The medical application of electricity / by William F. Channing.

  • Channing, William F. (William Francis), 1820-1901.
Date:
1860
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: 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.

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    especially the case. In active inflammations, only electro-magnetism would be proper. Otherwise, the battery would be indicated. 236. The bath is a very favorable mode of ap- plication in cutaneous diseases. With a powerful battery, the electrical decomposition of the liquid employed would probably exert a decided influence upon the diseased surface. According to the direc- tion of the current, the electro-positive or electro- negative element of the chemical compound in solution would be given off in a nascent state in contact with the skin. The electrical air-bath (<§> 13) has been suggested by Dr. Golding Bird as an altera- tive agent in cutaneous diseases. 237. In cutaneous diseases, such as Herpes, in which there is a neuralgic complication, electricity deserves especial attention. It should then be admin- istered generally, as well as locally, to give tone to the system. The proposed use of electricity in sup- pressed eruptions has been spoken of under eruptive fevers. 238. Baldness. — In connection with cutaneous diseases, I venture to suggest the application of elec- tricity to the scalp, when the loss of hair ensues upon deficient vitality of the skin. The diseased state of the surface, including the roots of the hair, pro- ducing ultimate baldness, may probably be removed by an occasional stimulating application of gal- vanism.