The Evolution of Electric and Magnetic Physics. 169 



By the cataphoric action of a continuous galvanic current is meant 

 the property which such a current possesses of moving along with it 

 fluids that lie in its path, and so, when applied to the body, of increas- 

 ing osmoses. This action of this current may be also applied to carry 

 with it medicinal substances into the tissues through the pathway of 

 the skin. 



The electro-tonic effects produced upon the tissues during the pas- 

 sage of a voltaic current are 'a diminished state of excitability at the 

 positive pole, and an increased degree of irritability at the negative 

 pole. 



If this current be rapidly interrupted, or broken and reconnected, it 

 appears to have the effect upon various organs of setting them to 

 work. For instance, the muscles of the hand may be made to con- 

 tract if this current be applied to the portion of the brain presiding 

 over the hand, to the nerve trunk going to the hand, or to the muscles 

 themselves. Again, if it be applied to special sense nerves, as the 

 optic or auditory, the effect is to produce the sensation of a flash of 

 light or certain noises. If this interrupted voltaic current be of high 

 potency 500 to 1,000 volts the effect is to produce such profound 

 and sudden change of the molecular state of the tissues and vital pro- 

 cesses that their activities instantly cease. The suddenness and pain- 

 lessness of this death has caused the advocacy, by many electricians 

 and physicians, of the execution of criminals by electricity. 



MR. KEN>T:LLY, in closing the discussion, held that it was probable 

 that electricity would soon become the chief motor power in our cities, 

 substituting both steam and horse-power. In this direction our West- 

 ern cities were in advance of New York and Brooklyn. He also 

 thought electricity the most painless and humane mode of executing 

 criminals. 



