Mental and physical electropathy, or, Electricity : its physilogical relations and medical applications / by Dr. A. Paige.

  • Paige, A., Dr.
Date:
1852
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Mental and physical electropathy, or, Electricity : its physilogical relations and medical applications / by Dr. A. Paige. 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.

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    But, in its action upon the nerves, this element may be obstructed, as well as the mechanism through which the solids or fluids are circulated. It may be excited in too great a degree to some single organ or portion of the system, carrying with it the solids and fluids subject to its action, producing local derangements, congestion, inflammation, &c. This deprives other portions of the system of their supply, and at the same time threatens the destruction of the part surcharged. This is illustrated in such diseases as brain fever, congestion of the lungs, and local inflammations. In such diseases, the only hope of relief is in inducing electricity to other parts. Counter-irritants often accomplish this, as they act directly upon electrical principles; but electricity acts more directly upon electricity than solids or fluids can act upon it, and, when not excited by other means, will of itself restore an equilibrium. Perhaps the treatment of brain fever will serve as an illustration. This is often induced by great mental excitement. The exercise of the mind induces electrical action in the brain, and excites to it the blood in undue quantities. The brain becomes congested with blood, and heated by electrical action. The mind is disturbed, and the sufferer has no rest. His delirium and restlessness increase still the electrical disturbance of his system, and this again the disturbance of his mind. His physician knows if he could obtain rest, that the disease would be abated. But how shall rest be obtained? Opiates are given. If these quiet his mind there is hope ; for while he rests, the electrical forces are changed. But if these and irritants fail, there is no hope! In such a case how very important that he into whose hands the sufferer has committed his life should understand the electrical forces of the body, and how to regulate them! No element is more easily excited than this—none more easily controlled. A very simple remedy which the electropathic practitioner employs will give immediate relief in cases like this. The same principle is involved in a disease of the eye. From its over-exercise, especially if weak, or from its receiving too brilliant a ray of light, it becomes irritated. This irritation excites in it a superabundance of electricity, and this brings with it the blood and humors of the system, if any, causing congestion, inflammation, and if long continued, the destruction of the eye. Now it is perfectly evident, that the cure depends upon a change in the relations of that element which controls the lower. First, the irritation must be