk andlimbs generally. But, while treating over the lower limbs, the P. P. Should be upon the hypogastric flexus, at the "small of the back. " Treatonce or twice a day until relief appears. 

After the stricture and soreness of the lungs are removed, and thegeneral febrile action is suppressed, it is desirable to give a _generaltonic treatment_. 

CEPHALAGIA. (_Headache. _)

1. "_Nervous headache. _" Take the B D current--moderate force. Place P. P. On back of neck, just below the brain, and manipulate withside-sponge cup, N. P. , all the way down the spine and over the back. 

It may often be necessary to apply the P. P. Directly to the sufferingpart of the head. In that case, take the soft Faradaic current B C. Ifthe fluid in the battery cell be fresh, use very little--just enough toreach well the platina plate and make the machine run. Wet the hairthoroughly through to the scalp, where the electrode is to be applied. Seat the patient on N. P. , or let him hold it in both his hands, (theformer is the better way), and treat lightly over the affected parts ofthe head with P. P. Treat five to ten minutes, as may be required, andif the pain returns, repeat the treatment. Only a very light current canbe safely applied directly to the brain, and that an _induced_ Faradaiccurrent. 

2. _Sick Headache. _ The _procuring_ cause of this distressing disease isinvolved in considerable mystery. It seems, however, to be largelydependent on the secretion and discharge into the duodenum of animproper quantity of bile, and an irregularity in the peristaltic actionof the upper part of the bowels, particularly of the duodenum, in whichthat action more or less is _reversed_, and thereby throws the biliaryfluid up, through the pylorus, into the stomach. After a time, thestomach becomes nauseated by its accumulation; and the head, throughnervous sympathy, is rendered electrically positive in excess, and thusis made to ache. Yet there are certain characteristics of the diseasewhich this view does not satisfactorily explain, and which must remainunexplained until advancing science shall reveal to us more perfectlight. 

When this disease has become habitual and periodic, it is veryobstinate, and requires persistent treatment--often for several months. 

Take the B D current, with moderate force. Place the N. P. On the spine, immediately above the kidneys, and treat with P. P. Over the stomach andthe duodenum, (lying transversely just below the stomach), three tofive minutes. Treat in this manner about twice a week. 

It may sometimes be necessary to treat the head directly. If so, afterthe treatment above prescribed, add that prescribed for the headdirectly, in _nervous_ headache, with this difference, viz: instead ofseating the patient on the N. P. , or placing the same in his hands, passit over the stomach and duodenum, unless the former may be already toopositive. In that case, let the N. P. Be at the seat. 

DEAFNESS. 

_The prognosis_ is very uncertain. This infirmity is often cured by oursystem, even when of long standing; and often, again, the treatmentfails. The uncertainty arises from the difficulty in determining theexact pathological derangement. 

Take the A D current, mild force. Introduce the ear electrode as the N. P. When the disease is of long standing, or as the P. P. When it is ofrecent origin. Apply the opposite pole to the back of the neck. Treatfive to eight minutes, once a day for three or four days, and afterwardsthree times a week. If no success appears within three weeks, it willprobably be vain to expect it afterwards. 

NOISES IN THE HEAD. 

Treat the same as for deafness. 

INFLAMED EYES. 

If the disease be recent and acute, (but not infectious), as from sewingor reading by lamp light or other irritation, take the C D current, ofmoderate force. Treat with the eye-bath, filled with tepid water, havingthe eye open in the water. Make the bath the P. P. , and place the N. P. On the spine at the upper dorsal vertebra. Treat each eye three minutesdaily. 

If the disease be acute and _infectious_, use the A C current some fourto six times, and then change to A D. Apply the current as directedabove. 

If the disease be chronic, or the lids granulated, treat with A D, _verymild_ current, applying the eye-bath, N. P. , to the eyes, and place theP. P. Upon the spine, at the top of the back. Treat each eye three tofive minutes three times a week. 

In cases of simple inflammation, (not infectious), and that chiefly orentirely in the lids, it is often quite as well or better to treat overthe closed lids with the finger, holding the sponge-roll P. P. In thesame hand. 

AMAUROSIS. (_Paralysis of the optic nerve. _)

Use B D current, moderate force, three or four times, and then change toC D. Apply the eye-bath, N. P. , to the eye, and sponge-cup P. P. Uponone of the upper dorsal vertebræ. Treat three to five minutes on eacheye, three times a week. 

STRABISMUS. (_Discordance of the eyes. _)

If neither of the _rectus_ muscles have been cut and cicatrized, and ifthe deformity be not congenital, it may ordinarily be cured. 

Take B D current, with small pointed electrodes. If the eye be turned_inward_, insert P. P. In the outer angle of the eye, so as to bear uponthe _rectus externus_, and N. P. In the inner angle, so as to bear onthe _rectus internus_. Let the current be of what force the patient canbear. Withdraw the electrodes frequently, to rest the eye, and thenreapply them. Apply the current in this manner six to ten or twelvetimes at a sitting. The eye will soon become inflamed, but theinflammation will quickly go down. Treat daily, or on alternate days, as the eye can bear. After treating some ten or twelve times, if theorgan does not come into place let it rest a week, and then resume thetreatment as before. 

