ON GALTANISM. ^3 



Besides, we are forced upon this highly improbiibic cpinion, ^scH and ob- 



thatthe galvanic fluid can carry thishydrofren through even the servations in 



^ . , 1 II -r 1 ^ explanation of 



body of a man ; for the phenomena take place it he lorms a ^^^^ theory of 



part of the ciicuit. But this circulation is directly contradict. Galvanism. 

 ed ; for it appears clear, from ray experiments, that the fluid 

 passes from the silver wire to the zinc wire ; for when the ani- 

 mal fibre was placed at the silver side, and only connected 

 with a small portion of metallic wire, to unite it to the wa- 

 ter, no gas was produced ; but when placed upon the zinc side, 

 gas was produced. The zinc side only requiring a metallic 

 body, ever so small, just to receive the fluid out of the water, 

 if after that it had the muscular fibre united to it, it makes no 

 difference in the production of the gases. It appears to ope- 

 rate by hindering the galvanic fluid which was united to the 

 combustible part of the silver metal, from passing through it, 

 as by that union, it had lost that tenuity or penetrability, so 

 as to be admitted through the close pores of the metal, and the 

 metal may also operate by its combustible matter at its point* 

 which is in the water, uniting to the galvanic fluid and form gas- 

 I found that when the discs were filled with ammonia, there 

 was a greater proportion of hydrogen gas; and when they 

 were filled with acids, more of oxigcn formed at the wiresi 

 also, the larger the plates of the pile, the less of gases were 

 produced ; and I think there were more of the oxigen an^ 

 azote kind in proportion ; and also, the galvanic fluid had a 

 less tearing sensation to those who were electrified by it, and 

 evidently gave thein a less shock, even when the plates were so 

 large as to produce the combustion of metals, and when so 

 large, they produced the most nitric acid. That tearing sen- 

 sation of the pile, seems to be from the fluid being united with 

 the combustible part of the metals, and, in consequence, cir- 

 culates with less ease through the animal body ; and, therefore, 

 gives that tearing sensation. It is from this that the fluid ror 

 quires water to assist it in entering and passing through the, 

 skin of animals, as the hands requiring to be moist when you 

 touch the galvanic wire. But the pure electric fluid requires 

 no such aid ; and this is the only difference in those two 

 fluids. — Therefore, I should .think that the galvanic fluid is 

 more adapted to remove obstructions in diseases ; the one 

 pesseiising so much less of combustible matter than the other. 



That 



