Electro-physiology and electro-therapeutics : showing the best methods for the medical uses of electricity

Front matter

SJ

YALE MEDICAL COLLEGE

LIBRARY.

Preface

Medical Students : For you have I prepared this work on Electro-therapeutics, including Electro-physiology, Electro-pathology, and Electro-diagnosis. It is aimed to be a plain, practical, and systematic work. Electricity and Vitality are now known to be intimately related. It is an acknowledged fact, that medical men, at least, are not as familiar with the links of that relationship as they might be, and should be. Electricity, in its different forms and manifestations, is as absolutely and minutely concerned, according to their respective " laws of action,'' in every life, with health, growth, disease, and struggle for the recovery from disease, and in death, as in the grand chemistry of inanimate nature, or in the greater and mightier forces of gravitation and planetary revolution.

Vitality is more than Electricity. Life is electro-chemistry vitalized. This greatest force of nature, viz., Electricity, which also holds such varied and powerful influences over life, health, and disease, does assuredly command our more attentive study, in connection with other rational medicine.

The progress of medical science, during the past half century, has brought us into new and closer relations with almost all other departments of physical science ; but with none, however, in so intimate and indissoluble a manner as with this of Electricity. Hence it has come to pass, says De la Rive, that the study of Electricity, as it relates particularly to medical knowledge, and practice, has become an absolutely indispensable study for every one who practises, teaches, or in any way cultivates science, and wishes to be booked tip to the age and day. So also of the trades, arts, and sciences ; — to the pharmaceutist and chemist, as well as the natural philosopher ; to the dentist and physiologist, as well as to the geologist ; as much to the engineer and artisan as to the physician ; — all, all have electric forces and phenomena to deal with, and consequently each has need of becoming familiar with them ; at least so far as they relate to the given trade or practice, he should be enabled to interpret them, to meet them, and to turn them to good account.

The subject matter of this work, therefore, embraces more aspects than one. It presents you not only with a reliable and potent class of remedies, (together with the best methods for using them,) and fairly opens a field of improved treatment for many nervous derangements and diseases, but it also affords an instructive phase of nature in growth, waste, and repair; in cause and cure, or disease and remedy, and of nervous phenomena in particular ; thus throwing peculiar light on the whole range of the healing art. Indeed, it appears to me, that those who love, teach, or have to do with the natural sciences, or who wish " to know themselves," or the philosophy of our being, particularly if medical men, — I say, no such person can possibly study this subject without the profoundest interest and substantial improvement. Physicians, of all men, should be frank towards each other. More than other men, we are dependent upon each other for facts, from which, when sufficiently numerous, we must reason up to generalization, and thus slowly discover and establish the laws of nature, as the rules of our ethics, to comprehend life, disease, and death. Isolated phenomena or experiments, nay, even a life-long experience in medicine, is worse than unavailing, so far as it affects knowledge and improvement, if it is pursued only by a dogmatic routine, or in support of a foregone conclusion. Only the one thing in that case is clearly seen ; and that is, just what had always been expected, " according to the creed." The reasonable means, or the successive steps to the end obtained, are entirely overlooked. Let this, therefore, be our caution. We must hold, that the uncompromising lessons of careful and practical induction should attend our every step, as special students'in this interesting but intricate department of science and medicine; for no conclusion has ever stood the test of time, and gained general consent with the intelligent, that is not strictly in harmony with the laws of nature, and with the moral laws of God.

The author, being profoundly convinced of the efficacy of electric currents as a remedy, capable of producing, often, a radical cure, especially in nervous affections, bespeaks a generous and impartial reception by our American medical world, of what is already achieved for and in electro-physiology and electrotherapeutics ; i. e., as to what relates, in a scientific sense, to the medical uses of Electricity.

When Physiology is usually treated of as a science, and presented as a part of the foundation of a thorough medical education, then, of course, it embraces the whole organic nature. All classes of organized beings and organisms have there an appropriate chapter, according to the mode of development, &c. But here we give place to one grand phase of physiology and pathology, as a somewhat new, but soon to be realized, indispensable, help-science to the healing art. All medical practitioners may not wish to give their time and attention, personally, to the employment of any electric apparatus; and but few may wish to make those diseases called " Neuralgies " and " Palsies " their exclusive practice ; but still, no one member of an educated medical profession can nowadays be uninformed in normal and abnormal nervo-electric phenomena (that is, in electro-physiology and electro-pathology) without discredit to himself and injustice to his patient.

