in restoring the due action of the lungs. 25 
that a considerable power, that perhaps of twenty-five or 
thirty plates is often necessary on first applying the ral van- 
ism, in order to excite any sensation ; yet after the sensation 
is once excited, the patient shall not perhaps, particularly at 
first, be able to bear more than -six or eight plates. The 
stronger the sensation excited, the more speedy in general is 
the relief. I have known the breathing instantly relieved by 
a very strong power. I have generally made it a rule to 
begin with a very weak one, increasing it gradually at the 
patient’s request, by moving one of the wires from one divi- 
sion of the trough to another, and moving it back again 
when he complained of the sensation being too strong. It is 
convenient for this purpose to charge with the fluid about 
thirty plates. 
The galvanism was applied in the following manner. 
Two thin plates of metal about two or three inches in dia- 
meter, dipped in water, were applied, one to the nape of the 
neck, the other to the pit of the stomach, or rather lower. 
The wires from the different ends of the trough* were brought 
into contact with these plates, and, as observed above, as great 
a galvanic power maintained, as the patient could bear with- 
out complaint. In this way the galvanic fluid was sent through 
the lungs, as much as possible in the direction of their nerves. 
It is proper, constantly to move the wires upon the metal 
plates, particularly the negative wire, otherwise the cuticle is 
injured in the place on which it rests. The relief seemed 
much the same, whether the positive wire was applied to the 
nape of the neck, or the pit of the stomach. The negative 
* I found a trough of the old construction answer better than the improved pile, 
which is so much superior for most purposes. 
MDCCCXVII. E 
