358 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



manifestly hurtful in palsies depending upon a congestion of 

 blood in the vessels of the brain. The most certain, and there- 

 fore the most proper use of warm bathing in palsies, seems to be 

 in those that have been occasioned by the application of narcotic 

 powers. Are the natural baths more useful by the matters with 

 which they may be naturally impregnated ? 



" I have known several instances of persons affected with 

 palsy, who, after the symptoms had been very moderate for a 

 considerable time, returned to the apoplectic state in consequence 

 of a single warm bathing ; in some instances they died in a few 

 hours afterwards ; but more commonly they were thrown into a 

 much more violent disease. I am of opinion, that the very in- 

 discriminate use of hot baths in England in cases of palsy, has 

 been of very bad consequences. It is in many cases doubtful, 

 whether compression or collapse be the cause : but where there 

 is any doubt, we ought to proceed very cautiously and gradually." 



MCLXVI. Cold applied to the body for any length of time 

 is always hurtful to paralytic persons ; but if it be not very in- 

 tense, nor the application long continued., and if, at the same 

 time, the body be capable of a brisk reaction, such an applica- 

 tion of cold is a powerful stimulant of the whole systenij and 

 has often been useful in curing palsy. But, if the power of re- 

 action in the body be weak, any application of cold may prove 

 very hurtful. 



MCLXVII. Electricity, in a certain manner applied, is cer- 

 tainly one of the most powerful stimulants that can be employed 

 to act upon the nervous system of animals ; and therefore much 

 has been expected from it in the cure of palsy. But, as it sti- 

 mulates the sanguiferous as well as the nervous system, it has 

 been often hurtful in palsies depending upon a compression of the 

 brain ; and especially when it has been so applied as to act 

 upon the vessels of the head. It is safer when its operation is 

 confined to particular parts somewhat remote from the head ; 

 and further, as the operation of electricity, when very strong, 

 can destroy the mobility of the nervous power, I am of opinion 

 that it is always to be employed with caution, and that it is only 

 safe when applied with moderate force, and when confined to 

 certain parts of the body, remote from the head. It is also my 

 opinion, that its good effects are to be expected from its repeti- 



