General Principles of Physiology. 111 
mention the subject publicly, that I have witnessed them. 
Mr. Earle some time ago asked me, if I thought galvanism a 
probable means of relief in dyspnoea and indigestion, arising 
from disease of the spinal marrow. I did not hesitate to recom- 
mend a cautious trial of it, referring Mr. Earle to what I had 
said of such cases in the last part of the above-mentioned 
Inquiry. I am happy to say the result has fully answered our 
expectations, as appears from the following letter which 
Mr. Earle did me the favour to address me. 
““ George Street, August 14, 1822. 
“« My dear Sir, 
“‘T have much pleasure in transmitting to you the following 
account of the trials made with galvanism at St. Bartholomew’s 
Hospital. The first case is that in which you witnessed its 
first application. 
“Elizabeth Pepperall, aged 17, of fair complexion, and light 
hair, was admitted into St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in August 
1821, in consequence of an affection of the spine, which had 
existed for about a year and a half. At the time of her admis- 
sion, it appeared, that almost all the dorsal and lumbar vertebrze 
were affected. She had nearly lost all power over her lower 
extremities and pelvic viscera; and she complained of very 
severe cramps at the pit of the stomach, and acute pain in the 
course of the costal nerves, which was much increased by 
pressure on the ribs, or any attempt at a deep inspiration. Her 
general health was much deranged; her pulse was very rapid, 
with occasionally severe palpitation of the heart, and constant 
dyspnea. Her digestive powers were greatly impaired, she 
had no appetite ; and could only digest a small portion of stale 
bread and some milk and water. Even this meal was always 
followed by uneasy sensations at her stomach, and an increase 
of head-ach, from which she was hardly ever free. Her bowels 
were obstinately costive, and the urine was scanty, and de- 
posited large quantities of lithate of ammonia. 
“She was placed on one of my invalid beds, which enabled 
her to remain in a state of uninterrupted rest; and after the 