Pathology, young as it is, has been already admitted as an accredited witness of very peculiar importance. But a few years since, and we know that there was no professor's chair for it in any of our medical schools. Now, who does not know that it is a very " law and testimony " ? Yet post-mortem and ocular pathology gives us but comparatively little insight into the deviations and lesions of the human nervous system. But, at this very weakest point in all medical science, important yet delicate, elaborate and yet intricate as it is, Electricity comes to our aid and elicits, — has elicited, certain uniform phenomena, — already a " law and testimony," so far as ascertained, that can be derived from no other source. Significant facts like these do certainly demand of medical men a careful attention. Because we do not know more, or all, is certainly no good reason why we should not avail ourselves of what is already positively discovered. Much in this department of medical research will yet, ay, will soon, be accomplished ; and brilliant will be the achievements.

The very abridged manner and immethodical style of the few works that have appeared in this country, or even in the English language, on the medical employment of Electricity, have never yet enabled the medical profession generally, particularly that of this country, to seize upon these telling facts understanding^, so as to bring them to bear upon clinical practice. On the other hand, the more complete treatises on physics enter too much into detail on Electricity, in its own wide realm, as a force of nature, or as a physical force, or in speculations upon these, for persons who do not desire to make this their particular object of labor and pursuit.

A systematic work on the medical and surgical uses of Electricity, containing clear and practical directions as to where, token, and " how" to employ Electricity as a remedy, (embracing at the same time the condensed scope of those natural, accidental, as well as artificial electric influences that affect life and health,) has long been greatly needed ; and of late urgently requested of the author, by many distinguished members of the most venerable medical association in America, to fill, in some degree, this deficiency in our medical literature. True, we have had published in this country some small, yet valued treatises on this subject — one by Dr. Golding Bird; another by Dr. W. F. Channing. But these pioneer works were rather " evidence and argument," to exhibit and convince of what has, might, and would be accomplished by the medical uses of Electricity, rather than giving any philosophic and rational expose' of the methods of doing it. Therefore what has been done by the agency of Electricity, in the way of remarkable cures, empirically or otherwise, if the modus operandi is not also clearly given, is purposely excluded from this work. The author has aimed to confine himself to gleaning from the highest practical authorities, and the comparing of these with his own clinical experiences, then classifying and arranging the subject matter, so as to present the whole range of electro-therapeutics on a more systematic and scientific basis.

Perhaps it is scarcely necessary to add here, (except to forestall unnecessary and detracting criticism,) that the author has unavoidably employed the ideas often, as also the language, of others.' In a work like this, based as it is in natural science, with a limited special literature, every one must know is but the embodying of the best of all high authority, while but a portion of the whole is truly original. Our freshest knowledge has its origin in the teachings and well-known writings of the world's best philosophers ; which, after being applied in this department of medical practice, becomes, in part, but a modified transcript of the originals ; but in another sense or part, and that the more practical, there is conceived to be a large share of originality pervading this whole work, if the selecting, classifying, and adapting the information so variously obtained to the very purposes for which it was intended, so as to be more practical and useful, can be construed as originality. Is not this, in fact, (when we except accidental discovery,) the true basis of all scientific discovery and originality ? In fine, the author has perseveringly labored to gather whatever is known on this subject, found in any language, that is practical ; and that from the highest sources, and from first hands. Here he has been greatly favored by the kindness of Professor Scherb and Mr. Frederick Penard, in their readings and translations out of the Italian and German. The best of authorities have been consulted, and each has given his testimony on this part or that. From the writings of Galvani, Volta, Humboldt, Nobili, Marianini, Matteucci, Magendie, Becquerel, Marshall Hall, and Faraday ; from De la Rive, Duchenne, Middeldorpff, Remak, Todd, Alfred Smee, and Brown-Sequard ; from these and others have we recorded individual researches of the most intrinsic significance, as well as their individual opinions. But where quotations are made, they are duly acknowledged. Thus we find a rich field of facts for us, which ha> e been accumulating in variety, and maturing by corroboration for the past half century. But the right or wrong interpretation of these facts, or their apparent conflicts, &c, we must leave for others to discuss. Success in practice, not theory, is our aim.

