MEDICAL ELECTRICITY. 
tlt 
The application of this subtile uid to ‘medicinal pu was 
thought of soon after the discovery of the electric s At the 
first introduction of electricity, asa remedy, it was a aired 
brated for its efficacy in a number of diseases; and after v : 
turns of reputation, its medical virtues see now to he pretties elt 
established. ee 
The medicinal operation of electricity may be velerel to its stimu- 
tant power. It produces forcible contractions in the irritable: fibre; 
excites therefore to action, if duly applied ; and when in excess, im- 
mediately. exliamete drciiahiliy._ It possesses t the importa lyan- 
tage of being broug , and of being 
to which it is applied, nw phils Foon ee applie 
of force. = pe 
Electricity is applied to the body under the form of a st 
‘a continued discharge of the fluid, under that « 
that of shocks; the first being more gentle, ten 
and the last aneh more powerful. than either of ia ee 
stream is applied by connecting a pointed piece of wood, or a m: 
wire, with the prime conductor of the electrical machine, and bh 
ing it by a glass handle, one or two inches from the part to which it | 
is to be directed. A very moderate stintulant operation is thus ex- 
whic is better adapted to some particular cases, than the mor 
powerful spark or shock. ‘The spark is drawn by placing | 2 
patient on the insulated stool, ae with the prime cor 
and, while the machine is worked, bringing @ metal knob 1 
a short distance of the part from which the spark is to bet 
A sensation somewhat pene is excited, and slight muscular 
contractions may be produced ; these effects being greater or less : 
according to the distance at w which the knob is held, if the machine — 
be sufficiently powerful, ‘T’he shock is given by discharging the : 
- Leyden phial, making the part of the body through which it is in- 
tended to be transmitted, part of the circuit. The sensation it exe 
cites is unpleasant, and the muscular contractions consider le, if 
shock be moderately stron, 
rhe general rule for the medion employmeDig of electricity to. 
apply it at first under the milder forms, and if 
necessary, to the more powerful. Mr. Cava 
= “4 
ks be given, they should bet 
