ACTION OP INTERRUPTED AND CONTINUOUS CURRENTS. 189 



pared with that of the induced, even when the battery is composed 

 of a hirge number of elements. 



By the aid of the voltameter, I have found that the electrolytic 

 action of the battery diminishes in proportion to the height of 

 the column of liquid that it has to traverse ; and I have also observed 

 that the sensation of burning is proportionately diminished, at the 

 points of contact of the rheophores with the skin. 



The resistance opposed to the current by the liquid in the 

 moderator diminishes also the electro-motor power, but much 

 less than the electrolytic action. I have hence applied this 

 method of graduation of the pile to its electricity of quantity. 



Inter mittences, in localized muscular galvanization hj interrujjted 

 currents. — Intermittences of localized muscular galvanization by 

 interrupted currents may be obtained by raising, at longer or 

 shorter intervals, one or both of the moist rheophores from the 

 skin. This is the proceeding generally employed ; but I pre- 

 ferred to use the rheotomes which are ordinarily applied in 

 muscular faradization, and to which I shall return when describing 

 my induction instruments. 



Wishing to study the comparative values of localized faradiza- 

 tion and of localized galvanization by interrupted currents, I was 

 bound to place myself, as ftir as possible, under identical condi- 

 tions with regard to both; that is to say, as far as the intermit- 

 tences were concerned, to produce them in localized muscular 

 galvanization without shifting the rheophores, and by means of 

 similar instruments. 



(a). Pedal rheotome. — I habitually complete and break the cir- 

 cuit of the battery current with a pedal rheotome, which leaves 

 my hands at liberty to manage the rheophores. I have elsewhere 

 advised those, who, like myself, are in daily use of a battery — 

 either to work induction coils or for the physiological or thera- 

 peutical application of interrupted or continuous currents — to 

 employ a pedal rheotome, in order to prevent the circuit from 

 being left complete for a long time, as' for an entire night, by any 

 forgetfulness or accident. Such accidents, which were formerly 

 of frequent occurrence with me, have not happened since I have 

 been obliged to place my foot on the rheotome in order to com- 

 plete the circuit. 



(b). Wheel rheotomes. — I have also used rheotomes, which have 

 allowed me to practise localized galvanization with intermissions 

 nearly equal in speed to those of the trembler of an induction 

 instrument. These rheotomes are furnished with several wheels, 

 with teeth nearer or more distant, against which a spring im- 

 pinges in such a manner as to obtain from two or four intermis- 



