Full text of "A treatise on electrolysis and its applications to therapeutical and surgical treatment in disease"

See other formats

'tft//f//trre<

LIBRARY

OF THE

University of California.

GIFT OF

Class

A TREATISE

ELECTROLYSIS

AND

ITS APPLICATIONS TO THERAPEUTICAL AND
SURGICAL TREATMENT IX DISEASE

ROBERT AMORT, A.M., M.D.,

(HARVARD)

FELLOW OF MASS. MED. SOCIETY : AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES J AMERICAN ACADEMY OF

MEDICINE ; BOSTON SOCIETY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES ; CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE

THERAPEUTICAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, ETC. J FORMERLY PROFESSOR

OF PHYSIOLOGY IN THE MEDICAL SCHOOL OF

BOWDOLN COLLEGE.

NEW YORK

WILLIAM WOOD & COMPANY

56 & 58 Lafayette Place

1886

A 5

The I'rm.isHKRs

Book Composition and Ei.ectrotypino Co.

157 and 159 William Street

Nrw York

PREFACE

In presenting this short treatise on Electrolysis the author is
well aware that the subject is by no means discussed with a
view to the final determination of the causes under which this
display of electrical energy performs its operations. Yet, he be-
lieves that many new facts and explanations of those previously
recorded are not at variance.

It is difficult to understand the action of electricity in biologi-
cal and physiological relations without first properly understand-
ing the principles of chemistry and physics, which control the
manifestations of this physical force. Neither can we expect to
grasp the great truths which underlie the action of electricity
upon living tissue, unless a comprehensive view be presented of
the natural laws which affect the construction and destruction
of these living tissues.

It would be presumptuous to assume that modern science has
yet established the natural laws of the metabolism of the tissues
of the animal organism, but we have every reason to believe thar.
many of these laws have been recognized in nature, and it be-
comes the duty of the student to compare and contrast these
recognized laws wit h the teachings of natural physics. An a I
tempt has been made to represent these natural laws in such a
manner that the medical profession may apply the results of
science to the conditions of diseased or hypertrophied tissues.
It is hoped that the limits of therapeutical application are sug-
gested in the following pages, so that the physician may know

225463

IV PREFACE.

how to apply electricity to the human structures in a rational
way, with the. expectation that the results of this application
shall not be entirely empirical, and to withhold its application
in those cases of diseased tissue which are not amenable to its
favorable action.

In consequence of this view of the subject of the so-called
action of electrolysis upon living tissues, it has been deemed
wise to begin the treatment of our subject with a statement of
the principles of physics as applicable to electrolysis, and after-
wards to present these applications in the treatment of diseases.
On this account much elementary matter is brought forward,
which it is hoped will enable the reader to follow more clearly
the train of thought as presented by the writer. We are well
aware that very many of the principles of electricity have been
omitted, but with the more general knowledge held by phy-
sicians of the modern day, it would be wearisome and useless to
repeat those which are more clearly presented in many of the
well-known treatises on this subject.

'279 Beacon St., Boston,
May, 1886.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

PAGE

Introductory .... !

Concerning Physical Laws, and outline of the subject of the Treatise.

CHAPTER H.
The Physical Relations of Electrolysis. Electrical Osmosis . 9

Chemical relations of Electrolysis on inorganic and organic compounds-
Chemical decompositions of organic compounds— The electro-chemical
current — Endermic absorption of medicines as affected by electrical ap-
plication to the human tissues—' Electro-Catalysis" and electrolysis
compared— Local effects of electrolysis on the living tissues — Interpolar
action, Ciniselli's description of the different effects from local application
of positive and negative electrodes— Tripier's exposition of the local ef-
fects of electrolysis— On Polarization and Depolarization.

CHAPTER III.
The Batteries for Electrolysis. Galvanic Cells, various Forms

On the electrical current, and the relations of its varying strength of action
— The Galvanic battery— The electrical current is caused by tin- disrupt ion
of electro-chemical combinations— Single fluid cells— Galvanic cells with
two fluids— The battery elements or electrodes— Chemical reactions in
various forms of galvanic cells— Batteries arranged for surface and for
tension, or in series— Tension of current— Chemical and electro-chemical
equivalents— The electro-chemical work effected by decomposition of a
chemical compound.

CHAPTER IV.
On the Resistance and Difflsion ok the Electrical Current
The derived currents— The effects of electricity as shown by these laws upon
the human body— The electrical circuit— The relations of the tension of
the current to the resistance in circuit— On electrical conductors and con-
ductivity in the circuit— Schemes for the arrangement of batteries— The
Rheostat or current arrester— The human body as a conductor of electri-
city—The resistance of human tissue— The electrical disturbance com
pared to the flow of water— Units of electrical measurement defined—

VI CONTENTS.

PAGE

The resistance of a conductor dependent on difference in potential energy
— Direction of current in a conductor — On equi-potentials — Description
of polarization of the living tissues — Electrical density.

CHAPTER V.
Theory of Destruction of Living Tissues by Electrolysis . . 105
Metabolism — The Proteuls — On the physical condition of various living
t issues — On nutrition of the tissues— The chemical relations of the tissues
— The life and natural death of the tissues, as illustrated by that of the
hair — Cell proliferation — Segmentation — Karyokinesis — The effects of
electricity on these functions — On the chemical basis of the tissues, and
the effect of electricity upon its relations — On the cataphoric action as
influencing cell proliferation and chemical action of the tissues.

CHAPTER VI.

Methods of Employing Electrolysis in the Living Tissues . . 129
On the prevention of cell proliferation — On the effects of osmosis as influenc-
ing absorption of fluids in the tissues — Application to hypertrophied and
morbid growths — Resolution of tumors — Non-polarizable electrodes — On
the use of the induction apparatus in electrolysis — Mode of measuring
strength of induced current — Electrolysis in aneurisms, in varicose tumors
— Needle electrodes.

CHAPTER VII.

Application of Electrolysis to the Treatment of Diseases . . 14T
Cases of disease treated by electrolysis — Action of different currents — Details
of treatments various diseases — Ovarian tumors and cysts — Cancer.

CHAPTER VIII.

Basedow's Disease, or Goitre 194

Its pathology, pathogenesis, natural retrogression, etc. — Its treatment by
electrolysis.

CHAPTER IX.

Treatment of Exophthalmic Goitre by Electrolysis in detail with
illustrative cases 325

CHAPTER X.
On i I vpertrichosis and its Treatment by Electrolysis . . . 242

I HAPTER XI.

The Methods of Measurement of Electrical Currents. The Galva-
nometer 258

CONTENTS. VII

CHAPTER XII.

PAOI

Appakatus and Instruments used an treatment for electrolysis oi

THE l.lViNri TISSUES -',;'-»

CHAPTER XIII.

General Si mm \ky 277

A discussion of some of the causes of the resolutive action of the tissues by
galvanism — Surface application and electro-puncture — On electrical os-
mosis, cataphoric action.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

The physician and surgeon arc so accustomed to the use of material
agents in the treatment of diseased tissues, that they can hardly be ex-
pected to take up the use of therapeutical agents which are apparently
immaterial., unless they could obtain a clear understanding of the prin-
ciples which govern their behavior.

Many of the books which treat of the general subject of electricity
are too technical for the ordinary medical practitioner to glean that
knowledge which may help him to apply, in a practical way, this imma-
terial agent to the treatment of diseases. Those treatises which are de-
voted to the subject of medical electricity mention the principle and
practice of electrolysis in such a vague manner, that it would be wise to
review in this introductory chapter the basis upon which electrolysis and
its manifestations are founded.

What is known under the name of force, kinetic energy, or whatever
else it may be called, is simply dependent upon properties existing in
nature which enable one form of matter to transfer its latent, or stored
up, energy to some other form of matter.

Among the bodies which exist among us, and which are recognizable
by our senses, are some which seem to be arranged in definite forms and of
definite structure, and whose particular organization has the property of
renewing continuously, for a longer or shorter period, the materials of
which they are composed; these bodies constitute what is called the Or-
ganic kingdom.

Other bodies which also exist about us, which are also recognizable by
our senses — bodies which are not possessed with particular or individual
properties of manufacturing the materials which constitute their form or
structure — are comprised under the generic name of the Inorganic king-
dom. It is true that some of the constituent members <>f this second
class can be transformed into new bodies, which differ from the original
form; in other words, these bodies arc endowed with chemical phe-

2 '. : :'; ■.,«. : ' • ; ; : .','. .electrolysis.

nomena. ' "While again others of this class are subject to receiving pecu-
liar properties which may be imparted to them, and which may be called
physical phenomena.

Observation shows us that every chemical phenomenon is accompanied
with physical effects. Observation also teaches that every organic change
is accompanied with physical or chemical effects.

Physical Laws. — Among the phenomena of nature which are about
us, we see an uniformity of behavior that proves to us that there are
fixed laws which govern these phenomena; an instance illustrative of the
truth of this statement is the falling of an apple from its tree to the
earth. It is well known that upon the observation of this fact Newton
founded the universal law of Gravitation. The establishment of these
laws is deduced from science, and these laws must be confirmed by the
fact of their general uniformity. The circumstances and basis upon
which a physical law is founded, will invariably reproduce the same mani-
festations by which this law is illustrated; for instance, when a ball rolls
upon an inclined plane from a higher to a lower level, its movements are
controlled by the attraction which the earth exercises upon it; these move-
ents are also influenced by the resistance which the plane itself effects
either hy friction, or by the resistance of the air or other medium, in which
the objects themselves are all immersed.

The phenomena which are regulated by physical laws may for con-
venience be separated into two classes, — those which transport an un-
changed body without alteration of its composition, and those which
transport the material of which the body may itself be composed. An
illustration of the first-named class is reiterated in the fall of a body by
the laws of gravitation to the earth, and an illustration of the second
class is seen in the magnetization of a piece of iron around which an
electrical current traverses in a coil of wire.

All physical phenomena being recognized as those of motion,
the causes of these motions should be referred to as forces.

It is necessary in the purely physical discussion to stop at this point.
It belongs to the domain of metaphysics to discuss the original causes,
or creation, of these forces.

Matter is found in different conditions; — the ponderable and impon-

1 Chemistry was originally the art of extracting juices from plants for medical
purposes.

[NTRODTJCTORY. 6

derable materials of which it is composed being associated in their ele-
mentary forms to constitute the substance itself:— the solid condition

consists of a coherent form which is independent of the spare which en-
closes the body; in other words, so long as the solid body is not subjected
to any outside influence there is an equilibrium between the attracting
and repelling forces, mutually inter-acting, which are inherent in the
molecules of which the body is formed; — the fluid condition is that in
which the molecules may take any arrangement of position, provide! al-
ways that the relative distance of every two which are contiguous shall
remain uniform; we may suppose in this condition that the attracting and
repelling forces which act between the molecules of a fluid are almost in
a state of equilibrium. In consequence of the property which the mole-
cules possess, of altering their positions, the fluid will always assume the
shape of the vessel in which it is contained, but the fluid condition will
not assume any change of volume as long as the pressure upon all its
surfaces is equal; — in the gaseous condition the body has the tendency
of increasing its volume and of occupying all the space which is placed
at its disposal.

The gaseous condition is therefore the direct opposite of the solid
condition, and the power of expansion of the gaseous condition is
in opposition to the power of cohesion which is inherent in the solid
condition; consequently, the mutually attracting and repelling force of
the molecules is overpowered by the repelling force which each molecule
has upon the other. As the same body may exist in either the solid, fluid,
or gaseous condition, it may be easily inferred that the molecules of which
a body is composed will be nearest together in the solid condition and most
widely separated in the gaseous condition. The action of heat, or of
any other force, may change the solid condition to a fluid or gaseous con-
dition; the volume, of course, will increase in changing from the solid
to the fluid and gaseous condition. Upon the common theory, as above
advanced, the ready inference may be drawn, that the mutually attract-
ing forces of the ponderable atoms, which combine to form the indivi-
dual molecules of a body, vary in proportion to the mutual contiguity of
these molecules; then, when the same body becomes fluid these molecules
must consequently occupy more space. Again, the molecules will become
still more separated in the gaseous condition; moreover, when the mole-
cules are more wddely separated their mutual attraction will become more
feeble; a very slight influence from an external source may entirely over-

4 ELECTROLYSIS.

come in their latter state the mutual attraction of the molecules, in con-
sequence of which they will separate or become attached to some other
body which is ready to receive them.

This brief and concise review of the principles and conditions under
which matter is found in nature, is essential to the comprehension of the
subject of which this work will treat. Electricity is a force of nature,
and its manifestation under the derived name of electrolysis in the
structures met with in the organic kingdom, plays an important part in
the decomposition and formation of these very structures. {EXsurpov
amber, for electricity, and \vffi>, a loosing).

Erb says, (Handbook of Electro-Therapeutics.) " Of effects of elec-
trolytic processes produced within the economy we possess merely sur-
mises. A beginning has been made by Drechsel, who succeeded in mak-
ing urea from solutions of carbonate of ammonia by electrolysis with chang-
ing currents. It is at least probable that this process occurs also within
the living organism."

The theory of the " Correlation of Forces" and the " Conservation of
Energy," as well as its dissipation in the result of work accomplished, is
one of the most important factors in the health and disease of the animal
tissues. Empirical medicine has taught us many facts, the explanation of
which upon scientific grounds has led modern physicians to achieve many
triumphs over disease which in former times were not even thought of.
Until the last few years electrolysis has been used in an empirical manner;
it is only lately that the theory of its use in the production of changes in
animal tissue has been studied; hence, achievements in the treatment of dis-
ease by this method have not formerly met with the success which it merits.
A careful study of the empirical use of this agent in producing changes in
living tissue should not be overlooked; the varying results from this ex-
perience should be compared with a scientific research and experiments
upon organic structures. The difficulties formerly met with from an
unstable knowledge of electrical phenomena are now replaced by more
exact science. Sufficient information of many of the phases under which
electricity is found in the organic as well as in the inorganic kingdo*m is
now held, from which we may form the basis of a study of electrolysis
in its effects on living and diseased tissue. The reader must boar patiently
the details of this information, in order to learn something of the princi-
ples which underlie the therapeutical application of electrolysis; these
principles are not more complicated than many others which have leni

INTRODUCTORY. 5

assistance in the practical application of valuable drugs to the treatment

of diseases, and which are n<>\v so well known and used to good effect by
the general practitioner of medicine.

No one will realize bo much as the author of this treatise the difficul-
ties which arc encountered in unraveling the confusion and inconsistencies
of clinical observations of those who have attempted to apply electrolysis
to the cure of diseased tissue. It may he well understood that the enthu-
siasm of some physicians is in direct variance with the skeptical disbelief of
others; and this may he true, even if votaries who belong to both classes
have experimented with this method of treatment, and have conscienti-
ously reported what each believed to be the correct result of his work.

It will be seen in the pages which follow this introduction of our subject,
that a large amount of physical, laboratory, and clinical work of electro-
lysis has b.en submitted to a careful scrutiny; but that the physiolo-
gists have not contributed their quota. In consequence of this omission
of an important link, we are obliged to glean our physiological information
in part from the results of chemical science and in part from pathology,
and to make our physiological application from the general knowledge of
the existing laws of physiology; and also to compare the teachings which
are derived from these two sources with the operations of electrolysis in
the treatment of diseased tissues of the body. Fortunately clinical ex-
perience is so rich in the materials offered to our study, that there is a.
fruitful source for speculation as well as theory. Theory should be sup-
ported by the facts of experiment, if we wish the theory to be proved —
and herein lies the difficulty; for in chemical science we can prove a
theory by physical analysis and synthesis; in physiology we can bring to
bear the observations of the minute animal structures, whether these are
seen in healthy tissue or after they have been the subject of disease. For
our present study, on the other hand, we shall be obliged to take under
consideration the results of chemical research, of physical phenomena, of
physiological teachings, and of clinical observations as seen for the most
part by partisan observers. With these data we shall be obliged to obtain
out results by the method of deduction, and to test these by our own
knowledge of their truth, which is derived from personal experience.

Owing to the difficulties which have been enumerated, the purposes
of this treatise may pei-haps lie better understood if an attempt be made
to sketch in advance the method of this arrangement.

To comprehend the details of electricity as also the laws which govern

6 ELECTROLYSIS.

the various forces of nature a separate treatise would be required for
each division; hooks on these subjects are already so numerous and well
written, that the reader should consult them for the many omissions
which necessarily will be found in these pages.

Electrolysis is considered by the physicists to be a manifestation of
electricity displayed in fluid substances, so that they appear not to have
thought it worth while to present a separate work on this effect of physi-
cal energy; again the writers on medical or physiological studies of electri-
city have incorporated the effects of electricity on the human body in a
general, and not a special, view of the display of electricity in the nature
of electrolysis; consequently a wide range of study is required to obtain
a proper knowledge of special work in this line of enquiry. It will be
noticed by those who have examined into this subject that electrolysis has
been in use for a long time, and for the treatment of a large number of
diseases; consequently we have a long list of its applications to study,
if we wish to undertake this method of treatment.

The second chapter will be devoted to the physical action of electro-
lysis. In this portion of the study an attempt has been made to explain
the causes and effects of electricity as shown in the general organism of
nature; its relations to chemical analysis and chemical synthesis are also
reviewed. It will there be seen that electricity, like heat, is a form of
, motion which is the result of the display of 3 force generated and trans-
mitted by means of material substances. It is also attempted to show
that the laboratory has revealed the fact that organic chemical compounds
are endowed with those same properties of disengaging this force which
are seen in the inorganic chemical compounds. A number of detailed
chemical experiments are given, which have not to our knowledge been
recorded in any text book, which show the laws under which the combina-
tions and decompositions of several organic compounds are conducted and
accompanied with the discharge of electrical force. It must be quite
evident, if the results of these experiments are true, that similar chemical
actions do proceed in the organic structures of which the human body is
composed. If then the decompositions which take place in the inorganic
compounds held in solution are accompanied by the display of chemical
energy, it must also be true that disturbances resulting from the decompo-
sitions of the compounds held in solution in the human tissues will pro-
duce the display of some form of energy in the structures of this organism.
It may be that this energy is not transformed into electricity, nor is it

CNTRODUOTOBY. 7

contended that sucli is fche case, but some form of energy must resuH from
the organic chemical decomposition, whether it is heat or cell formation
or cell destruction, or the transmutation into another form of energy.

The third chapter will describe the method of generating electricity
and delivering this force from the galvanic cell. A study of this subjed
will illustrate many of the principles ami behavior of electrolysis in the
presence of flnids and substances which are dissolved in these fluids. This
exposition will serve a very good purpose in the explanation of the basis
for the application of the use of electricity in producing decompositions
of substances which are in the path of the electrical circuit,

In the fourth chapter the matter of conductors, or paths along Avhich
the electrical force is transmitted, is discussed. Here is an important part
of our study, for the question of an easy or a difficult passage of electri-
city forms a very important matter in the application of electrolysis to
the structures of the human body. The diffusion of the current of
electricity depends upon this property of the conductivity or resistance of
the conducting medium. It is also shown in this same chapter that the
amount of electro-chemical action will depend largely upon the question
of the conductivity of the circuit which is outside of the battery; upon
this principle will depend also the character and strength of the current
which reaches the point of the desired application of electrolysis. It will
here be seen, too, that the action of the current is applicable to all parts of
the conducting medium, and it will be shown that the electrical force will
pass through the easiest channels; but that the strength of the current
will be equal through all parts of the circuit both within and without the
galvanic cell. It will also be shown that, no matter of what size may be
the electrodes, the same amount of the current will pass in or out of
the conducting medium; and, moreover, that the interpolar zone will be
placed in a condition of polarization.

The fifth chapter will be devoted to the explanation of the destruction
of the living tissues by means of electrolysis. This effect cannot he
definitely stated, because physiology has not yet laid down in what physi-
cal condition the life or death of a structure consists. It is not improba-
ble that at some future day the life or death of a cell may be explained
by the clearer interpretation of the natural forces, hut it cannot he ex-
pected that the student of medicine shall interpret what the physiologist
does not understand, and perhaps what it was not intended that he
should understand.

8 ELECTROLYSIS.

In the sixth chapter will he described the method of using electrolysis
as a therapeutical agent. It will therein he shown that the benefit which
may be derived from this use is, like all other therapeutical agents, de-
pendent in a great measure upon the manner in which this method maybe
employed. As the manner of using electrolysis can be better understood
by a knowledge of its practical application, it has been thought advisable
to incorporate a practical description of the methods used by various
operators in the treatment of certain diseases; these are described in the
four following chapters.

The apparatus and the methods of measuring the strength are de-
scribed in the eleventh chapter. This matter of using currents of a
definite and measured strength has lately been considered by writers on
electricity as of considerable importance, because unless these currents are
used with a proper knowledge on the part of the operator, the results
which may be obtained are not necessarily such as should be hoped for.
It will, therefore, be of importance to clearly understand how the strength
of the currents may be measured.

The twelfth chapter will be occupied with a description of the appara-
tus and instruments which are required for treatment of diseases by
electrolysis. It will be noticed in this description that it is not possible
to arrange for every form of instrument which may serve the purpose for
the convenient manipulation of each form of disease; the operator will
have to employ his ingenuity in devising suitable instruments for a given
case, in the same way that surgeons practise in their applications to the
cases which are brought under their observation from time to time.

The thirteenth chapter will be devoted to a general summary of the
applications of electrolysis. It will also discuss the theory of the so-called
electrolytical action of the tissues.

CHAPTER II.

PHYSICS OF ELECTROLYSIS.

It will be necessary to explain something of the behavior of electricity
as experienced in nature before its manifestations as electrolysis can be
mastered. "Without undertaking to explain the details of electricity, or
electrical force, as it should be called, the reader should become acquainted
with the conditions under which electricity is recognized. Reference
should be made for a fuller explanation of the theories and scientific bear-
ings of this subject to elementary and technical treatises, such as that of
— "Jenkins on Electricity and Magnetism."

It will be sufficient for our purposes here to remember that electricity
in nature is known under two opposite conditions, that of positive and
of negative character. Electricity accumulating upon an object may
charge it with one of these characters, which will be developed by in-
fluence upon that part of the conducting medium which is nearest to the
electricized body; this accumulation of electricity will be of a kind contrary^
to that of the inducing substance. When these two kinds of electricity
meet together in a conducting medium they will neutralize each other,
and the electrical condition of the body will be in equilibrium. This
recombination of the two opposite kinds of electrical force, when brought
suddenly together, combine by some manifestation of energy, which may
not always be apparent to sight; oftentimes this forcible union produces
an explosion and an electric spark. The following simple illustration is
familiar to many of us:— when a person walks rapidly over a dry woolen
carpet in dry air, and touches a stationary dry metallic object, or the dry
skin of another person who is at rest, a spark passes between the two
points of contact; the rapid motion of the walking person and the friction
upon the woolen surface charges his body with active electricity of one kind,
and which is suddenly discharged by the contact with another conduct-
ing media in charged with the opposite kind of electricity. If the second
person would also keep in motion under similar circumstances, no spark
will occur, because both conducting bodies are similarly charged. Again, it'
the surface of either body be moist, electricity, which is engendered by the

10 ELECTROLYSIS.

moving body as the result of friction, will not accumulate, because it passes
off through the conducting medium furnished by moisture. The spark
in the above case is the dynamic result of the effort of the two forms of
electricity to reunite, and to restore the lack of equilibrium between the
bodies charged with opposite kinds of electricity.

Electricity may, on the other hand, pass continuously through appro-
priate conducting mediums from the .place of its generation or accumu-
lation, provided that the contact of the conducting medium be constant;
in this case its transmission, or " flow," along the conducting medium will
occur continuously from the point of origin, out and through them to the
original source of electrical disturbance. To produce or set in motion
this continuous flow, or transmission, we must have a generator of elec-
trical force in which the electrical disturbance or excitement is excited in a
continuous manner, and from which it can be transferred by a suitable
circuit in a more or less uniform way.

Volta was the first to make such a generator, which may be called a bat-
tery of continuous current. This generator or battery was formed by
making alternate layers of zinc and copper, and between them was inter-
posed a layer of cloth or bibulous paper moistened with acidulated Avater.
Any number of these layers of zinc, acidulated water, and copper may be
piled one upon another, always with the precaution of having these layers
placed in the same relative order, and to have each copper connected by
solder joints with the succeeding zinc; the two end metallic layers were
unconnected, and a copper wire was soldered to each, thus forming the
two terminals of the voltaic pile or battery. These terminals are called
Kheophores, [from pvaiv depeiv, current carriers] or Electrodes
[sXeuTfjov, amber — oSos; way; patb of electricity], and, when united
together by contact, will complete or close the electrical circuit, as it is
called; in this case the current will traverse from one pole to the other
pole, and so on, through the voltaic pile. This apparatus is illustrated
by Fig. 1.

This current, or flow, is set in motion from the zinc to the next copper,
and so on, through the pile, by reason of the difference in potential energy,
or that difference in electrical condition, which causes the transfer of the
disturbance from one point to another; this motion resulting from dis-
turbance is always accompanied by some form of energy, the effect of
which may usually be made evident or exhibited to our senses. The ex-
planation of this physical eifect is rendered in the following law:

PHYSICS OF KLKCTKOLY8I8.

DIFFERENCE OF POTENTIALS tS \ DIFFERENCE OP ELECTRICAL CONDITION
IN VIRTUE OF WHICH WORE [S DONE BY POSITIVE ELECTRICITX IN
MOVING PROM I'll i: POINT AT A BIGHEE POTENTIAL TO THAT AT A LOWER
POTENTIAL, AND II' is MEASURED BY THE WORE DONE B"X THE DNIT
QUANTITY OF POSITIVE ELECTRICITX WHEN THIS TRANSFERRED.

The Voltaic pile is not a convenient form of generator of electricity for
continuous current, and hence may he suhstituted by a series of galvanic

Fig. l.-Z, zinc; C, copper; +, positive; — , negative elements.

cells, in which the two metallic elements, zinc and copper, are immersed
in a solution of acidulated water. In this form, of battery the copper in
one cell is connected by copper wire with the zinc in the succeeding cell, or
vessel; the last copper is the positive pole or terminal, and the first zinc is
the negative pole or terminal of the battery, as shown in the accompanying
illustration (Fig. 2). In the simple galvanic cell the copper metal may
be substituted by the carbon metal, since the difference in the potential
between zinc and carbon is as great, if not greater, than that between zinc
and copper; and this form of generator also combines other advantages

which it is unnecessary to mention in this pi;

Such is the brief outline of the physical explanation of the cause of

ELECTROLYSIS.

setting in action an electrical force, kinetic energy, or electricity as it is
simply named and known to the general reader. It is hardly necessary to
make a fuller explanation, but the principle may be better understood by
applying the resulting laws of physics directly to the subject under discus-
sion.

In the instance of dynamic effect first related, we see the manifesta-
tion in electric spark, or light, caused by the effort to reunite the two
kinds of electricity which have caused molecular disturbance in matter.
This energy or force, by whatever name it may be called, which accom-
panies the passage of the current in a material substance, may also mani-
fest itself in chemical transformations; these may be induced by even very
feeble currents, and the fluids through which the electricity traverses may

: ~jV >ss ~~:' T\

l • — —-.

Fig. 2.

themselves be the seat of decomposition of chemical compounds contained
in solution, even though these fluids themselves are non-conductors of the
current.

As yet scientists have not agreed upon a physical basis upon which to
explain the decomposition of chemical compounds by electricity. A
Swede, by the name of (rrotthiis, was the first to propose a theory. He
suggested that the constituent elements of a binary compound, or of a
compound acting as such, contained in its natural condition equal amounts
of the two kinds of electricity (positive and negative). During the con-
dition of combination the two atoms composing the water molecules,
one of which was positive and the other negative, neutralized each
other so as to produce a state of electrical equilibrium; for instance,
the electro-positive hydrogen was combined with the electro-negative
oxygen; but if an electrical current was excited by plunging a posi-
tive and negative electrode into the vessel which held the water, the

PHYSIOS OF ELECTROLYSIS. 13

atom of hydrogen nearest to the positive electrode, a, was attracted to H
and became detached from its correspond i m; orxygen atom; the Latter then
would seek the adjacent electro-positive hydrogen, A, and this would Bend
its hydrogen atom to combine with the next molecule, c, and so on; until
the last oxygen would seek the positive electrode. This is illustrated in
Fig. 3, in which the small dots marked + represent the hydrogen atom.
and the larger circles marked — represent the oxygen atoms, there being
two hydrogen atoms to one oxygen atom in each molecule of water which
is formed by their combination.

This illustrates what is known by the name of the hypothesis of Grott-
hus; by the establishment of this theory, electrolysis would consist of a
series of decompositions and recombinations, and of a direct transfer of
the elementary atoms from one pole to the opposite.

Grotthiis has applied this theory to the behavior of the metallic oxides,
to the acids, and to the salts, when in solution, and acted upon by a cur-
rent of electricity. Substances of a simple binary combination of atoms in

Fig. 3.— The Hypothesis of Grot thus.

solution may be thus the seat of electrolysis, in which the electro-negative
elements will become separated at the positive electrode, and the electro-
positive elements will become separated at the negative electrode. The
quantities of the substances, which are thus decomposed by the action of
electrolysis, will agree with the quantities of their chemical equivalents,
but not with their atomic weights; for every eighteen parts of water de-
composed, two parts of hydrogen will be freed, and sixteen parts of oxy-
gen, the combining equivalents of water molecules being in the ratio of
one to eight.

As in the case of simple binary combinations in water, so also is the

+
case of hydrate of potassa (K.,0,) K being positive, 0 being negative,

+
and sodium chloride (Xa CI), etc.

An electro-negative element would also be united with a compound

radical having the function of a simple electro-positive element, as for in-

+
stance ammonium chloride (XI I4C1). Finally the electro-positive cle-
ment being simple and the electro-negative element being a compound

14 ELECTROLYSIS.

+ —
radicle would behave in the same manner; thus sodic sulphate, Na2 (S04),

+ -
and sodic nitrate Na (N03),

Berzelius has carried the theory of Grotthiis into all chemical reactions.

In fact, the chemical combinations of the atoms would be the effect of a

mutual attraction of the electricities of opposite kinds. According to

Berzelius, the order of simple bodies should be ranked in accordance with

the intensity of their chemical affinities; and these would be identical with

that of their electrical tensions; in other words,

The quantity of a body decomposed in a given time should be
proportional to the intensity or tension oe the electrical

CURRENT.

The hypothesis of Grotthiis will not account for the migration of IONS
which occurs, in a variable or unequal ratio.

Electrical Osmosis (cataphoric action, sometimes called) is another
physical phenomenon. This name is applied to the phenomenon by
which molecules are transferred through a porous medium which is in-
duced or influenced by the presence of an electrical current within this
fluid. When a porous cell separates two electrodes placed in a vessel con-
taining a fluid which is the subject of electrolysis, the migration of the
IONS is accompanied by a transfer of the fluid en masse. This effect is
not apparent where there is no intervening porous cell, nor where the free
surface of the fluid is sealed off from atmospheric pressure; because it is
prevented by the laws of hydrostatic pressure. Electrical osmosis is a
physical effect entirely distinct from electrolysis; the fluid is transferred
from the positive to the negative pole, and consequently the height of the
liquid will be increased at the negative pole and diminished at the positive
pole. Where the resistance of the fluid is great, and the chemical action
feeble, the increase in the action of electrical osmosis is proportionately
greater; the reverse of this is also true.

To understand clearly the physical action in a galvanic cell, we may,
for convenience, consider this as containing two fluids, one of which is a
weak solution of sulphuric acid, and the other a solution of sulphate of
copper; then we may consider that a strip of zinc is immersed in the for-
mer of these solutions, and a strip of copper in the latter; now, if we con-
nect these two metals by a copper wire we will understand that the strip
of zinc will represent the positive element, — that is, the pole by which an
electrical current will enter a solution, and that the strip of copper will

PHYSICS OF ELECTROLYSIS.

represeni the negative element— that is the pole by whichacnrrenl will pi
out from a solution; consequently, the electrical current will go from the
zinc to the copper within the solution, while in order to complete the circuit
outside of the cell the direction of this current will be from the copper to
the zinc. A portion of the zinc will also lie dissolved while copper is be-
ing deposited upon the strip of zinc. It will be found that the weight of
zinc dissolved in the solution is not equal in weight to that of the copper
deposited upon the zinc; these two amounts will be, on the other hand,
in proportion to the chemical combining equivalents of these two metals, —
or that lor each equivalent of zinc which is dissolved from the positive
electrode one equivalent of copper is deposited upon the surface of the zinc.
Faraday established the following law in respect to electro-chemical action:

"Whem the same current acts successively upon different com-
pounds, THE WEIGHT OF THE ELEMENTS SEPARATED IS IX THE SAME
RATIO AS THEIR CHEMICAL EQUIVALENTS."

By the electrolytical decomposition of water, two parts by weight
of hvdrogen are found at the negative terminal (kathode), while six-
teen parts, by wreight, of oxygen are found at the positive terminal
(anode). In the electrolysis of compounds in solution, the elemen-
tary substances which appear at either pole, or electrodes, are not nec-
essarily simple chemical bodies, but may be composite or mixed ele-
ments. The same principle of decomposition, or separation into these
bodies, holds equally with that of simple elements. Moreover, it is well
established that, if the same electrical current be made to pass through a
series of different solutions, the chemical actions in each solution are in
the ratio of the chemical equivalents of the compounds which are dis-
solved. Professor Gore has illustrated this last fact by an experiment of
which the details are given in his Text Book of Sciences.' He caused a
voltaic current to pass through a solution of sulphate of copper from
which only pure copper was deposited, and through a second solution
from which pure antimony wras deposited; he then found that the weight
of the copper deposited was 31.7 grains and of the antimony deposited
was 40.6; the latter number is equal to one atomic weight of copper, or
63.5 parts, which is the equivalent of 81.32 parts of antimony, or two-
third- of an atomic weight of that metal (121.98 being the full atomic
weight of antimony).

