168 The Evolution of Electric and Magnetic Physics. 



to interfere, caused to cast shadows, and, in fact, to do everything that 

 light can do. The dimensions of these waves have been measured and 

 found to be much larger than those of light. A prism of asphalt re- 

 fracts them as one of glass does those of light. A metallic grating 

 polarizes them as a nickel prism does light. They separate, they com- 

 bine, they re-enforce, they weaken each other. For a long time we 

 studied the thermal qualities of bodies before we knew much of radiant 

 heat, and for an equally long or longer time we have studied the elec- 

 trical qualities of bodies, and have but just begun to appreciate the facts 

 of radiant electricity. The science of electricity that began with the 

 discovery that rubbing a piece of amber gave it the power to attract 

 light bodies has gone on from this beginning until now it seems to 

 embrace the universe. Strange that all powerful cosmic forces, be- 

 cause of such a beginning, should come to be classed as those of am- 

 bericity. Electron means amber. Every movement we make, every 

 breath we breathe, every thought we think produces it. 



DR. WILLIAM M. HUTCHINSON : 



Frictional or static electricity, when applied to the surface of the 

 body in the form of a spark, causes 1st, a sudden involuntary move- 

 ment of the part irritated ; 2d, a reddening of the cutaneous surface ; 

 3d, a perception of a distinct sensation, either pleasant and invigorat- 

 ing or painful and depressing, as the case may be. That it causes a 

 marked stimulating effect upon the function and nutrition of nerves 

 and muscles is claimed by some and denied by others. It certainly 

 will relieve the pain of some forms of neuralgia. A? a means of pro- 

 ducing marked mental impressions, and thus demonstrating the re- 

 markable interaction between the mind and body by curing some 

 forms of functional nervous disturbances, frictional sparks are often 

 of service to the physician. It is probable, however, that this effect is 

 purely mental, the result being produced by causing an expectant at- 

 tention on the subject's part, as is done by the so-called " mind cures " 

 or " hypnotic suggestion " methods. 



Current or voltaic electricity, when passed through the body, pro- 

 duces three effects viz., catalytic, cataphoric, and electro-tonic. The 

 catalytic action may be slight if the current be weak, and, by increas- 

 ing chemical reactions within the tissues of the body, it may serve to 

 stimulate nutritive changes. If the current is sufficiently strong, in- 

 tense effects are produced the tissues are decomposed about each pole, 

 blisters containing acid fluids forming at the positive pole, and alka- 

 line fluids at the negative pole. This destructive effect is sometimes 

 made use of in the breaking down of new growths, as tumors, and in 

 the enlarging of contracted passages or canals. 