A work of merit, I feel satisfied, is not in the end injured by criticism, if fairly done ; but this is too much to be expected every where. The author, however, cannot be Burprisi d. Xo one sees so well as himself how little he feels that he knows of the length and breadth of this intricate and extensive subject ; although he may be permitted to add, that he has had the honor and the advantages of the personal instructions, conversations, correspondence, and encouragements of some of the most renowned philosophers and truly experienced " medical electricians " in Europe ; to which has also succeeded a ceaseless tide of bedside experiences, exclusively in this special practice ; and that also during the unavoidably protracted time occupied in the preparation of this work for the press.

But to the subject directly : Careful and repeated observations of Electro-physiologic, pathologic, and therapeutic phenomena very soon leads us to discover two prominent and distinct points of view. One of these comprehends the General Laws of Electricity, in this respect ; the other view comprehends the results arising from the manifestation of " animal electricity " in living bodies, and the action of the various forms, and methods of application of electricity, upon these bodies, and their native currents. The facts and deductions of the one require to be studied, to understand those of the other. Anatomy and physiology, also, need to be viewed through this medium, as well as from other stand-points, in order to get a true stereoscopic view of the philosophy of life, the laws of disease, and the catastrophe of death.

Under the first division, then, we must become familiar with the different kinds of Electricity, as Natural Electricity ; also Electricity as manifested by the disturbances of nature ; also with Static and Dynamic electricity, so far as they relate to our subject. Hence both the natural and artificial sources of electricity, together with the general and specific laws that regulate the given transmission of this subtile agent through the different living tissues, in health, and in disease, must be successively passed in review. Next comes the early history of the medical and surgical uses of electricity, Atmospheric and Terrestrial electricity, with Magnetism, Frictional Electricity, Galvanic and Electromagnetic Currents, together with a description of all the apparatus for conveniently producing and regulating the quantity or the intensity of currents ; all of which must be clearly exhibited to be easily understood. This, therefore, will compose the first three Chapters of this work.

Under the second division, as we may call it, we need to become no less familiar with the phenomena of Electro-physiology, in all its wonderful teachings, even from cell-life, electro-biology, — the nervo-electric batteries of human life, the effects of Atmospheric Electricity, — up to Animal Electricity, and the action of artificial currents, when directed for diagnosis, surgical and other remedial purposes. Diagnosis of diseases, and the Fundamental Pojles for the rational employment of electricity in practice, must be seen in panoramic review. Then we examine the broad range of nervous affections, which are classed here under Hyperesthesia, as, exalted nervous action, and painful affections. And another large class, under Anaesthesia, as, diminished nervous action, and all paralytic affections. Next in order will appear the Spasmodic affections, Midwifery, Surgery, Dentistry ; and then the special eases, as suspended animation, anomalous nervous derangements, in which some given form of electricity, or particular method of applying it, has been found most beneficial and successful. Such, and more, will occupy the seven other chapters of this work, which, as a whole, I designate as Electro-therapeutics, — all of which will be found illustrated with ample Cuts of Apparatus, on the one part, and fine Anatomical Cuts of the Nerves and Muscles, &c, on the other ; so as to be to the medical student as complete a work on this whole subject of which it treats as possible with our present knowledge, or as can be found in any language. Should life and opportunity be granted, the author proposes to prepare, at no distant year, a second volume, that shall be a counterpart to this — a sequel, embracing his clinical experiences, showing not only the results of purely electric treatments, but also showing the efficacy of the electric seance, in given cases, when combined ; that is, simultaneously employed with the ordinary prescriptions of medicines.