1 Electro-Metallurgy.

16 ELECTROLYSIS.

The Second or Subsidiary Effects of Electrolysis are of equal importance.
Many of the elementary materials which appear at the electrodes are not
those originally separated by the action of electricity, but some of these
substances may be the result of the decomposition by the secondary chem-
ical action of other elements; these latter are primarily set free by the
action of electricity upon substances which were originally present. For
instance biborate of soda [NagO, 2B03] yields oxygen at the anode and
boron at the kathode [Faraday]; yet, fused boracic acid is not subject to
the action of electrolysis directly by the electrical current; the appearance
of boron at the electrode is an indirect result of the decomposition of the
solution of soda [Na20]. In this case, as the oxygen will appear at the
positive electrode, and thus oblige the sodium to combine with the boracic
acid, one portion of the boron will be liberated, secondarily, which will
appear at the negative. In other words, electrolysis is the result of a dis-
charge, in a fluid, of opposite kinds of electricity between two or more
conductors which are at different potentials; this result is shown by the
amount of chemical decomposition of the compounds which are in the
solution, and which are the conductors of the electrical current.

Faraday considered the terminals through the union of which an elec-
trical current forms a circuit, [as, for instance, carbon and platinum]
merely the doors through which the electrical force enters and leaves the
fluids; he named these doors electrodes. He likened the path of electricity
to that of the terrestrial magnetism, namely, in the same direction with
that of the apparent motion of the sun; the pole from wbich the current
originated or left the fluid he called the anode, that is, from the carbon;
and where it returned, or set, the kathode or the platinum. He named
the decomposed substances, however complicated these might be,
" IONS/' those which went down, or set, in the direction towards the
platinum the "kations" [ Hard, down; i'oo, go], those which went
up against the electrical current [from west to east] and which were
the results of a chemical action at the anode he named " anions." ' The
substance which was in a state of decomposition he named an "electro-
lyte" and the process " electrolysis."

It has been previously mentioned that hydrogen gas will collect at the
negative electrode (kathode), and that oxygen will collect at the positive
electrode (anode); in these cases hydrogen will be the anion and oxygen
the kation; [these words are simply correlative to each other, and they

1 From ava, up; lu, go.

PHYSIOS OF ELECTROLYSIS. IT

are Often spelt cathode and cation]. Inside of the galvanic cell the direc-
tion of the electro-chemical action is reversed to that outside of this cell,
and consequently the hydrogen will collect at the copper, or carbon, bat-
tery-element, and oxygen at the zinc element, or positive pole; because the
electrical current inside of the cell proceeds from the zinc to the copper
or carbon, while out of tbe cell the current flows in the circuit from the
copper back to the zinc. (See Fig. 4.)

A collection of either, or both, of these gases around the battery-ele-
ments within the solution will insulate these elements, and stop the display
of electrical force, and the polarization of the battery will result— or in
other words there will be two currents moving in the fluid in opposite di-
rections. The chemical decomposition by an electrical motion in a fluid,
or substance largely composed of a fluid, results, therefore, in electrolysis

Fig. 4.

of the substances in solution; there are, also, subsidiary or secondary
chemical decompositions which may be the result of a primary electrolysis.
Tli is action upon the surrounding mediums is complicated, and the limit
of this action depends upon the exhaustion of the original electrical force,
or upon the amount of interference caused by the polarization, or non-con-
duction, in these surrounding mediums. Thus, the ions will act upon the
fluids surrounding the electrodes. This phenomena will occur unless the
ions combine with the electrodes. Chlorides will become per-chlorides and
chlorates will become per-chlorales at the anode. On the other hand, sec-
ondary actions which occur at the kathodes are those of reduction: thus, if
iodide of potassium in solution be subjected to electrolysis, one equivalent
of iodine will be liberated at the anode and will also have one equivalent
of hydrate of potassium liberated at the kathode; this will show that the
potassium set free from its combination with the iodine has combined
with some of the surrounding water. Again, if chloride of ammonium in
solution be decomposed, the chloride which is set free will react upon

ELECTROLYSIS.

some of the remaining salt, and will produce nitrogen and chloride of
nitrogen. A rise of temperature will favor the chemical decompositions
and reformations resulting from electrolysis; this will promote at the
same time a rapid mixture of the ions with the solutions. As the action
will consequently be more rapidly performed under higher temperatures,
the current density, or the capacity of the electrodes used, must be greater.
It is not an accident which makes one substance an anion and another a
kation. There are certain natural laws which govern this as all other
physical relations; an electro-chemical element is not always one or the
other of these, because anions and kations are merely relative to each
other; for instance, iodine may act as an anion in certain solutions, while
it may act as a kation in solutions of a different character; iodine com-
bined with potassium in solution will become an anion, but in a solution
containing iodine-bromide the iodine will become a kation. These actions,
however, are pretty well generalized, and appear to be dependent upon
the direction of the motion of the electrical current, or the path of the
electrical transmission; the wider apart electro-chemical substances are
placed in the list of chemical combining equivalence, the stronger is the
chemical affinity between the two. "As the chemical equivalent pro-
portions are either the same as their atomic weights, or are some simple
submultiple of them, the following table of atomic weights is inserted
for the purpose of reference: —

Aluminium,

27.5

Hydrogen,

Rubidium,

85.

A ntimony ,

122.

Indium,

113.4

Ruthenium,

104.2

Arsenic,

75.

Iodine,

127.

Selenium,

79.5

Barium,

137.

Iridium,

197.

Silicon,

28.

Bismuth,

210.

Iron,

56.

Silver,

108.

Boron,

10.9

Lanthanum,

92.

Sodium,

23.

Bromine,

80.

Lead,

207.

Strontium,

87.5

Cadmium,

112.

Lithium,

Sulphur,

32.

Caesium,

133.

Magnesium,

24.3

Tantalum,

138.

Calcium,

40.

Mercury,

200.

Tellurium,

129.

Carbon,

12.

Molybdenum,

• 96.

Thallium,

204.

Cerium,

92.

Nickel,

59.

Thorinum,

119.

Chlorine,

35.5

Niobium,

97.5

Tin,

118.

Chromium,

52.5

Nitrogen,

14.

Titanium,

50.

Cobalt,

59.

Osmium,

199.

Tungsten,

184.

Copper,

63.5

Oxygen,

16.

Uranium,

120.

Didymium,

9G.

Palladium,

106.5

Vanadium,

137.

Erbium,

Phosphorus,

31.

Yttrium.

Fluorine,

19.

Platinum,

11)7.

Zinc,

65.

Glucinum,

9.3

Potassium,

39.1

Zirconium,

89.5

Gold,

196.6

Rhodium,

104.3

PHY8I08 <»l ELECTROLYSIS. L9

When it m remembered thai the union of chemical substances is u
combination of elements in certain definite proportions by weight, we may
readily understand that In the (It-composition of a chemical compound
into its component elements, the separation of the elements mnsl be in
definite proportion by weight also. In consequence of this law, when an
electrical current passes through a conducting fluid, which contains
chemical compounds in solution, the elementary substances liberated at
the electrodes will be set free in their chemical equivalent proportions by-
weight.

"The same amount of electricity which will decompose one molecule
or eighteen parts of water, setting free two parts by weight of hydrogen
and sixteen parts of oxygen in one vessel, will decompose two molecules
or seventy-three parts of hydrochloric acid, setting free twro parts of
hvdrogen and seventy-one parts of chlorine in another. If we cause
the same current to pass through a solution of cyanide of silver and
potassium, then through one of sulphate of copper and finally through
one of antimony, each solution being prepared and acted upon so as to
yield only pure metal, we find that for every 10S parts of silver deposited
in the first vessel 31.75 parts (JL§JJ) of copper are set free in the second
one; and 40.66 parts (or J |a) of antimony in the third one." '

The above truth was also discovered by Faraday, who first established
the fact of equivalent proportional separations, as well as, also, that if the
same current is made to traverse simultaneously various solutions in a
series of vessels, the chemical actions in all of them are also in equivalent
proportions; therefore, the resulting decomposition is produced by the same
amount of electricity.

According to Professor Magnus, the separation and simultaneous deposit
of substances, which takes place from the action of electrolysis in a mixed
solution, will depend upon the following circumstances: — first, on the
strength or density of the current; second, on the proportions in which
the different substaiices exist in the fluid; third, on the nature of the
electrodes; fourth, on the greater or less facility with which one or the
other substance can be carried from stratum to stratum within the fluid,
as well as upon the obstacles which stand in the way of this transmission,
either in the shape of porous walls or in any other form.

Mention has already been made of the combination of atoms (elements)

1 Gore.. <>p.

20 ELECTROLYSIS.

to form molecules. It must not be overlooked that, according to chemical
science compounds are composed of atoms to form molecules, and that on
the other hand molecules are chemically formed by the union of atoms in
certain definite proportions. Now, when this union of atoms becomes
separated, the separated matters must have definite proportions by weight,
and these definite proportions are equivalent in a chemical sense: — a
monad is an elementary substance, one atom of which possesses one
equivalent of chemical power; a dyad is a substance 'which possesses two
of such equivalents, and so on for the tryad and the tetrad, etc. Con-
sequently one atomic weight of a dyad element is chemically equivalent
to two of a monad element, and so on. It follows, moreover, that as a
monad exerts one equivalent of chemical power, the elementary substances
set free at the two electrodes are liberated in their corresponding chemi-
cally equivalent proportions, and that for each atomic weight of a dyad
set free at one electrode two of a monad, or one of a dyad, are liberated at
the other. For illustration, electrolysis of the compound hydochloric acid
(HOI) causes one part by weight of hydrogen to be liberated at the kathode
and 35.5 parts at the anode, because the atomic weight of hydrogen is 1.
and that of chlorine is 35.5.

With these remarks upon the principles of electrolysis of inorganic
bodies, we will consider the electrolysis of organic and living tissues.

The mode of action of Electrolysis on living structures can, a priori,
be viewed as similar to its effects on saline fluids. Their power of
conduction is (except epidermis and bone) like that of a weak saline
solution. As the resistance of a saline solution is enormous compared with
that of metals, only currents of great strength, i.e., of many elements
arranged as in Volta's pile, can traverse it, a fact that therapeutists have
not sufficiently recognized. If a clean steel needle connected with a
battery be placed on a spot deprived of epidermis and a current be trans-
mitted through this needle, there will form around the positive pole brown-
ish-black scales of peroxide of iron firmly adhering to the needle and
fixing it in its position. The needle is oxidized by the oxygen of the
tissues. The surrounding parts shrivel from the action of the acid
developed. With strong currents bubbles of hydrogen are formed around
the negative electrode and small drops of water; this shows the separation
of hydrogen and its recombination with oxygen to form water; or else that
the water contained in the tissues has been transferred en masse by elec-
trical osmosis towards the negative electrode. The surrounding parts be-

PHYSICS OF ELEOTBOLYSI8.

come slightly inflamed; pieces of muscle placed under the microscope Bhow

bubbles of gas between the muscle fibrilla?, paleness of the sareoleimna,
and partial disappearance of the stria\ together with irianular collections.'

It was formerly supposed that the positive pole alone could cause
coagulation of the blood (Bruns and Heidenreich); but Dittel and Bill-
roth deny that coagulation can be produced in this manner in aneu-
risms. So far it has not been possible to discover any change in the
tissues between the poles, unless the needles be very close together, nor
has the mechanical transmission of drugs through living tissues from one
pole to the other been proven by experiment. It is easy to understand
that the alteration of living tissues can with difficulty be studied on the
living being. Many of these organic chemical changes may be inferred
from the results of experiments upon organic chemical compounds which
may be carried on in the laboratory. We have no right, of course, to
assume that the same changes which are discovered from electrolysis of
the chemical substances of dead tissue are the same as the electrolysis of
living tissue. We may however assume that the truths of chemical science
may be equally appropriate for chemical compounds which are contained
in the structures of living tissues. The results of laboratory teaching in
this department of science, electrolysis of organic chemical compounds,
have been the subject of study from the time of Davy. Some of these
researches, which were published in 1S67 by Burgoin," have an im-
portant bearing upon this subject. According to this writer, the phe-
nomena of electrolysis are as simple, primarily, with the organic as with
the inorganic salts; the metal, or basic, hydrogen will go over to the
negative pole and the acid portion of the organic salt will appear at the
positive pole. The reaction from the organic salt, potassium camphorate,
will be the same as with the inorganic salt, potassium sulphate. These re-
actions are;

K2S209 = SA+0; (positive) and K, (negative).

Camphoric Acid (l'„0II14K2Os=Camphor-Anhydride (C90H14Oe+Os )
(positive) and K, (negative). The only difference between these two re-
actions will happen subsequently, from the fact that the nascent oxygen
cannot produce further decompositions in one case, while it can in the

1 C. J. Zancopulos, of Greece. Ueber die electrolyt u. katalytschen Heihviik-
ungen des ualvaiiisclien Stroms. Arch. t. klin. Med., Hand. X. |>. 562, L873.

^Comptes Rendus, 1867, pp. 987, 1144; also idem from Jour.de Pharm. e1 de
Chimie, 1867.

22 ELECTROLYSIS.

other. This writer observes that the water of an electrolyte plays no part
in the reaction but that of a solvent, and that the water is not decomposed.
Burgoin presents a number of analyses which proves this fact; he then
gives details of the electrolysis of sulphuric, nitric, and camphoric acids,
and their corresponding salts. These results, as well as some other ex-
periments with acetic and tartaric acids, differ in no respects from the
foregoing analyses. This writer also states that, according to the earlier
received theories, the decompositions which are caused by electrolysis of
organic compounds varies with these compounds. These earlier authorities
supposed this difference to be supported by the fact that many decom-
positions occurred, which set free organic radicles which polymerised (that
is to say, form new bodies by a different arrangement of the same mole-
cules) immediately as aldehydes, etc., Burgoin has, however, established
that the same law governs both of these cases, and that the fundamental
action in each is the appearance of the acid at the positive and that of the
alkali at the negative pole.

The cause of the apparent dissimilarity is the difference in the com-
pounds themselves. Thus with potassium sulphate (K2S04) the K2 appears
at the negative and the S03 and 0 at the positive pole. Here the nascent
oxygen can produce no further oxidation. But with organic acids it can
oxidize and combine either with the carbon or the hydrogen or with both.
Now the preference is for C (carbon) and the relation is such in organic
acids that a very definite and easily formulated reaction takes place. This
normal oxidation forms what may be termed the " characteristic reaction
of organic acids." This, however, is a secondary action foreign to the
action of the current.

Thus with acetic acid, 2C4H,08=20a04-fC4He (Kolb).

Succinic acid, CSII406=2C204+C4H4 (Kekule).

Tartaric acid, CJI4OI0 = 2C2O4+C4H4O4 (Bourgoin).

Other secondary decompositions may occur subsequently, greatly
complicating the reaction. The following considerations will aid in the
comprehension of these decompositions.

1. When an excess of alkali is present, this will act as a salt, and by its
decomposition will increase the amount of nascent oxygen at the positive
pole, and hence, the number of secondary products. The acid may be
entirely consumed by oxidation.

Thus with succinic acid, CJI4O0+6O2=2C2O4+C4II2+II2O2.

IMIVSICS OF KLKCTIIOLY8I8. 23

These decompositions may occur simultaneously; and hence ac-
cording to the conditions we may obtain one or another reaction.
1st or fundamental reaction. (Inorganic or organic salt-).

Negative Pole. Positive Pole.

Metal or basic hydrogen. Acid anhydride and oxygen of acid or

of salt.
2d. Organic acids and salts (secondary reaction).

Metal or basic hydrogen. (a) anhydrous acid (b) CO, aldehyde

and oxygen. acids, hydro-

carbons, etc.
3d. Metal or basic hydrogen. (a) anhydrous acid (b) secondary pro-

and oxygen of ducts,

acid or salt and
of alkali.
Apparatus: ' One tube was placed within the other, the inner com-
municating with the outer by an orifice the diameter of which was 0.4mm.
Both were filled with the electrolyte, potassium acetate, the solution of
which was concentrated and had a neutral reaction. The decomposition
began upon the closing of the current, and after five hours 5cc. were taken
from around each electrode for analysis.

Free acid, in each cc, 0.0101

Free alkali, " " 0.0093

These are in the proportion of the chemical equivalents of KHO and
acetic acid, and hence the fundamental action is shown.

Former analyses by Daniell and Miller show that the loss of salt is
greatest at the negative pole with mineral salts. Hittorf showed the con-
trary to be true of organic salts.

2. Gas was collected at the positive electrode to amount of O, 87.4cc,
CO 10.4, residue 2.2. This latter burned with a blue flame, indicating
presence of CO. This showed that only a very small part of the acid is
primarily destroyed by oxygen.

Positive Negative
Unaccounted for at the end of G hours, 0.008 0.004

24 " Similar results.

04 " Similar results.

" " end of operation, 0.1GG O.008

1 Idem, p. 998.

24 ELECTROLYSIS.

[These experiments upon organic chemical compounds, which were
performed in the laboratory, prove conclusively that the separation of the
elementary substances will follow electrolysis of organic chemical com-
pounds which are partially or wholly in solution. We know also from
experiments on dead and living tissue that the decomposition of chemical
compounds in these structures will induce the display of electrical
energy. We must therefore allow that there exists in our bodies, as the
result of chemical formations and chemical decompositions, a continual
discharge as well as storage of latent energy constantly going on in human
tissues.

Some further experiments on organic chemical compounds have been
detailed by Burgoin, which show that the chemical decomposition by elec-
trolysis keeps on for a long time, and especially is this true of the compound
hydrogen radicles. ]

The result was the same with one equivalent of the acetate and one of

the alkali, but very different with two equivalents of the acetate to one of

the alkali, Kolb's reaction then preponderating.

■
Analytical Table of Gas Collected at Different Periods.

Hours.

30-36

15.5

2.7

1.1

4.7

8.2

c2o4

2.1

3.2

12.8

17.3

17.6

c2o2

5.3

5.1

4.3

3.7

2.4

3.8

5.1

3.6

3.4

C4H6

79.2

88.9

92.2

95.5

96.3

97.6

94.1

92.

78.9

74.3

71.2

Kolb thinks ethyl acetate is produced, but Bourgoin has not confirmed
its production. The blue flame is due to the presence of the oxide of
carbon and not, as usually supposed, to the presence of hydro-carbons.

3. Free acetic acid.

This is the most difficult of all acids to electrolyse. It is impossible to
decompose the concentrated, and with great difficulty the dilute, acid.

Analysis of Gas Collected.

Saltinlc.c.ori-) Q 43Q9
ginaJ liquid. )

Positive pole. 0.4565

Negative pole. 0.4252

The residue burns with a blue flame and a slight detonation.1

1 Idem, p. 1144.

Gas at positive
O

3 days.
97.

3 days.
95.8

4 days
92.2

co2

2.3

2.7

4.7

Residue.

0.7

2.5

3.1

PHYSICS OK KLKt TROLY8I8.

l'.".

1. Concentrated ami neutral solution of potassium tartrate. At the
positive pole potassium bitartrate collected. There was no free arid,
the faint acidity being duo to some of the remaining bitartrate salt in
solution.

< J as at positive electrode.

c.o, .

c,o, •

1 to 20 hours.
61.2

7.8
26.3

o 7

20 to 84 hours.

80.7

7.2

11.6

0.5

?. Analysis of liquids. At positive pole no free acid. Salt in 2 cc. 0.563,
negative pole, very alkaline; 2 cc. contain of salt, 0.753; of free alkali
0.041. Loss at negative pole, 0.013, at positive, 0.120. The tartaric an-
hydride and water which collected at the positive pole formed tartaric acid,
the result of which re-formation with the tartrate was the bitartrate, which
was deposited on the bottom of the vessel. Some of the anhydride, how-
ever, was decomposed by the oxygen forming C204, C202, and II202> accord-
in- to the following reaction: 08H6O12+3O2=2C2O4+2CA+3H2O2.

3. Alkaline solution, containing four equivalents of the tartrate and
one equivalent of alkali.

Gas analysis.

in 24 hours.

in 72 hours

0,0, .• .

81.98

61.15

0,0, . .

9.60

18.47

02 . .

6.68

18.18

C4H8 . .

0.61

1.20

1.13

1.00

The origin of the hydride of ethylene seems to come from the large
quantity of acetate of potassium produced. This ethylene compound was
first obtained by Kolb.

Free tartaric acid.

Gas analysis.

1st day.

89.2

6.9

2.2

1.7

2d day.

82.0

10.6

6.6

0.9

3d day,
72.1
19.1

8.2
0.6

4th day.

95.4

4.1

0.5

On the 5th day C A was almost uncontaminated by C202, thus, funda-

26 ELECTROLYSIS.

mental reaction at the positive pole, tartaric anhydride and 02; the sec-
ondary reaction, C6H4O10+09=2CsQ44-C4H4O4; at the negative, H2.

From these laboratory experiments we pass on to the consideration of
the views of others in regard to the action of electrolysis upon the living
tissues. The preceding complicated decompositions of dead organic mat-
ter— that is, of organic matter without cell life — is interesting as showing
the restricted limits of our knowledge of the chemical reactions.

Frommhold used for the purpose of obtaining electrolytical action on
the living tissues a current from the coarse wire (primary) of an induc-
tion coil.1 He produced the effects of electrolysis by the use of the
bipolar rotation of an electro -magnet, as well as by the use of the primary
induction apparatus. In other words, he used a dynamo machine; but
he considers the only form of electricity, which is practically useful in
electrolysis to be that of the constant current which is obtained from the
galvanic-cell battery.

According to this writer, the variation in the action of the galvanic
current will depend upon the size of the surface area of the plates, which
serve as metallic elements of the cells, or upon the number of the couples
which are connected in battery; when this area is more extensive, a great
heat may be obtained in a proportionally poorer conductor, as in the
case of the gal vano- cautery. The high degree of heat, however, in this poor
conductor, is due to resistance of the conducting medium, the platinum,
and will be in proportion to the quantity and density of the original current.
When the character of the original current is equalized by the resistance
of the conducting medium, the resulting current will be the most favor-
able for use in the practice of electro-therapeutics.

The electro-chemical current, or action of electrolysis, is supposed by
this writer to be favored by the coupling of a large number of small ele-
ments, because the internal resistance of the battery in such an arrange-
ment would be more proportional to that of the external resistance of the
circuit [the interpolar]. lie supposed that a consolidation of the tissues
would occur at the positive electrode, while their fluidization would Bake
place at the negative electrode. Interpolar action would only be evident
from the results in the treatment of a given disease. lie attributed the
pain caused by electrolysis to the tension of the current, and that this was
produced on account of the resistance offered by the contact of the surface

1 In K. Pest.Ofner Gesellch. d. Aerzie. Wien Med. Presse, XIV., 175-304.

PHYSICS <>F ELECTROLYSIS. _«

Begments of the electrolytical cylinder, which was placed apon the dry
skin. In order to avoid this inconvenience at pain, Frommhold suggests
that the Form of this cylindrical segment should be changed into the linear
shape, by means of flat arrow-pointed platinum needles, which should be
inserted into the skin at intervals of two or more lines. In this way, the
needles would penetrate into tissues which contain more water than the
skin, and would produce dee}) and uniform electrolytical action, and not
make partial and segmentary contact. lie would restrict interpolar action
to its destructive effects. He considered the use of this method as produc-
ing evil results in aneurisms. In these cases of aneurism he advised the
use of one electrode, the negative, rapidly applied to the moistened surface
of the skin, while the positive electrode was inserted into the aneurismal
sac.

Frommhold supposed that there was a difference between electrolysis
and electro-catalysis. The latter is an artificially prolonged action of
the former. He attributed this to an increase of the quantity of the
current as compared with its intensity; but, as will be seen later on, this
difference is imaginary. He concluded that a current of intensity (the
word "intensity"' is often used for the word tension; tension is the more
properly applied term) has a weak catalytic action, and that, as a con-
siderable quantity should traverse the tissues, it was important that the
electrodes should be covered with wet sponges or some other moistened
layer. According to Frommhold, the explanation of the action of elec-
trocatalysis should be attributed to electro-osmosis. (See page 14.) The
phenomena of the latter would depend on the form, consistency and
volume of the tissues, and upon the forces of polar decomposition and
mechanical transportation. Frommhold suggested that a salt should be
interposed in the path of the current; but it is extremely doubtful, in
fact improbable, that such agents will traverse the tissue of the living
organism. This author supposed that when the Kilts passed through the
tissues they would be decomposed at the poles.

On the other hand, Dittel ' has proved by experiment the impossibility
of passing iodine or arsenic through the body by the action of electrolysis.
These experiments were conducted on the lower animals. Iodine, which
was applied to an electro-puncture in a pigeon, could not be found at the
electrode of the opposite polar action; nor could it be found in the tissues

1 Oestreich Ztsclir. f. prakt IUkuV., No. 17. 1869.

28 ELECTROLYSIS.

under the positive electrode within the skin. He supposes that, in the
few instances which have been reported of its supposed transportation
through the tissues to the opposite pole, it was transported outside of
the body by means of the fiugers, or in some other accidental way; he
cites a case to demonstrate the truth of this supposition: — in the case of
a man with a cancer in the tongue, in which iodine was applied below
the ear at the same point where the negative electrode was in contact, the
current was passed during five minutes; the patient experienced a peculiar
taste, which waa explained by finding an iodine reaction in the saliva. As
this patient had not been ingesting iodine, it was naturally supposed that
the iodine had been absorbed by means of electrolysis; but on repeating
the application of the current Avith twenty couples and for fifteen minutes,
the same effect was reproduced, and it was then discovered that the patient's
fingers had touched the electrode, and had thus transferred the iodine to
his mouth.

Eulenberg discusses this same question of " the electrolytic conduction
of iodine" which was advocated by Beer at Vienna in 1869; the theory
was maintained of driving the iodine from the negative to the positive
pole by means of the surface application of the electrodes. Eulenberg
found in experiments, which were conducted by Brueckner, Benedikt,
Ultzmann, Fieber, Ossikowski and himself, that it was impossible to con-
duct the iodine to great depths through the complex animal tissues.
Eulenberg, however, states that the investigations of H. Munk on the
galvanic introduction of different fluids into the uninjured human and
animal organism deserve more serious attention. In these investigations
Munk relied on the cataphoric action of electricity (electrical osmosis)
to accomplish this absorption, which would be highly favored by the
narrowness of the pores of the human body. In order to procure a
sufficient cataphoric effect, the drug must be brought in contact with the
positive electrode or with both electrodes; and a tolerably strong current
should be employed during fifteen minutes, and alternately changing
the direction of the path of the electricity, by reversing the poles. In
this way Munk was able to produce the physiological effects of strych-
nine, and even death, in the rabbits submitted to the experiments,
though the epidermis showed no evidences of injury. After applica-
tion of concentrated solutions of sulphate of quinine, and of iodide
of potassium, the quinine could be detected in the urine within the
next twelve hours, and the iodine in thirty-six minutes after the begin-

PHYSIOS ok ELECTROLYSIS. 29

ning of the experiment, but in the greatest quantity after the lapse of

live or six hours.'

[frommhold makes, and hardly with reason in our opinion, an un-
necessary distinction between the two following instances: — first, when
the iodide salt has been introduced by the action of the current alone;
and, second, when the iodide has been absorbed previously to the applica-
tion of the electrolysis. In his opinion the results of the treatment are
different in these two eases; for instance, if the solution of iodide of potas-
sium is placed upon the unimpaired skin at the point where the negative
electrode is in contact, no presence of iodine can be demonstrated at the
point of contact of the positive electrode, because the resistance of the skin
is too great to allow of the transmission by electrolysis. If, however, the
epidermis should be abraded at the point of application of both the drug
and of the electrode, the salt will then be diffused by the action of the
circulation, and not by the action of the electrolysis. In this latter case
it would appear, in view of the experiments of Munk which have just
been detailed, that the action of electrical osmosis would assist the usual
process of imbibition and consequent absorption.

Frommhold very truly remarks that decomposition of the iodide is most
rapidly accomplished in the case of vascular tissues. This is also true,
according to the experience of the author of this treatise, in the result of
resolution of vascular tumors when the iodide is not used; a fibroid tumor
will not as rapidly be decreased after treatment by electrolysis as in the case
of vascular enlargements, for instance, in the case of a n&^vus. Illustra-
tion of this view will be observed by the reader in the seventh chapter, in
which are presented in detail quite a number of cases of the treatment of
angiomata (nsBvi).

Frommhold states, moreover, that a solution of iodide of potassium
may be advantageously injected in cases of isolated tumors previously to
their treatment by electrolysis, taking the precaution to compress the veins
so as to prevent its absorption; in this case the eschar will form more
rapidly and will be larger, and the treatment will be more efficacious.
According to this writer, electrolysis of small lymphatic tumors, of goitre
and of articular inflammations, will be followed by better effects when the
previous administration of iodide of potassium has been given. Thia

1 Handbook of General Therapeutics, Ziemssen, Vol. ii., p. 289. "VVm. Wood
& Co., New York, 1885.

30 ELECTROLYSIS.

opinion has not been borne out by the experience of other observers.
When it is remembered that the use of iodide of potassium in the above-
mentioned affections has not rarely been followed by an improvement,
even in those cases in which treatment by electrolysis has not been at-
tempted, it is reasonable to suppose that the above author may have met
with some cases where the potassium medication might be in part re-
sponsible for the effects which he is disposed to attribute to combined
action of electrolysis and iodide of potassium.

The action of electrolysis in its application to the cure of goitrous affec-
tions is more particularly discussed in a subsequent chapter, and therefore
we will not continue this argument in further detail in this place, — since
the reader can form a better judgment of the whole subject in the review
of the pathogenesis and natural decadence of goitrous affections; — he will
there see that the varieties of this disease are numerous, and that the
benefits of their ti'eatment will depend in great measure upon the patho-
logical bearings of each variety. '

The application of electrolysis in the cure or partial relief of aneurisms
has occupied the careful attention of many physicians for a number of
years, and it would be advisable before considering the practical bearing
on these cases, to present some of the explanations of these observers in
regard to the method of action, by which electrolysis can effect its bene-
ficial action upon the tissues which are filled with blood or which convey
this circulating fluid.

We owe to a very careful manipulator, as well as a close observer of
this phase of our subject, some very useful hints. This authority has
devoted twenty years of his experience in the treatment of aneurisms,
and his opinions deserve a careful consideration in our discussion.
This writer ' states that the action of the electrical current is three-
fold: physiological, calorific and chemical. The two latter cannot be
easily separated (probably they are transmutations of the same en-
ergy), and hence the term chemical action has not been specially ap-
plied. The current in traversing the living tissues produces its local
effects at the points of contact of the electrodes; these will vary from that
of rubefaction to that of cauterization, and are comparable only to the
action of caustics of a chemical nature. These effects have no connection

1 De 1'actiOn chimique de l'61ectricit6. Ciniselli in Gazette des Hop., Paris,
1862, xxxv., p. 480. Resume par Velpeau.

PHYSIOS (>F ELECTROLYSIS. 31

whatever with the physiological action; they arc supposed to be the
results of the chemical and calorific aotions alone. The beat effect is

obtained only by the use of a continuous metallic circuit with great re-
sistance. The destructive effects may be obtained by the application of I be
rheophores separately, but in this case they simulate the alterations in the
vitality of the tissues. The cauterization effected on the skin by the chem-
ical action is supposed to be due to the development of acidatthe positive
and alkali at the negative pole. The alteration in the tissues is accom-
panied by signs of chemical action, the development of acid and gas at the
positive, and of alkali at the negative pole. The application of two metal
surfaces connected by a wire to the tissues is capable of producing similar
effects, the tissues playing the part of the exciting fluid. Compared with
other caustics the galvano-chemical is more easy, sure and extended;
this is, also, (by means of electro-puncture,) more profound, and more
easily controlled and finally more prompt, than other caustic applications.
The use, however, of the galvano-eantery locally applied to the skin is
hardly an instance of electrolysis, but would be more appropriately com-
pared with the action of chemical caustics.1

Tripier (op. cit. ) distinguishes the "chemical galvano-caustic " action
from the "thermo-gal vano-caustic " action. The former is due to the
action of the acids and alkali at the points of contact, and the latter to the
heat developed by a powerful, current in an imperfect conductor. Davy
was the first to show that electro-positive elements will collect at the neg-
ative pole, and vice versa; and that, if the well-Avashed fingers constitute the
electrodes, the electrolyte gives the same reactions around the poles as with
dead substances, thus showing that living acts like dead matter. A current
traversing the living body therefore decomposes the salts, and the acids
and alkalies appear at the terminal poles and will there act upon the
electrodes, the tissues, or both. In order to produce cauterisation, the
effect should not be influenced by the alterations of the electrodes, ami
hence these should be of platinum or other unoxidizable material. Cin-
iselli was the first to show (in a memoir to the Surgical Society of Paris,
in 1S60) and to explain fully the difference between the clots at the two
poles, the clot at the positive pole being firm and unalterable, resembling
exactly that formed by powerful acid caustics, while that at the negative
resembles the action produced by alkalies. The cicatrices produced by

1 De l'electrolyse. Par Dr. L. Ravacley, Thesis. Paris, 1876.

32 ELECTROLYSIS.

two kinds of caustics also differ; that produced by acid being hard and
retracted, that by alkali being soft and not retracted. The microscopical
characters also differ: the acid cicatrix shows much fibrous tissue and
amorphous matter; the alkaline is soft, non-adherent to subjacent tissues,
and shows much less fibrous tissue. Hence the negative pole is usually
preferred except to close sinuses by adhesive inflammation.