If the eye be turned _outward_, treat in the same manner as directedabove, except that in this case, the P. P. Must be inserted in the_inner_ and the N. P. In the _outer_ angle. 

CATARRH. (_Acute. _)

If in the head, treat as prescribed for common colds in the head. If inthe throat, place N. P. Somewhere on the dorsal vertebræ, and treat withP. P. --tongue instrument--in the mouth about five minutes, and then withend-sponge cup externally upon the affected parts as much longer. Usethe B D current, in good medium strength, twice a day. 

CATARRH. (_Chronic. _)

If in the head, first give _face-bath_, as in common colds, except with_reversed poles_ and changing to the A D current, _very mild_ force. Ifin the throat or bronchial tubes, place the P. P. Of the A D current, with _long cord_, on the back of the neck or in the mouth, and treatwith N. P. , _soft_ current, upon the affected parts, eight or tenminutes. 

Repeat treatment about three times a week. 

DIPHTHERIA. 

Use the A D current, strong force. Place the N. P. , _long cord_, uponthe lower cervical vertebræ, and then treat, _first_, with the _tongue_instrument, P. P. , in the mouth, as far back on the tongue as can beborne, three to five minutes. _Next_, manipulate with sponge-cup, P. P. , or the tin electrode filled with sponge, over all the front parts of theneck and throat, down to the chest, five to eight minutes. 

Treat as often as once in two or three hours. 

APHONIA. (_Loss of voice. _)

This affection requires treatment variously, as it depends on one oranother procuring cause. 

If it be the result of recent "cold, " inducing acute catarrhalirritation in the larynx, treat _first_ as for _common cold_, and_close_ the sitting as follows: Place N. P. , _long cord_, of A Dcurrent, in good medium force, upon back of neck or in the mouth, andtreat three to five minutes, twice a day, with P. P. , over the frontparts of the air pipe in the neck; mostly over the _larynx_--Adam'sapple. 

If it be from paralysis of the larynx, treat with B D current, ratherstrong force; placing P. P. , _long cord_, on back of neck or in themouth, and work with N. P. Over the _larynx_, and somewhat over the airtube of the neck generally. Treat three to five minutes, daily. 

If, as is sometimes the case, the difficulty proceeds from a relaxationof the diaphragm, with general sagging down of the thoracic andabdominal viscera, so as to draw upon the trachea, then treat the wholetrunk tonically, using the B D current. Place the N. P. Low on back ofneck, and treat with P. P. Over the abdomen and thorax, and especiallyall around the edge of the diaphragm--along the lower line of the falseribs. Treat with medium strength of current, ten minutes, three times aweek. The aim is to contract all the relaxed parts, so to relieve thelarynx from the strain upon it. 

CROUP. 

Treat croup, whether membranous or spasmodic, much the same as isprescribed for diphtheria, only, in the latter part of the form, treatless. 

ASTHMA. 

Use the A D current, medium force. Treat with P. P. Over the shouldersand between the scapulæ, and with N. P. In front upon the lungs, heartand diaphragm. Treat five to ten minutes, daily, for three or four days;after that, three times a week. 

HEPATIZATION OF LUNGS. 

Take A D current, pretty strong force. Treat in front, over the lungs, with P. P. , moving N. P. , _long cord_, on spine from neck to near thekidneys; that is, over all the dorsal vertebræ. If the current beseverely painful, moderate it to endurance. Treat six to ten minutestwice a day. 

PNEUMONIA. 

Take B D current, forceful as the patient can bear, and treatbriefly--say five to seven minutes, several times a day, until relief isexperienced. 

Place N. P. , _long cord_, low on back of neck, and move P. P. Over allthe upper part of the lungs. Then remove N. P. To the lower dorsalvertebræ, just above the kidneys, and treat with P. P. Over the lowerpart of the lungs. If typhoid symptoms attend, follow the above withplacing P. P. , medium force, on back of neck, close below the cranium, and N. P. At coccyx, two or three minutes. 

PULMONARY PHTHISIS. (_Consumption. _)

After tubercles have been formed _extensively_ in the lungs, and have_softened down_ over considerable area, carrying down the pulmonarytissue with them into a state of pus, there is commonly but little hopeof successful treatment. But where they are restricted to comparativelysmall extent, and no ulceration exists, they may be decomposed andabsorbed away, or be thrown off in expectoration, and the affected partsbe healed. 

If the case be a _recent_ one, and acute fever, combined, perhaps, withmore or less inflammation, appear in the lungs, use the A C current, inmoderate force, yet all the patient can bear without special distress. Place N. P. , _long cord_, upon the upper dorsal vertebræ for treatingthe upper part of the lungs, or upon the lower dorsal vertebræ fortreating their lower part. Then pass P. P. Over all the affected parts. Treat in this manner five to eight minutes, daily, until the_inflammation_ is suppressed, which will be indicated by an abatement ofthe extreme sensitiveness and lancinating pain under the electrode. Then, if _feverish_ action continue high, remove the N. P. To thecoccyx, or to the lower part of the sacrum, taking the B D current, _mild_ force, with cords of _equal length_, and treat, as before, withP. P. Over the affected parts, and also over the thorax generally, andalong down the spine to the lower dorsal vertebræ. Continue thistreatment ten to fifteen minutes, daily, until the fever is removed, ornearly so. For this part of the treatment, it is best to use the hand asthe P. Electrode, and to diffuse the current over the whole palm of thehand wherever special soreness appears. It is better, also, that thepatient receive the treatment in bed, secure from any chilliness orcurrent of air, so as to facilitate perspiration. 