When I first directed my entire professional labors to this difficult department of special medical practice, (after having been engaged in the general practice of medicine for nearly twenty years,) to speak mainly in the words of another, — I did so with the fullest sense of their importance, in two relations : 1* first, as they related to my own future career and reputation; second, as they related to the advancement of the healing art, and the immediate relief of a no small class of otherwise unreached, afflicted, and suffering persons. I was fully aware that my position, my views, and aims might excite misapprehension, because the hitherto very general association of the empirical uses of electricity, with quackery, throughout the length and breadth of our country, would naturally lead to some erroneous verdict, at least until my true position might be directly and definitely defined. For these reasons, I am all the more happy to speak for myself this day, as regards the legitimate practice of electro-tlierapeutics. So that, on the one hand, in regular practice, no surgeon, no oculist, no spinal, or uterine, or urinary doctor, no orthopedist, or general practitioner shall imagine that I wish to interfere with their respective positions, for A hich they have especially studied, and in which they are devoting their lives. On the other hand, let no wandering Arab of a boasting and quackish " Electro-pathist," Electro-physiologist, or travelling " galvanizer," attempt to screen himself, by using my name and address, under any connivance or sympathy, in any of the states, as has been done heretofore. But, on the contrary, the author feels assured that he is bringing to those same honorable men, who are engaged in special practice, through this department of medical literature, and hence to the medical profession at large, in an available form, a tangible class of remedies; which are also of great importance in very many respects, (besides the general principles and definite rules here laid down for specific purposes,) that every logical mind will not fail to deduce therefrom.

But one word further. Our art is one art. Each branch is but a part of the whole, and simply, " t plui ibus innini." It is too late to be sticklers for creeds or isms, for pathies or systems ; only let each be honest and in earnest in his professional sphere. The author is desirous that this should no longer be termed a " System of practice, but merely the electric remedies, &c., and that we take special pains to eradicate those false notions from the minds of the people.

I wish here to call particular attention to the fact, that almost no allusion is made in this work to the simultaneous employment of medicines with electric treatments. This is purposely omitted ; but it must not necessarily follow that it is to be omitted in practice, if we wish to gain the greatest possible amount of improvement for the patient in the least possible time. Indeed, it will often be noticed that a skilful use of electric currents will quicken the action, and heighten the effects of internal medicines. Often, cases will be presented that promise success only in this way.

Again : like many other potent remedies now, as heretofore, employed in the treatmeut of diseases, electricity is greatly valued for its given effects, in certain cases, by a small portion of the profession who have thoroughly investigated it, among whom are some of the most distinguished names; while another portion of the profession, equally respectable, think but little of it ; and others there are who discard it altogether. But when it is shown that the nerves, muscles, and many of the secretions can be more surely and more uniformly called into their natural action by means of electricity than by any other known agent, and that the degree and kind of that effect is widely different, according to the form, quantity, or intensity of the electricity employed, and that again modified as widely, according to the methods of administering the dose at each se'ance, it is to be expected that the existing differences of opinions as to the healing power, or the manageable and remedial value of electricity, will be more nearly harmonized, and that on an intelligent basis.

It must not be thought certain that the electric current exercises an inworking influence only on or through the nerves and muscles. It is, on the contrary, my intention to aid medical men to become familiar with the idea, that all textures of the living animal body, being saturated, as they are, with the saline solutions of the blood and other secretions of the animal economy, are peculiarly accessible to the chemical and mechanical workings of the static, galvanic, and electro-magnetic currents ; that these workings, as demonstrated by Dr. Robert Remak, do appear in the living human body, ivithin certain limits — not simply as dissolving or chemically decomposing, (lytic,) so much as changing, (catalysis ;) thus, in a degree, causing the nerves and muscles to be so largely influenced, because of their plumping up with more saline moisture, which, doubtless, enables the ultimate structure of all the* organism to exercise more mobility in the fine molecules of their respective tissues for performing functional action. But after all, to my own mind, it is only by the most minute and slowly maturing experiences in the analogous workings of these currents in different living tissues, that insight and confidence can be obtained, which are so necessary for the rational application of electric currents for curing diseases. I trust this work will present a phalanx of facts, as well as many original, practical directions for obtaining physiological and therapeutical results, that will be found worthy of a candid attention, and lead on to fresh researches in this inviting department of medical science.

