Cure of Asthma by a Stroke of Lightning. 329 
Art. XIV.—Cure of Asthma by a Stroke of Lightning. 
(Communicated by the Rev. RatpH Emerson.) 
Norfolk, Nov. 25, 1822. 
: To the Editor. 
Dear Sir, 
I know not whether electricity has ever been tried for 
the relief of-persons afflicted with Asthma. If not, perhaps 
the following circumstances may suggest the propriety of 
making the experiment. es 
One year ago last August, Mr. Martin Rockwell of Cole- 
brook, Conn. was severely affected bya shock of light- 
ning, which struck his buildings within about ten feet of 
him. He was standing at the time in a leaning position, 
looking out at a window, bearing most of his weight on his 
left foot, and supporting himself by his right arm, with his 
hand on a moist platform connected with a sink, and these 
together forming a connection with the part of the building 
where the charge fell. Without his either seeing the flash 
or hearing the noise, his right arm and left leg were instantly 
paralyzed, and sense and reason were for a few moments sus- 
pended. On recovery, his first thought was that his arm 
was gone, and he put up his left hand to feel if it were yet on 
him. He did not recover the use of his arm or leg for an 
hour; and they continued sensibly affected for some days. 
No other part of his body was particularly affected, except 
the chest. He felt a strong sensation at the lungs, and they 
continued sore fora number of days. I state these circum- 
stances, as they evince that a heavy charge of electricity 
passed through the vitals. 
Mr. R. is now fifty years of age, and from his youth had 
been so subject to the asthma as to be often unable to rest 
in bed for a number of months together, especially in au- 
tumn. Since this event, however, he has been entirely 
free from it, except in one or two instances he has felt a 
very slight degree of it, after great fatigue, and under the 
pressure ofa severe cold. He has now passed the second 
autumn in health since this kind preservation of life and re- 
moval of disease. 
Vor. VI.—No. 2. 42 