Ciniselli in 1860 was the first to clearly enunciate and apply the theory
of the chemical action of the current, but Mongiordo and Landoin, in 1803,
noticed the same without applying it. Subsequently, according to the elder
Becquerel,1 Fabre-Palaprat had the idea of using the chemical action of
electricity for its caustic effect, but he confounded this with the calorific
effect. Crusell, of St. Petersburg, worked perseveringly on this same sub-
ject for seven or eight years, and addressed a memoir to the French Acad-
emy of Sciences. He suggested the use of the solvent action of the alkali,
which would be generated, without producing eschars, in stricture of the
urethra, etc. In 1849 he reported cases of the cure of cancer, ulcers,
and two cases of cataract in which he used the galvano-puncture. The
committee of the Academy, to whom his paper was referred, reported
that the evidence presented was not sufficient to warrant the expression
of an opinion concerning the merits of the method. Thus discouraged,
Crusell subsequently limited himself to the study of the effects of the
calorific action.

Lerche2 applied Crusell's method,3 and it was approved by Graefe.4
One important result attained was the treatment of atonic ulcers by
placing a voltaic couple on their surface.

Local Effects. After the application of a plate of copper and another
of zinc, which were connected by a wire, there is produced under the zinc a
redness of the skin and an abundant exudation of serum, while under the
copper the skin appeared natural and there was no pain. The zinc should
be placed upon the sound skin and over a wet compress. This is followed
by rapid healing. It will be seen from the review of the work of the
earlier experimenters, that the action of electricity applied locally to the
skin was merely obtained from the effects which were apparent to the
eye; it will also be seen that the electrolysis of organic compounds were

1 Traite tie l'electricite et du magnetisme, Tome iv.

2 Compt. Rend., xxviii.,1849.

3 Med. Ztg. des Vereins, 1841.
♦Deutsche Klinik, 1852.

PHYSIOS OF ELEOTBOLY8I8.

studied from a chemical point of view. In the former case, the application
of the negative electrode in contuct with the moistened skin is followed
by some of the signs <>|' local inflammation. To all appearance this inflam-
mation appeared like that which followed the application of ecsharotics
or of rubefacients, hut the chemical changes which occurred underneath
the skin have not yet been examined. It has also been observed that- an
oedema of the tissues often accompanies the inflammatory action, that
which is also true of the irritation produced by certain chemicals; yet, the
oedema which follows the local application of the electrode is somewhat
different, because, after the irritation produced by a chemical irritant, the
oedema is succeeded by vesication. In this vesication a collection of serum
occurs between the superficial aiid subcutaneous layers of skin; the oedema
which follows the application of the negative electrode is an infiltration
of the subcutaneous tissue; the action of a vesicant is followed by a de-
nudation of the external layer of the skin, which is succeeded by a sort
of sloughing, and the healing process is by means of a series of granula-
tion; the cedematous infiltrations which follow the local action of electri-
city upon the skin is succeeded by a dry eschar, under which the process
of healing proceeds without usually causing a secondary inflammation;
when the dry scab falls off, a slight red mark shows its previous location.
When an electrical current passes through the tissues between two poles
applied to the skin, we may readily suppose that a transfer of liquids is
made from cell to cell of the tissue, and this transference of liquids is
probably due to the law of electrical osmosis, which has before been
spoken of. This is, at least, the opinion of certain electrical students
of physiology.1 Electrical osmosis is very marked, in the case of pure
water, and diminishes upon conductivity imparted to the liquid by
salts in solution. It is, furthermore, noticed that quite an appreciable
amount of water will collect about the negative electro-needle, when in-
serted into the skin below the superficial layer. It may be argued perhaps
that the accumulation of water is due entirely to the secondary formation,
which is caused by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen, and which
results from the decomposition of the organic compound. If this view is
held, we must suppose that the destruction of organic compounds in the
tissues is quite active; if the other view he held, the appearance of a large
number of bubbles of gas will account for the chemical decompositions

1 DeWatteville.

34 ELECTROLYSIS.

of the organic compound in the tissues, while the water is transferred by
electrical osmosis.

In short, it will be observed by the careful reader that some of the
electro-chemical changes of organic compounds, which have been spoken
of above, are very definite in character; and that many of them are mainly
caused by the development of an alkaline reaction at the negative elec-
trode, and of an acid reaction at the positive electrode; that, in addition
to these specific reactions, there are many of a secondary character, which
are influenced by the primary chemical changes at either pole. Professor
"W. N. Shaw (Article, Electrolysis, in the last edition of the Encyclopedia
Britannica), in discussing these secondary electro-chemical decompositions,
states that: — " The IONS appear in an abnormal molecular state; for in-
stance, as before mentioned, oxygen is liberated as active or pure oxygen
mixed with nascent oxygen (ozone). The molecular state of the deposit
varies very much with the. density of the current, which increases with
the area of the electrodes." As a natural consequence from this mode of
reasoning, many of the statements of those who have made practical
application of electrolysis to the living tissues, which appear antagonistic,
may and probably are reconcilable. The antagonism can be explained
from the various circumstances in which the electrical current is carried
through the organic structure, which may itself be the seat of the sec-
ondary electro-chemical decompositions.

Much that has been written by medical writers on the theory and
application of electrolysis, and of so-called electro-catalysis, is obscure.
Yet many of the facts and researches which are reported by the older
writers are quite pertinent, and should not be overlooked.

Onimus and Blum, ' in speaking of the uses of electricity in surgery, men-
tion that the decomposition of living tissue is governed by the same laws of
electrolysis as those of dead tissues. Electrolysis of muscle results in the
development of sulphuric, nitric, phosphoric and hydrochloric acid at the
positive, or anodal, terminal; while soda, potassa and ammonia collect at
the negative, or kathodal, terminal from the battery. The decomposing
action of the electrical current upon the animal tissues has been studied
by Brugnatelli, Davy, Aldini, Prevost, Dumas, etc.

Blood, milk, muscles and other tissues which are largely composed of
watery substances contain mineral salts, and the current acts especially

1 Bull. Gen. de Therapeutique, Paris, Tonic Ixxxii., pp. 13 and 205.

PHYSIOS OF ELECTROLY8I8. 35

upon those compound materials as well as upon the water contained in
them; acids are carried, as above mentioned, to the positive pole, and
alkalies to the negative pole. 11. Davy immersed the ends of a piece of

meat into vessels filled with distilled water, and connected these ends
with the terminals of a strong battery. He found in the vessel at the
negative pole potassa, soda, lime and ammonia; and in the vessel con-
nected with the positive pole sulphuric, hydrochloric, phosphoric and
nitric acids. The piece of meat subjected to this treatment for several
days was entirely freed from its salts. lie also immersed his fingers, as
previously referred to by Tripier (p. 31), after they had been carefully
washed, in two vessels containing distilled water, and connected them
with the two poles of a battery. In the positive vessel he found the acids
and in the negative vessel he found the alkalies, showing in this manner
that living as well as dead tissue could be the seat of electrolysis. The
resistance of the tissues to electro-chemical action is inversely to the pro-
portion of fluids which these tissues contain. Thus dense tissues form

Fig. 5.

poor or feeble conductors. If the current be applied to the denuded
surface of the body, its resistance is reduced one-third. Decomposition
in the tissues occurs only at the electrodes. These writers illustrate this
law by the following well-known experiment of Davy:

Fill three vessels: (A) with a solution of litmus and sulphate of soda or
common salt, (B) with litmus and common water, and (C) with a solution
of litmus, and place between the three vessels some wicking, whose ends
are immersed in the solution; place these all in line, or in circuit, with
an electric battery, as represented in Fig. 5. If the electric current be
then made to traverse through the completed circuit, the litmus in
vessel ((') will assume a red color (acid reaction at the positive electrode).
and remain blue in vessel (A) (alkaline reaction at the negative electrode);
the salt will be found to have passed from the first to the other two vessels,
and the litmus solution in (15) will still remain blue (neutral). If the

36 ELECTROLYSIS.

current be continued for a sufficient time the salt will be found to have
been entirely decomposed, the acid being found in (C), and all the alkali
in (A). If on the contrary the direction of the current be reversed, the
alkali will be found in (C) and the acid in (A). The time requisite for the
complete decomposition of the saline compound, will depend upon the
strength of the electric current.

Onimus mentions that in dead tissue the blood will coagulate only at
the positive pole, while in living tissue a coagulum will be formed at
either electrode.

When dry electrodes are placed in contact with the skin upon the
surface of the human body, eschars will be formed at the place of contact.
These eschars partake of the acid or alkaline character (which is depend-
ent upon which of the two poles is used) and are probably caused by the
action of the escharotic upon the dry skin. This may be prevented by
thoroughly moistening the parts to which the electrode is applied, or by
the use of a weak solution of any acid, as tartaric, for instance, in the
moistened negative electrode, and by a solution of carbonate of soda upon
the positive electrode.1

Electrolysis in the tissues is not due to cauterization or to their de-
struction by elevated temperature. Broca writes2 "It is certain that
the portion between the poles is the seat of a molecular perturbation
which begins and ends with the poles " ; whereas Ciniselli states that,
" The effect is not limited to area of cauterization (?), but extends to the
interior of the tissues " ; this is shown by the fact that the reduction in
the size of pathological growths is out of all proportion to the local
effects of cauterization, the decrease being continued after separation of
the eschars.

[The use of the words catalysis and electrolysis occurs so frequently in
the French and German writers that it would be well to discuss that
question here. There is no occasion for the use of two different words to
express the same physical effect. The word " electrolysis " at the pre-
sent time, as may be gathered from the previous pages, is used for the
convenient description of an artificial use of electricity to bring about
certain chemical changes in fluid or semi-fluid bodies. Its effects are well
known to chemists as forming an important factor for the production of

1 Onimus et Legros, Traitede 1' electricity medicale, 1872, p. 148 et seq.

2 Traite de tumeurs, Paris, 18G6, p. 174.

PHY8I08 OF B5LEOTKOLY8I8. 37

certain chemical reactions. The mn.-i Eamiliar illustration is known in
the case where sulphuric acid and water are placed together in a bottle
or glass generator for the decomposition of hydrogen. In this process the
metal zinc is immersed in the mixture to cause the movement of the

sulphur and oxygen elements towards the zinc, thus setting free the
hydrogen element in the form of gas. and the oxygen element combining
with the sulphur and zinc elements forms a salt of sulphate of zinc. The
disengagement of this originally formed combination of elements of
hydrogen and oxygen as water, causes the discharge of a force known to
physicists as electricity. The process of electrical discharge, or movement
in a fluid of products of decomposition of one body towards another, is
called electrolysis and represents a definite physical effect.

On the other hand, catalysis may mean anything, and generally is
referred to by the writer as expressing some immaterial or mysterious
agency which he himself cannot describe. On this account, though used
by many writers as expressing an agency which is familiar to the person
using the word, it should not be used in a common sense, because this
use tends to mislead the reader.]

Gruh * states that, not only will the currents produce decompo-
sition of the water around the electrodes in the tissues of the human
body, but they will also act upon the tissues in proportion to the
rapidity of the decomposition of the water. A weak current can pro-
duce extensive decomposition of tissue if continued a sufficiently long
time; for instance if a couple of zinc and copper plates are strapped over
an ulcer. Batteries which are employed for electrolysis are composed of
a large number of small-sized plates, and the current from these is very
painful. It is important that the battery should have great chemical poAver
and should cause but little pain. Groh thinks that a battery arranged
for heat would he the most suitable for electrolysis — that unless the current
be passed through a closed circuit, and thus be brought in contact with
the tissues, its thermic effects will not be developed. This heat effect will
not be produced unless the needles touch each other. lie calls the
action by the name of catalysis if the electrodes are applied to the cutan-
eous surface by means of moistened electrodes, as sponges dipped in salt
water: and electrolysis, where needles are thrust into the skin, and thus
carry the current into the deeper tissues. lie uses common sewing needles,

1 Groh, Die Electrolyse in der Chirurgie, Weill, 1871.

38 ELECTROLYSIS.

which are connected by copper wire and insulated by a covering of gutta
perclia. Clinical experience shows that physical action, possibly even
absorption, can thus be effected by the surface contact by means of
moistened electrodes, or by what Groh calls catalysis; it would be accom-
plished only with currents of comparatively high tension or by currents
of great quantity, on account of the great resistance offered by the skin.
Groh states that the battery should always be tested before its use in
regard to its power of decomposing water. He used Frommhold's bat-
tery, of thirty-two cells, and when he wished a stronger action than he
could obtain from this, a Grove or a zinc and iron battery. He advises
against the use of steel needles or those made of zinc. Needles made of
these metals oxidize too easily.

The advantages, claimed by Groh, for the treatment of electrolysis are:

1. Diminished pain and odor of cancer.

2. In tumors no hemorrhage.

3. Size of affected glands can be reduced in cancer.

4. Very little nervous shock.
Its disadvantages:

1. Cost of battery.

2. Cleaning and repairs of battery.

3. Time required for treatment.

4. Non-portability of large batteries.

A review of the literature of the subject of the action of electrolysis
exhibits strange inconsistencies among writers of note; it will be instruc-
tive to present this review somewhat in detail.

Another author1 states that Berthelet has shown experimentally, that
electrolysis may be possible in two ways: first, the action of electrolysis
will be the smallest where the heat-current has been shown to be the least;
and, vice versa, where the heat-current has been shown to be the strongest,
the amount of electrolysis will be proportionally greatest; and, again, that
no decomposition will be produced where the heat produced by the
battery is less than that absorbed by the electrolyte in its decomposition.
His experience shows that the most advantageous conditions are those in
which the internal resistance of the battery equals the resistance of the
electrolyte. A current passing through several conductors will be divided
proportionally to their several resistances.

1 E. Doumer, Do 1'emploie des courunts elect riques en chirurgie, Paris, 1883.
Thesis, Chapter iii., Electrolysis.

tesistance.

Humidity.

2 to 80

18 to 25

G2 to 89

19 to 2-4

18 to 25

50 to 75

1G to 22

3 to 7

PHYSIOS OF ELECTROLYSIS. 39

The following table of resistances presented by the tissues of the
human body is taken Erom Eckhart. The resistance of the muscle is called
1. and the humidity is called 100.

Muscle,

Tendon, . . .

Nerves,

Cartilage,

Bone, ....

The resistance of the skin is inversely proportional to its degree of
moisture by imbibition, being greatest with dry skin.

Thus, it will naturally follow that the current strength should neces-
sarily be increased to overcome any increase in the resistance of the human
tissue comprised in the interpolar circuit.

All compound bodies in solution which act as conductors of electricity
do so as electrolytes. Doumer states that, in nearly all cases of electro-
lytical action there is produced, at the surface of the electrodes immersed
in the solution, " peculiar phenomena not completely understood," which
cause an enfeeblement of the strength of the current; this is known under
the name " polarization of the electrodes." Many writers explain this as
due to a partial recomposition of the products of decomposition, on account
of which a current is set in motion in a direction opposed to that which
comes from the battery, through the electrodes to the tissues, in which
the process of electrolysis is in operation.

The existence of this secondary or opposing current can easily be
demonstrated by the substitution of a galvanometer in the circuit, instead
of the battery circuit; by this means, it is proved that this opposing current
is in operation during the period of action of the primary current.

Doumer presents the following summaries of the laws which govern
the action of electrolysis in living tissues:

(Laws of Faraday.)

1. The decomposing force, or chemical power, will be the same in all
parts of the circuit.

2. The quantity of the electrolyte which is decomposed will be propor-
tional to the quantity of electricity passing in given time.

3. When the same current traverses successively several dissolved

40 ELECTROLYSIS.

binary compounds of the form AM, the weights of the elements, which are
separated, will be to each other as their chemical equivalents.

4. The internal chemical energy of each couple in the battery will be
equal to the external energy. Thus, chemical action is independent of
the number of couples when the battery is arranged in series, [for tension,]
and equal to their sum when arranged for surface, [for quantity.]

5. (Becquerel). When a current traverses dissolved binary compounds,
which are different from AM, the electro-negative body will follow the
preceding third law of Faraday. For instance, we should find in the
electrolysis of hydrochloric acid (HC1), a result of chloride of copper
(CuCl) and bichloride of copper (CuClJ, dissolved in a solution, and at the
negative electrode twice as much copper will be deposited from the pro-
tochloride as from the bichloride. This law of Becquerel is only hypothe-
tical, and is not clearly established.

This author proves by a system of elaborate calculation that the energy
of chemical action is equal in all parts of the circuit.

According to another writer, Scoutetten,1 the mode of action of
the current in cases such as a hydrocele with 100 grammes of fluid,
cannot well be explained by the amount of water decomposed; be-
cause each gramme which is decomposed ought to yield 200 litres
of gas; nor can the current in the short space of time required for
one sitting produce so much decomposition. The absorption of the
fluid must be either due to a mechanical transportation, by the theory of
electrical osmosis, which would occur in fluids through an animal mem-
brane without decomposition; or else this effect is caused by the process
of absorption through cell tissue from physiological stimulation; the
chemical effect would be due to a direct decomposition by electrolysis.
This last mode of action could only explain a small part of the resulting
decomposition. According to this same author, the escharotic action is

due:

First, to the local chemical effect, as is commonly supposed, but in his
opinion this is untenable; because a similar chemical action, which follows
the local application of potassa cum calce, requires six to ten minutes to
act as an escharotic; it is difficult to believe that the action of electricity is
so much more chemically active when small currents are employed.

Second, the unquestionable calorific action of the electrical current

1 France Med., 1865, xii., 469. De la methode elite eleotrolytique.

PHYSIOS OF ELEOTROLYSI8. 41

cannot be separated from the chemical, tor if the heatcurrenl be reduced,
the power as well as the chemical effects of the battery is likewise dim-
inished.

Third, electricity by its too powerful functional stimulation, probably
from the very high tension of the current, may produce ecchymosis of the
muscle and even gangrene; in the same way that animals overdriven will
have the same condition of ecchymosis of their muscles. The eschars form
only at the point of surface contact of the electrodes with the skin, be-
cause these eschars themselves protect by insulation the underlying tissue.

Electricity has not only a temporary and local action, but also an action
upon the deeper tissues. According to this author a large number of
small elements having a feeble chemical action are preferable to the use of
three or four elements which have large surface. The coagulation of
blood produced by the contact of the electrodes, as well as the cauteriza-
tion, are the result of the chemical action; "but there is more than
this."1

Yon Beetz * states that conduction may take place for the passage of
electricity with or without decomposition; it may occur in fluids without
decomposition, e.g. mercury, but usually fluids undergo a decomposition.
Again bromine, which is not decomposable, will not conduct at all: the
same is true with pure water. By way of explanation it should not be over-
looked that where conductors, whether liquid or solid, offer very slight re-
sistances, it is generally known that the constitution of these conductors is
not subject to alteration, so far as their cbemical composition is concerned.

Tripier 3 contends that interpolar action will depend upon which of the
poles are used, i.e. there is one polarization at the positive electrode, aud
also there is another at the negative. There are some cases of diseased tis-
sue in which one should be used in preference to the other. His expe-
rience up to the present time has not been sufficient to guide his selection.
In " tubular" cauterizations he prefers the negative electrode. It is not
however, in his opinion, correct to conclude that a special " resolutive "
action resides in the negative electrode, since the positive also has sonic
such action. Tripier, in support of his opinion, reports a case where an
orchitis was cured by the positive electrode applied to the surface of the
scrotum, and the negative electrode applied to the perineum, or was held

1 Idem, xxiv., 769. Onimus.

9 Von Beetz, Grundzttg-e der Elektricitatslehre. Stuttgart, 1878.

3 Tripier, Arch. Gen. de Med., vii, 48, 1881.

42 ELECTROLYSIS.

in the patient's hand. He also reports a case of ulceration on the anterior
surface of the tibial region, which had been unsuccessfully treated in
hospital during several months, to which he applied the positive electrode;
improvement commenced after the first application and complete cicatriza-
tion after the ninth sitting, as well as disappearance of the oedematous
infiltration of the tissue. The introduction of a catheter may be managed
without pain, if passed during the state of negative polarization of the
urethra, which is independent of any appreciable cauterization; dilatation
also of an urethral stricture by the local action of the negative electrode
used as a catheter may be painlessly performed, and this will persist longer
than when mere mechanical dilatation has been employed.

Sometimes, where there is an ulceration of the mucous surface at the
stricture, it is more advisable to use the positive electrode, after which a
healing of the ulcer as well as a permanent cure of the stricture will
follow. These therapeutical applications tend to show that polarization
will destroy the sensation of tissues in the interpolar circuit. This
therapeutical application will be described more at length in another
chapter; it is here mentioned simply to show an illustration of the local
action of the chemical current upon the living tissue.

Neftel ' states that Bruns obtained only negative effects by the use of
electrolysis, while G-roh showed that the action was simply that of a
caustic. These writers, however, seem to have used batteries arranged for
high tension on the supposed principle that, as the current was to pass
through the high resistance of the human body, this would be the most
serviceable current for application in the treatment of tumors.

Ciniselli,2 seems to have devoted his attention to the practical applica-
tion of the electrical current, to its local action in the blood and other
tissues of the living organism; he does not seem to have concerned himself
as much with a study of the various forms of electrical current, and appar-
ently prefers only the current which can be derived from the arrangement
in Volta'spile, that is, to couple the discs of the Voltaic pile in simple series
for tension. According to this writer a battery to produce sufficient chemi-
cal power should be composed of several small elements (arranged as above
described). He also preferred to use for an electrode a metal which was

1 Neftel, Die elektrolytischen Behandlung Boesartiger geschwuelste. Repr.
from Vircl iow*s Arch., lxxv.

2 Ciniselli, De Taction eliimique de r61ectrieite\ Gaz. des Hop., Paris, 1862,
xxxv., p. 486, Resum6 par Velpeau. Also idem 688, xxi., p. 206.

PHY8I08 <»F ELEOTBOLY8I8. 43

capable of being attaoked by tin- products of decomposition; these should
be directly inserted, one at each of two points, and the surface of bissne
to which the opposite pole ia applied should be sufficiently moistened to
favor the conduction of the current. 11' electro-puncture he employed
with iron needles there will be seen an inflamed red border of the elevated
epidermis around the needle of the negative electrode, and serum (water?)
will escape from the needle puncture; the needles can be easily removed,
and their extraction is accompanied by the expulsion of the decomposed
gases with crepitation. In his later operations Giniselli preferred the em-
ployment of zinc electrodes, because this metal is acted upon by the pro-
ducts of decomposition. When it is remembered, however, that the zinc
pole of a chemical battery even in a solution of inorganic salts will be
surrounded with gas, and become insulated, it is difficult to understand
why the same insulation will not take place around the zinc electrode when
thrust into the living tissues; these tissues must be the seat of organic
chemical decomposition of a very complicated character. The point of
insertion, as is remarked with truth by Giniselli, presents an eschar which
resembles that produced by a caustic alkali, especially ammonia; but it
should be stated furthermore that this author makes mention that the
eschar produced from a caustic alkali involves deeper tissues than that
which follows the local application of the electrode. If the track of the
electrodal eschar be laid open it is found to extend to the depth of inser-
tion of the needle, and is in the shape of a cone the base of which is at
the skin. The author refers only to the effect of the negative electrode.

He describes the effect of contact of the positive electrode with the
skin as somewhat different; after weak currents there is a small black
point, not an eschar, but which is due to the oxygenation of the blood;
this detaches itself without ulceration of the Burrounding tissues after
stronger currents; in addition, there is formed a dry yellow areola, which
is deep and depressed without the development of gas or liquid; the iron
needle can be withdrawn with slight difficulty, and will afterwards he
found rusty with a dull point, and the open puncture will appear like a
little round hole; the tract will be limited to the immediate vicinity of the
needle, and a superficial ulceration will remain.

The writer of this treatise differs from this opinion of Ciniselli: the
insertion of an annealed electro-positive needle made of iron is followed
by the appearance of a small red point, which is a little larger than the
needle which has been used, and is accompanied by a much smaller

44 ELECTROLYSIS.

amount of water than would appear at the needle of the negative electrode,
and also, with less gas: but, though there is rarely any oedematous in-
filtration near the puncture, the areola is at first red, and afterwards
becomes bluish red. This last color will persist for several' days or even
weeks. It is quite true that no dry scab will result, for the exudation is
too scanty to form an eschar; when Ciniselli used gold or platinum needles
he reports that the destroying action went deeper into the tissues. In these
cases the local destructive action takes place rapidly with the develop-
ment of considerable gas and accumulation of water, and the appearance
of a frothy foam; the eschar was, also, conical, larger, softer and deeper.

Ciniselli speaks of the importance, especially in the treatment of an-
eurisms, of a clear understanding that the oxidation of an iron needle
makes a protecting layer around the needle; there will be more protec-
tion afforded by the positive, on account of the larger amount of oxygen
which collects at that electrode, than at the negative electrode to which
the hydrogen primarily is attached. The inflammatory action is usu-
ally slight, unless erysipelas be present, especially when important organs
are involved; probably because in our opinion these latter tissues offer
a better conducting medium from the fact that they are more fully
supplied with blood. Suppuration, according to Ciniselli, may occur
around eschars: at the negative electrode on the fifteenth to the six-
teenth day, and on the sixteenth to the eighteenth (rarely the thirteenth
to the sixteenth) for the positive, at which time a separation of the
eschar will take place. The period required for the separation of these
eschars will vary, somewhat with the individual case, but the formation
of eschar will always separate in the same individual at the seat of the
positive electrode, sooner than at that of the negative electrode. The
scab at the positive electrode is hard and dry from the first; that at the
negative at first is soft and moist, and becomes still more so from subse-
quent suppuration, but after the eleventh day it will become dry and black.

There is this difference between an eschar produced by electricity
and that by a chemical caustic; the former attains its maximum at
once and does not subsequently enlarge, while the latter acts in the op-
posite manner. Cicatrization takes place under a scab on the twentieth
to the twenty-fourth day. Varnishing has been tried to prevent the
local action on the external skin; but. according to the above writer cauteriz-
ing of the skin is produced by the use of unoxidizable needles (gold, plati-
num, etc.,) and by the use of a needle as the negative electrode, before it

PHYSICS OF ELECTROLYSIS. I .'.

has been surrounded by a clot which lias been formed by the action of the
positive electrode upon the blood. The best insulation of the surround-
ing tissues is that which is furnished by the black oxide of iron. A
battery should be employed, winch possesses the least possible tension

combined with considerable chemical power, as well as tension. Ciniselli
prefers the arrangement of twenty to fifty discs, (coupled in series) like
Volta's pile. Each of these discs should have a diameter of live to ten
centimeters, and should be moistened with vinegar; this battery should
maintain an action for an hour, and the effect is not severe, and is easily
watched. 1 Ee refers to its application to cases of aneurism. Great current
tension will cause pain, and a rapid action from the battery will not be
limited to the selected portions of the tissues. According to this author,
two Bunsen cells or six DanielPs cells will afford a sufficiently strong cur-
rent and will not cause too strong heating action on the skin. It will be
advisable to test the strength before the application is made on a patient.
This can be calculated by decomposition of acidulated water. One
part sulphuric acid and thirty of water, when mixed together and sub-
mitted to electrolysis, should yield from 35.125 cubic millimeters of the
mixed gases of decomposition per minute. Gold or platinum needles
should be used for the purpose of powerful cauterization; in order to
obtain the best chemical effects the current should be constant; carbon
electrodes cannot conveniently be used because they develop heat from
their own resistance. The electrode should be adapted to as close a con-
tact with the skin as possible; if the epidermis should be hard and dry, a
local skin bath may be previously taken in order to soften it; the skin must
not be dripping wet, as the current will be dissipated. The same effect may
result with too feeble currents; for if the acids and alkalies are produced in
too small amounts to cauterise, they may irritate and cause a flow of serum
(sic ?) which will disperse the current. A continuous effect may be obtained
by a couple of metallic plates on the skin, preferably on a raw surface: the
greatest effect is under the zinc pole. The effect of the electric thermo-
cauterisation may be prevented by the occurrence of a hemorrhage. The
apparatus required to heat a platinum wire to a white heat is costly, diffi-
cult to manage, and its action can not easily be limited; the chemical
action on the other hand is easily managed even in long tracts surrounded
by important organs. The action in the latter case is slower and the
eschars more profound. Compared to chemical caustics, the effect is the
same in less time, without the same degree of pain; zinc and copper plal

46 ELECTROLYSIS.

locally applied to skin are not usually to be preferred, because the action
will be too painful and slow; frequently there is no visible action except
under the zinc plates. These may be used as revulsants in profound articu-
lar alterations and in diseases of the nervous system; good effect some-
times follows their use in chronic ulcers.

Tripier ' discusses the question of electrolysis by propounding the query:
— What passes in the interpolar zone ? Can the theory of Grotthiis be ap-
plied here: that the terminal molecules of an electrolyte are decomposed,
the acid going to the positive and the alkali to the negative, while a re-
composition of the remaining elements continually goes on with adjacent
molecules? This is only an hypothesis; " it responds to nothing appar-
ent." If the positive pole be placed on the tongue an acid taste is devel-
oped; similarly an alkaline taste results from the negative pole. If now
the positive pole be placed on the cheek and the negative in the hand the
same effect is obtained, and similarly with the negative on the cheek; the
explanation of this fact seems to be in an extension of Grotthiis' theory,
that at (and also around) the poles there is an " atmosphere " of acid [or
alkali] developed. That is to say, that there is a territory around each
pole which partakes in chemical reaction of the characteristic of the
governing pole. This view is confirmed by the fact that if the two elec-
trodes are placed one on each cheek, a taste neither acid nor alkaline, but
metallic, is developed, which shows a neutral zone as might be expected;
the latter is intensified by the breaking of the current. Thus the current
extends beyond the poles, and it has the power to supply the tissues with
elements in their nascent condition. This excitement is not limited in
time to the duration of the current, because the polarised zone gives a
secondary reverse current after the cessation of the battery current.
Tripier thinks that the electrolytical theory is insufficient to account for
the work done in causing resorption of liquid tumors; this is due to the
reaction of the nervous apparatus and to the modification of the circula-
tory conditions. The nervous reaction develops slowly after cessation of
current. Thus from the passage of the current there result: 1, the elec-
trolytic decomposition, 2, the polarisation of the electrode, as was a priori
shown by Grotthiis and proved by Tripier's gustatory experiments. The
consecutive residts are: 1, the subsequent combination of the liberated
acids and alkalies with the tissues, and 2, to polarisation succeeds de-

1 Tripier, Galvano-caustique et electrolyse. Bull. Gen. de Therap., cl., p. 348,
1881.

PHYSICS OF ELECTROLYSIS. 17

polarisation, which does Qot manifest itself under the conditions in prac-
tical medicine, and would occur unperoeived. But if the circnil Bhonld
be broken [the circuit of an interposed galvanometer remaining in contact

with the parts] the current resulting from the depolarisation becomes at
once evident from its inverse direction; the same result will occur when,
after the circuit is broken it be again closed. However, the current which
is obtained directly from the battery, that of polarisation, is the only one
of which we have any means of recognition in electro-therapeutics; the
greatest therapeutical effect, according to Tripier, is that which occurs
subsequent to the current. He has used the "tubular cauterization"
with good effect in the opening of buboes, abscesses, etc. He has experi-
enced very good results from this treatment in abscesses of the labia majora;
in two of these cases the cure was absolute, although in one of them the
return of the abscess would repeatedly recur after periodical spontaneous
openings.

From this review, it would appear that no very definite explanation of
the modus operandi of electrolysis in the action upon living tissues has re-
ceived the sanction of medical electricians. Very little attention seems
to have been paid to the effect of electricity in the life and nutrition of
the living cell, at least in the animal organism; more attention has, how-
ever, been paid to the effect of the action of electricity on the cultivation
of plant life. It would perhaps be advisable to close this present chapter
with a brief summary of the actual facts which may be gathered from the
various observations of authorities, the details of which have been re-
hearsed in the preceding pages.

First, there appear to be local actions of the electrodes upon their
points of contact with the living tissues.

(a) These local actions may be subdivided into the results which are
caused by the character of the electrodes employed; — if metallic electrodes
are applied to the surface of the dry skin, the current will pass with diffi-
culty through the circuit of the body, unless these metallic electrodes be
thoroughly moistened, so that the skin also is well wetted; consequently
the strength of the current must be increased, in order to drive a sufficient
tension of electrical impulse through the resistance of this skin; in this
case we shall obtain a different action from that of the electro-chemical
decomposition which is usually ascribed to true electrolysis.

(b) There appears to be another action than that of pure electrolysis
which has also its effects upon tissue changes: This is the physical effect

48 ELECTROLYSIS.

of electrical osmosis, or the cataphoric action of electricity; this peculiar
property is the same for all fluid bodies, and consists of the power of
actually transferring the particles of fluid towards the negative electrode.
There seems to be a sufficient amount of evidence adduced to show that
the particular form of the tissues in the human body is so arranged, by
means of porous mediums and the disposition of their contained water or
saline solutions, to favor especially this cataphoric action of electricity.
By means of this physical principle we may assume that there is an
accumulation of the saline and watery solutions at the negative electrode;
from this accumulation the effects of nutrition and metabolism of these
tissues nearest to the electrodes must be subjected to some action, which
may assist or retard the functional activity of cell life. At any rate, we
have the right to assume that the saline materials of the tissues must go
along with the water thus transferred by the process of electrical osmosis,
and it is these substances which affect the nutrition of the cells.

