In my own hands an intractable case of uterine neuralgia was perfectly cured by the Voltaic current; and I have knowledge of a case of sterility which the localization of the Voltaic and Faradaic currents alternately would seem to have removed.|Sterility.| One conductor was applied to the os, and two sponges from the second pole—one to the position of each ovary. The applications were made thrice a week for a fortnight before each menstrual period, and for a period of four months. Conception followed, and the patient, who had been married for thirteen years, in due course gave birth to her first child.
Paralysis of Nerves of Special Sense.
The stimulant effects of electricity are occasionally beneficial in the treatment of paralysis of the nerves of special sense, especially of the optic and auditory nerves, while its use has been advocated in a multitude of diseases to which I shall not further refer, than by saying that a clear comprehension of the principles of electro-therapeutics will prevent the occurrence of difficulty in any special application of them; and let us shortly recapitulate the most important of these principles. |Résumé of general principles of Electro-therapeutics.| We have seen that electricity is a stimulant, a sedative, a restorative, and an absorbent. Its stimulant properties are chiefly of use in diseases of debility, and notably in paralysis—its sedative properties in the alleviation and removal of pain and spasm, and notably in neuralgia—its restorative properties in fatigue diseases, notably writer’s cramp—and its absorbent properties in exudation diseases, and notably in gout and rheumatism. The dose of electricity consists of the addition of two factors—firstly, the strength of the current, whether Voltaic or Faradaic; secondly, its duration. It is of essential importance that we do not overdose our patient, but we are little likely to do this if we adhere to the two cardinal rules—to use the minimum power which will produce the results we desire, and not to unduly prolong our application: and really this question of “dosage” forces us to consider how far it is advisable for the medical practitioner who prescribes electricity to sanction its administration by the patients themselves. While there is no doubt that the most explicit directions will often be misunderstood, or fail in being correctly carried out, yet it would be practically impossible (to say nothing of the expense to the patient) for any medical man to himself apply electricity daily for a lengthened period; and we are compelled, in certain cases, to do our best in instructing some one attendant of the patient how to carry out the treatment, making her do this a few times in our presence, and looking sharply after her afterwards, and in addition explaining everything as fully as possible to the patient, or the patient’s friends. Moreover, we must not lose sight of the fact that, with electricity as with other remedies, the skill of the physician is shown in determining how, when, and in what dose to administer it, and his judgment in selecting those cases in which its administration may be wisely committed to others.
In conclusion, Gentlemen, allow me to thank you for the attention with which you have listened to these imperfect Lectures. I fear that I have failed in doing full justice to their subject; but I trust that I have succeeded in indicating the importance of electricity, as a supplement to, not as a substitute for, the more ordinary resources of therapeutics: in removing any doubt as to the class of cases calling for its employment; in supplying any want of information regarding details of its application; and especially in proving its claim to be more fully employed in your daily practice. A theoretical belief in its efficacy is widespread in our profession, its frequent use is yet in the future, but I hope a not distant future. Gentlemen, with you rests the decision whether this shall or shall not be. You will decide it not by the dictum of any specialist, but by the general voice of the profession, declaring your verdict as founded alone on your own personal experience.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] See “Vital Motion as a Mode of Physical Motion.” By C. B. Radcliffe, M.D. Macmillan.
[2] See Mr. Netten Radcliffe upon the differential reaction of voltaic and induced currents of electricity. Note to page 331, vol. i., of Bazire’s translation of Trousseau’s “Clinical Medicine.” Hardwicke.
[3] This observation, made in 1873, requires some qualification now (1886). At several of the great medical schools, though not at all, electrical treatment has been transferred from the hospital porter to some member of the hospital staff; and at more than one a systematic course of lectures upon electro-therapeutics has been delivered.
[4] I speak feelingly upon this matter, for from an early period of my electrical experience I have suffered much from batteries—from instruments “striking work” at the most inconvenient moment—from spilling of corrosive acid upon fingers and clothing, to the detriment of both, and of temper too, I fear.