Chap. 7.] Eleftricitj. 361 



cufhion, properly conftructed to afford a continued and 

 ftrong ftream of the electrical fluid. 



The total want of experimental knowledge upon this 

 fubject, difables me from deciding upon the efficacy 

 of this remedy. Electricity is certainly a powerful 

 agent in nature, but its effects are tranfient, and the 

 cafe with which the fluid is tranfmitted through the hu- 

 man body will probably operate againft its producing 

 a permanent effect. Thus far, however, may with 

 truth be advanced, that it is a fafe and, eafy remedy, 

 and therefore mould never be omitted where there is a 

 chance of doing good. Medical men are, however, 

 the only proper judges when it ought to be applied ; 

 ^nd it ihould be a maxim, that the fafeft and mofl in- 

 noxious medicines may have the moft fatal confe- 

 (juences in unikilful hands. 



