114 LOCALIZED ELECTEIZATION. 



CHAPTEK III. 



HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL OBSERVATIONS UPON THE PRINCIPAL 

 METHODS OF ELECTRIZATION. 



Whatever preferenoe I may declare for the method of electriza- 

 tion described in the foregoing chapter, has not been arrived at 

 without long comparative study of each of the methods that have 

 preceded it. In the present chapter I purpose to set forth the 

 results of these researches. 



Static electrization (by the electrical machine) is the most 

 ancient of all modes. I have already, in the first chapter, said 

 enough about its physiological and therapeutical properties ; and 

 its application for the purposes of treatment is now generally 

 abandoned.^ 



I propose, therefore, to examine as briefly as possible, and to 

 compare, by the light of my own experience, the therapeutic value : 

 1. of electro-puncture ; 2. of electrization by reflex action ; 3. of 

 localized electrization by induction currents and by interrupted 

 galvanic currents ; 4. of continuous constant currents ; and I shall 

 preface the therapeutical results of my own practice by certain 

 physiological considerations. 



Part the First. 



on the value of electro- puncture as applied to the 

 treatment op paralysis. 



§ I. Historical retrospect. 



The application of electro-puncture to the treatment of paralysis 

 was a distinct step in advance, when Sarlandiere introduced it into 

 practice. In order to estimate correctly the services rendered 

 to therapeutics by this method of electrization, it is necessary to 

 recall what was then the state of medical electricity. 



It is well known what enthusiasm this agent excited in its 

 infancy, when the electrical machine was first invented. We may, 

 indeed, find records of incontestable cures, due to the use of elec- 

 tricity of tension, in the authors who were employed about the 

 subject at the time in question, that is from 1743 to 1754. Kruger, 

 professor at Helmstadt, was the first to use electricity as a curative 



[' See Observations, p. 9.— fl. T.] 