If the case be one of long standing, and more or less of _pus_, or _pus_and _tubercles_, be raised in coughing, take the A D current, with equalcords and _very_ mild force. Reduce the quantity of battery fluid ifnecessary. Now place P. P. At the coccyx and treat with N. P. , (thehand is here much the best), over all the diseased parts. Changeoccasionally by removing P. P. To back of neck with _long cord_. Theobject is to bring the diseased parts under a very light force of the AD current, such as is especially healing in old ulcers and chronicirritation. But if this action should at any time _increase_ fever orinflammation in the lungs, the poles must be reversed for one or twotreatments. In this stage of the disease, treat ten to twelve or fifteenminutes, daily, for three or four days, and after that, three times aweek. 

NEURALGIA AND RHEUMATISM OF THE HEART. 

If _neuralgia_, use B D current; if _rheumatism_, use A D. In eithercase, treat the heart with P. P. , moderate force, placing N. P. At lowerdorsal or upper lumbar vertebræ. Treat five to eight minutes, daily, until relief is gained. 

_Rheumatism_ of the heart may be distinguished from _neuralgia_ by itsoccasioning irregularity in the cardiac contractions, commonly a senseof soreness and pain under pressure by the hand, and often perceptibleenlargement of the organ, which neuralgia does not, and also by itspains being more constant--less fitful--than those of neuralgia. 

ENLARGEMENT, OR OSSIFICATION OF THE HEART. 

Treat these two affections in the same way. Take the A D current, moderate force. Place N. P. At the coccyx, or alternately there and, with _long cord_, on the spine opposite to the heart. Manipulate with P. P. Over the heart. Treat five to eight minutes, three times a week. 

PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 

This is commonly a symptomatic or sympathetic affection--_rarely_idiopathic--and disappears on cure of the disease from which itproceeds. It usually denotes nervous weakness, and often generaldebility. _General tonic treatment_ is indicated, as far as can be givenwithout interfering with the proper treatment of any local affections onwhich the palpitation depends. 

TORPID LIVER. 

Take A D or B D current, full medium force. Treat with N. P. Over theliver, at the right side, immediately below the short ribs, and thencebackward and a little upward, as far as to the spine, holding P. P. Onthe left side, close under the ribs, for about four to six minutes. Thenremove P. P. To the spine, on back of neck, two or three minutes. Next, go with the P. P. To coccyx two or three minutes; continuing, as atfirst, to manipulate with N. P. Over the liver. Let the whole treatmentoccupy some eight to twelve minutes. Repeat the sittings about threetimes a week. 

HEPATITIS. (_Inflammation of Liver. _)

Use the B D current, with what force the patient can bear. Place N. P. At the coccyx, and also somewhat on the trunk, opposite to theinflammation. Then manipulate with P. P. Over the inflamed and sorepart. Treat five to eight minutes, once or twice a day. 

ENLARGEMENT OF LIVER. 

Take A D current, with medium force. Place N. P. , some three to fiveminutes, on left side, over the spleen; and then as much longer at thecoccyx. Manipulate with P. P. Over the liver. Treat about three times aweek. If the enlargement be recent, it will subside; if of longstanding, its restoration will be slow, and somewhat uncertain. 

BILIARY CALCULI. (_Gravel in Liver. _)

Take A C current, strong as can be borne; and treat the inflamed andpainful part with P. P. , while N. P. Is upon the right end of theduodenum. Treat eight to ten minutes, daily. 

INTERMITTENT FEVER. (_Ague and Fever. _)

Use the A D current. First, give _general tonic treatment_. (See page95. ) Then close the sitting with a _strong_ current, running from spleento liver--P. P. Upon spleen, in the left side, just below the ribs, andN. P. Upon liver--best reached in the right side, close under the ribs, and around backward and a little upward as far as to the spine. Thespleen is morbidly positive, and probably enlarged, while the liver istoo negative. Treat spleen and liver in this transverse manner aboutfive minutes. 

If the chills occur on alternate days, treat on the intervening days; ifevery day, treat about two hours before the chill is expected. 

NEPHRITIS. (_Inflammation of Kidneys. _)

1. _Acute. _ If the urinary secretion be _reddish_ and _scant_, with orwithout sedimentary deposit, let the inflammation be regarded as_acute_; and use upon it the B D current of good medium strength, or alittle more, if the patient can bear it. The pain from the current willprobably subside somewhat, and perhaps altogether, under treatment. Place N. P. At the coccyx, and manipulate over the inflamed and soreparts with P. P. Treat five to eight minutes, twice a day, if the casebe recent, or once a day, if it be of some weeks standing. 

2. _Chronic. _ If it be an old case, and attended with a brownish or abrickdust-like sediment in the urine, it may be considered _chronic_, and should be treated with a moderate A D current, once in two days. Place P. P. At the coccyx, and treat with N. P. Over the affectedkidneys. There may be no sense of soreness or swelling, but _dull_ pain. Treat six to ten minutes. But if the inflammation should rise to anactive or acute state, _reverse the poles_. 