(c) If the electrodes are formed of metallic needles, which are inserted
into the deeper tissues, it is supposed by some authorities that the current
passes more readily through the human body from one electrode to the
other. Unfortunately for this theory of a different effect to be ascribed to
use of the electro-puncture, the current strength is no more readily conveyed
by this method than by the use of moistened electrodes which are applied
to the surface of the skin.1 Ciniselli states that the skin should only be
moistened and not dripping wet, " for fear of dissipating the current." It
can readily be determined by any one who will make the trial, that a
weaker current is actually carried through the human body by means of
the electro-puncture, even when several needles are thus inserted, than
by the surface contact of sufficiently large moistened electrodes; a gal-
vanometer and a rheostat will easily bear witness to this fact, which has
frequently been observed in the author's experience.

(d) There is shown by the experience of most every observer that the
local action at the points of contact of the electrodes with the skin will be
followed by a different effect, dependent upon the strength of the current
employed. When the current is stronger, the eschars will be more marked
and in a shorter period of time than when the current strength is weaker.
A difference in the appearance of the eschars will depend upon the pole

1 This is proved by the comparative amount of deviation of the galvanometer
needle, which is placed within the external circuit in either ease.

PHYSIOS OF ELECTROLYSIS. 49

which is observed; thai at the positive will be dry and small and hard, as
compared with that developed at the negative electrode, and vice verad.

(c) When the electrode is applied to the dry Bkin on a wel compress, the
primary action will consist of a rabefaction. CTnlessthe moistened contact

be allowed to become dry, no eschar, with currents such as ordinarily
are used, will be formed npon the skin in less than twenty minutes; and
only then, when the skin exposed to its action is what is generally called
tender.

(/*) When the electrodes are formed of metallic needles the degree of
local action will depend npon the metal of which these are composed.
If they be composed of iron or steel the oxidation of these metals at
the positive pole will cause their partial insulation; this will have the
effect of lessening their power of conduction, and consequently of weaken-
ing their local action, as, also, the strength of the resulting current. If
these metals be first annealed they will not so readily become oxidized. If
platinum be used as an electro-needle the current will be conducted more
readily, and the local action at the puncture through the skin will be
more intense; and, if the current be continued long enough, there may
result a local process of inflammation or of suppuration. If these
needles be made of gold or silver the same effects will follow. If these
needles be made of zinc, the local action will be more severe than in the
preceding cases; yet, the skin or its hypertrophied tissue will form at
the puncture a drier scab, which is equal in extent to that produced by
the previously mentioned metals offering good conduction.

Second, the effect upon the changes in the deeper lying tissues is also
dependent upon the character of the electrodes employed for their contact
with these tissues.

(a) The moistened electrodes applied to the surface of the skin appear
to produce some feeble action upon the deeper tissues which underlie
them. This action is rather feeble and slow, but still the preponderance of
the evidence will show that the action will result frequently in tissue
absorption, or of resolution of hypertrophied tissue growths, and ought to
be ascribed to the cataphoric action of electricity, which has heen pre-
viously described. In fact, the evidence is strongly in support of the
theory of promoting endermic absorption of medicinal substances in this
manner.

(b) The method of electro-puncture does certainly effect the destruc-
tion of that portion of the skin directly brought in contact with the elec-

50 ELECTROLYSIS

trodes; and, where these tissues are particularly vascular, the destruction
is greater and is more rapidly accomplished; on the other hand, where the
tissue has less amount of blood supply, the process of destruction is more
feeble and more slowl}" accomplished.

(c) Electro-puncture produces a much more rapid resolution of hyper-
trophied structure than can be accomplished by the surface contact of
moistened electrodes applied to the skin; this resolution would appear to
be more easily effected, when the irritating action around the punctures
is not too intense; thus the long continued electrolytical effect of a weak
current will promote this resolution better than the short action of a
strong current. Another superior advantage to be gained from the pro-
longed action of a feeble current consists in restricting the effects of the
resolutive action to the tissue which is the especial object of attack, and
in this way the risk of causing the spread of inflammatory action beyond
the point selected for electrolysis will be lessened.

(d) Currents of high tension will undoubtedly cause a greater effect
upon the tissues embraced within the inter polar region, but their action
cannot always be restrained to this region, and the action upon the adjoin-
ing tissues may produce troubles of inflammation which, in the case of
serous membranes, may provoke dangers that should be avoided by the
operator; because the electrolytical action properly so-called is not due to
secondary effects of inflammation; or at least, it shoiild show its effects
upon the nutrition of the cell, and thus expend its energy in the effect
of quietly, and not violently, inducing destructive metabolism.

The effects of electrolysis, which are the result of the resistance which
the current meets in the tissues, can be more correctly understood in the
light of the knowledge of the physical laAvs of the resistance of electricity
and of dilfusion of currents. These are described in a following chapter.

CHAPTER III.
THE BATTEEIES FOB ELECTROLYSIS.

The mistake is often made by those who have not Btudied into the
question, that an electrical battery is a simple matter of selection, and that
it should only answer the requirements of portability and convenience in
practical use. In the commercial uses of electricity, no battery has yel
been found that perfectly meets the requirements, yet in medicine physi-
cians seem content with apparatus which the commercial electrician has
discarded. The inconveniences of an electrical battery may be comprised
under the following heads.

first, the space required: — It is often a great inconvenience to place
a battery in a house or office, on account of the necessary amount of room
which is required for the large number of cells composing it. The battery
is often relegated to a closet or cellar; rather than to bring conducting
wires through the walls or floor of his office a physician is induced to buy
a cabinet battery. These batteries are often too costly for the regular
practitioner. It would be much wiser to buy the kind of battery which
should be contrived so as to furnish that particular form of current which
the practitioner will find most particularly fitted for his special require-
ments. Portability and effectiveness of the battery are generally incon-
venient inconsistencies; moreover, it is difficult for the physician to repair
u portable battery, which is liable to become unsuited for its work from
the warping of the wood of which the box is made, or from the corrosions
and oxidations of its various metallic connections.

Second, the destructibility of the battery electrodes: — If by accident
the terminals of the battery an; left in connection, the zinc elements will
naturally be wasted by the continuance of the chemical action in the
battery solution. This inconvenience can be obviated by placing the bat-
tery in such a position that its various parts can be easily overlooked and
examined without taking the battery down.

Thirds the evaporation or spilling of the liquid from the battery
cell: — This inconvenience is more likely to occur in the boxes of portable
batteries in which the cells are placed; and can he obviated by placing

52 ELECTROLYSIS.

the galvanic cells which form the battery in some cool damp place. If
the battery is inspected once a month, not enough water will evaporate
within that period to do any material damage.

Fourth, single fluid batteries: — These soon exhaust themselves when
not in use. To obviate this difficulty many of the older batteries, snch
as, the bichromate battery, Stohrer's, Trouve's, should be so arranged
that the battery elements (electrodes) could be removed from the solution
and thus stop the electro-chemical action when not required for use; most
of the modern batteries, however, are now so arranged that electro-chem-
ical action in the galvanic cells will cease when the terminal wires are
not in connection.

Fifth, variations in the electro-chemical action and inconstant strength
of the electrical current while the cells are in use: — This is one of the
most important inconveniences for a battery which is to be used for elec-
trolysis; because in some of its practical applications to medicine, a battery
may be kept in constant use for half an hour to two hours. This in-
convenience and objection can only be overcome by selecting that form
of galvanic cell, in which the electro-chemical action is tolerably constant
when at work. This objection will be more fully discussed later on.
(See page 57.)

The most suitable forms of battery used for electro-metallurgy cannot,
for obvious reasons, be adapted for electrolysis of living tissues. The
substances subjected to electrolysis in the arts are usually immersed in
the solutions contained in the galvanic cells. Daniell's sulphate of cop-
per cell, which, in its improved form, is used so generally in telegraphy,
has been until recently the most constant and uniform galvanic cell for
continuous service. It is, however, a dirty cell, and has to be kept con-
stantly under inspection, and the porous cell is apt to be incrusted with
copper.

The galvanic cell, sometimes known by the name of Callaud's, or gravi-
tation cell, has a very constant action, and is so arranged that the differ-
ence in the specific gravity of the resulting salts, of sulphate of copper
and sulphate of zinc, will keep these two solutions separated so that the
upper surface of one solution is in contact with the lower level of the
other; it thus provides for a continuous electro-chemical action so long
as the solutions are saturated, and the vessels containing them are at rest.
Its electro-motive force is about equal to that of the Daniel] cell. An
inconvenience is shown in the use of this cell bv the fact that the vessels

THE BATTERIES FOR ELECTROLYSIS.

should constantly remain in a state of rest to prevent the mixing of the
two solutions which arc kept apart only by their difference in specific
gravity.

The Bnnsen and Grove's cells are not convenient for medical use,
though their electro-motive force and constancy are all that can be desired;
these objections, and others besides those mentioned in respect to the
Daniel! and the gravitation cells, will naturally arise from the disadvan-
tage in the expense of maintenance and the necessity for their being dis-
mounted after each time they are used. The electromotive force of these
batteries is here given, because they art' referred to in other portions of
this treatise. Electromotive force of these cells as compared to that of
Grove's: —

Grove's cell taken as a unit,
Bunsen's,
Marie-Davy,

Daniell's, ....
Chloride of silver,
Smee's (when not in action),
" (when in action), .

100
76
76
56
62
57

Taken upon the unit of measurement, of a volt, which will be ex-
plained later on:

Grove's cell gives an electro-motive force of

. 2.00 volts

Bunsen's ......

. 2.00 "

Marie-Davy ....

. 1.50 "

Daniell's ....

. 1.08 "

Smee's

. 1.00 "

Leclanche ....

. 1.50 "

Bichromate of Potassa

. 2.00 "

Chloride of silver

. 1.00 "

Gravitation cell

. 1.08 "

The chloride of silver battery is usually formed of many small cells;
consequently, it is the most convenient form of portable battery, is quite
durable, and has a constant action: in this battery the silver ribbon is
encased in chloride of silver covered with unsized paper, but unless it is
very carefully made it soon becomes useless. The materials of which it is

54 ELECTROLYSIS.

made being naturally expensive, its initial cost is very high; the cost of
repair is also very great unless the materials are saved. Its internal re-
sistance is from four to seven ohms per cell, which is nearly six to twelve
times more than that of the Leclanche cell. Its electromotive force is
only two thirds of this latter cell.

As before stated, the most important consideration which should govern
the selection of a battery for purposes of electrolysis, is that of constancy.
The strength of the current, that is, its electromotive force divided by
the resistance of the circuit, may be regulated by the number of cells used
in proportion to the resistance in the external circuit. The matter of
constant or inconstant strength of current is one which can be governed
only by the form of the galvanic cell of which the battery is composed.

In the portion of this treatise devoted to the practical application of
electrolysis in diseased tissues, it will be noticed that the electromotive
force of a battery need not exceed thirty volts. It should be observed,
however, that where there is great resistance in the external circuit, there
should be sufficient current strength given by a galvanic battery, not only
to overcome this resistance, but also to be conveyed to and displayed in
that portion of the tissues which is selected for treatment. In the chap-
ter devoted to a consideration of the laws of resistance and diffusion of
current the reader will notice, that there may be cases where the trans-
mission of the electrical current meets with so much opposition, that it
becomes necessary to have an excess of the original current strength;, this
should be sufficient to induce chemical action through the resistance
in circuit. It will there be learned that the poorer the conductor of
electricity, the greater will have to be the initial strength of current to
convey a sufficient quantity to cause the physical changes which result in
the alteration of organic structures. It should, however, be here stated
that any peculiar difference in the effect of a current which may originate
from many cells, rather than from a single one, is not due to any difference
in the current itself, but should be ascribed to the difference of relation
which exists between the current within the galvanic cell and that in the
circuit which is external to the cell. In reality, two currents generated
from different sources, which give off equal quantities of electricity, must
be equal in power. The quantity of electricity is measured by the amount
of work which it accomplishes, and the strength of the current is repre-
sented by this amount of work done in a unit of time.

"We have already seen that an electricized body exerts a repelling force

THE BATTERIES V(>\l ELECTROLYSIS. f>.">

upon ;i body Charged with a similar kind of electricity. In order to over-
come the opposing energy an expenditure of a definite amount of force
must be used, which will be greater according to the higher amount of
electricity with which the opposing energy is brought in opposition.
Now, in bringing up this opposing force against the repelling force, a
large amount of expenditure is required which is riot appreciable because
it is neutralized by the energy which it opposes. By way of illustration,
if we raise a pound a distance of one foot we store up an energy of one
foot power, which if it be allowed to fall, will itself perform one foot
power of work. In the same way, if we set free a negative unit of elec-
tricity which we have raised to a potential of one unit, we shall find that
we have stored up an amount of energy which is equal to the amount of
work required to accomplish this; for in obeying the force of repulsion
this unit will go off to an infinite distance, thereby performing one equiva-
lent of work. " The fact that work has been done either in raising a
weight or in electrifying a body to a certain potential shows that there
has been a forcible disturbance of equilibrium, which nature will restore
at the first opportunity. The weight, then, will fall as soon as released,
and the unit charged will also fall as soon as given a medium, or con-
ductor, through which it can fall. The reason will now be plain
why electricity will flow through some substances; for we see that it
is only endeavoring to expend energy by falling from a higher poten-
tial to one of lower potential; and that the conductor is merely a
medium through which it can fall, in the same way that air is a
medium through which a weight can fall."1 Therefore, where the
body acts as a medium of conduction the amount of electricity which
flows into it from the point of origin, will, wherever it meets with
resistance, be continuously subjected to an expenditure of force, which
will be used up, or stored, as latent energy, and thus be deprived of its
power of acting as an electro-chemical equivalent in destroying the organic
compounds with which the electrode may be in contact. When, however,
this latent energy is free to act, it will perform work in some way or rather
upon living tissues whose composition forms a part of organic structures.
Therefore if an excess of current strength pass out from the body and
back into the galvanic cell from which it originated, its energy will be
expended in decomposing the chemical compositions which form this

1 Fisk: Electricity in Theory and Practice. New York, Van Nostrand, 1884.

56 ELECTROLYSIS.

organic structure, or else the energy furnished by electricity will be ex-
pended in producing some other form of energy.

Galvanic Battery. — A galvanic battery is formed by the union of
two or more galvanic cells. The theory of the action of these cells and
their union in galvanic batteries has been explained in the second chapter.
The methods of using these batteries will be presented in this present chap-
ter. From what has been already mentioned it will naturally follow that the
selection of a proper form of galvanic cell will depend upon the circum-
stances upon which it will be used for practical purposes. • It is extremely
doubtful whether electrolysis can be used in tissues in which the process
of destruction by disease is already seated; it is hardly probable that the
process of suppuration, or even inflammation, can be modified by electro-
lysis; but it is equally certain that the products of this suppuration or in-
flammation may be destroyed by the contact of an electrode placed directly
upon them and that the healthy tissues underneath may be stimulated to
form a healthy growth; this is especially true in the use of the positive
electrode, because this terminal has the property of generating an acid
reaction and repelling moisture. Great caution should be exercised by the
physician in the use of electrolysis in the cases referred to, lest the very
processes of disease or decay may themselves be hastened or increased.

It is also a question of judgment as to what quantity or strength of
current should be selected for use in a given case presented for treatment;
for there is a risk of stimulating the growth of abnormal tissue, the setting
up of inflammation, or of suppuration, in these tissues or others near
them. A careful analysis of the cases which have been published, many
of which have been collected in this treatise for the reader's information,
shows the necessity of this suggestive caution. We have indeed a weapon
which we may use as a destroying agent; yet, fortunately, the very con-
ditions under which electricity manifests itself in organic structures can
be bandaged, as it were, by the very principles upon which these mani-
festations are founded; thus we may exercise a needed caution to prevent
harmful injury. Experience will not only tell us when to make use of,
and when to avoid the use of, electricity as a curative agent, but will also
show us how to use in a skilful manner an agent whose property is
probably, as it is now known to us, a destroying engine. We should
^eek to employ it as a mechanic uses steam, remembering that the
very power which it possesses makes it useful only when restrained and
controlled by discretion. Hence, it is important to select that form of

THE BATTERIES FOB ELECTROLYSIS. 07

galvanic oell in buttery which will be appropriate to the effects which are
desired.

Fbrm of Battery for Electrolysis. — It is commonly supposed by physi-
cians, that a battery of galvanic cells are always united together, zinc with
copper and copper with zinc; and that if we wish to increase the current
Btrength, we have only to multiply the number of cells or to increase the
surface of the battery elements in these galvanic cells, as well as the sur-
face of the exciting chemical fluid in them. The following quotation is pre-
sented from DeWatteville:' " In order to obtain the strongest current possi-
ble with a given number of elements through various external resistances,
we should be able to alter their arrangement with every change of external
resistance, so as to make in each case the internal resistance equal to the
external resistance. Some writers have committed the error of taking
this statement to mean that under any circumstances, the best battery is
one in which the internal resistance is equal to the external resistance to
be overcome. This is pure nonsense; the statement concerning the
advantage of making the internal resistance equal to the external applies
only to cases where a given number of given cells has to be used for a
certain purpose. Whenever we are free to choose, we shall evidently
prefer the cells in which, cceteris paribus, resistance is smallest."

Those batteries produce the best effects of electrolysis whose electro-
chemical producing qualities are the best attainable. According to Fara-
day's law (as mentioned in a previous chapter) each IOX has its own
electro-chemical equivalent, and a given quantity of electricity (whether
administered in large amounts in a short space of time or in smaller
amounts during a longer space of time) should separate a given amount
of that IOX. The equivalents of an inorganic compound and their com-
bination in chemical salts, have been definitely determined and arranged
in tables (see page 18) which give these electro-chemical combining
equivalents. This has not only been established for the simple IONS, but
has also been calculated and determined for the complex IOX; thus it has
been proved that the electro-chemical equivalents of a complex IOX is
the sum of the electro-chemical equivalents of its component simple IOXS.
Therefore, Avhere we have to deal with the compositions of the inorganic
kingdom, the rules laid down in physics for the decomposition of chemi-
cal compounds can be safely followed and the battery can be mechanically

1 Medical Electricity. London, lssf, p, S6 and fool note to p. 37.

58 ELECTROLYSIS.

arranged to bring about these decompositions in a skilful and certain
manner; for this purpose the battery should be selected and arranged in
such a manner that it shall develop and deliver the electrical discharge or
disturbance in a constant manner and in sufficient volume, by means of
suitable conductors or conduits which will keep up a regular and uniform
decomposition. If we knew, as well, the physical laws which control the
composition of the elements of the organic kingdom, and if we did not
have such a variable conductor as the human body forms, we could formu-
late and arrange the amount of current strength which will cause the de-
composition of the elements from the definite structures which they form
in nature and life. Before we consider the question of the application
of the force of an electrical current in the decomposition of organic com-
pounds and their arrangement in the form of organic structure of living
tissue, it would be well to understand what is more positively known of
the arrangement of galvanic cells of a battery, and which are capable of
accomplishing most readily and conveniently the decomposition of inor-
ganic chemical compounds. It must be again remarked that the larger
the surface of the battery electrodes exposed to the chemical action of the
solution in the galvanic cells, cceterk paribus, the larger will be the quan-
tity of electrical force generated; this is again illustrated by the reservoir
governing the flow of water, for it is well known that the larger capacity
of a cistern the longer will be the supply of water; the higher also the
height of water in the cistern and the wider its outlet the greater
will be the quantity delivered in a unit of time. So, too, will be the effect
with the electrical current, or force, generated from the galvanic cell, if
the chemical action between metallic elements and the chemical com-
pound be more active, or, in other words, be less subject to variation in
the internal resistance of the galvanic cell.

It should be remembered that the disruption of the combining equiva-
lents will deliver up the latent energy which was stored in the original
combination, and that this liberated force must expend itself along the
path which the electrical current traverses, provided that path be unob-
structed. The force of the current would be expended in overcoming any
obstruction which it meets, and will appear in the display of some form of
energy. This latter effect is illustrated by the heating of a metallic wire,
platinum for instance, which is made small enough to oiler a resistance
to the flow of force exerted from too great a volume of electricity
which is discharged from the galvanic cell. In this case platinum acts as

THE BATTERIES FOE ELECTROLYSIS. 59

a conductor of electricity, but the electrical force meets with 1 1 1 « - obstruc-
tion offered by a thin wire which is also shorl enough to condud the
current through the circuit; but in doing this, the platinum molecules

arc so disturbed and set in active motion that heat is generated, ami if
the wires he too small the heat will be so great as to fuse the platinum in
its thinnest part: it' the wire is shorter and the current force no stronger,
the force passes along the platinum molecules with so much greater ease
that the disturbance is not sufficient to actuate the rapid vibration of the
platinum molecules, which move more slowly and the heat will be so les-
sened as to become inappreciable. This same effect can also he known
from the common illustration of a string of wooden halls suspended in
air and so arranged that each is in contact with the other in a direct line;
a light blow upon either end hall is communicated to the next and so on
until it is expended, and the ball at the opposite end is unaffected and
remains at rest; or the force may he so violent that it sets in motion every
ball and may even pass hack again over the same route. To follow the
comparison closely the reader may imagine the platinum wire to be formed
of a large number of platinum molecules always in contact, and in this
way he may apply the principle to each case.

Electricity is simply a force transmitted and the effects of transmission
may be represented and seen in many ways. Thermo-cautery and electro-
lysis are each translations of the same force. A heated wire and a chemi-
cal cautery may each be destroyers of living tissues, but the former cuts
like a knife and the latter acts like a destroying chemical. To produce
a thermo-cautery a battery of galvanic cells must be so arranged that a
large surface of battery electrodes should be exposed to a large amount of
an exciting solution, and the circuit which is external to the battery,
must be closed by a metallic conductor which will conduct the force with
just such resistance that the molecules will be set in rapid vibration. It
makes no difference whether the battery elements be only two in one cell
or many couples in several cells, provided in the latter case that all similar
metals be connected together by metal connections; in other words, all
the zincs shall be united together, and all the coppers or carbons he united
together. In this case the chemical decomposition occurring in the cir-
cuit within the cell expends its latent energy upon one element, which
latter translates its combination with another chemical into the active de-
velopment of electrical force, and is transmitted through the external cir-
cuit back again *to the opposite elements. (See Chap. II., page 15). A

60 ELECTROLYSIS.

qualification of this statement should be made which will be understood
by reference to page 58; viz., that if the couples of battery elements be
divided among a large number of cells rather than in one, for the pur-
pose of obtaining a larger surface of exposure to the chemical fluid, the
resistance occasioned by the distribution of the electrodes by metallic con-
nections is somewhat greater, than if they were in only one; because no
material substance is a perfect conductor of electricity. This is so evident
that it needs no further explanation.

In a general way it may be said that galvanic cells may be classified
under two varieties or classes, one of which contains the battery elements
and solutions in one vessel or cell; in the other class the two solutions
are separated in each cell by a porous medium, so that each element is
immersed in a separate solution.

]Sfo single- fluid battery can give an electrical current of uniform con-
stancy of strength, on account of the polarization caused in the solution;
this polarization, as has been before remarked, causes an insulation of the
battery electrodes, from the fact that, in the electrical discharge which
results from changing the electro-chemical substances from a higher to a
lower potential, another current is excited in the opposite direction, in
order again to restore the equilibrium between the two kinds of electricity.
It must be understood that electrical motion in a conductor is simply due
to its being charged only with one kind of electricity which is seeking a
combination with its opposite to restore electrical equilibrium; the metallic
element which dips into the fluid would be charged with one kind of
electricity while the chemical fluid is charged with the opposite kind.
Unless, therefore, there be some means in the cell of continuously charg-
ing these two opposite conductors, the metal and solution, the electrical
current will not be transmitted in an uniform or constant manner.
Hydrogen and oxygen, which are the products of decomposition in the
galvanic cell, will not recombine to form water unless favored by a suita-
ble conductor; but, owing to the laws of dissipation of energy, not all the
molecules of these two gases can recombine, because some of the latent
energy used in the recombination will be dissipated. Pure water itself
opposes a much higher resistance to the conduction of electricity than
any of the chemical solutions employed in a galvanic cell; the addition of
sulphuric acid decreases the resistance of water, but this acid oxidizes the
zinc used as an electrode; on the other band, the resulting sulphate of
zinc does not alter the character of the electro-chemical constituents which

THE BATTERIES FOB ELECTROLYSIS. ,->l

are usually employed in the exciting Said. Another serious objection
to Etingle-fluid galvanic cells will result from the tact <>f the continual

alteration, while the battery is in use. of the substance used in the solu-
tion as a depolarizer; in a cell which contains sulphuric acid solution this
acid will become gradually exhausted from use, and must be renewed
from time to time.

In the second class, the galvanic cell is so arranged that the materials
used in the exciting solution, as well as the depolarizing agent, are being
constantly renewed. In the Daniell cell, for instance, the zinc electrode
is immersed in a solution of sulphate of zinc, the copper electrode in a
saturated solution of sulphate of copper; the chemical reactions which
follow are, first: zinc combines with oxygen to form an oxide of zinc and
the latter comhining with sulphuric acid forms sulphate of zinc; second,
from the sulphate of copper in solution an oxide of copper is formed,
from which the oxygen is afterwards separated leaving metallic copper;
third, the oxygen collected at the zinc pole, and the hydrogen collected
at the copper pole, combine to form water; but owing to the fact, that
the decomposition and recomposition are constantly in process, this third
reaction neither adds to nor detracts from the electro-motive force of the
cell. The dynamic value produced in the Daniell cell by the combination
of one gramme of zinc with ox}rgen is equal to 1,301 heat units. 1.246
grammes of oxide of zinc combining with sulphuric acid is equal to 3G9
heat units. The equivalent quantity .9729 of a gramme of copper com-
bining with oxygen is equal to 5S8. 6 heat units. The combination of 1.22 1
grammes of oxide of copper with sulphuric acid is equal to 293 heat units.
The thermic equivalent of the wdiole chemical action to each gramme of
zinc is therefore 1301+3G9-(588.G+293) = :88.4. The electromotive
force of a Daniell cell is, furthermore, as calculated by Sir Wm. Thomson,
equal to about 112,000,000 heat units.

Siemens' and Halske's Battery. — This is a battery of the same kind as
the Daniell with the addition of a porous jar made of parchment paper.
This porous partition offers but little resistance. The copper in the shape
of a bell is placed at the bottom of a glass jar. Within the parchment
paper cell is placed a chimney within which is a mass of paper pulp.
which has been previously moistened with sulphuric acid and dried; the
zinc, made in the form of a very thick cylinder which is melted in a
mould, is then placed on top of the dried pulp. The supposed advantage
of this form of cell pertains to the fact, that the great thickness of the

62 ELECTROLYSIS.

porous jar suppresses almost completely the diffusion of the sulphate of
copper; and consequently the waste chemical action and unnecessary con-
sumption of zinc and sulphate of copper are avoided. The internal re-
sistance of this galvanic cell, however, is very great.

Bichromate of Potassa. — This battery originated with Poggendorff,
and generally is in the following form: the porous jar containing carbon
is placed in a glass vessel, in the latter of which is amalgamated zinc. The
zinc is immersed in dilute sulphuric acid (1:10). In the porous jar in
which the carbon is placed is a solution containing three parts of bichro-
mate of potassa, four parts of sulphuric acid, and eighteen parts of water.
Bichromate of Potassa is formed of

KO .... 47.11, as an equivalence;
2Cr03 . . . 100.56, "

and results in 147.67, total combining equivalence.

Sulphuric acid is formed of:

H03 . . . 40. as an equivalence;

HO . . . . 9.

and results in 49. total combining equivalents.

Four equivalents of sulphuric acid (HO-S03) will have a weight equal
to 49x4=196. Thus the theoretical proportion is that of 147 to 196, or
as 3 to 4.

The chemical reaction would be represented by the following equa-
tion: 3Zn+K02Cr03+ 7S03HO=3ZnOS03+ Cr2033S03+ KOS03+ 7HO.
Therefore one equivalent of bichromate of potassa (147.67) and seven
equivalents of sulphuric acid (49x7=343) are theoretically necessary.
The electromotive force of this battery at the beginning is about equal to
1. 77 to 1. 80, but the resistance within the cell increases very rapidly, so
that its action grows weaker and weaker after the first five minutes' use.
Puller's battery is a two-solution improved form of this bichromate
battery, and its electromotive force is about two volts, and its resistance
one ohm. The amalgamation of the zinc is an important modification of
this battery. A great objection to using this battery is the formation of
crystals of chrome alum, even when the battery is not at work.

A new form of battery has only recently been introduced, in which a
bichromate of soda solution is used instead of the bichromate of potassa.

THE BATTERIES FOB ELECTROLYSIS.

This batter; is called "The Volta Pavia battery." It contains a large

amount of solution, about six quarts, which is bichromate oi
[NasOaCr2OJ in dilute sulphuric acid [411— O- -H(SO )]; the chrome solu-
tion is placed outside the porous cell in which the carbon or poaitiye pole is

immersed, and the porous cell holds the solution of dilute sulphuric, acid
in which is immersed the zinc; both of the battery elements present a
large surface to a large quantity of fluid. The chemical reaction is:
In outer jar,

Na,< U'r.,< ),+4II-0-II(S03)=NagCrA(S02)4+4H-0-lI+30;
In the inner porous cup,

3H-Q-H(SO,)+3Zn=3ZnO(SO,)+3H-H.

Fig. 6.

The electromotive force of this battery (open circuit), = 2.2 volts.
The internal resistance of this battery equals .05 ohm.

The electromotive force of this battery (closed circuit), after 6 hours
work = 1.9 volts.

If the electromotive force of this cell is 2.23 volts, as claimed by its
inventor; and if the internal resistance is only .05 ohm, this new cell
would give the current which passed through an external circuit of negli-
gible resistance 44.6 amperes; this would be capable of precipitating
178.4 grammes of silver per hour, or 5.31 grammes of copper, or of de-
composing .41646 gramme of water per Becond. It should be noticed
that this form of cell produces the strong ampere current from the fact

64 ELECTROLYSIS.

of the very small amount of its internal resistance which is claimed by its
inventor. In the case of the external resistance being greater the effect
would be caused of reducing this ampere strength by an amount corres-
ponding with this external resistance. There are other advantages claimed
for this particular form of cell; these consist of the constant and prolonged
action with smaller corresponding loss of current strength as compared with
other batteries. If the few trials which the author of this treatise has made of
this cell be of any value, it would certainly appear that the constant action
of this form of cell is the best of any of those which he has tried. It is
claimed as the working power of the bichromate of soda battery, that an
incandescent electric lamp of a low resistance can be maintained for three
hundred hours.

The various forms of battery are so numerous, that it would seem
hardly worth while to describe all of those which are in common use.
The above description of the two general classes into which the various
forms may be divided, will give a sufficient information, from which other
and newer forms of battery may be selected for the use of electrolysis in
medicine.

The great object to be desired in the application of electrolysis can be
met by any form of galvanic cell, in which the electrical current is kept
in motion in a constant manner and of sufficient volume, to keep up a
regular and uniform chemical action of the organic structures we seek to
modify.

Another convenient form of battery in the author's experience is made
up of what is called the cylinder cells. This cell is an improved modifica-
tion of that which is known under the name of the Leclanchc. In this
form of cell, illustrated in figure A, the zinc is immersed within the
carbon cylinder, as shown in the sectional view of plate B, of the same
illustration. The electromotive force of this cell in open circuit in ordi-
nary use measures 1.4 volts with an internal resistance of 1.5 ohms. A
description of this cell is given under the head of the Leclanchc- cell.

The two elements or battery electrodes should have the property of
being rapidly depolarized. In short, an effective battery should not allow
of the collection and adhesion to the cell elements of the ANIONS and
KA TI0N8 which would in such cases impede the flow of the electro-
chemical bodies to the elements, and thus obstruct their action, and
make the current discharge unequally and ineffectively. A cell which
contains as an exciting fluid a solution of bichromate of potassa is incon-

TIIK BATTERIES FOR ELECTROLYSIS.

venient for constancy of work, though its initial electromotive force is
very high as compared with other galvanic cells. This single-fluid eel] is

liable to become rapidly polarized, thus increasing its internal resistance,
when in use Cora lew moments. Agitation of the solution may remedy
temporarily this polarization, but the deposit of secondary chromate salts,
which is insoluble in a crystalline form around the battery electrodes
and on the glass cell, will soon increase the internal resistance of the ele-
ments within the cell, and in this way impede tin; chemical action; thus

Fig.

the frequent renewal of the exciting solution is required. Single-fluid
cells, of which this has been the most popular in use, have now quite
generally passed out of medical use.

The regular Leclanchc cell which is so generally knoAvn from its com-
mon use is not a convenient working battery for closed circuits, that is
for a continuous use of the electrical current. Its initial electromotive
force is higher than that of the Daniell cell previously mentioned, but
after a very few minutes of continuous work, its force will diminish and
gradually fade out; when at rest it soon will resume nearly its original
strength, and ordinarily will last in circuits of high resistance as long as
it is replenished with new /.inc. provided that its circuit is closed for a few

ELECTROLYSIS.

moments at a time. Tn this form of cell the depolarizing agent, manganese
oxide, acts so slowly that the electro-chemical action with a closed circuit
keeps ahead of the depolarizing action contemplated by the inventor, thus
requiring a few moments for rest and depolarization. Of course, when
this battery works through a circuit containing high resistance the circuit
back to the battery is impeded, and consequently its electro-chemical
action will be better maintained.

