HYDRARGYROSIS.
The etiology of this condition requires no comment. I will simply relate a case illustrative of the eliminative effects of galvanic baths.
Case XXX.* Mercurial Stomatitis. Mr. S., about 35 years of age, came to me for treatment in the fall of 1872. He then had indurated chancre, two buboes and syphilitic sore throat. He had had the chancre for six weeks before applying to me, but had been, he said, ashamed to consult a physician. Before medication had had time to make any impression on the disease, roseola appeared. The syphilis was very obstinate in this patient, compelling me to keep him under the influence of mercury for a long time. In October 1873, the patient presented himself with a very aggravated mercurial stomatitis. The customary remedies, internal as well as external, made little or no impression on the affection. On November 11th, I discontinued all other treatment, and ordered a course of galvanic baths. He took his first bath on the same day. This was repeated every alternate day until six baths had been taken, when all symptoms of the disease had disappeared. He has had no mercurial trouble since then. The descending galvanic current from a zinc-carbon battery was used throughout.
LOCOMOTOR ATAXIA.
Were it not for the remarkable results obtained in the following case, I should not have felt justified in devoting any space to an allusion to this formidable disease. I insert the case as it was published in No. 216 of the “Medical Record.” I have to add that the patient, some six months ago, suffered a relapse, which however is not nearly as aggravated as his former condition, nor are the symptoms so pathognomonic. I had a letter from him about a week previous to my writing this, in which he states that he intends soon to come to the city for the purpose of taking another course of treatment. Even if the treatment however has not had the effect of curing the disease—and this I do not claim for it, it has been of sufficient importance if it has resulted in arresting for a time its progress, giving the patient temporary comfort, and prolonging life. Further trial may possibly have better results—in more recent cases—with respect to permanency.
Case XXXI.* Mr. W., aet. 48, came to consult me January 12th, 1874. He had then felt the symptoms of locomotor ataxia for about six years. Had been unable for several years to walk without the aid of a cane. When walking he dragged his right leg along in a semicircle, and was able to accomplish very short distances only. There were almost complete anæsthesia and great paresis of the bladder. The same conditions were observable in regard to the bowels. Anæsthesia of both lower extremities existed, complete in every respect in the right leg, almost so in the left. Dyspepsia and general debility and emaciation accompanied the disease. Treatment was begun on January 15th. I prescribed phosphorus and cod-liver oil, and passed a strong galvanic current through the spine for probably ten minutes. January 16th, a galvanic bath was administered. Towards the close of the bath (which occupied twenty minutes), patient thought he felt some sensation in his legs. The baths were taken every two or three days, alternating with strong galvanizations of the spine. While taking his second bath, patient remarked that “his right leg felt warm for the first time in six years.” The treatment as described was continued for about six weeks, during the latter part of which the local applications were gradually diminished in frequency, the baths being continued regularly. Medication was discontinued about this time. About the middle of March. Mr. W. was enabled to resume his occupation (paymaster’s assistant on the Erie Railway). His improvement had been rapid and steady. All the symptoms gradually disappeared, and in the beginning of April the patient was, with the exception of some feebleness, consequent on his protracted illness, as well as ever. He continues so to the present day.[17] He still takes two or three baths a month, but has had no other treatment since May (1874). He walks freely without a cane, and talks jocosely of running footraces. All functions are performed normally.
Although in this case the baths were not employed exclusively, yet they predominated in the treatment; and if the judgment of the patient, a very intelligent gentleman, is to be relied on, a large share of the success is due to the baths.