110 THE THEORY OF IONS 



other than iodine can be used. Care must be taken 

 in carrying out the application, for a caustic effect is 

 apt to be produced. It is necessary to use a current 

 of strong intensity and density to produce the thera- 

 peutic effect. "If the application is defective the 

 proper intensity cannot be reached, the skin being 

 burnt. This burning of the skin is the main obstacle 

 to electro-ionic medication ; but it is in a large 

 measure avoidable."* It is caused by the H and 

 OH ions produced at the electrodes, both of which 

 enter the skin and are destructive to the cells in 

 such a high ionic concentration. But with proper 

 precautions as to the covering of the electrodes, 

 their cleanliness, and careful application to the skin, 

 the caustic ions may be prevented from destroying 

 or even damaging its cells. 



This treatment opens up a new path in thera- 

 peutics, and by following it a new mode of medica- 

 tion may be devised for many ailments. 



* Leduc : loc. tit. 