M. M. Gaiffe and Clamond have also endeavored to obviate the dis-
advantages presented by the Leelanche cell, and have placed within the

^iv^-

Fig. 8.

hollowed carbon the manganese oxide, and by means of small holes pierced,
the liquid is allowed to pass in and out of the carbon chamber to this
depolarizing agent. Then instead of using chloride of ammonium (sal
ammoniac) as the exciting solution, they use a neutral salt of chloride of
zinc, free from lead contamination. By this means they avoid the presence
of nitrogen, one of the components of the ammonium salt; and the forma-
tion of ammonia gas, as in the original Leelanche cell, is substituted by
the more simple chemical salt of chloride of zinc ami its decompositions.
The zinc chloride should form twenty per cent, of the solution and there-
fore supersaturates the water. This modified form of Leelanche cell has
an electromotive force nearly equal to the original, but has a higher

THE BATTERIES FOB ELECTROLYSIS. 07

resistance within the cell. This Eorm of battery arranged in ;i portable
shape is shown in the figure. [J 'ig. 8.]

. One of these eel Is, which had Keen ill pretty constant use by I lie aut hor,

was recently measured, and found to have an electromotive force of L.35
volts and an internal resistance of 7.08 ohms, on open circuit in ordinary

use.

In the ordinary Leclanche cell the chemical reaction is as follows:
2Zn+2NH4Cl+2Mn03 = 2Zn (L+IIO+2 NH+Mn90,.

This battery when used for medical purposes in small vessels has the dis-
advantage of depositing upon the zincs, even when not in use, crystalline
oxy-chloride of zinc together with a double salt of chloride of zinc and am-
monium; the ordinary form of the Leclanche cell is well adapted to medical
uses, and has accomplished good work where its use is required for short
periods of time for diagnosis; but for the purposes of electrolysis other forms
of cell, such as that of chloride of silver, are more generally used. Gaiffe's
and the cylinder cell are in the author's opinion much superior to both of
the former because their action is more constant. The cylinder cell is the
best of the Leclanche principle, because in this cell the amount of the solu-
tion and of the surface of the metals which are exposed to its action is very
much larger, and in this way the internal resistance is decreased; conse-
quently, the electro- chemical action is less liable to obstruction during
short periods than in the smaller cells of the same kind.

These cells will require the renewal of the zinc elements from time to
time according to the amount of use to which they are subjected. It will
be remembered that the work of a galvanic cell is measured by the amount
of zinc which enters into combination with the hydrochloric acid resulting
from the decomposition of the chloride of ammonium of the solution,
and therefore this element must be replenished as fast as it is used. The
action on this metal is principally at the level of the upper surface of the
solution, and consequently this should be the place of inspection of the
condition of the cells. Frequently the zinc may appear to be intact, when
really at this point it has become corroded, and it will suddenly break off
and interrupt the conductivity of the battery. If the cells of the battery
are connected in series the whole battery current may thus be cut off, and
made unserviceable.

The deposition of oxy-crystals interferes with the chemical action of
the zinc and salts in solution. Gaiffe's and Clamont's cells are practically

ELECTROLYSIS.

free from this objection. One of their batteries purchased two years and
a half ago by the author in Paris, and used pretty constantly ever since,
is in as good condition as it was originally. The zincs and solutions have
been renewed twice and the battery is as strong as ever to measurements
by the Voltameter tests. This cell is represented of half its natural size
in figure 7.

The prism cell is made of pyrolusite formed by the moulding of man-
ganese oxide and powdered gas carbon in the form of prisms under a
temperature of 212° F. (100 C), and a hydraulic pressure of three hun-
dred atmospheres. This is also a modification of the Leclanche cell, and
is used without a porous cell, but unless it is kept wet with the solution
the pyrolusite becomes hard and impervious.

Fro. 9.

Holtzer's modification of the Leclanche cell, called the Cylinder cell
(Fig. 9), is formed of an agglomeration of carbon and manganese under
heat and hydraulic pressure of three hundred atmospheres. This element
is formed of an agglomeration under beat and hydraulic pressure of gas car-
bon and manganese which is moulded in cylindrical form with a top plate
of carbon. The zinc element is separated, or insulated, from this carbon
by a cork through which it passes within the cylinder, and is immersed
in the chemical solution of chloride of ammonium; unless, however, the

THE BATTERIES FOB ELECTROLYSIS. 69

sides of the glass cella are made <>!' q bulging shape, adjacenl carbon co1
are apt bo make connection by contact of the opposite terminals of the

cells. These glass vessels, therefore, are now made in this form. This
cylinder cell has the advantage of presenting a very large surface.

A few pieces of zinc at the bottom of the vessel will prevent the in-
crustation of crystals previously mentioned as one of the disadvantages of

the Leelanehe cell. The electromotive force of these cells is so much
greater than the Daniell's cell that 25 of Leelanehe are equal to 40 of
Daniell's, and to even more of the chloride of silver battery.

A closed circuit in any of these Leelanehe cells will soon cause the current
to be enfeebled. The amount of work done by any galvanic cell is marked
by the amount of zinc lost from the zinc element, as mentioned above,
and in a Leelanehe cell when this is used up a new zinc can be substituted
and the work of the battery again be renewed, water being added to make
up what may be lost from atmospheric evaporation.

If we assume that the resistance of the human body is 2,000 ohms it
will require about three of these cells to produce two milliamperes (see
p. 265), which is usually the smallest amount of electricity required in its
practical application in medicine. To illustrate the comparative power
contained in this form of galvanic cell, a six candle-power electric incan-
descent lamp (five ohms), can be maintained at an uniform bright glow
for about thirty minutes, after which the light will gradually diminish,
and in an hour will become of a dull red color, but after another hour's
rest the battery reassumes nearly its initial power. Twelve of these cells
in action for half an hour in constant use on patient, and for a second half
hour working through a voltameter, decomposed during the next fifteen
minutes 100 c.m.m. of mixed gases from a one per cent, acidulated solu-
tion of water; these same cells were allowed to rest for twenty-four hours,
anil then they decomposed 35 c.m.m. during the next four minutes,
working through a resistance of 2,000 ohms. The same cells at another
trial, being previously connected during an hour in a circuit having a
resistance of 2,000 ohms, then decomposed 35 c.m.m during four minutes.
This same operation was repeated with the same result, and then with no
resistance in the circuit, these same cells decomposed 125 c. m.m. in fifteen
minutes. These same cells at another trial were connected through 2,000
ohms resistance during eighty minutes, and with the same resistance of cir-
cuit decomposed 35 c.m.m. in four minutes, and immediately after, with-
out any resistance in circuit, decomposed lot) c.m.m. during four minutes.

70 ELECTROLYSIS.

Batteries which are arranged only for open circuit, like the Leclan-
che, will quickly run down when used on a closed circuit, unless they are
working through pretty high resistances. These suggestions are impor-
tant, since it must be admitted that, up to the present time, no battery
has yet been found which will stand the test of working through a very
low resistance without rapidly running down. The nearest approach to
this is the action of the bichromate of soda cell, which has already been
mentioned on a preceding page. In this battery the zinc electrode weighs
nearly a pound. The action of the open circuit battery may be compared
to that of the main spring of a watch, the tension of which, after being
wound up, will keep the watch running uniformly for a certain period
of time; but if the balance wheel and escapement be removed, the watch
train will rapidly run down. In like manner, if a chemical battery is
connected with a poor conductor of electricity, or in a voltameter where
it is decomposing water, its action will continue for a longer or shorter
period of time, which will be commensurate with the amount of resistance
offered in the external resistance of the voltameter or other conducting
agent; whereas where easy transmission in a circuit of very low resistance
is afforded for the passage of electricity from one pole to the other, the
continuation of the chemical action in the galvanic cell will be short, be-
cause either the zinc is used up, or becomes covered with non-conducting
substance, or the solution will become polarized.

Gaiffe's battery of modified Leclanche cells has the advantage of port-
abilit)', over that of the Leclanche and the bichromate of soda battery;
the latter especially is unsuited for transportation, because the vessels
which hold the solution are made of lead and are consequently very heavy.

Gaiffe's box battery which has previously been described and illus-
trated occupies a space of eleven inches in height and length and seven
in width, and for the purpose of epilatory electroh'sis answers very well;
yet its current is not so suitable for the major operations in goitre or for
the removal of na?vi, warts, lupus, or for treatment of chronic abscesses, or
fistulous tracts and lymphatic enlargements; in these latter cases a battery
will be required which has greater strength of current. Tt is undoubt-
edly true in theory that the human body is a conductor of high resis-
tances; it therefore will require a current of high tension to over-
come this great resistance; yet, it is a fact derived from practical ex-
perience that the currents of high tension produce a local action at the
points of contact of the electrodes, which may be accompanied with in-

THE BATTERIES FOB ELECTROLYSIS. 71

flammatory effects; these currents may therefore Bet up an irritation,
which may do one of two things: this action may provoke an incre
the formation of the growth which we are seeking to arrest or diminish,
or they may cause an inflammation which it, would be advisable to avoid.

In either of these cases a battery of more quantity and less intensity would
be more advantageously employed;1 only in the latter instance the current
would meet with so much greater resistance that its action would have
to bo prolonged, in order to obtain the same physiological or chemical
effects. 'The teachings of physical science do not seem to be of ready
application in these eases, for the action of electrolysis is not the same as
it would be in purely chemical compounds, and will appear to have a
different effect upon structures which are endowed with the so-called
vital functions of organic cell life.

It is well known that there are two systems of electrical force by
means of which heat and illumination may be obtained from its action
upon the inorganic substance; reference is here made to the two methods
of procuring light from the passage of an electrical current through the
resistance of carbon, by means of a current of low tension and one of high,
tension in the arc light. In these physical illustrations carbons may be
heated to a state of incandescence by means of a current which passing
through the human body may destroy life, or which passing through the
human body at low tension (the Daft system), may not be felt by the
person acting as a conducting medium; in both instances the same
physical effect is produced upon the carbon, which is in a high state of
illumination. It makes no difference in its application whether the source
of electricity be derived from a chemical battery, or from a dynamo-
machine, provided the character of the transmitted force be the same.

Batteries are sometimes coupled for surface, or arranged for quantity,
as explained in the following chapter; for this purpose zincs should be con-
nect ed, either in groups or all together, for one pole, and the same num-
ber, either in groups or all together, of carbons connected for the other
pole; in such cases the battery is arranged like one or more single cells,

1 This use of the word quant ity is imi exactly correct; it is intended to convey
the idea thai the delivery of an electrical current through a resisting conductor
should pass slowly, anil that the initial strength of the battery should not he al-
lowed to accumulate al the connection between a good conductor and a feeble
conductor; in other words, the action within the battery should he slowly piinsj,-
on, so that the tension should not be dammed upal the connection of the metallic
rheophores with the human tissues.

72 ELECTROLYSIS.

according to the number of groups. In these its internal resistance is
practically reduced to that of one cell, and the electromotive force of each
group is equal to that of one of these cells. The tension of the electrical
current is only equal to that offered by one cell ; because, according to

Ohm's law (I equals — ----- ), the tension is equal to the electromotive

K -f r

force divided by the resistance. This arrangement of battery, if in one
group, forms a simple circuit, or is coupled for surface; it may be consid-
ered as one large cell with two large elements having the electromotive
force of the particular form of cell used, say a Daniell's cell, which in that
case will be equal to about one volt, working through one ohm.

When, on the other hand, batteries are connected in series, that is,
each zinc connected with each successive carbon of the cell next in line,
the resulting current will be that of a compound circuit; according to
Ohm's law, this will be equal to the result obtained by multiplying the
number of cells used, and dividing the product obtained by multiplying
the internal resistance by this number of cells, and increased by the
amount of external resistance.

If, again, we desire our cells arranged in groups of two or more (whicn
groups we may afterwards combine in simple circuit), and then combine
these groups in series, we have a mixed form of battery. In this arrange-
ment we will find more internal resistance than in the simple circuit, and
less resistance than in the compound circuit.

For ordinary purposes, to obtain theoretically the best results from a
given battery, the number of cells used should be multiplied by the quo-
tient which will result from the external resistance divided by the inter-
nal resistance; then the number of cells, which result from extracting
the square root of this number, will determine the number of groups into
which the original cells should be divided. If the problem has been cor-
rectly solved it will be found that the internal resistance of such an
arrangement of cells will be about equal to the external resistance through
which the current ought to pass.

The application of the foregoing rules in physies is a simple matter as
compared to their application in the domain of physiology; in the former we
usually deal with simple chemical compounds whose physical properties
are to a limited degree within our control; in the latter there exists a
complicated structure of functionally active cells, the display of whose func-
tions under varying circumstances will produce different results, and the

THE BATTERIES FOB ELECTROLYSIS. 7'.'>

character of which is almost unknown fco as. These cells are placed in
the midst of organic and inorganic chemical compounds; again, applica-
tion to natural physics of the effect of a current of definite strength can
usually be known and reproduced a second time almost exactly as at first,
while in living tissues a repetition of the circumstances and method*
manipulation may be attended with almost totally differenl effects upon the
conducting medium. We may add to this embarrassment thai the effect
of passing a current through the human body is still further complicated
by the fact, that this conducting medium is a complicated machine which
of itself will form an electrical battery of its component particles; this will
set up an opposing force which may counteract the original current, or
may oppose the latter so that it will become nugatory.

By the application of the foregoing rules of physics we may calculate
in advance the strength of current requi red to overcome a definite and
constant resistance of a chemical compound, whether it be organic or in-
organic, but the rule may not be applicable to portions of the human
body in the interpolar circuit. If we wish to heat a platinum wire for
use in the galvano-eautery. we may reduce the problem by means of the
above-mentioned formula; the use of this may show us how to arrange the
given number of cells so as to obtain a constant and uniform result; there-
fore we need not be surprised to find that the effect of galvano-eautery
lias its recognized place in surgery, and that electrolysis has yet to estab-
lish its position. Thermo-cautery, whether effected by a peculiarly me-
chanical mode of heating as by gas, or by a volatile fluid acting upon
metal, or by the use of an electrical generator acting upon a resisting con-
ductor of electricity, is a totally different therapeutical agent from electro-
lysis. In the former the action is that of a knife which will separate the
tissues by a more or less sharply dividing line of demarcation, while in
the latter the action is diffusive beyond its point of application. Conse-
quently, the form of battery and its arrangement in series or surface
method of coupling, will be different in each case; so, also, will be the
choice of the kind of cell required for use in either instance. If we wish
a current of electricity which will heat a wire and maintain this heat at
the requisite temperature, we ought to select a battery containing a Large
amount of surface elements in a large quantity of electro-chemical solu-
tion. On the other hand, if we shonld wish a current of an effective phy-
siological action which will work through a resistance of living cell struc-
ture, we must select that form of galvanic battery which will act in the

74 ELECTROLYSIS.

interpolar region in a uniform manner; the strength and tension of the
current need be only sufficient to overcome the resistance of the feeble
conductor. Consequently, the matter of the internal resistance of such a
battery would theoretically be of small importance, unless this resistance
should be one which is the result of polarization within this battery cur-
rent; for in the latter case its effect would be to interfere with the con-
stancy of the electro-chemical action within the galvanic cells which form
the battery. This part of our subject is more fully discussed in another
chapter, and is only referred to here because a proper understanding of
the principles belongs more especially to the matter of selection of bat-
teries most suitable for electrolysis.

Formerly the method of thermo- cautery was applied to the treatment
of lupus. It will be readily seen that this method is not as applicable to the
radical cure of this disease as that by electrolysis, because the action of the
former is immediately exercised upon the tissues which are directly in
contact with the heated wire, and do not extend beyond this point, whereas
the latter has an action which will extend comparatively to a considerable
distance beyond the point of application. It has been found from the
practical experience of the author that the most appropriate and suitable
current for the purpose of electrolysis of the living tissues of the human
body will be obtained from an arrangement of the galvanic battery in sur-
face combined with series; this arrangement is more fully described in
the next chapter. The arrangement in series is not theoretically the best
adapted for driving a current of electricity through such high resistances
as that which is furnished by the tissues, but the current appears to pro-
duce very much less inflammatory effects upon the skin and its subjacent
parts at the points of contact of the electrodes, whether these are used by
electro-puncture or by surface application. This arrangement appears to
produce a sufficient physiological effect upon the tissues, and is followed
by equally as good results in inducing metabolisms as that which ensue
after the application of currents which have high tension. It is difficult
to explain the physical cause of this difference in the action of the current,
and it will probably be easier to understand the relative effects, when we
have studied the conditions of the electrolysis of chemical currents as ob-
served in laboratory experiments; we will, therefore, postpone the further
consideration of this matter until later. It will perhaps be advisable to
state here, however, that aii examination of the reports of the clinical ex-
perience of other observers will confirm this opinion of the present author.

THE BATTERIES FOB ELECTROLYSIS. 7.'>

In order to have a constant electro-chemical net ion In the galvanic cell,
means <h«>uM be provided in the elements of which it is formed, so that
the resulting products of decomposition of the substances in the solution
shall find a ready and immediate recombination with other elementary
bodies. In this way the presence in the tissues of a number of ancombined
elements will set up an opposing current of electricity, which would
otherwise occur from the sudden change of potential energies of these
various elementary bodies. In other words a means of rapidly inducing
a depolarization within the galvanic cells of the IOXS which an' liberated
from their chemical combinations should be provided. This effect may
he accomplished in various ways, and it is upon these principles that the
many improvements in modern batteries are founded. For instance, the
Leclanchc is arranged so that a substance which is greedy for any liberated
hydrogen is incorporated with the carbon element; this substance is bin
oxide of manganese, which always stands ready to furnish a molecule of
oxygen to combine with the hydrogen liberated from the compound of
chloride of ammonium (NTI401), and thus to form water; otherwise the
carbon pole would be surrounded with the IOX, hydrogen, in the solu-
tion. If the latter condition was constant it would result in the metallic
hydrogen being placed in a free condition, and thus seeking a substance
with which it might combine; this effect would change the condition of
the potential energies within the solution, and would incite another
electro-chemical action which would act in the opposite direction and pre-
vent the display of the original current.

Gaiffe's modification of the Leclanchc and the modification of Holt-
zer's, as has been referred to in the preceding pages, seek to still further
provide for the depolarization of these galvanic cells. Neither of these bat-
teries, however, entirely meet the requirements, because the depolarizing
action is too slow, unless there is a certain amount of resistance furnished
by the external circuit, which will also retard the electro-chemical action
within the galvanic cell, and in this way keep pace with the depolariza-
tion contemplate! 1.

Frommhold's battery, the use of which is mentioned in connection
with the clinical cases reported by Groh in the seventh chapter, is com-
posed of any number of galvanic cells, formed somewhat on the pattern
of Sniee*s: the battery elements in this form of galvanic cell are com-
posed of platinum, which are coated with lead, ami of heavy masses of
zinc. These elements are then immersed in a solution of sulphuric acid and

ELECTROLYSIS.

mixed in the proportions of one part of the acid to sixty parts of water (1 to
60). The zinc plates measure one and three-quarters inches by seven inches,
and are, consequently, very heavy in weight. An objection to this form
of battery consists of its irregular action; for, if sulphuric acid is used
with the zinc, the formation of sulphate of lead will result, which is
insoluble, and consequently the electro-chemical action within the solution
will be prevented. Another objection to Frommhold's battery is the
great weight of the metallic elements.

Any further information in regard to batteries for application to elec-
trolysis can be more readily learned by a reference to standard works on
electricity, but for the convenience of the reader the following analysis of
practical results of the working power of chemical batteries and of their
components is borrowed from Hospitallier's Practical Formulary, translated
by Wigan, and will serve to conclude this part of one subject:

Chemical axd Electro-Chemical Equivalents.

Elements.

4 a

sis

* =

Elect ro-Cliemi-
ical Equiva-
lent in mille-
metres per
Coulomb, [z]

Number of
C o u 1 oin b s
necessary to
liberate one
gramme.

Weight i n
Gramea lib"-
rate by one
Ampere hour.

Electro-positive Elemen ts.

39.1

196.6
108

63
200
200
118
118

65
207

35.5
127

39.1

65.5
108

31.5

63
100
200

29.5

32.5
103.5

8
35.5
12 7
80

4.3

.0105
.4105
.2415
.6875

1.134
.3307
.6615

1.05

2.1
.3097
.6195
.147
.294
.3097
.3412

1.0867'

.084
.3727
1.3335
.84
.049

96.000
2,455
4.174
1.466

3,079

1,540

960

480

3.254

1,627

6.857

3,429

2,254

2.953

928

.0378

Potassium

1.468

Sodium

.8694

Gold

2.475

Silver

4.0824

Copper (cupn'ic) . . . ■

1.19

" (cuprous)

2.38

Mercurv (mercuric)

3.78

(mercurous)

Tin (stannic)

7.56

1.1149

" (stannous)

2.2298

Iron (ferric*

.5292

" (ferrous)

1.0584

1.1249

Zinc

1.2283

Lead

3.9041

Electro-negative Elements.
Oxygen

Chlorine

Nitrogen

The electromotive force of polarization of an electrolyte is a measure

THE BATTERIES FOE ELECTROLYSIS. 77

of the electro-chemical work done by the current in its decomposition.
The principle of the conserval ion <>f energy will enable as to calculate this
electromotive force by determining the equality of the work done by the
current in overcoming this polarization, as compared with the mechanical
equivalent of the quantity of heat which the liberated element would dis-
engage in its recombination, so us to restore the electrical equilibrium of
the electrolyte

For the sake of illustration, let E be the electro-motive force required
for the polarization of an electrolyte (in volts), Q the number of coulombs
which has passed through it, the electro-chemical work of decomposition
will be:

QE ....

Oi kl1 gm-

If z be the electro-chemical equivalent of the liberated element, the
total weight liberated by Q coulombs will be equal to Qz.

Let II be the quantity of heat disengaged by one gramme of this ele-
ment in its combination to form the original electrolyte, then the heat
disengaged by the weight Qz of this element will be QzH. As the me-
chanical equivalent of heat is .424 kil'gm per calorie the heat disengaged.
by Qz grammes will be:

.424QzH.

The equation of these two terms will therefore be:

QE
^rr kil'gm. =.424Q.zH, or finally,

E=4.10zH.

If we apply the above formula to the electrolysis of water, the heat
disengaged by the oxidation of one gramme of hydrogen is 34450 calories.
and the electro-chemical equivalent of hydrogen is .000010."), and we get:

E=4.16.X. 0000105X34450=1.5 volts.

The electromotive force required for polarization of water is thus L.5
volts. This will explain why one Darnell's cell is unable to decompose
water, since the electromotive force of one of these cells is about one volt,
and therefore two in series will be required.

If one of the elements or conductor used for the purpose of electrolysis,
for instance the anode, be immersed in a solution of pure salt of the same

78 ELECTROLYSIS.

metallic conductor, in which the metal is soluble, there will be no polari-
zation; in this case the work done by the current is simply that of a trans-
portation of material from one metallic plate to the other, and this will
require only a very small expenditure of energy, which is practically
reduced to the heating effect produced by the passage or transmission of
electrical force. The amount of this required energy may be calculated
by means of Ohm's law; if W represent the work,

W= 7T~oT kil'gm. per second.

R in this case will be the resistance of the solution in ohms, and C the
strength of the current in amperes. Practically, hoAvever, no solution is
perfectly pure, and a certain amount of polarization must therefore take
place in the solution, and should be considered in the account.

By the equation above mentioned in regard to finding the electro-
motive force of the polarization of an electrolyte, the electromotive force
of a batter}7 may also be theoretically calculated; in this calculation it will
be found that this electromotive force in the Darnell's cell will be equal
to the difference between the heat disengaged at the zinc and that absorbed
by the deposit of copper, or between the electro-chemical decomposition
of these two metals as found from their chemical equivalents, i.e.,
2.36 — 1.21=. 115, the practical value being 1.079 volts.

With these general remarks on batteries Ave will pass on to the consid-
eration of the laws of resistance and the diffusion of the electrical current.

CHAPTER IV.

ON THE RESISTANCE AND DIFFUSION OF THE ELECTRI-
CAL CURRENT.— THE EFFECTS OF ELECTRICITY AS
SHOWN BY THESE LAWS UPON THE HUMAN BODY.

Before proceeding to a discussion of the effects which are produced
by the passage of a current through a conductor, it might be advisable
to define what is usually meant by the word " CURRENT."

Definition of Cikkkxt. — A current of electrical force is the quan-
tity, or measured amount, of electricity which traverses during an unit
of time any section of the conductor through which this force is trans-
mit ted: if this unit of time is one second, and if the quantity which
traverses the section of the conductor is the unit, the measure of the
unit is represented by the resulting current.

A unit of current is assumed to traverse a conducting medium when
the unit quantity of this current has passed through any section during
the time of one second.

It has already been stated that a current of electricity will result in a
conducting medium when two points in that conductor are at different
potentials. According to Ohm's law, the current which passes between
any two points in a conductor is directly proportional to the difference in
potential energy which exists between the two points, provided that the
conducting medium which unites these points remain the same and in the
same original condition. If the chemical state or the temperature of the
conductor is constant, the current will be also constant; it should be par-
ticularly remembered that the constancy of the physical condition should
remain the same throughout the whole circuit, internal and external.
Mention has been made in the previous chapter of the internal resistance
which occurs in the galvanic cells and their arrangement in battery, as
well as the modifications which are produced by it in the current of elec-
tricity inside of the cell. It has there been shown, also, how the current
in an external circuit containing no comparative resistance will have the
character of its original strength.

The nature and complications of the resistances in the external circuit,.

80 ELECTROLYSIS.

which is outside of the cell, are of equal importance in their effect upon
the current with those which occur in the internal circuit, that within
the battery. It has. also,, been there shown that, in order to complete
the circuit and to continue the electrical current which results from the
electro-chemical action within the galvanic cell, the two poles of a battery
should be united by a conducting medium; the current which proceeds
from the zinc to the copper within the cell will flow from the copper to
the zinc without the cell. The former of these is called the internal cir-
cuit, and the latter the external circuit.

The zinc element is the positive pole of the battery, and the carbon
is the negative pole of the battery; ordinarily in medicine, when the ex-
ternal circuit is closed, these terms are transposed; and to distinguish
this change the wire coming from the electro-negative element, carbon,
js called the positive electrode; in the same way, the wire coming from
the electro-positive element, zinc, is called the negative electrode. The
explanation of this confusing use of these terms is based upon the change
of direction of the currents in the two circuits.

In general, it may be said that no electro-chemical action takes place
within the cell unless the circuit be closed; yet, this is not exactly true
in the case of some batteries, as the Daniell's, in which the electro-chemi-
cal action will continue even while the circuit is open. Usually, batteries
arranged for medical use have little or no action when the poles are not
connected, in which the circuit is open.

It would be a hopeless task to present in this treatise a synopsis of all
that has been investigated, or written upon the subject of external resis-
tance, and our attention will be occupied only with that portion which
concerns the use of electrical apparatus in medicine.

We should bear in mind that the flow, or transmission of electricity.
can be best understood by the commonly used comparison with the move-
ments of a fluid, like water. We must not suppose that electricity, which
is a force, is a ponderable body, but that it is a kinetic energy (so called),
whose properties are recognized by the disturbances which the transmis-
sion of this force produces in its conducting mediums.

Electrical flow therefore resembles, or is analagous to, the flow of

water from one cistern into another by means of conduits or pipes; if the

elevation of one is on a higher level than that of the other, the flow will

be toward the lower level; or, in other words, the movement of electricity

, proceeds from the higher potent ial of energy to a lower. The energy, which

RESISTANCE \\l> DIFFUSION OF ELECTRICITY, -s I

is produced by the decomposition of zinc with the acid combined as ;i salt

in solution, is at a higher potential than that produced by the decompo-
sition of the ralphate of copper solution and the oxidation of copper, and
the subsequent deposit of metallic copper at the other pole. As in the
comparison with water, in which the strength of the flow will depend
upon the comparative difference in the level of the two reservoirs, so in
electrical flow or circuit, the greater the difference between the potential
energy of the bodies which are charged with opposite kinds of elec-
tricity, the greater will be the electromotive force and strength of the
current. Again, as the amount of water flowing from one cistern to
another will be influenced by the diameter of the conducting pipe, so,
too, will the transmission of electricity be favored or hindered by the
conductibility of the medium through which this force is made to traverse,
the resistance of the conductor acting as an obstruction. Therefore, the
resulting strength of the current will depend upon these two factors: viz.,
the difference in the potentials and the ratio of conduction in the conduct-
ing medium. If we suppose the difference in potential to be the same,
the relative conductivity of two mediums produce a resulting current,
which is stronger or weaker, and which will be inversely as the ratio of
conductibility; or, in other words, the resistance which the electrical cur-
rent meets in the conductor will decrease the initial strength of the
electro-chemical force. Now, all bodies offer more or less resistance to
the transmission of electricity, and the amount of resistance affects the
stability, if we may use the words, or the equanimity of the molecules of
which such a body is composed. This same interference in physical
stability of quiescence of bodies is caused by other forms of energy; as,
for instance, in the production of heat, which will be greater or less
according to the rapidity of molecular vibrations produced in the body by
a force transmitted to it by some external agency.

The resistance of a wire, or other conductor, is proportional to
its length.

This resistance will be inversely proportional to, or, in other words,
will diminish with every increase of, the area of its own section. The
resistance of a conductor of given length and diameter will depend upon
the material of which it is made, that is, upon the Specific RESISTANCE
of the material. J

i DeWatteville, op. cit., p. 11.

82 ELECTROLYSIS.

The late Professor Ohm had established, by researches and experiments,
the theoretical conditions which regulate the action of the galvanic or
voltaic current, and since his time these experiments have been confirmed
by their practical application at the hands of other distinguished scien-
tists, among whom may be mentioned Wheatstone, Fechner, Daniell, and
De la Rive. The force by which electricity is set in action through, the
galvanic current is called the Electromotive Force, and the amount,
or quantity, which is transmitted through a section of the circuit is called
the Intensity, or Tension, of the Current. This intensity or ten-
sion is the same in all parts of a given circuit, no matter of what mate-
rials it may be composed. It is known, also, that the same current which
traverses a short wire will produce a greater deviation or deflection of a
galvanometrical needle from a neutral point than the same current which
traverses a longer circuit of the same wire; hence, the expression of Ohm's
law is:

*' The resistance is inversely proportional to the intensity of
the current," and " the intensity of the current is equal
to the electromotive force divided by the resistance."

This law is usually expressed by the simple formula:

1_ R

I representing the intensity. of the current, E the electro-motive force
and R the resistance of the circuit within the galvanic cell.

Now, the less the conducting property which an electrical conductor
possesses, the greater will be its resistance; hence:

"The intensity of a current will be inversely proportional to
the length of the conductor, and directly proportional to

its section- are a and conductivity."

When a galvanic battery is formed of several cells, the intensity of the
resulting current will be equal to the sum of the electromotive force of all
the couples (elements), divided by the sum of their resistances. A battery
which is formed of the same kind of cell, will always have the same
electromotive force ami the same interna] resistance. The external, or
intcrpolar, resistance will depend upon the medium, which acts as the
conductor between the two terminals of the battery, the resulting resist-

RESISTANCE A\l> DIFFUSION OF ELECTRICITY. 83

tance being the same in all parts <»t' the circuit. The interna] resistance
of tlic battery has been described in the preceding chapter. Treal
electricity express the internal resistance of a battery by the symbol It;
the in terpolar resistance, or external resistance is usually expressed by r.
Ohm's law of interpreting the tension ^\ tin resulting current in view
of the two resistances is expressed by the formula:

i=, E

■R-j-r

Now, when any number, n, of a similar kind of galvanic cell arc joined
together in series, the resulting current tension of the circuit will be n

times the two resistances. Again, if the interpolar, or external, circuil
be closed by a short wire which may have a good conductivity, like copper,
/• is so small in comparison with It that it may be neglected, the formula
to find the resulting current of tension being then expressed:

T »E E

1 = — i> or — ,,-
nil 11

or, in other words, when the 'y resistance within each cell is equal, the

tension of the current will not be increased by an increase in the number
of couples. When, on the other hand, the interpolar, or external, resis-
tance r is great, as in the case of a small thin wire, or in a solution, the
tension of the current is usually about equal to the number of couples
used for the battery.

Again, if the surface of the battery ''elements" be increased, there will
be no increase in the original electromotive force; yet the internal resis-
tance of each cell will be diminished, owing to the exposure of an increased
surface area to a larger surface of the exciting solution, and consequently
the intensity of the current will be practically increased because the in-
ternal resistance within the battery is decreased. The expression of this
fact is represented in the formula by

E
1= \{+r or =-

— ■ — - ll-f-mr, ■

when1 in re: resents the increase in the surface measurement of the bat-
tery elements; we shall find that this increase of tension is influenced by
thp fact that the external resistance, R, decreases in proportion to the

ELECTROLYSIS.

amount of r, or external resistance, and the tension will always be about
as expressed in the formula

1 =

or will be equal to the electromotive force of the cell divided by the re-
sistance in the external, or interpolar, circuit.

Thus, for the purpose of regulating the relation between the two resis-
tances within and without the cell, we may arrange a battery as for instance
of six cells in three different ways, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. First,
we may arrange in a single series (A), in which the copper of each gal-

Fio. 10.

vanic cell is connected with zinc of the succeeding cell; second, in groups
of two cells, each group being formed by uniting two zincs (B), and two
coppers, or carbons, of every two cells and then by connecting the zincs
of each group of two cells to the copper, or carbon, of the next group in
line; or we may arrange them in groups of three cells (C), or of any de-
sired number. The third system is that in which all the zincs are united
together in parallel, all the coppers together, and is the usual method for
producing the heat current for thermocautery, because we may in this

RESISTANCE \M> DIFFUSION OF ELECTEICITT. 85

way reduce the Internal resistance to its smallest amount, and so obtain
the full current strength of a giveu form of battery (D). We may, also,
arrange bo that we may decrease the tension and at the same time increase
the effective quantity in a given circuit: for instance, we may use in com-
bination two of these arrangements, one of which is " coupled *' for quan-
tity and the other for tension; and we may thus arrange for a quantity
of ten cells with a tension of six, or of any desired combination.

Fig. 11.