RENAL CALCULI. (_Gravel in the Kidneys. _)

Take the A C current, of considerable force. Place N. P. Low upon thebladder, and treat with P. P. Upon the inflamed and painful point fiveto eight minutes, once or twice a day. If treating twice a day, continuenot more than five minutes at a time. 

DIABETES. (_A Kidney Disease. _)

This disease occurs in two forms--_diabetes insipidus_ and _diabetesmellitus_. In the first named form, the disease is readily cured. In thelatter, it is very formidable, and is rarely, if ever, cured bymedicines; especially when of long standing. In this latter variety ofthe disease, the urea is absent from the urine, and in its place isfound more or less of sugar--often large quantities: Dunglison says2-1/2 oz. In a pint. 

The electrical state of the disease, in both of these forms, is negativein excess. 

1. _D. Insipidus. _ Use the B D current, of moderate force. Place P. P. At the coccyx or on the upper dorsal vertebra, or on both inalternation, which is better, and treat over the kidneys with N. P. Five to eight minutes, once a day for three or four days. If this shouldfail to cure, (as it seldom will), go on with the same treatment threetimes a week. 

2. _D. Mellitus. _ Take the A D current, of _mild_ force. Place P. P. Asin _d. Insipidus_, and treat the kidneys with N. P. About five to eightminutes, three times a week; supplementing this with _general tonictreatment_, once or twice a week. 

_Be patient and persevering. _ In bad cases, months will be required toeffect a cure; but persistent effort, as above prescribed, will rarelyif ever fail, unless the vital force is nearly expended. 

DYSPEPSIA. 

This is one of the most difficult of diseases to control by any of theordinary modes of medical practice; and yet, under judicious electricaltreatment, it is one of the surest to yield. The disease assumes variousphases in different persons, and at different times in the same person, requiring varied treatment. 

The pain, after eating, is severe; exhalations of air, apparently fromthe inner surfaces of the stomach and bowels, or of gas from theirdecomposing contents, are large--often enormous. The stomach is much ofthe time acid, and, in some cases, sensibly cold, ejecting often a coldmucus. The bowels are habitually constipated. The patient is nervous, irritable, and subject to great depression of spirits. In this stage orphase of the disease, there is a negative condition of the digestiveapparatus generally. Treat with the A D current, in mild force, andexpect the case to require considerable time. But, since there is noapproach to uniformity among patients, no approximation to definite timecan be stated. Give _general tonic treatment_, (page 95), three times aweek, and close each sitting with local treatment, having P. P. At thecoccyx, and manipulating some five minutes with N. P. Over the entirefront parts of the abdomen and thorax, and over the liver. 

It is sometimes found, in old cases, that there is no sensible acidityof stomach; but a _pyrosis_--a burning sensation in the stomach, or alittle above, in what is usually termed "the pit of the stomach. " Treatthis about three minutes with the P. P. , strong force; moving N. P. , _long cord_, over the lower dorsal vertebræ. 

ACUTE DIARRHŒA. 

Take B D current. Place N. P. , _long cord_, upon the lumbar vertebræ andsacrum, moving it often along the spine, from a position opposite to theumbilicus down to the coccyx; and treat with P. P. Over the abdomen, andmore especially wherever pain or sensations of uneasiness appear. Insevere cases, treat several times in a day--once in two to three hours, if need require, three to five minutes at a time. Use current of fullmedium strength, if the patient can bear it. 

CHRONIC DIARRHŒA. 

Take A D current, of _very mild_ force. Place P. P. At the feet, andtreat with N. P. Over the lower limbs _briefly_; then over the bowelsand stomach, both front and rear, some three to five minutes; then passup with N. P. Over the anterior parts of the chest, two or threeminutes; and, next, place N. P. Low on the back of neck, with P. P. Still at feet, two or three minutes. Treat in this manner once daily. 

If at any time the bowels should become unusually flatulent, andevacuations should increase in frequency, change the treatment. PlaceN. P. At back of neck, as before, and treat about five minutes with P. P. (force increased to _moderate_ current) over the abdomen, daily, fromone to three days, as may be necessary. After this, resume treatment asfirst above prescribed. 

COLIC--_of whatever kind_. 

Use A D current, pretty strong force. In severe cases, introduce therectum instrument N. P. , _long cord_, or in mild cases, placesponge-roll N. P. , _long cord_, at coccyx, and treat with P. P. Over allthe abdomen, three to five minutes. It may be repeated, if necessary, inthirty minutes. 

CHOLERA MORBUS. 

Keep the patient still as possible on his back. Use A D current, strongforce. Place N. P. , _long cord_, at coccyx, and treat with P. P. Overabdomen, five to ten minutes, and repeat, if necessary, in thirty tosixty minutes. If there be cramps, touch the contracted muscles with theP. P. , for a few moments, without disturbing N. P. 

CHOLERA. --(_Malignant. _)

As in cholera morbus, keep the patient on his back, still as can be. UseA D current, _full medium strength_. 

In the early stage, or during the "_rice-water_" discharges, and down tothe time of collapse, treat the abdomen and thorax with P. P. , having N. P. , _long cord_, on back of neck--not too near the head. After treatingso a few moments--say four to six minutes--remove P. P. To the back, andpass it along close upon each side of the spinous processes from thelower lumbar up to about the middle of the dorsal vertebræ. Continuethis about three or four minutes. 