Finally, the author of this work has aimed by directness, thoroughness, and extent of practical research, thus presented by himself or by accredited authorities ; by ample plates of apparatus, and of anatomy ; by great simplicity in style, and freedom from technicalities as far as possible, (also by term Explanations,) to present this whole subject of Medical Electricity in so clear and simple a manner as to be readily understood by any one of ordinary intelligence ; hoping it may invite into this hitherto neglected, but intensely interesting and profitable study of Electricity, as it relates to human life and health, to the cause and cure of disease, all ranks of the medical profession, as well as help to initiate the younger candidates for its labors and its honors, in years to come, to a still more rational view of diseases and their remedies ; — to all of whom, or whosoever reads, it may prove an exposition of this subject at once elementary, practical, and substantial.

Preface To The Second Edition

Here, the author must acknowledge to " an agreeable surprise." When this work was about to be put forth to the medical world, the publishers, judging from past experience of the sale of books on this and other special departments of medicine, expected only a limited sale. Hence the price per volume was to cover the expenses. But a few months have elapsed, however, and the whole edition of this large and expensive work is disposed of. From this time, therefore, the price will be reduced twenty-five per cent., that the entire medical profession in America may be induced to investigate, more fully, this view of physiology and pathology, of diseases and remedies, and to avail themselves practically of its great power for good in the healing art. It certainly does afford a new stand-point, that is exceedingly instructive, to view the same old and familiar objects, to which all truly professional eyes are ever turned, and always love to look — viz., Life in health, and Life in disease; besides showing other accessible points to the scats of some diseases, the na- * ture of the work to be done, and affording the very means that can do it. Moreover, the Appendix " Notes " now added, being a very plain key for the application of electricity in a variety of cases, must prove of value to the practitioner.

Pardon the author if he here reiterates, that Electricity, modified as it can be, when produced by the different kinds of scientific and philosophical apparatus, can assuredly be introduced into the domain of therapeutics with peculiar confidence, not as a specific, applicable in all cases to which we are called, and without distinction, but for certain cases, and in given conditions, as a reliable and powerful " means to a definite end," the effects of which can be foreseen, calculated, modified, directed, and controlled with as much precision, and even more prevision, than can most of our frequently-resorted-to remedies.

Professional Brethren : It will be received as a favor by the author, if you will, at some time, forward to him your own experience, whether successful or otherwise, in the fair employment of any form of electricity. Please state your cases clearly and concisely as possible ; give the form of electricity employed, whether sparks, shocks, aura, or current ; the kind of current, whether primary or secondary ; if primary, how many elements ; the method ; the electrodes used ; the direction of the current ; whether continuous, intermitted, or reversed ; how often, and how many times ; how long applied ; how often the seance is repeated, as well as the whole number of sittings, and the length of time in the treatment ; the amount of improvement, or cure, and how long confirmed ; also, if I am at liberty to quote you in some future revision of this work.

ALFRED C. GARRATT.

No. 7 Hamilton Place, Boston, Mass.

Chapter I

Natural Electricity. — Its Characters. — Sources of Electricity. — Thales the first Discoverer. — Electricity at Rest. — In Motion. — Nature of Electricity. — Franklin's Theory. — Symmer's. — De la Rive's. — Thermo-electricity. — Thermo-cube.

— Static Electricity. — Dynamic Electricity. — Laws of Electricity. — Sparks and Currents. — Atmospheric Electricity. — Franklin's great Experiment. — Sparks from the Clouds. — The Clouds. — Thunder Storms. — Fogs. — Relation of Electricity to the Air and the Earth. — Aurora Borealis. — Meteorology. — Storms. — Storm Tables. — Atmospheric Hydrometer. — Difference oetween Electricity and Magnetism. — Weather Prognosis. — Lightning. — Safety from Lightning.

— Effects on the Human Organism. — Effects of Atmospheric Electricity on the Human Organism. — As regards Births and Deaths. — Electric Changes the Cause of Epidemic Diseases. — Researches of Sir James Murray 15

Chapter II

Early History of the Medical Uses of Electricity. — One Hundred Years ago. — Pliny. — Discovery of the " Leyden Vial." — First Trial of Shocks. — Treatise by Dr. Matiduit in 1778. — Electropathy advocated in 1802. — Electric Bath. — Medicines placed in the Prime Conductor. — The prevailing Superstition of that Age.