It is, oftentimes, desirable to use a current which may be nicely grad-
uated to increase, or diminish, the original electromotive force, at the
pleasure of the operator. The principle of the laws of resistance, as above
described, may be mechanically arranged, so that we may place more or
less resistance in the circuit. It can, of course, be seen, if these princi-
ples have been properly explained and correctly understood, that it will
make no difference in what part of the circuit Ave may interpose the re-
sistance, because its obstructing effect will be manifested in every part
of the circuit.

One of the earliest and simplest mechanical forms of resistance coil, or
Rheostat (flow-arrester), is that which was invented by Wheatstone (illus-
trated in Fig. 12). '

>In this instrument a longer or shorter piece of wire, made of a feeble
■Ganot's Physics, 1869, i>. 817.

8(3

ELECTROLYSIS.

metal lie conductor (German silver alloy), is interposed in the external
circuit by winding, or unwinding, from one brass spool on to another
spool made of insulated material like hard rubber. This coarse method
of interposing various amounts of resistance will not produce very nice or
accurate means of measurements, nor is it a convenient instrument for
practical work; it has, therefore, been superseded by other more compact
forms of mechanical arrangement which will be obvious from their de-
scription, but the principle of these instruments remains the same. It
is not so necessary for medical uses to have an accurate measurement as
to have some contrivance of easy application. None are perfectly accurate,

Fig. V2.

and the nearer they approach accuracy the more costly they become. A
resistance box which can be made to interpose measured units of resis-
tance, within an error of one hundredth of the whole amount used, is
sufficient for all practical purposes, because the variations in the conduc-
tibility of the human body are so great, that an error of an hundredth is
comparatively very small.

Oftentimes, a fluid rheostat will answer the purposes equally well;
though the action of this form of interposed resistance is objectionable,
because it has the disadvantage which arises from a varying amount of
corrosion, which attacks the metallic conducting surfaces, and will thus
produce irregular obstructions to the transmission of the electrical current,
A liquid rheostat can be extemporized out of a short piece of glass tubing,
which may be tilled with water to produce high resistances, or, with a
solution of sulphate of copper which acts as a moderately good conduct-
ing fluid (the stronger the solution the better conductor, and vice versd
for less resistances.) In the use of a liquid rheostat the conducting points

RESISTANCE AND DIFFUSION OF ELECTRICITY

of tin1 wire Bhould be immersed in the column of liquid, these points
}n<i n lt approximated to increase, or being separated to diminish, the re-
sistance to tlif circuit. For medical ubos, however, where variations in
the current passing through living tissues are uol uniform, a rheostat of
the kind presented in the illustration (Fig: 13), answers a very good

Fig. 13.

purpose. The introduction of the various resistances from one ohm to
20,000 ohms is made by unscrewing the thumb screw connecting adjacent
brass plates, to each of which is attached German silver wire from the resis-
tance bobbins, which have measured resistances; each of these adjacent brass
plates have resistances which differ from each other by a fixed value, so that

2° 2° 1°

Fig. 15.— Set of resistance coils. Measured resistances
are introduced into the circuit by placing into it the coils
marked i, ~. 8, 5, 10. SS, binding screws for rheophores.
A, B, C, handles for putting the resistance in and out of
circuit.

the attachment of the resistance wires to the several bobbins (Fig. 15) are
separated, unless the connecting screws of the several divisions are screwed
home to make a contact over each separation between the brass plates.
The accompanying illustration is borrowed from De Watteville. This

88 ELECTROLYSIS.

figure (Fig. 15), represents a set of resistance coils from one ohm to ten;
these coils are made of German silver wire because this metal gives
approximately accurate measurements, which are not dependent upon
atmospheric or thermo-metrical changes

In most boxes the contact between the brass plates is accurately made
by nicely fitting and tapering brass plugs; to these plates the terminal wires
of tbe several resistance bobbins are soldered carefully with resin; after
all the mechanical work is finished, the amount of resistance of the several
connections is carefully measured and compared with a standard measure-
ment The constant error of a rheostat of this style may vary .0001 of
the units of resistance which are placed within the circuit, and may be
adjusted even more accurately than this; thus, with a resistance of 20,000
ohms the error would be about two ohms; for a similar resistance given
by the preceding instrument the error would be about 200 ohms. When
the resistance is formed in the external circuit by metallic conductors, in
which the amount can be easily reckoned and allowed for in a physical
experiment, the electromotive force resulting will be found simply by a
mathematical calculation ; but, when the human body, in part or as a
whole, forms the conductor of electricity the resulting factor is not always
so easily found; because the conductivity of the body is variable; added to
this are physiological problems which the current itself sets in action by
secondary electrical disturbances. These are caused by chemical action
in the living tissues of which the human body is composed.

The human body, used as a conductor of electricity, should be con-
sidered as a large fluid whose conductibility is hindered or increased
according to the various chemical compounds which are contained in its
solution. Moreover, it should also be considered as a chemical fluid, the
compounds of which are influenced by the electrical current to undergo
decompositions, and to form new combinations. These decompositions and
reformations of chemical compounds are accompanied by forms of energy
and dissipation of energy, both of which may produce in this semi-fluid
conductor the display of electrical disturbance, which may hinder or favor
the conduction of electrical force which is transmitted through them by
an electrical generator outside of the body. We must suppose that the
alterations of chemical compounds will result in the formations of poten-
tialsof different degrees, some of which by dissipation of energy are of an
intermediate character on account of the varying degrees of potentials
between the chemical elements. Estore has presented certain experi-

RESISTANCE AND DIFFUSION <>F ELECTRICITY. 89

ments ' to determine fche variation in the resistance in the human tissues.
In all of these experiments tlie positive electrode was placed upon the

cutaneous surface of the sternum, ami the negative on the surface of some
point on the forearm. The strength of the current was sufficiently feeble
to be conveniently endured for some time, ten cells. The exact moment

was noted at winch the current was closed, as also the number of degrees
of deflection of the galvanometric needle; the readings of the deflections
of the needle were observed at their maximum deviation. From the
many experiments which were made he determined the occurrence of two
kinds of variations: " first, as usually happened during these experiments,
the maximum of deviation will vary; second, the maximum of deviation
will be attained at unequal periods of time." Vigoroux has shown that
in the hemi-ansesthesia of hysterical patients the conductivity of the
tissues is less on the affected than on the sound side. He confirmed the
results of his experiments by placing the positive electrode in the axilla,
in <»rder to prevent the transmission of the current through healthy tissue,
and the negative electrode was placed upon the forearm. The electrodes
were small and of a flat shape to insure close contact with the skin; every
precaution was taken to avoid accidental errors. The details of his obser-
vations were as follows:

Maximum deviation.

No. of Case. Right. Left. Time Right. Time Left. Remarks.

1. 25 18 1 min. 3 min. L. side (12 ele-

ments).

2 Similar results. E. side.

3 j 1st. 50 40 12 " 9 " Lside.
( 2nd. 55 55 At once. 2 "

Anaesthesia diminished and disappeared on left side and then on right.
3rd. 40 50 11 " 12 "

1st. G5 05 6 " 8 " L. side (10 ele-

ments).
2nd. 70 70 9 " 4 " Changed to L.

1 1 v | >era?s-
thesia.
5. No di (Terence, not a case of true hysterical hemianesthesia.

In order to test the resistance of electrolytes many kinds o( apparatus
have been devised, and the following method deserves mention:

1 A. Estore. Note sur la resistance electrique de tissues, etudi^e au double
point de vue physiologicale et practicale. Gaz.Hebd.deSc. Med. Montpel., 1882,
IV., 877.

90 ELECTROLYSIS.

Der Stromverzweiger * (literally "the current divider").

Kohlrausch's former experiments Were'made by the means of a rheo-
stat whose resistance equalled that of the electrolyte. In substituting the
telephone for the dynanometer excursions, it is preferable to have a re-
sistance mechanism with continued variation in preference to the (Stoep-
selrheostat) resistance wire rheostat.

Kohlransch used instead of a very thin or long wire, one which was
coiled. Such a coil he considers very convenient. The machine is made
in serpentine form to rapidly equalize alterations of temperature. It is
45 cm. long and 100 mm. in diameter. On the cylinder is cut a screw
in 10 spirals. In the groove is wound a new silver wire 0.2 mm. thick
and 3 m. long. As in Siemen's universal galvanometer, the movable
contact is a small roll. Its motion is from a rod standing parallel to the
axis of the cylinder and is pressed by two springs against the wire coil.
As in the old rheostat of Jacobi, the circumference of the small roll (or
disk), has a traveller by which it follows the movements of the wire. The
small roll and its support are of new silver to avoid heat currents. The
springs attached to the rod of the small roll conduct the current from the
latter. The current is carried from the machine by the brush contact
as in the modern induction machines. In the wooden base of the instru-
ment are four resistances of 1, 10, 100, 1,000, QE, so connected that they
may be used separately or in combination; thus a resistance of 0.3 to
3,000, QE, may be measured. Besides five metallic pole-cups there are
two others which conduct the wires from the coil. Between two of the
end pole-cups the electrolyte wires can be inserted, and the others dis-
connected except from the coil which is used as a comparison.

The vessels to contain fluids whose resistance is to be measured, have
a conducting tube 100 mm. long. Of course, for different fluids different
lengths are needed, whose measurements are in relation to their conduct-
ing power. If the narrowest tube has a diameter of 8 mm., the best elec-
trolyte gives 30 QE. Tubes of 14 to 25 mm. may be used, and for feeble
conductor one which has a curved length of 45 mm. Electrodes should
be made of platinum or plated silver, with insulated gutta percha handles.
The vessels are held in a wire stand, and this latter is immersed in a water-
bath to procure the proper temperature. The resistance of the vessels is

1 Einfache Methoden u. Instrumente zur Widerstandsmessung insbesondere in
Elektrolyten. Verhdl. d. Phys. Med. Gesellsch. in Wih-zb., 1881, XV., v. 94-100.

RESISTANCE AM) DIFFUSION OF ELECTRICITY. 91

determined bj thai of a known fluid, E.g., t equals temperature; K, con-
ducting power: with dilute ll,s<>( 30.4 per cent. (sp. gr. L.224), K =
0.00006914+0.0000045 (t— 18 ). With solution Bodium chloride (N
26.4percent., (sp.gr. 1.201), K= 0.00002015 +0.00000045 (t-18 ). With
solution magnesium sulphate (MgSOJ 17.3 percent., (sp. gr. 1.18?) K=
0.00000456 | 0.00000012 (t— 18°). 09H4Os 16.6 percent., (sp. gr. L.022)
K=0.000000152+0.0000000021 (t— 18°).

A fluid in tin- vessels has a resistance of WQE.; the resistance of
the vessels for mercury is 0°y=WK. If another fluid has the value W.
we find its equivalent for unit of mercury to he K=-/

Instead of the vertical galvanometer of Siemen's and Halske in these
experiments. Wiedermann's is substituted; also a Pohl's current reverser.
The current was of constant strength. When a prism of coagulated egg-
albumen of a given size is connected with the poles of a battery (20
Grove's cells), the following results:

o = closure, t=time, ordinals represent scale divisions of the current
strength; t,=2t, dropping most in 10 to 20 minutes. Current reversed,

Fig. 16.

a small negative deflection until at t9,=t„ and then a drop. This is due
to the resistance produced by the action of one current being suspended
by the action of another.

It may thus be seen that the tissues of the human body, like other
electrolytes, should be considered as a conductor containing various
chemical substances in solution, and, in consequence of this, being n body
of high resistances, the current strength must he varied to suit these cir-
cumstances. The resulting strength of a battery as well as the tension of

1 E. du Bois Reymond. Ueber den secundaeren Widerstand, em durch den
Strom bewirktes Widerstand phsenomen. an feuchten poroesen Koerpen. (On
tin- secondary resistance, a currenl phenomenon in moist porous bodies.) Mole-
Behott, Untersuehungen, 354, viii., 1862.

02 ELECTROLYSIS.

the electrical current, will depend upon the power resulting from the
transmission of the current against a resistance which is in the circuit.
The quantity is different from the electromotive force, and is measured
hy the amount of chemical work which is accomplished in the interpolar
circuit. It has heen shown in chapter third how the quantity and ten-
sion of a battery may he arranged so as to provide for a combination by
which we may obtain the best effects for a given purpose. "We may now
understand why we cannot obtain a very large quantity of electrical force,
no matter how many cells may be connected, when the resistance in a
given circuit is very great; for the same resistance will act throughout the
whole circuit, and will decrease the original current strength of the par-
ticular form of battery which has been selected for our work. The quan-
tity of electricity which can be obtained from a frictional machine for the
purpose of decomposing water is by no means comparable to the amount
which is produced by a piece of wire one-eighth of an inch in diameter,
and dipped into dilute sulphuric acid to the depth of half an inch. It
should always be remembered that an increase in the area surface of the
metallic elements of a galvanic cell will increase the quantity of electricity,
but not its tension; while an increase in the number of these cells will
increase the tension, but not the quantity. By this mode of reasoning,
we must inevitably arrive at the conclusion that the amount of chemical
action in the human tissues to be accomplished by electricity is not so
much to be sought for by the use of a battery which possesses great power,
as by the use of a feeble current which may be continued for a longer time
in those cases where it is desired to produce an increased amount of
physico-chemical action. This application of electricity to electrolysis of
living tissues requires a clear explanation, since the use of the terms,
"quantity and tension," are so often misunderstood.

To make this matter clearer it will be advantageous to compare the
transmission of electricity through conducting mediums with that of the
movements of liquids, always remembering, however, that electricity is
not a fluid but a force acting through matter. Let us suppose that a quan-
tity of water is stored within a cistern, from which it is conducted by
means of pipes or conduits having different diameters, lengths and outlets;
in this case the flow of water will be governed by the relation of these
diameters, lengths, and surface friction, and will depend upon the size
which each bears to the others. Following this analogy, it is easy to
understand that the transmission of anelectrical force from its point of

RESISTANCE AND DIFFUSION OF ELECTRICITY. 93

origin will he regulated by, and will be proportional to, the resistance
offered b] the conducting medium, and to the escape of the current from
this conductor, as well as the strength of the current which is dependent
upon the difference in the potential energy of the original electricising

bodies.

As in the case of the flow of water, the currents of electricity will also
be in a measure affected by the number of the various conductors, as well
as by their relative conductivity; in other words, there maybe several
conductors for the same current. . . This divided system of currents
is called the system of derived currents, and is illustrated by Figure 17,
which is borrowed from De Watteville.

The current ' is supposed to originate from the battery E and to pass
through two conductors, DRGE, and DR'GE; in the former channel

Fig. 17.— The use of this method in electrotherapeutics was first advocated by me in a paper in
the Medical Times, Sept., 1S77. It has since been applied to the investigation by Tsohiriew and my-
self of the excitability of cutaneous nerves (Brain, 1879) and to that by Waller and myself of the
Electrotonus of man. (Philosophical Traruaciiona of the Royal Society, 1881.)

a resistance-box, R, is in circuit; and a galvanometer, G and G', is placed
in the path of each derived current, or circuit. If the resistance of the
human body, R', is in circuit, as R', and taken at 2000 ohms, a resistance
of 2000 ohms produced in the rheostat, R, in the first circuit will be equal
to that in the second circuit; but, if the resistance in the rheostat be in-
creased to 3000 or 4000 ohms, the deflections of the galvanometer needle
will show a stronger derived current in the circuit through the body, of a
ratio of 2:3 or 2:4; if, on the other hand, the resistance produced by the
rheostat should be diminished to L,000 or to 500 the deflections of the gal-
vanometric needle will show that the current is weaker in that circuit

1 Op. Cit., p. 40.

94 ELECTROLYSIS.

which includes the human body, or as 2:1 or 2:^. Finally, a •galvanometer
which is placed in the circuit EBD will show that the current will be
equal to the sum of the other two derived currents.

The application of these phenomena to the case of the human body
alone, in the external circuit, will be obvious; for the human body is formed
of various kinds of tissue some of which present a much higher resistance
than others to the transmission of the electrical current, and the sum of
the derived current being always equal to the current which flows through
both rheophores between the body and the battery, the derived currents
which traverse the body tissues will be in an inverse proportion to the
varying resistances of the different kinds of tissue which act as conduc-
tors, thus passing more readily through the blood vessels and through
tissues largely composed of saline materials held in solution.

Another complication by which the distribution of the electrical force
through the human body is affected, is that relating to electrical Density.
The word density is derived from its use in frictional electricity, in which
is represented the quantity of electricity per square centimeter on a charged
conductor. In its application to electricity which is derived from chemi-
cal decomposition in a galvanic cell, it is used to specify the proportional
charge of electrical force between opposing bodies, and is measured by
the quantity of electricity which is transmitted per second of time through
a unit of the sectional area of the substance conducting the electricity^ if
two conductors having a difference of potential energy are brought together
in contact, a redistribution of the charge must occur, which will produce
the resulting intermediate potential of the two conducting mediums. This
unit quantity of electricity is that on a sphere having a diameter of two
centimetres, and which receives the electricity delivered from one pole of
a battery, formed of 268 Daniell's cells, arranged in series, the other pole
of this battery being connected with the earth. This unit of quantity is
called a Farad. An ampere is equal to one tenth of a farad, and repre-
sents a current which conveys that unit quantity of electricity [a farad]
during a period of one second's time; one thousandth of an ampere is
known in medical electricity as one milliampcre. The terms, weber and
milliweber, are now obsolete, because these absolute units were not used
for a measure of electrical quantity passing in a unit of time, but were
intruded to express an absolute measurement. The unit of resistance is
styled an olnn, 1,000,000,000 absolute units. The unit of capacity [also,
quantity] is styled a farad, T.TnrTT.nnrr.TnnT oi an absolute unit. The unit of

RESISTANCE AND DIFFUSION OF ELECTRICITY. 95

current is one brad per second, but in general use the time is omitted, it
being called simply a farad.

The use of absolute units for measuremenl is qo1 generally approved
by the besl writers on electricity, and instead of these units of measure-
ment per units of time arc generally employed, as for instance,

ampere, milli-ampere;
volt, micro-voltj
ohm, micr-ohm.

The question of density will enter into the matter of the diffusion of
current passing through conductors. Without attempting to give a de-
tailed description of the laws of diffusion, which the reader can obtain
from any good text-book upon electrical measurements, it will be sufficient
for our purposes to note how the human body, as a conductor of electricity,
is affected by the result of these laws.

That form of tissue which opposes the most resistance to the trans-
mission of electricity is dry skin, and that which is perforated with fewest
sweat-and sebaceous-ducts. If one portion of the subjacent and subcu-
taneous tissue is more fully charged with blood than another, equal
currents of electricity passing from an electrode, closely adapted to its
surface, will meet with less resistance and, consecpiently, will transmit
electricity more freely than others which are less fully charged with blood.
It should be remembered that an electrical current will select through
various conductors that one which offers the readiest conduction. If the
skin be thoroughly moistened with hot salt water, and an electrode then
applied to this moistened surface, the electrical current will pass to the
subcutaneous and deeper tissues, and will pass with the more readiness
when the condition of electrode and skin surfaces are more thoroughly
saturated with moisture. Again the larger the surface of electrode and
skin thus moistened and brought in contact, the more readily the current
will pass to the deeper tissues. This latter effect can be better understood
by remembering that the resistance of a conductor is in inverse ratio to
its diameter, and hence the larger the surfaces of the contact, within
proper limits, the larger becomes the capacity of the conductor. So. also
the more perfect the contact, that is by pressure of the electrode nearer
to the skin, the better the conduction, or in other words, the less the
nice. Even under the best of circumstances the resistance of the
human body as a conductor will vary from 1,000 to 12,000 ohms.

The same effects of polarization of the tissues of the human body

96 ELECTROLYSIS.

occur as in the polarization of liquids or of substances in solution around
the electrodes, and secondary effects of polarization are set up in opposi-
tion to the first. In consequence of this effect the electro-chemical action
in the tissues, to which the electrodes convey the electricity, is of a com-
plicated character not by any means fully understood in respect to living
tissues.

The laws of diffusion of the current are, however, better understood
because these laws are founded upon the same principles as these derived
from observations upon other mixed conductors. The human body, being-
composed of various tissues whose conduction depends upon the propor-
tion of water and saline materials of which these tissues are composed,
will convey or transmit the current according to the conducting power of
these various tissues. In the succeeding chapter the composition of
these tissues will be described in accordance with the teachings of
physiology. No table of the conductivity of the human tissues in relative
order would be of any value, since these tissues themselves would vary
according to many circumstances, such as the relative amounts of saline
materials and fluids contained in them; and in most cases the conduction
would be modified by the laws of diffusion of currents, which would
control this question of conductivity of the tissues, much more than the
property of conduction inherent in themselves. But by diminishing the
resistance offered by the skin by means of moisture and a close coaption
of the electrode, we may reduce the resistance to one half; so that in the
first instance if the skin's resistance should be 5,000 ohms, we may reduce
this resistance to 2,500; and since this number forms the largest part of
the denominator in Ohm's formula, it can be easily seen that by this means
we have greatly increased the tension of current.

By the words Diffusion of Current is meant the distribution of electro-
motive force through a conductor. We have seen in the case of the thin
platinum wire that the current does not pass through this conductor with-
out producing perturbations in the molecules by which the current is
transmitted. "When we have a conducting medium, composed of different
properties of conduction, we have seen that there are derived currents;
and these influence the path through which the current will follow.
Electricity of one kind will always go in the direction from the higher to
the lower potential.

Consequently where the conducting medium is composed of substances
having various potentials, the currents of distribution will have many

RESISTANCE AND DIFFUSION <>!•' ELECTRICITY. 9 i

directions, but will finally emerge in one direction; ami the currenl <>f
emergence from the conductor must always he equal to the current of en-
trance into the conductor; since we have seen t hat, flic sum <>f i he derived
currents must always he equal to the original current.

In the human body the diffusion of the currenl is from the poinl of
contact of one electrode, and out at the point of contact of the second
electrode: now the distribution of the current between these two points
is not by any means in a regular uniform path: some of the current will
pass by an easy channel, some by one less easy, or in technical language

Fig. 18.— If A and B are the positive and negative poles respectively, the bulk of the current
flows in more or less curved lines from A to B through the tissues enclosed between them. Exter-
nally to this iiit'ijMilar region, the direction of the derived currents proceeding from each electrode
is opposed to the main current in the region, A to o, and B to b. We assume here that the body is
made up of a uniformly conducting substance. The thick lines denote the region of greatest cur-
rent density. The occurrence of cerebral symptoms (giddiness, flashes of light, the galvanic last.-,
when one of the electrodes is applied to the upper part of the back, is due likewise to the diffusion of
the current upwards.

the current passes through substances which are not equi-potential; thus
the current will pass more readily through the blood ami the blood vessels,
through the nerve tissues, etc.. and less readily through the bones and
tendons. The current does not pass directly between the two points in-

98 ELECTROLYSIS.

eluded between the electrodes, but will be diffused in unequal proportions
through the whole body, owing to the production of differential and
intermediate resistances of the component parts of the living tissues.
The diagram borrowed from De WatteviUe represents this more clearly.
This law of diffusion of currents applies as Avell to electrolysis. A
sufficient number of cells will increase the electromotive force. Each
cell that is added of course interposes its own internal resistance, but with
the large resistance offered by the human body, the internal resistance of
each cell is insignificant. The quantity of the electricity which will flow
through the resistance of the human body will increase with the number
of cells; for we have seen that according to Ohm's law

R+r

Illustrating this law in the given case of the human body, we will take
the tension of a current coming from ten Leclanche cells, each having an
electromotive force of 1.4 volts, and each an internal resistance of .4
volts; by connecting these in series we have a result of 14 volts divided
by 4 volts, or 3.5 volts, for the electromotive force of the cells with their
own resistance which, passing through a human body of 2,000 ohms, will
give a current strength of

3.5 1

or about volt,

2,000 700

whereas, if we take one cell, the resulting current strength will be only

1
volt.

2,000

It will thus be seen that, in order to obtain the strongest effect of the
action of a battery, where electrolysis is to accomplish its work through a
great resistance of the human body, the galvanic cells must be theoreti-
cally coupled in battery in series for tension. In this way the resistance
may be overcome by forcing the current at a high tension through the
obstructing resistance. The same object may be accomplished by passing
a current of lower tension for a longer period of time, and a further
advantage may be gained from the latter method; the current will not
only produce less pain at the points of resistance in contact with the
electrodes, where the resistance offered by the tissues is greatest, but will

RESISTANCE AND DIFFUSION OF ELECTRICITY. 99

also produce less inflammatory actioD in these tissues. This latter may
stimulate tin- growth of abnormalities, or maj even cause a dangerous in-
flammatory process in neighboring tissues, such as the Berous membran
which may be a worse condition than that which the physician was called
upon to relieve. It will be remembered that the amount of physical
action any current may produce, provided that it is strong enough to
overcome the resistance offered by the circuit, is simply a question of
time: for a given amount of electricity will decompose a certain amount
of a chemical compound, whether it he of low or high tension; ami a
slow action in mixed organic structures, such as that furnished by li\ ing
tissues, is more desirable than a rapid action; because the slower pro-
cesses of retrograde changes are less likely to be followed by the inflamma-
tory effects which follow rapid or sudden destructions of healthy tissues,
as, for instance, the action of burns either from chemical or mechanical
agents. This view of the matter will explain the experience offered by
Ciniselli [see chap. VI 1.] who advised the use of batteries having a feeble
or slow action for the cure of aneurisms. The mistake of using too strong
currents is very often made by those who have not learned by experience
that " haste makes waste." The use of too strong currents is often caused
by the fact that the operator finds his battery is not working at an uni-
form rate, and consequently undertakes to correct one error by increasing
the current strength: he thus falls into the other error of using too strong
a current which may then be followed by local inflammations and suppura-
tive processes. Other writers than Ciniselli have cautioned against this
danger, but too little stress has been laid upon it in the larger works on
electricity. This injurious effect of strong currents has been pointed out
by a very experienced as well as a bold operator, Xeftel of New York,
wdio has applied the continuous current for the electrolysis of uterine and
abdominal tumors; in some of his cases it would appear that the inflam-
mation consequent upon the operation might be explained by the supposi-
tion of the use of too strong a current, or by the fact that there was a
latent inflammatory process in the serous membrane which was aroused
from its quiescence by the eleotrolvtical treatment. The attention of the
reader is called to the reports of cases which are presented in detail in
the chapter on the applications of electrolysis to therapeutics.

In this way may be explained the small suppurative sores which are
so apt to follow the use of electrolysis in the treatment of hypertrichosis.
In this case, where the operator has to deal with a very sensitive skin, or

100 ELECTROLYSIS.

where the needle-punctures are too close together, the neighboring tissue
seems to be the seat of an inflammatory process which is often followed
by a suppuration, and sometimes by a scar; this may leave a red mark
for a long time, and often will deter some patients from continuing the
treatment, for fear that the scar will be permanent. It is undoubtedly
true that, owing to a want of proper knowledge of this portion of our
subject, the use of electricity as applied by means of the electro-puncture
has not been more largely employed in medicine. It is to be hoped that
a more extended knowledge of the principles which govern the practical
application of electrolysis to the destruction of abnormal tissue-growths
will result in a more successful treatment of certain cases, in which the
knife cannot be conveniently used.

Following out these general laws in reference to conducting mediunfs,
their application to the use of electrolysis in the tissues of the living body
should be carefully studied, if we desire to know how we may best avoid
the evils of this therapeutical agent, and how we may best utilize the
benefits to be derived from it.

We have seen in the first part of this chapter, that the difference in
potential between two points in a conducting medium of electrichy will
establish the display of electrical energy, and that the amount of this
energy Avill be in proportion to the amount of this difference in potential.
Under the law of conservation and dissipation of energ}', this difference
in potential must be represented by some work, either that of chemical
change or of its transmutation into heat or of some other force; we will
lay aside for the present any discussion of what are called vital or catalytic
changes, because these terms only represent, but do not explain any physi-
ological phenomena.

It must be recognized from the physiological experiments, as well
as from physical experiment, that a polarization of the tissues is estab-
lished in the interpolar region, that is, between the points of contact
between the two electrodes.in the structure of the human body subjected
to the action of the electrical current. Now, with the understanding
which we have obtained in regard to the laws of resistance and of diffusion
of the electrical current, it is quite clear that this condition of polariza-
tion is really a new galvanic cell which, acting in opposition to that of
our original battery, will diminish its force and thus reduce the original
electro-chemical action. Moreover, we can easily comprehend why the
intensity of the interpolar current will be expended upon those tissues

RESISTANCE \M> DIFFUSION OF I I I' I JtlC ! i \ ! 101

which offer the most opposition to the transmission of the current through
and beyond them; in other words, at those points where the difference
between these potentials is greatest, the strength of the opposing current
will be greatest, and the amount of chemical action or its correlative will
be the most active. In the application of this teaching we can conceive
that the difference in conductivity between the skin and those tissues
which produce the polarization more readily, or the opposition of a current
going in a direction opposite to the original electro-motive force, will be
more marked.

To illustrate this in a practical manner, let ns suppose that we are
passing a current of constant action though a portion of the skin, which
has been moistened with hot salt water for the purpose of increasing its
conducting power, and make the outgoing current pass back to the gal-
vanic battery by means of the best metallic conductor obtainable, platinum
or gold; these metals, offering the property of the best conductor for the
human tissues, are introduced through the skin and into the underlying
muscles or other tissues, which are plentifully supplied with saline fluids.
We shall see in such a case by means of a properly arranged galvanometer
that the current employed almost immediately after the establishment of
the circuit, will be weakened; in other words, the interpolar circuit is the
seat of an incomplete polarization. The effect of such a circuit will tend
to exhaust most of the electrical action upon the cutaneous covering, that
which offers the highest resistance to the transmission of the electrical
force. If this incomplete conductor were composed of an unchanging
physical formation its resistance would be a constant factor, and the only
effect it would have upon the electrical circuit would be to obstruct the
electro-chemical action in the battery; but it is composed of alterable
chemical combinations, and its action upon the electricity in circuit will
produce a variable current, which will be in accord with the varying
amount of succeeding effects produced by the polarized condition of the
tissues.

It has been proposed by some of the physicians who have employed
the methods of electrolysis in living tissue, to cover the needles used for
this purpose with an insulated coating of rubber; but the best observers
have found that the difficulties of the consequent polarization were not
thus overcome. It has been proposed by such good observers as Ciniselli
to use steel needles, which should first have been oxidized by passing a
current through them as positive electrodes. This practice has been re-

1 ( > '2' ELECTROLYSIS.

peated by Groh, as will be seen in the chapter on electro-therapeutics
[Chap. VI.]. Grohhas also used zinc needles, on the supposition that this
metal combines with the results of decomposition, and thus acts more effi-
ciently as a destroyer of tissue. It can be readily understood that an insu-
lated covering would not answer the purpose of limiting the action of the
electrode to its needle point, because this is plunged into a chemically
acting solution such as that which is offered by the semi-fluid tissues
themselves. The effects of electrical osmosis must not be overlooked.

The presence of needles, or of the material of which they are com-
posed, will set up an electro-chemical action in the tissues by means of
the chemical reagents in solution in these tissues; this would appear to
cause a better physiological effect of change in the structure of tissue
formations; whether this effect is still further enhanced by the conditions
offered by the resistance in their power of conductivity may be an open
question; and, yet, it would seem that the results of practice in these
cases would support such a theory.

It should, also, be mentioned that the physical effect of electrical
osmosis, which has previously been referred to in chapter second, is more
favorably influenced by those fluid conductors which offer a high resist-
ance to the passage of electricity; the tissues of the human body are con-
ductors of this character, and the reader is especially referred to a re-
perusal of that portion of our subject in this connection, as well as to the
next chapter on the theory of the destruction of living tissues by electro-
lysis.

Before, however, passing to the next chapter it would be advisable to
call attention to another effect of the diffusion of the current, which has
been particularly mentioned by De Watteville. When a current of elec-
tricity passes through the human body from a large surface of an electrode
in contact with the tissues, the current which is included in the circuit
is of a uniform strength, as has been previously stated; and consequently
if the electrode which the same current passes back to the battery is much
smaller, the current at the latter point must have greater density than at
the point of ingress. This physical fact may be more easily understood
by a reference to the illustration which is borrowed from De Watteville's
treatise.

The diffusion of a current in a conductor is regulated by the laws of
derived currents; according to these laws, if the electrical force is trans-
mitted through a conducting medium having a homogeneous substance,

RESISTANCE AMI DIFFUSION OF ELECTRICITY

103

thf diminution of the resulting force will be in proportion to the Length
through which it traverses. This result is due to an increase of resistance
caused by the increased Length of the path of the current. When the con-
ducting medium consists of a substance which is not uniformly pervaded
by a current, it may be looked upon, as is truly mentioned by Do Watte-

A B

Fig. 10. —This diagram is intended to illustrate the application of two surface electrodes, AR to

the skin; the current passing through the interpolar region exerts the most powerful influence where
it is the densest, or under the smaller electrode. S is supposed to represent the surface of the skin
which overlies muscular or other tissue. M. The shorter the distance of the interpolar region be-
tween A and B, the greater will he the proportion of the current flowing through the tissues imme-
diately beneath them; the longer the distance, the more this current will diffuse itself through the
whole of M. The amount of internal tissue, which is included between the electrodes, does not
materially interfere with the strength of the current (this being regulated by the resistance offered
by the epidermis); yet it dues govern the distribution <>f the current, or its density, in that portion
of the human In >dy which is traversed. When the interval between A and B is wider, the difference
between the extent of the direct path from A to B, as well as the resistance of the more circuitous
path, ACB, will diminish in proportion.