If _cramping_ accompany the vomiting and purging, carry the P. P. A partof the time to the muscles in spasm, leaving N. P. Still at the back ofneck, with _long cord_. 

Repeat the above processes as often as once an hour until symptomsimprove. Then reduce their frequency as the case will admit of. 

_In the state of collapse_, place P. P. , _long cord_, at the coccyx, andmanipulate with N. P. Over the entire trunk and arms; bestowing a largershare of treatment along up the spine than elsewhere. Then remove P. P. , _long cord_, to feet, and work with N. P. All over the lower limbsand hips. Treat in this stage of the disease some six or eight minutesat a time, and repeat it as the case seems to demand--once in thirtyminutes to once in two, four or six hours, until improvement or deathshall ensue. (See page 81. )

DYSENTERY. 

Treat exactly as in _acute diarrhœa_, except that P. P. Should bemoved more over the _colon_ and _rectum_ than in diarrhœa. 

CONSTIPATION OF BOWELS. 

This disease may proceed from either a _negative_ condition--a state of_atony_ from lack of nutrition, or a _partial paralysis_ of thebowels--or from a _positive_ condition--a state of _relaxation_ andconsequent weakness of the muscular tissues of the bowels. In either ofthese cases, the peristaltic action of the intestines becomes enfeebled, and constipation ensues. 

In either case, use the A D current, of medium force. In thefirst-mentioned case, place P. P. At back of neck, or in the mouth withtongue instrument, and treat with N. P. Over liver, stomach and bowels;or place N. P. At the anus. Treat so five to eight minutes. 

In the second-specified case, place N. P. At back of neck or on thedorsal vertebræ, and treat with P. P. Over the bowels five to eightminutes. 

In both cases, repeat the treatment daily until relief is afforded. Or, if the case be _chronic_, treat daily for three or four days, and, afterthat, three times a week. It is well also to give _general tonictreatment_ as often as once a week. The patient should be urged toretire and _invite_ an evacuation regularly, about the same hour daily, whether success attend it or not. 

HÆMORRHOIDS. (_Piles. _)

If the case be recent, take the B D current; if old, take A D. Place thepatient in a recumbent position, and let the rectum instrument, P. P. , be introduced, _wet_. Manipulate with N. P. Along the spine upon thedorsal vertebræ. Where there is _prolapsus ani_, the sponge-roll, placedat the anus, may be used instead of the rectum instrument, particularlyfor the first few treatments. 

RHEUMATISM. (_Acute Inflammatory. _)

First ascertain if the kidneys be morbidly positive--urine scant and toohighly colored. If so, as is commonly the case, begin with the B Dcurrent, good medium force. Place N. P. At the pelvis, and treat overthe kidneys with P. P. Some three or four minutes. Let this be thecommencement of every treatment until _this_ difficulty is corrected. 

Next, change to A D current. If the disease be located in the hips orlower limbs, put the feet in warm water with the tin electrode N. P. , orplace the sponge-roll N. P. At the soles of the feet, and treat with P. P. Upon and a little above the affected parts; using such force ofcurrent as the patient can bear. The pain will commonly subside undertreatment. If the disease be as low as the ankles or feet, use the _longcord_ with N. P. 

If the shoulders, arms or hands be affected, treat them on the sameprinciples as are prescribed for the _lower_ limbs; using the _longcord_ with N. P. When the disease is below the elbows. 

When the disease is in the hands or feet, or near to them, if theshoulders or hips be not involved, it is often necessary, after threeor four treatments as above described, to _reverse the poles_ for a fewmoments, giving an ascending current; but still using the _long cord_with N. P. 

If the disease be located anywhere in the trunk, neck or head, treat theaffected part with P. P. , placing N. P. On some adjacent part of thespine, and usually at a point somewhat _lower down_ than the disease. 

For acute inflammatory rheumatism, treat once a day. The length of timefor each treatment must depend on the location and extent of theaffected part or parts. In this matter, the practitioner must decide forhimself, or infer from the time prescribed in the treatment of otherinflammatory affections. 

RHEUMATISM. (_Chronic. _)

Use the A D current _always_ in rheumatic affections. If there be novisible inflammation or swelling in the diseased parts, approach suchparts in the same manner as in acute inflammatory rheumatism, exceptwith _reversed poles_. The parts affected require to come under the N. P. Rather than the P. P. , and to be treated with considerable force. There are _apparently_ exceptional cases, referred to on page 83, whichsee. 

Where joints are being dislocated, treat the parts with N. P. , quitemild force, so long as it can be done without exciting acuteinflammation. If this should arise, it must be repressed with P. P. 

Treat chronic rheumatism about three times a week. 

DROPSY. 

Use the A D current, moderate force. Give _general tonic treatment_;then place P. P. With the feet, in a vessel of warm water, or place thesponge-roll P. P. At the soles of the feet, and treat the affected partsa few minutes with N. P. , to quicken the absorbents. If the disease bein the feet or lower limbs, use _long cord_ with P. P. While treatingthem. Next place N. P. Upon the lower part of the bladder, or, what isbetter, immediately below the pubic articulation, and treat over thekidneys three to five minutes with P. P. Repeat the treatments aboutthree times a week. 