— History of the Discovery of Galvanism. — Early Medical Uses of Galvanic Electricity. — Animal Electricity. — Galvani's Frog. — His Nervo-electric Theory. — Convulsions produced in a dead Frog. — Professor Volta's Views of the Phenomenon. — Views of Alexander von Humboldt in 1799. — Volta discovers the Pile. — Sir H. Davy's Researches. — Discussion between Galvani and Volta.

— Dr. Aldini's Experiments. — Nobili's Researches. — Vallio's Researches. — History of Electro-physiological and Electro-therapeutical Researches. — Views of Ritter. — Researches of Marianini and Nobili. — Researches of Dubois-Reymond. — Researches of Matteucci and Becquerel 65

Chapter III

Electrical Instruments and Apparatus for Medical Purposes. — Three Classes of Instruments. — Electricity from Friction. — Electricity from Chemical Action. — Electricity from Induction. — Electrical Machine. — Leyden Jar. — Dischargers, Insulators, &c. — Galvanic Electricity and the Apparatus. — Volta's Pile. — Cruikshank's and other Batteries illustrated. — Galvanometer. — Galvanoscopic Frog. — Static Electricity as it relates to Medicine. — Electric Induction. — Direction of the Current. — Quantity and Intensity. — Electric Heat. — Induction

10 CONTENTS.

Currents. — Discovery of Professor Oersted. — Discovery of Ampere. — The Astatic Needle. — Arago. — Sir H. Davy. — M. Nobili. — Researches and Discoveries of Professor Henry. — Researches and Discoveries of Professor Faraday. — Electro-magnetic Double Helix, with Clockwork. — Dr. Neef, of Frankfort-onthe-Main, invented the Automatic Vibrator. — Faradaic Electricity. — Faradaic Currents. — Electro-magnetism illustrated. — The Electro-magnet. — Magneto- Electric Portable Machine illustrated. — A. great Variety of Electrodes illustrated.— Current-breaker for Dentists' Use 97

Chapter IV

Electro-Physiology. — Electro-biology. — Cell Life. — Nervo-electrical Batteries of Animal Life. — Researches of Matteucci and Alfred Smee. — Minute Structure of the Nerve-fibrils illustrated. — " Hallerian Irritability." — Elementary Fibres of Muscles illustrated. — Electro-physiological Researches and Creeds. — Animal Electricity as observed in Fishes. — The Eel and Torpedo illustrated. — Animal Electricity as observed in Animals and in Man. — Electro-physiological Laws as deduced by Marianini, Matteucci, Dubois-Reymond, De la Rive, Becquerel, Marshall Hall, and Brown-Sequard. — The minute Terminations of Motor Nerves in Muscle Fibres illustrated. — Laws and "General Principles" deduced from Electro-physiology. — Electro-physiological Deductions of Nobili. — Volta's Experiments on the Frog. — The Effects of Heat and Cold on the living Animal Nervo-electric Batteries. — Osmotic Force. — Electrolysis and Catalysis.

— Special Electro-physiology. — The Human Brain illustrated. — Effects of Electricity on the Brain. — The Vital Spot. — The Spinal Column, Brain, and Spinal Cord, and the Sections of the Spinal Cord all illustrated. — Effects of Electricity on the Cord. — On the Organs of Sense. — The Ear and Auditory Nerve illustrated.— Effects of Electricity on Seeing. — The Iris. — Hearing. — Smelling. — Tasting. — Effects of Electricity on the Sentient Nerves. — On the Motor Nerves.

— On Mixed Nerves. — On the Sympathetic Nerves illustrated. — " Regions " of the Human Body. — Effects of Electricity on the Intestines, Uterus, and Secreting Organs. — Organs of Digestion illustrated. — Effects of Electricity on the Heart and Blood-vessels. — On the Blood and Fibre-cells. — Effects of Electricity on the Muscles respectively % physiologically. — Muscles of the Face and Neck illustrated. — Muscles of the Back illustrated. — Muscles on the Front of the Body illustrated. — Muscles on the Side of the Body illustrated. — Muscle-fibres and Fibre-cells illustrated. — Oesophagus. — Effects of the Currents. . . 156