Fig. 20.— The diagram represents a rectangular conductor, a b c d, with which the rheophoree
of a battery C Z are brought in contact at the point P and at N. The whole conductor is then per-
meated with currents, the general direction of which is represented by the lines joining PN. By
means of an electrometer or galvanometer, it can i»- shown that the distribution of potentials in the
conductor is somewhat as shown by the lines 4-66, h 5 5, etc., 00,— 1 1,-22, etc. If a b c d repre-
sents a piece of glass covered with a thin metallic film and dusted over with iron filings, when the
electrodes are applied at 1' X. the filings will arrange themselves SO as to have their long diameters
along the equipotential lines*;, t;. :>. 5, etc., etc. The line of direction P N, should cut the equipoten-
tial lines always at right angle, and not as in the figure.

ville. from whom we have borrowed the annexed illustration [Fig. 20], as
if it were Formed of equipotential surfaces, somewhat like those repre-
sented by the curves 6 6, 5 5, etc., 0 0, —1 — 1, etc. Now. in order that the

electricity should be transmitted from one point to another, there must

104 ELECTROLYSIS.

be a difference in potential between these two points; consequently these
latter are present at various parts of the conducting medium. In a cylin-
drical conductor, like that of a wire, every point of the surface exposed
by a transverse section will be at the same potential; this is an eqtdpoten-
tial surface.

When the diffusion of the current is in the human body, the whole
structure has its potential changed, and the distribution of these changed
potentials is not unlike that in rectangular conductors. These equipoten-
tial lines are very irregular, as might be supposed from the variability in
the resistance of the different tissues, which has been previously men-
tioned.* The diffusion of the current is however throughout the whole
body, becoming weaker at the most distant and least conducting tissues,
notwithstanding how close together the electrodes may be situated. The
illustration from De Watteville on page 9? [Fig. 18] is intended to
show how the current diffuses itself throughout the human body, what-
ever the points of application of the electrodes may be. Absolute locali-
zation is impossible.

CHAPTER V.

THEORY OF DESTRUCTION OF LIVING TISSUES BY
ELECTROLYSIS.

Electrolysis being the decomposition of compound bodies by the
•action of an electrical force, can be applied to the destruction of living
tissue by interposing this latter between the terminals of an electrical
circuit. This electrical circuit should be furnished by an electrical current
which is continuous and has a constant strength. We have seen that it
is not necessary that the structure to be subjected to electrolysis should be
in a perfectly fluid state. It is also well known thai pnre water offers so
high a resistance to electrical conductivity that most physicists believe it to
be undecomposable by electricity; yet, saline and other inorganic substances
which are dissolved in water will increase its conductivity., and electroly-i-
can be accomplished, in a semi-fluid material which contains a large amount
of water. According to Gamgee,1 the normal quantity of water in the
blood of man varies in amount from seventy-eight per cent, to eighty-eight
per cent. In the former case this percentage would be met with in health,
and in the latter, in starvation, a percentage of eighty per cent. ; conse-
quently the blood containing such a large proportion of water as well as
saline materials in solution would act as a comparatively favorable medium
for the conduction of electricity.

Practical experience confirms the above theory that the relative con-
ductivity of the tissues of the human body offers a pretty fair transmission
for an electrical current.

In order to understand the property which electricity possesses in caus-
ing changes in living tissue by what is termed Electrolysis, the reader
must carefully have understood the teachings of laboratory experimenta-
tion as related in a preceding chapter on the physics of electrolysis, as
well as the fact of the property of electrical osmosis.

The laws of physics as determined and translated by the great ma-
ters of science should then be applied to the teachings of Biology as

» Physiological Chemistry of the Animal Body, pp. 139 ami 389.

10() ELECTROLYSIS.

known in physiological chemistry and in the histology of the living
tissues.

First, let us take up the teachings of physiological chemistry. The
tissues are formed of what are called proteid or albuminous bodies. Prof.
Gamgee states:' " Our very conception of a living functionally active cell,
whether vegetable or animal, is necessarily associated with the integrity of
its protoplasm, of which the invariable organic constituents are proteid s.

. We may indeed say that the material substratum of the animal organ-
ism is proteid, and that it is through the agency of structures essentially
proteid in nature that the chemical and mechanical processes of the body
are effected . . We may confidently affirm of the proteids that they
are indispensable constituents of every living, active, animal tissue, and
indissolubly connected with every manifestation of animal activity."

It is well admitted that the proteid bodies are non-crystallizable com-
pounds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur, and that
these compounds are in a partially solid form or in solution in nearly all
the tissues of the body. They are all derived from the vegetable king-
dom, which in their turn construct them out of very simple chemical
forms which they absorb from the sources of nature. This property of
constructing the proteid compounds appears to belong solely to the vege-
table organism, while the property of conversion of these compounds into
living tissues belongs to the animal organism.

It is also admitted that the sources of nature by which the vegetable
organism constructs these proteid compounds from simple chemical com-
pounds ami elementary substances are heat and light.

Without necessarily rehearsing the minute details of physiology, we
should remember that these proteid bodies are mechanically introduced
into the animal organism by the primes vice and carried through the
various tissues by the circulating medium. By this means they are used
up partially in reconstructing the slowly wasting structure of which these
tissues are formed, and partially are subjected to rapid decomposition or
Metabolism, which decompositions result finally by the retrograde meta-
morphoses into carbonic acid, water, and other bodies called organic; these
products are more or less the results of oxidation or combustion, and they
contain all of the nitrogen which was originally present in the proteids.

These proteids also contain many of the chemical salts originally found
in nature, such as. the chlorides, phosphates, sulphates and alkalies.

1 Physiological Chemistry <>!' tin' Human Body, vol. i.

DESTRUCTION OF LIVING Tissi E8 l. ELEOTEOLY8IS. 1(>7

The products of decomposition of the proteid bodies, though not

definitely undersl 1 by the study of laboratory experiments, arc known

to be the result of oxidation; these products are chiefly compounded of
carbon, oxygen, water and certain nitrogenous bodies, such as urea.

The constructive processes of organic life have qo1 been satisfactorily
initiated outside of the living organism, though Dreschel has succeeded
in producing urea from solutions of carbonate of ammonia [one of the
products of the chemical decomposition of urea in the living body] by
means of the use of electrolysis with changing electrical currents.

The cell life in the animal organism is the seat of the oxidation
processes above preferred to. The viscous material of which this eel] is
con i posed has a very similar character to the egg -albumen, except that
the latter when dried may exist for years, while the former rapidly
perishes.

The fluid which circulates in the tissues of the living body contains
all the elements of which the cell is formed, and by this same fluid the
products of decomposition are carried off until the organic processes re-
move them from the organism. The blood which circulates through the
body is subject to coagulation when removed and exposed to the air.
This coagulation occurs first on the surface exposed to the air or to the
sides of the vessel which holds it. The time required for this coagulation
varies from three minutes to twelve minutes, and is due to the separation
of Fibrin from the Plasma of the blood.

According to Prof. Gamgee [op. cit. ] coagulation of the blood will be
hastened by exposure to a temperature higher than that of the human
body; by contact with foreign matter; by the effect of agitation: by the
dilution of the blood with not more than twice its volume of water; or by
the addition of minute quantities of sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, or
other neutral salt, while on the other hand, sufficiently large quantities
of the same salts will delay or prevent coagulation.

According to Hammarsten, proteid bodies form more than seven per
cent, of the serum obtained from the human blood.

The saline materials of the blood are found in the serum in the pro-
portion of about seven-tenths of one percent, of its weight. Farther,
according to Prof. Gamgee [op. cit.] the amount and conditions of gases
contained in the blood as a whole, may be summed up in the following
six statements: —

" 1. The blood, when admitted into an empty space and exposed t< i t he

108 ELECTRO LYSIS.

temperature of the body, readily gives up more than half its volume of
mixed gases, consisting of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.

" 2. The first [oxygen] is present in much larger quantities than could
be held in simple solution by the water of the blood, and, as will be after-
wards proved, is mainly held in feeble combination by the haemoglobin of
the colored blood corpuscles; only a trace of it is, under ordinary circum-
stances, held in solution in the liquor sanguinis.

" 3. The second [carbon dioxide], whilst not existing in larger quantity
in blood than it could do if simply dissolved by the water of that fluid, is
partly in a state of chemical combination, but chiefly in a state of simple
solution. It is contained in great part in the liquor sanguinis and serum,
but in part also in the corpuscles.

" 4. The nitrogen is held in a state of simple solution in the liquor
sanguinis.

5. Arterial blood of a dog of mean composition yields for every hun-
dred volumes fifty-eight and three-tenths of mixed gases [measured at
0° C. and 760 mm.] composed of 22.2 volumes of oxygen (0), 34.3 vol-
umes of carbolic dioxide (COa) and 1.8 volumes of nitrogen (N), the
maximum of amount of oxygen observed having been 25.4 volumes
(Pfluger.)

"6. As venous blood differs in composition according to the vascular
area whence it is obtained, it is impossible to state the mean composition
of its gases; the following facts are however correct: — the nitrogen is
present in the same proportion as in arterial blood, the oxygen is less in
amount (from 8 to 12 volumes per 100 in blood) and carbon dioxide greater
(from 40 to 50 volumes per 100 of blood)."

We may quote again from another author.1 "There are only two
ways in which energy is set free from the body: mechanical labor and
heat. Wherever metabolism of protoplasm is going on, heat is being set
free. In growth and in repair, in the deposition of new material, in the
constructive metabolism of the body, in the transformation of lifeless
pabulum into living tissue, heat may be undoubtedly to a certain extent
absorbed and rendered latent — so that the whole metabolism, the whole
cycle of change from the lifeless pabulum through the living tissue back
to the lifeless products of vital action, is eminently a source of heat.
Next to the muscles in importance come the various secreting glands. In

1 Text-Book of Physiology, by M. Foster London, L884.

DESTRUCTION OF LIVING TISSUES BY ELECTROLYSIS. L09

these the protoplasm, at the periods of secretion at all events, is in a state

of metabolic activity, which activity as elsewhere must give rise to heat.

The blood itself cannot be regarded as a Bonrce of any considerable

amonnt of heat, since, as we have so frequently urged, the oxidations or
other metabolic changes taking place in it are comparatively slight.

It is evident therefore that the mechanisms which co-ordinate the loss
with the production of heat mnst be exceedingly sensitive . . . Fur-
ther, though the matter has not been fully worked out, the centre of this
thermotaxic reflex mechanism appears to be placed above the medulla
oblongata, possibly in the region of the pons varolii. . . Whether we
should conclude that the working of this reflex mechanism is of such a
kind that cold to the skin excites the centre to a heat-producing activity.
or of snch a kind that warmth to the skin inhibits a previous existing
automatic activity of the centre, may be left for the present undetermined. "
These and other considerations tend most clearly to support the view,
that the nervous system has a more or less direct influence upon metabolic
actions, those of a destructive, as well as constructive, change. This view
is well supported in the effects and results of certain diseases: it is hardly
necessary to speak in detail of these, but it is well known that diabetes \a
directly influenced by the nervous system; the case of the atrophy of a
gland when its nerves are separated is another example. We should be
hardly justified in the statement that the nutrition of tissues is entirely
dependent upon the guidance of the nervous system. We may. however.
understand that the complicated mechanism known as the nutrition of
the tissues is so far dependent upon the nervous system, "that, when
those influences are permanently withdrawn, these are thrown out of
equilibrium; its molecular processes, so to speak, run loose, since the bit
has been removed from their mouths. Pathological phenomena are un-
doubtedly dependent upon the nervous system; of these phenomena
inflammation itself cannot be understood, except when regarded as the
result of nervous action. Examples might be mentioned, as the wasting
of the tissues which are the result of lesions of the central nervous system :
the atrophy and loss of the muscular contractility of muscles, which follow
the contusions of nerves more rapidly than after section of the nerves;
the appearance of certain lesions of the skin which accompany lesions of
the spine or brain: experiments on animals also show that certain destruc-
tive changes in the living animal tissues follow after section of the nerves
which are distributed to these tissues, though it has been contended by

110 ELECTROLYSiS.

some writers that these changes are rather due to the destruction of reflex
action, and that, as a consequence, foreign bodies are left in contact with
the mucous surfaces, and thus produce an irritation upon which destruc-
tive changes will ensue. ' Taking all things into consideration, we may-
venture to say that the numerous phenomena of disease, joined to the
facts mentioned above, turn the scale by the amount of evidence in favor
of the view that some more or less direct influence of the nervous system
on metabolic actions, and so on nutrition, will be established by future
inquiries."

If we should incline to the theory that the action of electrolysis is
purely of a chemical nature in the animal organism, there is sufficient evi-
dence furnished by the above borrowed facts of physiology to show that:
—as the proteid bodies are the result of the conversion of chemical com-
pounds of vegetable origin, so any interference from an outside source
which would decompose these chemical bodies into their elementary con-
ditions might interrupt the process of physiological nutrition, and in this
way the construction of new tissue might be prevented.

Again, it has been shown that the retrograde metamorphosis is effected
by the decomposition of the proteid bodies into carbonic acid, water and
organic compounds. Sufficient evidence has been shown, in the chapter
on the chemical decompositions of inorganic and organic chemical com-
pounds, to prove that electrolysis can produce the decompositions of a
similar nature, and which warrant a theory that the same effects may be
produced in living tissue; and that in consequence of this artificial decom-
position an increase in retrograde metamorphosis may decrease the tissue
formation.

Again, an elevated temperature, as well as dilution of blood with twice
its volume of water, will hasten the coagulation, which latter result is the
effect of the separation of fibrin from the plasma of the blood. The effect
of an electrical current in contact with the blood will, as shown in a previous
chapter, result in the formation of a fibrinous deposit on or around the
electrodes, and sometimes will increase the amount of water in the blood.

AVhen we add to these facts that oxygen exists in the blood in a feeble
state of combination with the haemoglobin, and that the effect of the
presence of an electro-negative needle in contact with the blood results in
the collection of hydrogen, we might naturally presume on the establish-
ment of an hypothesis: viz., that the oxygen will combine with hydrogen

1 Op. cit.

DESTRUCTION OF LIVING TISSUES B"Y BLECTBOLY8I8. Ill

to form water. Now, this combination, as well as the combination oi oxy-
gen and carbon, will produce beat, and this production oi beat must do
some work. Possibly, and indeed probably, this work is partly explained
in the effect of the coagulation of blood; and coagulated blood loses its

property of conveying nutrition to the tissues which should he fed by the
blood in its active condition.

There is sufficient reason in the ahove arrangement of causes and
effects to account in part for the destroying action of electrolysis on tip-
life of the tissues, hut, before carrying this mode of argument further, it
would be advisable to obtain some other facts in relation to the natural
decadence of the tissues. We can obtain this information from a
pathologist of no mean reputation and in his own words in regard to
the nature, purposes, and conditions of nutrition: '

" It is, further, probable that no part of the body is exempt from the
second source of impairment; that, namely, which consists in the natural
death or deterioration of the parts [independent of the death or decay of
the whole body] after a certain period of their life. It may be proved.
partly by demonstration, partly by analogy, that each integral or elemental
part of the human body is formed for a certain period of existence in the
ordinary conditions of active life, at the end of which period, if not pre-
viously destroyed by outward force or exercise, it degenerates and is ab-
sorbed, or dies and is cast out; needing, in either case, to be replaced
for the maintenance of health.2 The simplest examples of this that I can
adduce are in the hair and the teeth: and in the process which] shall
describe, and illustrate with the annexed diagram, we seem to have an
image in which are plainly marked, though, as it were, in rough outline.
all the great features of the process by which certain tissues are maintained.

"An eyelash which naturally falls out or which can be drawn out with-
out pain, is one that has lived its natural time, and has died, and been
separated from the living parts. In its bulb such an one can be found
very different from those which are living in any period of their age. In
the early period of the growth of a dark eyelash, we find its outer end
almost uniformly dark, marked only with darker short linear streaks and
exhibiting no distinction of cortical and medullary substance. Not far
from its end, however, this distinction is plainly marked. Dark as the

•Lectures on Surgical Pathology, Sir James Paget, M.D. Third Am. Ed.
Lindsay & Blakiston, Phila., 186"), pp. 286.

- Dr. Carpenter, Principles of Human Physiology.

112

ELECTROLYSIS.

cortical substance may be, the medullary appears like an interior cylinder
of much darker granular substance; and in a young hair this condition is
continued down to its deepest part where it enlarges to form the bulb
(Fig. 21, A). Now this enlargement, which is of nearly a cup-like form,
appears to depend on the accumulation of round and plump nucleated
cells, which, according to their position, are either, by narrowing and
elongation, to form the dry fibro-cells of the outer part of the growing and
further protruding shaft, or are to be transformed into the air- holding
cells of the medullary portion. At this time of most active growth, both

Fig. 21.

cells and nuclei contain abundant pigment matter, and the whole bulb
looks black. The sources of the material out of which the cells form
themselves are, at least, two; namely, the inner surface of the sheath, or
capsule, which envelops the hair, and the surface of the vascular pulp,
which fits in a conical cavity in the bottom of the hair bulb.1

" Such is the state of parts so long as the hair is all dark. But as it
approaches the end of its existence, it seems to give tokens of advancing age,
by becoming gray (Fig. 21, B, C.) Instead of the almost sudden enlarge-
ment at its bulb, the hair only swells a little, and then tapers nearly to a
point; the conical cavity in its base is contracted, and hardly demonstra-
ble, and the cells produced on the inner surface of the capsule contain no

1 Our author here probably refers to the papilla of the hair.

DESTRUCTION OF LIVING TISSUES B? ELECTROLYSIS. 1 I 1 3

particle of pigment. Still, !'<>r some time it- oontinues thue bo live and
grow, and we find thai the vigor of the conical pulp" (papilla?) "lasts
rather longer than that of the sheath and capsule: for it continues t<> pro-
duce pigment-matter some time after the cortical substance of the hair
has been entirely white, and it is still distinct, because of the pigment-cells
covering its surface.

"At length the pulp can he no longer discerned, and uncolored cells
alone are produced, and maintain the latest growth of the hair. With
these it appears to grow yet some further distance, for we see traces of
their elongation into fibres or fihro-cells, in lines running from the inner
surface of the capsule inwards and along the surface of the hair; and we
can always observe that the dark column of medullary air-containing sub-
si a nee ceases at some distance above the lower end of the contracted hair
bulb (C, D).

" The end of all is the complete closure of the conical cavity in which
the hair-pulp " (papilla?) " was lodged; the cessation of the production of
new cells; and the consequent detachment of the hair as a dead part,
which now falls by the first accident; falls, sometimes, quite bare and
smooth on the whole surface of its white bulb, but sometimes bringing
with it a layer of cells detached from the inner surface of the capsule (D).

" Such is the life of the hair and such its death; which death, you see,
is natural, spontaneous, independent of exercise, or of any mechanical
external force, the natural termination of a certain period of life. Yet
before it dies, provision is made for its successor; for when its growth is
failing, you often find, just below the base of the old hair, a dark spot,
the germ or young pulp of the new one; it is covered with cells contain-
ing pigment, and often connected by a series of pigment-cells with the
old pulp or capsule (Fig. 21, C). And this appears to be produced by an
increase in the growth of the cells at the bottom of the hair-follicle, which
cells Kolliker's observations have shown to be derived partly from the
soft round cells of the hair bulb, and partly from the adjacent outer root-
sheath. By the subsequent elongation and differentiation of these cells
the new hair is formed. I believe we may assume an intimate analogy
between the process of successive life and death, which is here shown,
and that which is believed to maintain the ordinary nutrition of a part."

Such was the description given twenty years ago by this eminent sur-
gical pathologist in regard to the process by which the growth of a hair

is maintained, and from want of which its death ensues. The application
8

114 ELECTROLYSIS.

of his views and the anatomy of the root-sheath in relation to its sur-
rounding parts will be found in a subsequent chapter. (See Chap. X.)

This foregoing synopsis of the conditions of life and the reconstructive
elements of living tissue is briefly recited in order to show its bearing
upon the subject before us. We have seen in this brief review, that the
blood is the carrier of materials whose purpose it is to reconstruct and
repair living tissue, the latter of which is the seat of certain processes
which expend the organic material of which it is composed. These
processes, which for want of a better word we call vital, are carried on by
living cells; these are the seat of chemical changes, commonly called com-
bustion or oxidation, as also the seat of other changes which result either
in the reproduction of organic structures, likewise cells, by assimilation
of appropriate materials, or which result in the elimination of waste
material which they cannot assimilate. In other words, these cells are
the seat of constructive metamorphosis [metabolism] and destructive
metamorphosis of tissue.

The cells therefore constitute what is called living tissue, and are pos-
sessed with functions of life, and when these latter cease the cells perish.
It should here be remembered that the blood corpuscles are likewise cells,
and are endowed with living functions, and hence are to be considered also
as living tissue; disorders of nutrition may affect the latter as well as the
former class of cells. If the normal constituents of the blood undergo a
change, especially if it be in the direction of retrograde metamorphosis,
the cells of the tissues which contain a smaller amount of water, (and in
consequence are less likely to allow of motion of the component particles, )
will also receive new materials or elements from which to select their pe-
culiar sustenance or with which to carry on their functions of life or of
reproduction. Prof. Gamgee * states that the normal quantity of water
in man's blood varies in amount from seventy-eight to eighty-eight per
cent, of its weight; the smaller proportion would be met with in health
and the larger proportion in the condition of starvation or after hemor-
rhage; a percentage of eighty to eighty-two or even higher is met with in
the case of anaemia or in an impoverishment of the blood, which is often
the concomitant of disease, such as abundant suppuration, chronic diar-
rhoea, malarial diseases, lead and mercurial poisoning, in cancerous and
tubercular affections. A decrease in the quantity of water in the blood

1 Op. Cit.

DESTRUCTION OF LIVING TISSUES Bl ELECTROLYSIS. L15

occurs in articular rheumatism, in erysipelas, in puerperal fever and espe-
cially in cholera. The proportion of water in muscle varies between
seventy-four and eighty per rent.

The proportion of water in the nervous tissues is from sixty-four to
eighty-five per cent.

The saline materials in the blood vary from seven to nine parts in a
thousand, and in muscle about the same, whereas nerve tissue may have
only half this amount.

It being understood that electrolysis is not limited simply to fluids, but
can act upon substances of which fluids form a large proportion, we can
readily understand that the effects of electrolytical action can easily be
recognized in any of the tissues above mentioned. Other things being
equal, we can also understand why a substance which is so largely com-
posed of water, as blood, muscle and nerve tissue, can itself be the seal
of electrolysis, and undergo changes by decomposition and reformation
of the original structure.

While attempting to study these changes of living tissue in the human
body, we might borrow from recent theories in the department of Botany,
in which great advances have been made in tin- knowledge of the causes
which promote cell-formation. Plants grow from the formation of new
cells or from the increase in size of the cells already formed. The forma-
tion of new cells takes place in the protoplasm of highly active cells,
under certain definite conditions; and the process of formation, although
differing somewhat in different cases, presents certain definite phenomena.
These phenomena have been carefully observed by the aid of very high
magnifving powers of the microscope, and by the means of tissue staining:
in this process some parts of the cell are more deeply stained than others.
These changes, as observed, appear somewhat as follows: — the protoplasm
contains a nucleus, a comparatively dense body, which passes through regu-
lar transformations; in these transformations this nucleus becomes sooner
or later separated by a sort of thin plate of cell-wall into two parts, the thin
plate itself forming a common septum between the two halves into which
the original divides by the process of segmentation. This nucleus appears
to have the power of arranging in regular forms the food-materials, chemi-
cal substances, which being placed at definite points would be. otherwise.
diffused throughout the protoplasm: the nucleus appears to have the
power of making out cf these materials a thin cell-wall, which is situated
at a given place with reference to the rest of the cell. The successive

116 ELECTROLYSIS.

new walls are thus produced out of the division-walls which are formed
by the segmentation of the older nuclei. These new walls are so disposed
with reference to the others that regular forms of the successive organs
are developed in their proper order.

Certain of the filaments which are in the nucleus, during its segmen-
tation, form themselves in numerous and orderly arrangement into lines
which may be compared to those on the earth's meridian, and constitute
what are called by the technical name of karyokinetic figures. These
karyokinetic lines, or figures, are the same as those which are formed in
the segmentation of cells in the animal kingdom. The increase in the
size of the cells is supposed to arise from the deposition of particles of
cell-wall which are thrust in between older particles; though some
authorities suppose this increase to be caused by the stretching of the ex-
isting wall, which becomes thicker by the placing of new particles on the
inner surface. The resulting forms of cells are governed, of course, by
the character of the organs which they compose; but only by the arrange-
ments in such shapes as would result from their more convenient occupa-
tion of the space into which they are obliged to be confined; the shapes
of these cells are apparently related to the office they are to perform in
the structure. The diversity of these shapes is very great, but is more or
less related to the given number of cells which are limited in a given
space; the larger the space and the fewer the cells the more rectangular
will be the resulting shape, and, vice versa, the smaller the space into
which a larger number of cells are squeezed the narrower and longer will
be the resulting shape.

As essentials to their growth, the cell-structure needs as its food oxygen
and a certain amount of warmth. In the plant life the degree of warmth
recpuired for a healthy growth varies in different cases; while in the living
animal the degree of heat required for the maintenance of health and
growth is within a very small range, and must be maintained at the
expense of chemical action within the living organism.

In the study of botany many instruments have been devised for the
measurement of the rate of growth of plants. The observations of these
ehronographic instruments show that different plants have precisely the
same needs for growth; but that, under the same conditions, the same
plant will not always grow at exactly the same rate. While there are
certain conditions which are indispensable to rapid growth, there are some
internal influences at work in plants by which these conditions are more

DESTRUCTION OF LIVING TISSUES BT ELECTROLYSIS. 11<

or less afEected in their efficiency; thus, plants exposed to an unvarying
degree of temperature will exhibit marked differences in their rate of
growth, which are, at present, unaccounted for, and which are nol de-
pendent upon any known external influences. Moreover, these differ-
ences cannot be explained by any ancestral peculiarity.

In continuation of these modern studies on the growth of plants Prof.
Goodale states,1 that plants uot only require a certain amount of oxygen
and water, but must also have proper food. It is customary to speak of
the food of plants as wholly inorganic; that is, that it comes entirely from
the earth and air: yet. it is more in accordance with modern views of
physiological students to state the matter thus:— From inorganic materials
taken from the earth and air. plants prepare their food, and when thus
prepared and ready for use, this food is as truly organic as is the food of
animals.

All organic food represents a certain amount of treasured energy; the
great difference between plants and animals (excluding a few doubtful
exceptions) is this: under the influence of light, plants can treasure up
energy at first hand, so to speak, whereas animals have only that which
they have appropriated at second hand from plants or from other animals.
From this point of view plants should be considered as machines for storing
up solar radiance for themselves and for all other organisms on the face of
the earth. Plants stand midway between animals and starvation. The
animal has all the materials of food that the plant possesses, viz., carbonic
acid, water, and the traces of earthy matters, but under no known condi-
tions can the animal directly utilize them. It is not requisite to speak of
a few exceptions to this statement, since we are only speaking of the sub-
ject in general: every plant which possesses green coloring matter, chloro-
phyll, which is combined with its protoplasmic contents, can take these
inorganic matters and convert them into food, only however in the light.

Any intense white light, for instance the electric light, will answer
for solar light, but of course to a less degree. Siemens in England has
raised very delicious fruits under the electric lamp. A few plants, mush-
rooms for instance, have no green matter in their cells, and do not pO£
the power of creating the food from inorganic, matter. They, like ani-
mals, must take their food from some prepared supply, as in this case
from decomposing matters of organic origin; they cannot subsist upon
inorganic matter alone any more than animals can.

1 Lowell Lectures. L886, Boston, Mass.

118 ELECTROLYSIS.

We are taught that the growth of animals is a growth of the individual
cells, which multiply by the segmentation of their nuclei; and the animal
cells are fed from the sources of nature which are furnished to them by
the work of the vegetable plant life. The source of energy is from the
sunshine or from the energy which is latent in the organic kingdom, as
well as from that which has been stored up in inorganic chemical com-
pounds. We have seen in a study of the electro-chemical action of these
compounds in the galvanic cells, that this energ}T may be transmitted in
the form of electricity, in our present case electrolysis, which by its action
must also perform some work, either in constructing or tearing down
structures, when passing through the living organism.

"We have seen, also that the action of electricity, when passing through
its conducting mediums offering resistances, may develop this energy in
the form of heat or of light. We also know from the study of disease
in the case of abnormal elevation of temperature, that living tissues
undergo a loss of substance from the destruction of cell life, and that
the products of this definite destruction are found in the form of lower
organic chemical compounds or of the higher inorganic compounds. "We
also know that pathological lesions in the nerve centres are usually marked
by disturbance of nutrition in those tissues which derive their innervation
from these centres. Now, it seems reasonable to assume that the trans-
mission of electricity through these conducting mediums, whether con-
ducting easily or with difficulty, must be accompanied with some marked
effect upon the integrity or functional activity of the structures conducting
this energy.

Let us now turn from these studies in botany to some of the more
recent investigations of animal cell propagation. It must first be stated
that we are progressing somewhat beyond the region of exact science
towards the rather doubtful position of speculative theory; but we cannot
do otherwise, if we desire to advance our knowledge, for a theory is
nothing without its practical application, and will fall by its own weight
unless the applications bear out the principles upon which it is founded.
The facts of observation are none the less true, whether the resulting
theory be admitted or not. Histology has long been occupied with the
processes by Avhich the propagation and consequent increase in the num-
ber of cells of a given tissue are effected; the principle and fact of the
segmentation of the primordial cells is now generally admitted; the details
of the method in which these segmentations occur are hardly established,

DESTRUCTION <>F UYI.\<; TISSUES BY ELECTROLY8I8. 11!'

We have seen in the account which oas been presented by Professor
Goodale in his course of lectures on recent progress in the knowledge of
cell multiplication in the plant life, thai botanists are disposed to admit
certain plant of the formation of new cells out of the older nuclei:
students of histology of animal tissue formation have also occupied their
at i cut ion with the details of the process of cell multiplication in the living
structures of the human body, hi a recent article entitled Karyokinesis'
Waldeyer presented ;i communication to the Society of Medicine of Berlin
in November, 1885, upon the subjecl of cell segmentation. This author,
in mentioning the increasing interest shown in the study of this process
in the animal organism, reported some new investigations of a practical
nature upon this point.

He states that according to the theory of Remak, which is substantiated
by Tilhard, Schultzer, Ranvier and himself, it is believed that when a cell
performs its functions of segmentation, the work is done by the nucleolus,
which subdivides in two parts, and which process is afterwards continued
by the nucleus; this latter ends finally in the division of the cell into two
portions. Since the time when the above mentioned process was admitted
by histologists as a fact, anew method of segmentation has been recog-
nized, which upon the initial proposition of Schleicher, has received the
name of karyokinesis.

According to the recent investigations of Fleuring, of Hertwig and of
other histologists, the cell nucleus comprises a kind of limited space
(frame) which is defined by large filaments; these thrust out slender fila-
ments which anastomose in form of meshes. The nucleus is surrounded
by a thin membrane, which is formed, according to the opinion of some
authorities, by the terminal expansions of these slender filaments, while
according to other authorities, it is a true membrane. A substance (uni-
nucleary of Hertwig) fills the network of these meshes. In the midst of
this fluid material (jus) are found the nucleoli, suspended to the filaments
of this space; and, in the opinion of certain authorities, these latter are
only enlargements of the framework.

The above described nucleus is called " the nucleus in a state of repose,"
When the phenomenon of segmentation begins, which follows the charac-
ter of karyokinetic, certain methods of peculiar transformations are pro-
duced. It must first be understood that the areolar space and the nucleoli,

1 Nbuvelles Archives d'Obstetrique el de Gynecologie, 35Feb., L886,p. LIS.

1 20 ELECTROLYSIS.

both of which are colored by certain pigments, receive the name of chro-
matic substance, in contradistinction to the nucleary fluid (sic) which is
not susceptible to coloration by the same pigment and consequently is called
achromatic substance. When segmentation begins, the fasciculi of the
space, which were not arranged in any order beforehand, in the state of
repose, will afterwards arrange themselves in regular groups (Kalb). The
lateral expansions then extend into this space, and the areolar arrange-
ment and the nucleoli disappear.

The large filaments which remain, then form loops with their convexi-
ties directed towards one half (polar) of the cell, and their concavities
directed towards the other half (polar). Kalb is of the opinion that this
arrangement of filaments in loops had existed during the state of repose,
but that it was masked by the lateral expansions; this same writer is the
authority for the belief that the nucleus originally contained several iso-
lated filaments; Fleuring and Strassburger, on the other hand, incline to
the belief that a single filament only exists and from this the several loops
are described.

In a later phase these filaments become contracted in their lengths and
consequently are thickened; from this thickening these filaments segmen-
tate in such a manner that several loops spring from a single loop; the
same primitive loop will always give origin to the same number of second-
ary loops. During this second phase the filaments will segmentate as a
fundamental phenomenon in the direction of their length (Fleuring
Hauser, Kalb, Strassburger.)

The third period is then reached, which is characterized by the fact
that the primary chromatic figure of the nucleus will give place to another
arrangement, which has been recognized for a long time (Kowalewski),
and which is named the achromatic figure in spindle shape. This latter
figure is formed from very delicate filaments and has the appearance of a
regular shaped spindle, which, according to Kalb, occupies an eccentric
position within the nucleus, its equatorial line being turned towards the
pole of the nucleus. The loops of the chromatic figure face towards the
equatorial line of the achromatic figure, and thus become reunited along
the length of the equator of the latter. The position of the spindle im-
mediately changes in such wise that its poles suddenly coincide with those
of the nucleus. The period of the first stage, called stage of sphericity
(pelotonnement) is then attained. It should he noted that towards the
cud of this stage a small corpuscle (polar corpuscle) "will appear at each

DESTRUCTION OF LIVING TISSUES r.Y ELECTROLYSIS. 1 2 1

polo of the f usif orm body; from this corpuscle radiating striee originate
which penetrate into fche protoplasm of the cell; this fact seems to indi-
cate that the protoplasm itself shares in the action.