NEURALGIA. 

If the disease be general in the system, moving from place to place, orcausing transient acute pains here and there, give general tonictreatment, three times a week, for several weeks--perhaps a month ortwo, provided the case be an old one. This will invigorate the nervoussystem and equalize the electric action. _Relief_ will be afforded soon;but for the sake of _cure_, the treatment of an old case should becontinued as here directed. If the disease be _local_, use the B Dcurrent, with as much force as the patient can bear without irritatingpainfulness. Treat the affected part, or parts, with P. P. , placing N. P. , _long cord_, upon some approximate healthy part, at a point a littlelower down than the part in pain. The spine, when convenient, iscommonly the best point for it. In treating the painful part, pass theelectrode more or less also over the nerves adjacent to the oneprincipally affected. Treat five to eight minutes daily. 

SCIATICA. 

This is neuralgia in an ischiatic nerve, commonly the _great_ ischiatic. 

Use the B D current, strong as the patient can well bear. Place the footin warm water with N. P. , or place the sponge-roll N. P. At the sole ofthe foot, (the former is the best, ) and treat with P. P. Over thepainful part, and also, more or less, over adjacent parts. It is alsowell, in order to prevent too much exhaustion of the limb, to _reversethe poles_ every third or fourth time; but in so doing, use the _longcord_ with N. P. 

PARALYSIS. 

Take the B D current, medium force. If the paralysis be in a lower limb, place P. P. , _long cord_, upon the lower lumbar vertebræ, so as to reachthe hypogastric plexus, and treat with the metallic brush, N. P. , fiveto eight minutes, over all the affected parts. Then close the sittingwith _reversed poles_, about one to two minutes, having P. P. , _longcord_, at the foot, and manipulating over the parts affected, andespecially over the lumbar vertebræ, with N. P. This is to preventdepletion by _running off_ the electro-vital fluid too much, and toforce the electric current through the nerves in an upward and inwardtonic-giving direction. If the disease be in an arm or hand, treat it ina manner analogous to the above; extending the treatment from back ofneck to the affected parts. 

In case of _hemiplegia_ or _paraplegia_, run the current from thehealthy _side_ of the spine, (in hemiplegia, ) or from a healthy _part_of the spine, (in paraplegia, ) to and through the paralyzed parts, byplacing P. P. , _long cord_, on spine, and manipulating with N. P. , metallic brush commonly, upon the parts paralyzed. Close the treatmentwith reversed poles for a moment or two, as in the preceding cases. _Old_ paralysis requires considerable _time_ to cure it. Treat aboutthree times a week, occasionally omitting a week. 

ERYSIPELAS. 

Take the A. D. Current, medium force, in all forms of the diseases. 

1. When acute, and characterized by high inflammation, with bright, smooth swelling, and spreading gradually and sometimes rapidly tosurrounding parts; or when small vesicles appear on the inflamed parts, which dry up in little branlike scales and fall off. 

If it be located anywhere upon the face, place N. P. , _long cord_, uponback of neck, and treat the parts affected with P. P. Treat about threeto five minutes at a time, three or four times daily. 

If it be located in the arm or hand, place the extremity in tepid waterwith N. P. , _long cord_, and treat upon or just above the diseased partwith P. P. 

If it be in any part of the trunk, (which, in this form, is not socommon, ) place N. P. , _long cord_, upon some point of the spine as nearthe diseased part as may be, but a little lower down, and treat the partaffected with P. P. 

In each of these cases, treat briefly, but frequently, as directedabove. 

2. When small, blister-like, serous vesicles--_phlyctæna_--appear, andthe inflammation terminates in gangrene; or when there is such aninfiltration of serum as to produce an œdematous condition, place P. P. , _long cord_, upon some convenient healthy part, (the spinal cord, orother nerve centre which gives nervous service to the part affected, isbest, ) and treat the lesion with N. P. , _light force_, five to eightminutes daily. 

ERUPTIVE CUTANEOUS DISEASES. 

Take A D current, pretty _vigorous_ force in _acute_ cases; _mild_ in_chronic_ affections. If the eruption be inflamed and acute, use _longcord_ with N. P. ; if sluggish and chronic, use _long cord_ with P. P. Move the two electrodes parallel to each other, upon the patient, abouttwo or three inches apart; and pass them over all the affected surface. Repeat the treatment daily in acute affections, and three times a weekin chronic cases. 

COMMON CRAMP. 

Although either the positive or the negative pole, applied to thehealthy muscle, may produce spasmodic contraction, yet the negative polecontracts much more powerfully than the positive--a fact which shows anelectrically _plus_ condition in the nerves and muscles involved. Yet weknow that cramps are more apt to attend a _low_ condition of generalvitality in the system than the opposite. From several considerations, which can not be detailed here, I am led to think that cramps areproduced, generally, at least, by a temporary or spasmodic _reaction_ ofthe electro-vital force from an improperly negative to an excessivelypositive state in the parts affected. 

My practice is, when the spasm is on, to treat the parts in cramp bymomentary touches rapidly repeated, with the P. P. Of the B D or A Dcurrent, good medium force, placing N. P. At the back of neck, if thedisturbance be in an arm; or at the coccyx, if it be in a leg or in theabdomen or chest. 

