Notes on the medical application of electricity / by William F. Channing.

  • Channing, William F. (William Francis), 1820-1901.
Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Notes on the medical application of electricity / by William F. Channing. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

    189/222 (page 177)
    suited until the limb was reduced to one half the former size. Galvanism was then suspended, and tincture of iodine used, with every prospect of per- manent cure. Erysipelas is one of those diseases in which peculiar benefit would be anticipated from galvanism, as the vital condition of the tissues is to so great an extent involved. The current of the battery is especially indicated, and the direct appli- cation to the diseased surface by the sponge will be obviously resorted to. 274. Gangrene. — The remarks just made apply equally to gangrene. The application, in this in- stance of the battery, may be made by a sponge, or by means of a stimulating bath. 275. Ulcers. — Much discrimination may be used in the application of electricity to ulcers and sores, both as to the form and mode of application. Free electricity may be drawn from the diseased part, while the patient is seated on the insulating stool, by means of a pointed rod connected with the rubber of the machine, and directed from a little distance to all parts of the surface. The battery may be em- ployed with a greater or less number of pairs. The local bath or sponge handle may be used as conduc- tors, or the moist dressing of the ulcer may be made the medium of communication. A gentle applica- tion of electro-magnetism will also sometimes be indicated. In indolent or inveterate wounds and ulcers, the effect of the battery is sometimes very rapid and complete. The influence of the different poles upon the surface deserves careful attention.