EXPERIMENTS WITH THE TOPLER MACHINE. 143 



switch closed, a connection is made between the pa- 

 tient and the machine by a conducting cord; one end 

 being attached to the ball surmounting one of the 

 Leyden jars, and the other end to the chair. A similar 

 connection is made between the opposite jar and the 

 floor near thg platform, to create a certain degree of 

 induction, and so facilitate the process of charging, 

 which is now done by putting the machine in oper- 

 ation. Very little sensation is experienced from this 

 charge, but its effect in certain nervous diseases, which 

 cannot be treated with the battery, such as St. Vitus 

 dance, is said by medical men to be very soothing. In 

 other cases, sparks are drawn from the patient with the 

 hand or a suitable electrode, as a ball, roller, or sponge, 

 attached to the cord from the opposite jar, and held by 

 an insulating handle. 



The electric wind is given by a point electrode, 

 attached as above, either with or without the insulated 

 platform. A gentle current of electrified air from the 

 point fans the patient, producing a delightfully sooth- 

 ing sensation. 



Electric treatment of this kind can be given only by 

 static electricity, and its value must be determined by 

 the medical profession, among whom it is coming into 

 favor; being used and recommended by physicians of 

 eminence. 



GAS LIGHTING. Lighting the gas in churches and 

 public halls by electricity is commonly done by a bat- 

 teiy and coil, but the Topler machine can also be used 

 for this purpose. With either method there must be 

 wires connecting the generator with the chandeliers, 

 wires connecting the chandeliers together, and also the 

 separate burners; all arranged in one circuit and prop- 