In treating parts subject to cramp while the spasm is _not_ on, givethem, along with other parts of the system, _general tonic treatment_, as directed on page 95. This elevates and equalizes the electro-vitalaction, and relieves the difficulty. 

TRISMUS. (_Lockjaw. _)

For traumatic trismus, use the B D current, of vigorous force. Let thewound be kept open and clear, except that soothing emollients may beapplied. Place N. P. At the coccyx, or near it on the spine; and thentreat, by firm but momentary touches of the P. P. , over the lowermaxillary--_pterygoid_--muscles and nerves; indeed, over the _entire_lower jaw and its articulations. Treat five to ten minutes, ifnecessary, or until the jaws relax. 

TETANUS. 

This is substantially the same thing as _trismus_, except that itextends to other parts, and often to nearly all the muscles of theorganism. Under ordinary treatment, it is almost invariably fatal. I amnot aware that it has been sufficiently submitted to _our_ electricalsystem to determine satisfactorily the question of its amenability toit. Yet I see no reason to doubt that, in the most of cases, when takenwithin reasonable time, it may be cured. 

Use the B D current, in pretty strong force. Place the N. P. , _longcord_, at the feet, and treat with P. P. From the medulla oblongata, orfrom the upper cervical vertebra, all along down the spine, for severalminutes--say, three to five minutes. Then pass with P. P. Over the wholetrunk and limbs. Continue to treat until relaxation takes place, or allhope of relief departs. 

CANCERS. 

Cancers take on a variety of forms, distinguished by different names;but since they all require substantially the same electrical treatment, it is unnecessary here to describe them. 

Begin with the A B current in pretty full volume. [The _volume_ of thecurrent is increased by increasing the quantity of battery fluid. ] Usethis for several weeks, and then change to the A D current. Treatdaily. The time for each treatment must be determined by the judgment ofthe practitioner; varying it according to the peculiar character andlocation of the disease. 

If the cancer be on the face, or on any part of the head or breast, place P. P. On back of neck; but if it be in the stomach, uterus, or anyof the abdominal viscera, place P. P. On spine, a little higher than theaffected part. Then treat the disease with N. P. , _long cord_, so as torun the current immediately _out_ from the lesion, and yet bring thelatter on the _negative_ side[E] of the central point in the circuit;that is, within the negative half of the whole circuit. 

ASPHYXIA. (_Suspended Animation. _)

Use B D current, pretty strong force. Place P. P. At back ofneck--second or third cervical vertebra, and treat with N. P. , over allthe chest and along the lower margin of the ribs, so as to excite thepectoral muscles, lungs and diaphragm. 

RECENT WOUNDS, CONTUSIONS AND BURNS. 

Use the B D current, strong force as can be borne. Bring the lesionunder P. P. , and place N. P. At discretion, in view of the location ofthe injury. Treat five to eight minutes, twice or thrice on the sameday. Unless the injury is very severe, no further treatment will berequired. Healing will take place with little or no soreness orswelling. In severe cases, repeat the treatment whenever inflammationgets too high. If _fungus_--"proud flesh"--should appear, treat thatwith a small-pointed electrode, N. P. , placing P. P. On a healthy part, not remote, using A C current, in pretty strong force. 

OLD ULCERS. 

Take the A D current. If _torpid_, treat with mild force. Treat the sorewith N. P. , while P. P. Is held upon some healthy part, and usually at ahigher point. Treat five to ten minutes, three or four times a week. If_high inflammation_ be present, this must first be reduced by applyingP. P. , in pretty strong force, with N. P. , on a healthy part not faraway. For this purpose, treat some five to eight minutes daily. Then, when the inflammation is sufficiently subdued, treat as when _torpid_, with mild force and less frequently. It is best, when it can be done, toplace the affected part in warm water along with N. P. ; bringing theulcer immediately above the surface of the water. 

HEMORRHAGE. 

Take B D current, strong force. Apply P. P. To the open blood-vessel, oras near to it as possible; placing N. P. , _long cord_, to some adjacentpart, and, as nearly as practicable, in the direction from which theblood chiefly comes. 

CHLOROSIS. (_Green Sickness. _)

This is a disease mostly or entirely peculiar to young women who havenot menstruated, and disappears on the establishment of the monthlyperiods. 

Take the A D current. If any symptoms exist of an effort of nature tobring on the menses, note the _time_ of them, and regard it, in thetreatment, as the proper monthly period. If no symptoms of such a periodare perceptible, the practitioner must _fix_ upon a time for it, andregard it accordingly. About four to six days before the periodic time, commence to treat as follows, using a _moderate force_: Insert theuterine electrode, N. P. , wet in warm water, per vagina, until it meetsthe uterus; and manipulate with P. P. Over the dorsal and first twolumbar vertebræ, and more or less over the back on both sides of thespinal column, some six or eight minutes daily, down to the period fixedupon for the catamenia to appear. If they do not start, let the patientrest for some four or five days, and then begin with _general tonictreatment_. (See page 95. ) Continue this, three times a week, untilwithin a little less than a week of the _periodic_ time, when the sametreatment with the uterine electrode as was at first employed should beresumed, and again be continued to the time assigned for the menses. Ifno success should appear, return, after a few days, to _general tonictreatment_ as before. Let these forms of treatment be prosecuted untilsuccess crowns the effort. Ordinarily, not many months--perhaps not morethan one or two months--will be required; especially, if the treatmentbe aided, on the part of the patient, by a good degree of moderateexercise in the open air, and a free, nourishing diet. 

