We shall now enumerate some disorders in which Galvanism has proved beneficial. In paralytic affections it has afforded considerable relief.—Two instances of mental derangement are recorded by professor Aldini, nephew to Galvani, in which its effects were truly surprising.—One of them afforded an instance of a gradual diminution of the mental energies, which ultimately sunk into stupidity. The other was of an opposite nature:—the system was in a state of violent excitement, and the patient raving and unmanageable.
In rheumatism, spasmodic affections, and deafness, where it does not arise from a natural defect in the organ, Galvanism has been applied generally with advantage. But the most astonishing effects of this wonderful principle have been displayed in cases of suspended animation. Mr. Humboldt made the first experiments relative to this part of our subject, on apparently dead linnets. He put a piece of zinc into the bill, and thrust a sharp piece of silver into the bird, near the other extremity of the body—he then formed a communication between the two, by an iron wire. “What (exclaims he) was my surprise, when I perceived, the moment the contact took place, the linnet open its eyes, stand erect on its feet, and flutter its wings; it again breathed during six or eight minutes, and then expired tranquilly.”
Galvanism is now applied to persons apparently dead, from drowning, hanging, or exposure to noxious gases. In such cases, the body should be divested of its clothing, and placed in a warm bed nearly approaching the natural temperature, and at the same time slight Galvanic shocks should be passed through the body, in such a direction as to affect the heart.—Thus by combining this, with the usual means, the most advantageous consequences may be expected. It may be laid down as a principle, that, in all cases where animation is suspended, and the principle of irritability not destroyed, the stimulus of Galvanism and electricity, if prudently employed, may rouse the dormant energies of vitality, and restore the system to its natural state of activity.
CHAP. XII.
The Identity of Galvanism with Electricity considered.
It has been supposed by many, that the phenomena of Galvanism and electricity depend upon the same cause. Others, however, controvert this opinion, and affirm that Galvanism is a fluid sui generis. That there is a great similarity between some of the phenomena of Galvanism and those of the electric fluid, is evident; but this analogy cannot be traced in every instance.
It is not our province to enter into this controversy; we shall only relate a few facts upon which it is founded, and leave the speculative reader to draw from them his own conclusions.
Facts which seem to indicate that Galvanism and Electricity are the same Fluid.
Both Galvanism and electricity exhibit light, in their passage from one conductor to another, through an intervening space of air.
Both affect an electrometer.
The deflagration of metals may be produced by either.