3(S8 Galvanlfm, 



4. The contraftions of the mufcles were excited by the 

 tJietallic arc or wire applied to the nerves fupplying fuch 

 mufcles ; but the nerves themfelves were not affe£ted, not 

 even the largeft nerve of the human body, the fciatic nerve. 



5. Motion or raifing up of the arm was produced (as if by 

 voUtion) by the Galvanic ftimulus. 



6. A milky or coagulated matter was formed by repeated 

 contraftions of the mufcle in contad with the copper wire, 

 or wire of copper plated with filver : and the fame appearance 

 jvas feen when a plate of tin foil was interpofed, for then this 

 yvhite matter was formed on this tin foil. 



7. When the parts ceafed to give out motion, or lefs mp- 

 tion, the motions were renewed with augmented force by 

 >yetting them with folution of fal-ammoniac. 



8. It is fcarcely neceffary to remark, that the Galvanic fti- 

 jnulus excited contractions in parts which gave out no a<£tion 

 to fulphuric acid, volatile alkali, and other ftimuli. 



Of iJ^e praBical Ufes of Galva7itfm. 



Theufes in common life of new fafits are not always im- 

 mediately apprehended ; fo that, although nothing very con- 

 clufive can be faid, the prefent fa«3:s may be hereafter of great 

 utility. In the meanwhile we obferve : 



1. That Galvanifm may be a moft powerful aid in reftor- 

 ing the vital aftions fufpended by fubmerfion, by fufpenfion, 

 &c. although it does not a6t upon the lungs and heart ; but 

 if, at the fame time that it excites the mufcles in general, warm 

 oxygen gas be applied to the lungs, and friftions and the hot 

 bath be employed, much more may be effedted than without 

 Galvanifm. 



2. In many difeafes confifting in ceflation of aftion, the 

 parts may be excited to aftion by this new ftimulus, if it be 

 duly atplied. For this purpofe a machine is required which 

 will 01 itfelf, without manual afliftance, apply effeftually the 

 Galvanic fluid for any length of time. Such an inftrument 

 has been conftrudled by Mr. Cuthbertfon, and will no doubt 

 hereafter be as commonly ufed as our prefent eledlrical ma- 

 chines. 



3. In comparing ele£lricity to Galvanifm, it muft be conli- 

 dered, that the iormer a6ls by its ititeufiiy, and the latter by 

 its quantity : that the former, fo intenfe, and fufficient if pro- 

 perly direfted to knock a man down, fliall yet not be in quan- 

 tity enough to melt an iron wire or one of platina ; but the 

 latter (hall melt thefe metals, yet fcarcely produce a fliock. 



MISCEL- 