AMENORRHŒA. (_Suppressed Menstruation. _)

Treat as for _chlorosis_. But if the case be recent--the effect oftaking cold--begin, in the first few sittings, to treat eight or tenminutes as for common cold; then conclude the sitting by treating, aboutas many minutes, in the same manner as prescribed for chlorosis. 

DYSMENORRHŒA. (_Painful Menstruation. _)

If the disease be occasioned by uterine displacement, obstructing the_os uteri_, the organ must be restored to its normal position. This canbest be done by mechanical action. But it is most commonly occasioned byirritation of the mucus membrane lining the interior cavity of theuterus. Mucus surfaces, under _chronic_ irritation, are electricallynegative. Therefore, in this case, if it be an _old_ one, taking the A Dcurrent, _very mild force_, apply the uterine electrode, N. P. , to the_os uteri_, and treat over the lower dorsal and upper lumbar vertebræwith P. P. , _long cord_. Treat five to eight minutes, three times aweek. 

But I should add, that recovery from this infirmity, when occasioned byuterine irritation, will be much aided by commencing each sitting witha _general tonic treatment_ (see page 95), and closing with thetreatment just above prescribed. 

The last described form of dysmenorrhœa is sometimes attended withspasmodic contraction of the _os uteri_, thus preventing the catamenialflow. This may be readily relieved by applying P. P. To uterus, and N. P. To lower dorsal and upper lumbar vertebræ. 

MENORRHAGIA. (_Excessive Menstruation. _)

If the menstrual flow is apt to terminate in hemorrhage, it is best togive _general tonic treatments_, about three times a week, between theperiods; and during the last four or five days before color is expectedto appear, to take the B D current, medium force, and treat the uterusdirectly, once a day, with the uterine electrode P. P. , while moving N. P. Over the dorsal vertebræ, about five to eight minutes, at the closeof _general tonic treatment_. 

If there be no _hemorrhage_, properly, but only too profuse or toolong-continued flow of catamenia, the discharge may commonly be stoppedby one or two treatments, of eight to ten minutes each, with the uterineelectrode, as prescribed above. 

PROLAPSUS UTERI. (_Falling of the Womb. _)

Take the B D current, of good medium force, and give _general tonictreatment_ (see page 95), on alternate days, ten minutes, passingbriefly over the several parts. After this, treat five to eight minuteswith uterine electrode, in the manner prescribed for _menorrhagia_. Thenclose the sitting by removing the uterine instrument, substituting thesponge-cup as P. P. , and treating with it externally, about fiveminutes, over the pelvic region, while N. P. Is stationed on the spine, at the first or second dorsal vertebra. 

On the _intervening_ days, treat only with the uterine electrode, asabove prescribed. 

LEUCORRHŒA. (_Whites. _)

Take A D current, _very mild_ force. Introduce the vaginal electrode, N. P. , until it meets the uterus, and manipulate with P. P. Over the dorsalvertebræ five to eight minutes, three times a week. Once or twice aweek, on the intervening days, give _general tonic treatment_. Omittreatment altogether, for one or two weeks, once in two to threemonths. Considerable time is often required for the cure of old cases. 

SPERMATORRHŒA. 

The points to be gained are, to reduce the action of the amatorialorgans of the brain and the secretion of the _testes_, and to contractand strengthen the tissue of the seminal vesicles and the prostrategland. 

Take the B D current. First, treat the lowest part of the cerebellum, onboth sides of the spinal cord, with a _mild_ force; using P. P. Uponthese organs of amativeness, and N. P. On the dorsal vertebræ. Treat sosome three minutes. Next, increase the current to medium force; and, taking a handled cup or mug, holding a pint to a quart, mostly filledwith tepid water, drop the _penis_ and _testicles_ into it, along withthe tin electrode P. P. , and move N. P. , _long cord_, over the lumbarvertebræ. Treat in this manner about five minutes. Then place the P. P. On the pelvis, close above the penis, and again treat with N. P. , _longcord_, over the small of the back, two or three minutes. Treat aboutthree times a week. 

IMPOTENCE. 

Take B D current, moderate force. Treat exactly as in spermatorrhœa, except with _reversed poles_, using the _long cord_ with P. P. Treatthrice a week. 

FOOTNOTES:

[A] The _process_ of this will probably be explained if another editionshould be called for. It is given in one of the author's Class Lectures. 

[B] Study carefully _Polarization of the Circuit_, page 29. 

[C] _Polarization of the Circuit_, page 29. 

[D] By a current of _good medium strength_, I mean one which, in thehands, is ordinarily felt rather strongly, yet not sufficiently so toproduce distress. 

[E] See _Polarization of the Circuit_. Page 29. 

Transcriber's Endnotes:

 The following corrections have been made to the original text:

 Contents & P. 123. "Hœmorrhoids" amended to _Hæmorrhoids_. 

 P. Xix & P. 36. "faradaism" amended to _faradism_. This, however, could be an obscure variant as with Faradaic, Faradic. 

 P. 101. "pilorus" amended to _pylorus_. 

 P. 130. "œdemetous" amended to _œdematous_.