DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 109 



In most instances the electrical fluid leaves its mark by singeing the 

 hair, or by inflicting pounds, burns, or blisters. " Sir B. Brodie tells 

 a curious story of two bullocks, pied white and red, which were struck 

 in different storms. In both cases the white hairs were consumed, 

 while the red ones escaped." 



Treatment. — So long as the beating of the heart is perceptible, the 

 endeavor to resuscitate the animal should be continued. Dash cold 

 water over the head and body; rub the body and legs; smartly whip 

 the body with wet towels or switches. Mustard, mixed with water, 

 should be well rubbed over the legs and back of the head on each side 

 of the neck. Inject into the rectum 4 drams of stronger liquor ammo- 

 nia, or l-£ ounces of hartshorn diluted with a quart of warm water. 

 Cautiously hold an uncorked bottle of hartshorn to the nostrils, so that 

 some of it is inhaled, but care should be taken that too much is not 

 suddenly inhaled. 



In desperate cases artificial respiration should be tried, as follows: 

 With both hands spread out to cover a large surface, press on the 

 abdomen (behind the ribs) and then on the chest (behind the shoul- 

 ders), and continue in this manner, first on the abdomen and then on 

 the chest in regular order, so that the chest and the abdomen are each 

 pressed on alternately about twenty times a minute. The pressure 

 should be slow and steady, so that the movement given by it to the 

 walls of the chest and abdomen will resemble their motion in breath- 

 ing. A hand bellows may be used as an aid to the foregoing method, 

 as follows : Each time after the chest is pressed on the nozzle is inserted 

 in the nostril and air slowly and gently forced in by the bellows. 



When the animal revives sufficiently to be able to swallow, 4 drams of 

 the stronger liquor ammonia, diluted with a quart of cold water, should 

 be given as a drench, and the dose should be repeated in an hour. One 

 and one -half ounces of ordinary hartshorn maybe used instead of the 

 stronger liquor ammonia, but, like the latter, it should be diluted with 

 a quart or more of water, and even then care should be exercised in 

 drenching. 



In cases when the shock has not caused complete insensibility, 

 recovery may be hastened by the ammonia and water drench, or 4 

 ounces of brandy diluted with a quart of water, or 8 ounces of whisky 

 diluted with a quart of water. These doses may be given every three 

 or four hours, if necessary. After recovery from the more serious 

 symptoms, 2 drams of sulphate of quinine should be given twice a 

 day until health is restored. If any paralysis remains, l£ drams of 

 pulverized nux vomica should be given twice a day with the quinine. 



The foregoing treatment is also applicable when the electrical shock 

 is given by telephone, electric car, or electric-light wires, etc. The 

 wounds, burns, or blisters should be treated according to the anti- 

 septic method of treating wounds. 