A second stage succeeds to that which has been described above, and
to which Kail) was the first to call attention: — The segmentation occurs,
as has been mentioned, during the stage of sphericity; at this period the
two filaments of the second generation become separated in order to attach
themselves each to a pole of the fusiform body; soon the loops arc grouped
around the poles in a manner to form a stellate figure {asteroid stage).
Then the filaments of the achromatic figure are drawn within those points,
by which the equatorial line of the spindle is defined, and. in this way,
prescribe the limit of the area of segmentation; this process of division
follows that of the body of the cell. It should be remarked that the
limiting membrane disappears during the above described stage, and that
a new membrane is formed around each polar mass.

If these two stellate figures be examined during this period, the same
configuration will be found as in the primary nucleus: — that is, the loops
are curved with their convexities directed towards a pole, and secondary
anastomotic filaments will become detached from the larger filaments, and
in this way are formed a new plot {trame), a nucleolus, etc.

The behavior of the nucleary fluid {jus) during these metamorphoses is
not yet estahlished. According to the authority of Strassburger. it per-
forms no other part in the work of segmentation than this; while mingling
with the protoplasm of the cell at the moment of the desi ruction of the nu-
cleus, it would assist by this union in giving to the achromatic figure its
spindle shape.

Fleuring assumes that the achromatic figure is formed of certain por-
tions of the chromatic figure which are recognized as distinct from the
rest by not being susceptible of coloration. Kalb supports this same
opinion, but believes, ki addition, that the nucleary fluid partakes in the
formation of the fusiform figure, and does not change its condition in the
protoplasm. There are then some grounds for the support of the hypoth-
esis of Remak in the presumption of a new structure of the nucleus.

We do not know what becomes of the limiting membrane of the
nucleus, nor of the part which the fusiform body plays in the process of
segmentation.

W'aldever advances the statement that the knowledge of this method
has already furnished its first fruits. He believes that a cell is in condi-

122 ELECTROLYSIS.

tion of segmentation when several nuclei are found in its interior; seg-
mentation should only be admitted as occurring when proof is afforded
of the succession of those changes which constitute the process of karyo-
kinesis. Moreo\er, when these changes are proceeding in several nuclei,
which are restricted to a small compass, we may be able to conclude that
a tissue is in course of active proliferation directly under our observation.

AVe see that botanists and histologists, both in each department of
microscopical observations, are strongly inclined to the belief of certain
movements of the minute organic particles, and that these must proceed
in regular order to cause the process of cell multiplication, or prolifera-
tion; from their mode of reasoning we are entitled to conclude that any
interference with this process of assuming regular motions will interrupt
the process of segmentation, which is now generally admitted to be neces-
sary to an increase in the formation of new cells, and, consequently, of
new tissue. "Without attempting to carry this train of thought into the
grand processes of tissue nutrition, we may continue its study in the ap-
plication to the subject now before us.

It must be admitted from the teachings of chemistry, that every
process of building up a higher inorganic or organic structure consumes
energy, and that every process of a higher organism, falling to a lower
stage from its previous higher form of structure, is accompanied with a
liberation of latent energy which may be transferred into motion ; there-
fore in a complicated organism, like that of the plant or animal life, these
processes of repair must be accompanied with the consumption of latent
energy; on the other hand, decompositions of the higher structures con-
tained in these same organisms must be followed by the liberation of the
previous latent energy. We must also admit that motion is the result of
the display of a force. We have seen in the latest exposition of the
process of segmentation, that this latter is accompanied with the physical
property of motion, a motion of a decidedly active* and delicate character,
which must consume a considerable amount of energy. We know, also,
that the analysis of the results of destructive changes of the tissues show
a decomposition by descent to lower forms of chemical compounds: these
are marked by the presence in the excreta from the human body of these
compounds, and they are, moreover, found in larger amounts in the con-
ditions of the body which are concomitant with the waste of tissue.

It lias been shown in a previous chapter that electricity is simply a
natural force, and that this force is the result of the decomposition of

DESTRUCTION OF LIVING TISSUES KY ELECTROLYSIS. 123

chemical compounds, and is the transmutation of a latent energy. It has

also been previously shown that the presence of this electrical force iii
organic solutions produces their decompositions. It naturally follows

from this mode of reasoning thai the introduction from without of a
force would produce some action upon the complicated processes of tissue
formation; impulse would lead us to suppose that the direction of thie
influence should favor the processes of nutrition: on the other hand, prac-
tical experience proves the opposite effect. We cannot assume that the
effe< t of the electrical cm-rent acts as it does in the laboratory experiment.
We must seek some other analogy. A simple fact is offered from which
we may start; the introduction of a sharp-pointed instrument within the
medulla oblongata is immediately followed by an arrest of its functional
activity, and this is suddenly followed by death. This is a simple act, and
there will be no occasion for an elaborate discussion to prove the effect
from a cause; the medulla is the seat of the nerve centre which presides
over the animal functions of life, the central organ of the motion of the
blood circulation, as well as that of respiration; there is no need of enter-
ing into the matter of explaining in this connection that probably the
medulla receives its reflex impressions from the presence of carbonic di-
oxide in the blood, because the result which follows the puncture is too
rapid to be explained on this supposition. The injury to a very limited
portion of this nerve centre produces fatal effects. The illustration is
presented to sIioav merely how the simplest interference with the integ-
rity of an important organ may destroy its function.

A simple needle puncture within a living tissue need not necessarily
destroy its vitality; indeed, it may stimulate its nutrition by inviting a
freer flow of blood to promote its nutrition; the transfixing of a hair folli-
cle by a needle will not destroy its vitality nor impair the growth of the
hair, unless it induces an active inflammation which is attended with a
loss of the tissue which surrounds the follicle, and from which the hair
receives its nutrient material; pulling out of the hair does not prevent
another one from growing within the same sheath and from its papilla.
A puncture within an hypertrophied growth of tissue does not destroy its
hypertrophied cell formation, nor will the puncture from several needles
produce a decrease in its extent; yet, an electro-puncture into the hair
follicle will, if the electrical current be continued long enough to destroy
its surrounding tissue, cause a follicular destruction; the evidence is also
sufficient to prove that an electro-puncture into a glandular tissue will be

124 ELECTROLYSIS.

followed by the same result, provided that similar conditions accompany
this interference with its integrity. This result is more sure to follow
the effect when the tissue is made up of that kind of cell formation which
closely resembles the embryonic cell formation. On the other hand,
practical experience would appear to show that where the hypertrophy of
growth is in that form of cell multiplication which corresponds with a
lower scale of vitality, as, for instance, that of cancer, the application of
the electro-puncture is not followed by an arrest of this cell formation;
so, again, where we have to deal with a collection of the products of de-
composed cell formations, as, for instance, that of a fluid contained in a
cyst, or with purulent materials, the electro-puncture does not effect an
arrest of the products of decomposition. '

This position will be more fully understood in the perusal of the cases
detailed in a subsequent chapter. Now it would seem that a proper ex-
planation of the causes which effect a decrease in the production of cell
multiplication would lie in the direction of a knowledge of the methods
in which the particular form of cell is propagated, and which is more un-
favorably affected by the electrolytical action. The theory of the karyo-
kinetic configuration and the accompanying segmentation of the nuclei
would appear to furnish a basis for the proper explanation of the effects
of electrolysis of the glandular hypertrophy; and the most satisfactory
way of continuing this study would be in this direction. The method of
action of the electrical current in the treatment of cystic tumors is more
particularly mentioned in the seventh chapter, in relation to the clinical
history of these cases; in the author's opinion this explanation need not
rely upon the same basis as that of the cell destruction of hypertrophied
growths.

There is another phase of the present question which is not only of
importance in our theoretical discussion, but also of paramount importance
in regard to the practical application of the therapeutics of electrolysis;
the action of a strong current to the destruction of the embryonic eel]
multiplication is rarely followed by the same satisfactory results, as from
the long continued action of feeble currents; especially is this true when
the Latter have the character of what is known by the name of currents
having large quantity, or, what should better be called, by the name of

1 We do not here refer to the secondary effects which may be otherwise ex-
plained, as the stimulating action to a chronic inflamed tissue which results in
the formation of pyogenic membrane.

DESTRUCTION OF LIVING TISSUES BY ELECTROLYSIS.

L25

runvnts possessed with the property <>f producing a Large amount of
chemical action.

Another physical effect of electrical action upon fluids, which has been
referred to in these previous pages, deserves more than the passing notice
which many writers on electricity in medicine have given to it; viz., cata-
phoric action of electricity (electrical osmosis). This physical property is

J-

Fig. 22.

so well described in a comparatively recent work that no apology is offered
for borrowing this description.1 " Let a narrow glass cell A as in Fig. 22
be divided by a wall of porous earthenware B, and let electrodes of
platinum-foil C and D be connected with Zn and Cu, the respective poles
of a 10- cell Grove's battery.

Place pure water in the cell A, so that it stands at exactly the same

Fig. 23.

level in both divisions. Scarcely any gas will be evolved, the water being
so bad a conductor. But in the course of a few hours, the water around
the negative (— ) pole will be found higher than that around the positive
(+) P°l° ('*)• Witli dilute sulphuric acid, or sulphate of copper, the amount
of electrolysis is very much greater, but the difference of level is found

1 Magnetism and Electricity, Guthrie, p. 168.

126 ELECTROLYSIS.

to be less, while with alcohol and other liquids, which conduct even worse
than water, the passage towards the negative pole is greater. A series of
exact experiments have been made with the apparatus shown in Fig. 23,
which exhibits all the parts as though they were transparent. The
outer cylinder A is open at the top. B is the anode in the form of a
cylindrical sheet of platinum (or in the case of alcohol, copper). C is a
cylindrical porous earthenware cell, fastened above to a short cylinder of
glass E of the same size, which carries a cork F.

Through the cork F passes a platinum wire, protected from contact
with the cork by being fused into a glass tube, and carrying below the
copper or platinum cathode D. Through the cork F also passes tube G,
whose inner end dips into a liquid in the porous cell. On connecting the
electrodes with the battery, as indicated by the signs, the current passes
from B to D, and the liquid moves with it. The whole of the porous cell
and glass cylinder, up to the cork, and the tube G, being perfectly full,
the quantity of liquid which escapes from 0 is the same as that which has
been moved by electrical osmosis. The gas is evolved in the case of alco-
hol or sulphate of copper, and an exceedingly small quantity in the case
of water; such gas (H) may be collected and measured if necessary. It is
found that the amount of electrical osmosis is proportional to the strength
of the current of the battery and that it is also proportional to the resist-
ance of the liquid. The total quantity of the electricity which passes
through the cell may be measured by interposing a cell of sulphate of
copper in the circuit, and weighing the amount of metallic copper de-
posited on the cathode of the interposed cell."

It will be noticed that the amount of fluid transported to the
negative pole by means of an electrical current is proportional to the
strength of the current and to the resistance of the fluid conductor; it
would naturally follow from this that the movement of fluids within the
human body would take place towards the surface upon which the nega-
tive electrode is in contact, and that when the resistance is greater from
the chemical character of the solution, the movement of transportation
will be more active. The clinical experience of von Ehrenstein, Semele-
der, Fieber, and others, which is more especially mentioned in chapter
seventh, would seem to show that the fluids of a cyst within the abdominal
walls will be absorbed and disappear under the treatment of electrolysis,
particularly when the combined use of diuretics, hydragogue cathartics,
and diaphoretics produce a voluminous discharge of watery materials from

DESTRUCTION OF LIVING TISSUES BY ELECTROLYSIS. 127

the body. It would be unreasonable to attempl to explain the absorption
of watery materials from a cystic tumor by the assumption that the cell
format ions arc disturbed by the destructive agency of electrolysis, or that
the chemical decomposition of the water or saline substances in its solu-
tion are formed into gaseous elements; because the total results of this
physiological and chemical action are not commensurate cither with the
whole effect to be ascribed to the electro-chemical decomposition, or to
the whole amount of the resulting absorption of the fluids. It would not
be reasonable to suppose that the cataphoric action could account for this
large amount of Liquid absorption, at least, simply to ascribe this absorp-
tion to the physical effects of transportation of the mass of fluid towards
the negative electrode; for the strength of the electrical current is not
sufficient to account for the rapid effects of the electrical current, In the
preceding experiment we have seen that it requires several hours for the
transportation of a considerable mass of fluid. On the other hand, it is
known that the disappearance of large quantities of fluid, either in ascites
or in cysts, from the abdominal cavity has occurred spontaneously, or by
the aid of the same medicinal remedies -which are above mentioned; yet,
it should not be overlooked that these same medicinal remedies frequently
have not accomplished the removal of liquid effusions unless the treat-
ment has been combined with that of electrolysis. It must, therefore,
be admitted that the action of electricity has a considerable share in
effecting the absorption of effusions. As it would require an illustration
from clinical experience to understand the method by which these effu-
sions are absorbed, as also the theory which would satisfactorily explain
the process, its further discussion will be reserved until after these cases
have been reported in detail.

There are, therefore, four methods by which electricity can be sup-
posed to interfere with interstitial nutrition,' and in consequence of this
interference, destroy the life of the cells, viz. : —

1. By producing a true decomposition of the chemical compounds,
upon whose combination the integrity of the living structures depends.

2. By interfering with the natural processes of cell segmentation, by
which their proliferation and increase is etfected; this interference would
thus prevent the repair and multiplication of the cells whose living func-
tions are essential to the growth of the living tissues.

3. By promoting a movement of the mass of fluid in the living tissues
towards the negative electrode, and thus interfering with constructive

1 28 ELECTROLYSIS.

metabolisms upon which interstitial nutrition depends, In regard to this
method, we would refer our readers to the extract from Sir James Paget's
lecture to show that, at least in the case of the nutrition of the hair, the
increase of the destructive changes, which occur after typhoid and other
conditions of disease, may not unreasonably be supposed to effect similar
attending phenomena which occur in the natural processes of decay.

4. The acid and alkaline reactions at the positive and negative elec-
trodes, respectively, from which a caustic action upon the tissues is effected
through contact of these two different chemical reactions.

CHAPTER VI.

METHODS OF EMPLOYING ELECTROLYSIS IN THE LIVING

TISSUES.

Recognizing that the object of the application of electrolysis in the
living tissues is that it may be used for the purposes of their destruction,
and for nothing else, the methods of its application arc theoretically sim-
ple. We have seen in the preceding chapters that we have to deal with
physiological as well as physical processes, and that the electrolytical action
of this form of electricity is to be expended in order to arrest the recon-
structive metabolisms. We have also seen that the action of electrolysis
is accompanied with the acid reaction at the positive pole and an alkaline
reaction at the negative pole; again, that the cataphoric action, whereby
a transportation en masse of the fluids through a porous septum, occurs
towards the negative pole; the fluid condition in these tissues is to all
intents and purposes in porous septums, and is undoubtedly under similar
circumstances susceptible to the same process of transportation as that of
fluids in other porous septums outside of the body. We have also seen
that the presence of an electrical force within these tissues may be accom-
panied with the display of electro-chemical actions, by which the chemical
structure of these tissues may be broken up into its elementary characters.

All of these processes of the effects of electrical action are not to be
ascribed to that of electrolysis, viewed simply as a chemical reaction, but
they are none the less concerned with the subject of this treatise, and
deserve the same consideration as the display of simple electrolysis; in
other words, since the therapeutical action of the so-called electrolysis has
been considered in books on the application of this method of cure in
tumors, as well as other conditions of diseased tissues, the study of its
action and practical application requires that these different phases of
electrical display should be severally mentioned.

The application of this treatment will depend upon the nature of the
disturbed condition which we may be called upon to correct; for instance,
to take the simplest condition, that of a chronic suppuration of an inflamed
tissue, the tract of a sinus or fistula; in these conditions of an unhealthy

1 30 ELECTROLYSIS.

tissue the indications for treatment, as in those of a chronic ulcer of the
skin, is to destroy the results of inflammation or of suppuration, and hy a
process of stimulation of the inflamed and vitiated surface to substitute a
healthier interstitial repair, by means of which the process of healing of
this surface may be naturally restored. For this purpose the local action of
a stimulating caustic may be employed, and previously to this to cause a
removal of the accumulated and vicious secretions; the positive electrode
should therefore be applied to the deteriorated tissue, for by means of the
cataphoric action produced from the positive as well as towards the nega-
tive pole the watery materials will pass away from this surface; the acid
which will collect around the positive electrode will stimulate the under-
lying tissue, and as a result there will be formed a dry and small scab,
under which the reparative processes may be encouraged. This same
positive electrode should also be applied to the diseased conditions known
as lupus, of which some cases are reported in a subsequent chapter.

On the other hand, if the indications are for the prevention of the
formations of the embryonic cell growths, by the increase of which hyper-
trophy will occur, the negative electrode should be selected for applica-
tion. For this electrode invites the appearance of water around it and
will, otherwise, cause the disturbed conditions of the process necessary to
the segmentation of the embryonic cells, and in this way, will prevent
the constructive metabolisms which cause an increase and multiplication
of these cells, and thus produce the hypertrophy.

If, again, we should desire to effect an absorption of a fluid within the
cavities of the body, we should then seek to apply the cataphoric action
•of electricity, by which the fluid is transported towards the negative elec-
trode, and by this means cause the absorption of the fluid by the processes
which would convey the fluid towards the periphery, to those tissues which
act as absorbents. The combined use of diuretics and other medicinal
agents would materially assist in removing by the emunctories the fluid
thus transported by the agency of electricity. AVe must not overlook the
fact that the action of rubefacients, vesicants and otlier similar medica-
ments are employed sometimes for the same purpose; and possibly we
might account in part for the action of electricity as a cataphoric agent
by the same explanation of counter irritation; but this will not account
for all of the action, because the application of electricity has been fol-
lowed by absorption of the effused fluid, when the use of the medicinal
means, without the aid of electricity, has not been thus successful.

METHODS OF EMPLOYING ELECTROLYSIS. I ■"> 1

These Receding remarks will suggest that the methods of employing
electricity, as well as the other physical properties which are inherent in
electricity, will necessarily be varied to snit the purposes of the indication
in each class of cases.

To effect the absorption of effused liquids within the cavities of the
body a current strength should be selected, which should have considera-
ble tension, as well as a strong chemical action; the galvanic cells should
consequently be coupled for tension in series, hut the elements would be
also advantageously arranged to present a large surface to the exciting
solution within these cells; it may even hi! advisable to combine the sys-
tem of the arrangement of cells in battery, so that we may employ a mixed
combination of two or more groups which combine the parallel, or the
multiple, with the series system, as explained in a preceding chapter, or
as shown in the accompanying diagram:

Fig. 25.

When it is remembered tbat the effusion of fluids into a cavity is the
result of a vitiated condition of the tissues, it might be supposed that the
use of an agent which has been assumed to effect changes of a destructive
character could with difficulty be assumed to act as a curative agent.
\\ bile admitting the truth of this apparent paradox it should, also, be re-
membered that the cataphoric action of electricity would have the effect
of setting in motion a mass of fluid; as a consequence of this active motion,
the processes of absorption would be accelerated towards the porous
mediums, and these latter would therefore remove the effusion by the
natural process in healthy tissues from the cavitynearer to the emunctory
apparatus. The object in using a current of strong chemical power is
obvious from the fact, which has already been illustrated, that the cata-
phoric action increases with this power combined with the resistance

132 ELECTROLYSIS.

offered by the fluid, or partially fluid, condition; a current of very high
tension might overcome this resistance and produce other inflammatory
effects, which might counteract those of an osmotic character; as a result
the local changes in the absorbing tissues might be different from what
had been contemplated. To produce the best effects in the absorption of
abnormal effusions within the living tissues, the strength of the current
should not exceed that of fifteen or twenty milliamperes, and the applica-
tion of the current should not be prolonged beyond a half hour's sitting,
because a current stronger than this produces local inflammatory processes
which oppose osmosis. As it is known that the resistance of the human
body in different individuals, or in the same individual, varies Avidely ac-
cording to the circumstances of the atmospheric condition or of the con-
ditions of the tissues submitted to the electrodes, it is readily seen that
the appropriate strength and tension of the current would be a matter of
experimental test in each case, as well as at each sitting. This question
has not been sufficiently dwelt upon in works on medical electricity, and
the attention of the reader is particularly directed to its application in
clinical experience.

Where the indications for treatment are simply upon the external
tissues, for abnormal growths in or on the skin, the application of appro-
priate strength of current is not much different from that in the case of
effusions. In the treatment of these marks or growths in the skin the
action of electricity is simply used for the effect of their local destruction;
and proper caution should be exercised to limit the destroying action to
the abnormal growth; for, otherwise, the healing mark of the loss of sur-
face may extend over too large a space and be more apparent than the
nature of the case may require. As a natural consequence the indica-
tions are thus to limit the action of the destroying agent; and, since the
electrode should touch the most minute portion of the skin other than
that of the abnormal growth, the electrode should, therefore, be made of
the best conducting material, should be unalterable to the chemical
products of decomposition, and should have a sufficient stillness, com-
bined with sufficient pliability. Steel and iron have been used, but gold
and platinum are so much better conductors that they are preferable.
An alloy of platinum and iridium is now a commercial article in the form
of fine wire, and can very readily be adapted to our purposes; the platinum
bas only a sufficient amount of iridium alloyed with it to make the wire
stiff as well as partly pliable; this appears not to diminish its power of

METHODS OF EMPLOYING ELECTROLYSIS. L33

conductibility. We owe to the ingenuity of I>r. Bardaway, of St. Louis,
tlic application of this alloy t<» the purposes of electrolysis.

If we desire bo remove a warty growth in the skin, and this may have
a hanl. horny consistence and dryness, it should be remembered that
these conditions offer the worst form of conductivity, as compared with
the softer tissues of the human body; it will, therefore, be found desira-
ble to use another metallic form of electrode, so that the action of the
electrical current may be more extensive than in many cases of skin ab-
normalities. Zinc presents a good metallic electrode for this purpose, and
if it has been thoroughly amalgamated with mercury, it does not very
readily become alterable or polarizable. Where one of the electrodes is
formed of zinc, and the other of platinum, the action of electrical osmosis
is doubled in the same period of time, as compared with the use of elec-
trodes both of which are made of platinum. For these and other reasons
zinc furnishes an excellent material for causing a more diffused action in
destroying Marts, which are often deep-seated and difficult of eradication
by chemical caustics; the action of limiting the destructive effects is quite
as much within the control of the operator. As we have to deal with a
tissue of high resistance, and, as our object should be to concentrate the
electrical action, it is advantageous to use a current of high tension, or
great strength, equal to that of thirty or forty amperes; but even in this
case it is desirable to have a strong chemical action; the arrangement of
thirty-two Leclanche cells in eight series of groups of four cells is a con-
venient arrangement; with such a battery the author destroyed in one
sitting of ten minutes a wart which was in the skin surrounding the
thumb nail, and which could not be easily removed by the knife or chemi-
cal caustic; this wart measured over two centimetres in length and one
in breadth; two amalgamated zinc (positive) and two irido-platinum
(negative) needles were transfixed through the margins of this hypertro-
phied growth, and in three weeks the eschar and wart came off without
violence. Xo scar was left on the skin where the wart previously was
located. It was observed in this instance that a very large amount of
fluid collected at the negative electrode, and that the ebullition was very
active, much more so than in cases where other metallic needles had been
used'. It is absolutely important that the wart shall not be irritated so as
to induce the tearing of the adjacent sound tissue, but the dried eschar
should separate without being injured by rubbing, scratching or pulling
it off from the underlying healthy tissue.

134 ELECTROLYSIS.

Several cases of the removal of nsevus by the similar method are de-
tailed in chapter seventh, as the)r were reported by Groh, and they show
the efficiency of the treatment without a blemishing scar or deep destruction
of tissue.

When, however, the object of destruction is that of a fibroid tumor
near serous membrane or inflamed tissue the current should have a very
feeble strength, less than five milliamperes; but in these cases the feeble
current would produce a mild chemical and slight cataphoric action, and
the sittings must consequently be of longer duration, perhaps of half an
hour to an hour, and repeated at intervals of once in five or six days; in
these cases probably quite as much should be expected from the cataphoric,
as from the chemical action of electricity; because the electro-chemical
action is too slight to have the destruction of the hypertrophied growth
attributed to the latter effect of the current.

If the object of treatment be the .removal of a cancerous growth,
Beard's method of transfixing the base of the tumor by several electro-
punctures offers the best means of application of the destroying action of
electricity; and for this purpose currents of great strength should be
used, for the purpose of thermic effects, in order to produce a rapid
destruction and to separate the diseased from the adjacent tissues; the
object of this treatment is to thoroughly destroy all the local portions of
the diseased mass, as there can hardly be any expectation of removing the
cancerous constitutional taint.

If the object of treatment be to reduce a vascular swelling of an hyper-
trophied growth, like that of some classes of goitre, the strength of the cur-
rent should be feeble, three to seven milliamperes, and should be continued
for sittings of about twenty minutes; local inflammatory action should
be especially avoided. On this account, also, the sittings should not occur
more than twice a week, and the use of surface and stabile applieations
should be employed every day; these latter applications are probably of
benefit on account of inducing a cataphoric action in the hypertrophied
growth, a derivation of water from the deeper tissues to that part of the
subcutaneous tissue which can readily absorb the fluids transmitted to
its surface by the electrical action: for it, docs not, appear to make much
difference in the results of treatment, whether the contact be directly over
the cervical ganglions, or at the malar region, provided the negative elec-
trode be of large surface and he applied upon the Bkin which overlies the
tumor. The electro-punctures should not be connected with both battery

METHODS OF EMPLOYING ELECTROLYSIS. 1 35

poles but the aegative «>uly. The electrodes Bhould be made of irido-
platinum, because the use of zinc will cause too much irritation or even
may induce inflammatory action, which may stimulate an increase in the
growth of the tinner. One pole should be selected for the puncture; this
Bhould be preferably the negative, for the conveyance of water to the
cell nuclei may derange segmentation. To relieve the exophthalmos the
surface application and negative electrode should be used with currents
of moderate strength, about ton milliamperes, the negative in contact
with the eyelids for daily sittings of ten minutes' duration. This will
drive the water from the deeper tissues behind the orbit to the subcuta-
neous surface of the eyelids, where it may be absorbed.

In cases of hypertrichosis very fine irido-platinum needles (negative)
should be inserted to the bottom of, not through, the hair follicle, and the
object should be to convey the electrical action directly in contact with
the papilla of the hair bulb and the surrounding connective tissue next to
the follicle, and thus destroy its vitality and power of reproduction by
nucleated cell formation of a second hair. The battery should have the
strongest chemical action and be of very low tension. For this purpose a
large amount of surface area in a large amount of an exciting solution
should be preferred, as in this arrangement the inflammatory action upon
the skin may be avoided, and hardly any scar or pitting of the surface will
result. The destruction of the skin is in the form of a cone whose apex
is towards the papilla, and the base at epidermal surface; hence the
reparative process does not generally extend to much depth, unless several
adjacent hairs are selected and the destruction of tissue be thus extended.

The strength of the resulting current should not exceed five milliam-
peres, and in some cases of very delicate skin it should not be more than
two or three milliamperes. If proper care be employed to use these feeble
currents, and to strike the papilla, mid not to forcibly pull out the hair,
no new growth of the hair, mid rarely inflammation of the skin, win recur.

It should be here stated that the healing of wounds in the skin which
are produced by the action of electrolysis are rarely followed by deep or
pitted cicatrices, and this is explained by the character of the resulting
wound which has previously been described.

The theory of the use of electrolysis in the cure of tumors is discussed
in detail in another chapter, but it may be desirable to mention some of
the reasons for selecting a certain strength of current. The theory IS
assumed that the electrolvtical action is due to the interference with cell

1 ?> < ) ELECTROLYSIS.

proliferation; if, then, the current should he too strong to effect this in-
terference and should excite an inflammation, suppuration will ensue and
the action of the electricity as a caustic may be localized upon the parts of
the tissue immediately in contact with the electrode. The products of sup-
puration prevent the transfer of the electrical action to any distance from
the point of application. The effect of a localized inflammation in the
tissue surrounding a tumor causes the attraction of a larger amount of
blood than will suffice for the simple nutrition of the tumor. Consequently
as there is an increased amount of nutritive material, the tumor has the
tendency to grow larger. For these reasons, the strength of current re-
quired to effect the slow absorption of tumors should have a feeble tension
and small chemical action, and the duration of each sitting should be pro-
longed. In this method of using electrolysis the period of time will make
up for deficient strength and tension of the current.

Resolution of Tumors. Among the earlier recorded papers on the
application of electricity is one which is presented as a criticism upon an
address by Scoutetten, to whose words reference has been previously made.
The criticism offered by Tripier ' is that the term " resolution " should be
preferred to that of electrical absorption, which was used by Scoutetten,
as a result of the treatment of tumors by electrolysis.

Tripier claims that he was the first to have called attention to
the fact which he observed to follow the application of the elec-
trodes to the region of the nerves of taste: — if the positive electrode
be applied to the tongue, and the negative be placed upon some in-
different spot on the outside of the skin, an acid taste is experienced;
if the position of the electrodes be then reversed, an alkaline taste is
experienced; if both electrodes be then applied to the skin overlying
the cheeks, a metallic taste is experienced which will persist for some
moments after the electrodes have been removed. In the former two
observations the acid and alkaline taste were present only during the
passage of the current; the metallic taste noticed in the third case was
intensified on breaking the circuit. If, again, a large electrode be ap-
plied to a distant portion of the body, connected as positive, and the
negative electrode be applied to the skin of the cheek, the alkaline taste
will be repeated; reversing the position of the electrodes will develop the
acid taste. These observations were made from the use of a current from

'Electrolyse und Resolution, in Allg. Wein. Med. Zeitung, 1862, |>i>. 18 and 85.

METHODS OF EMPLOYING EHCCTBOLY8I8. 1 37

a battery of twelve couples, and are well known to every electrician who
utilizes this £act for determining the direction of a currenl in an electrical
circuit. It is extremely probable that these effects of electricity upon the
gustatory nerves are due to the movements of the fluids through thi
vary glands, and can be explained by the physical property of electrical

osmosis.

A comparison is offered with the action of anaesthetics, for during the
pre-anaesthetic stage and during the post-anaesthetic stage the metallic
taste is experienced, and is explainable in this latter instance as being due
to the arrest and subsequent motion of the blood in the capillary circula-
tion; the effect is much more marked in the anaesthesia of the so-called
administration of laughing gas (protoxide of nitrogen), during which there
is a true capillary stasis. This comparison is presented here to show that
the action of electricity, even when applied hy surface contact,, has a
decided physical action, which can he recognized by our senses. The
osmotic action of electricity is made available in the application of the so-
called electrolysis of cystic tumors; the method of application should be
properly by the surface contact of the negative electrode over the region
of the fluid, while the positive electrode should he formed of a metallic
needle of the best conductivity, and this should be inserted within the
sac which surrounds the fluid. To guard against the local action of the
contact of the metal with the skin the precaution may be taken of intro-
ducing the electro- needle through a rubber or ivory canula. Many writers
advise the coating of the needles with hard rubber or with shellac for the
purpose of insulation; experience of the best operators have shown that
this method of insulation is ineffective. The reason of the inefficiency
of the hard rubber coating is very obvious, for the collection of moisture
around the needle electrode will assist in the conduction of the current to
those tissues which Ave may especially wish to avoid — for instance, the
skin and other superficial layers. On the other hand, if the canula of a
non-conducting material be employed, the fluid will pass between the
needle and the canula, and the cutaneous tissues will remain sufficiently
dry to act as an insulating substance; the use of vaseline or the officinal
petrolatum upon and in the canula will not impede the escape of fluids,
and will assist in the insulation of the epidermis. It is probably on this
account that the positive electrode is the mosl suitable for the puncture
into cysts or aneurysmal sacs, for the cataphoric action of electricity trans-
ports the mass of fluid away from the positive towards the negative elec-

138

ELECTROLYSIS.

trodej this action is increased by the coating of the iron needles with an
oxide of iron, since the latter compound will introduce a higher resistance
than in the case of a gold or platinum electrode, which metals offer a better
conductivity. Canulas of this form have been used by the author of this
treatise for some time, and have in his experience entirely removed the
disagreeable effect of causing pain from the metallic contact with the skin,
as well as have prevented the subsequent inflammatory action, which is
so liable to follow the insertion of uninsulated needles. His experience
has demonstrated that hard rubber coating upon the electro-needles is
usually followed by local points of inflammation and of subsequent sup-
puration, at least in the use of strong currents.

Were it not for the inconvenience in using unpolarizable needles, an
illustration of which is presented in the annexed figures (Figs. 26, 27), it

Fig. 26. Fig. 27.

Fig. 26.— Non-polarizable electrodes of DuBois Reymond. Z, zinc wire ; A', cork; o, zinc sul-
phate solution; t, t, clay points. From Dr. L. Landois1 Manual of Human Physiology, translated
by Wm. Stirling. Phila.: P. Blakiston. Son & Company, 1885, p. 736.

Fig. 27.— Non-polarizable electrodes. Z, zinc rods; a, glass tube; Zs. solution of sulphate of
zinc; h, clips for holding the electrodes; ch, c, moulders' clay mixed with solution of common salt;
c\ c', points of clay protruding from glass tubes for application of the electrodes to living tissues.

would be better to introduce these within the tissue, and thus convey the
electrical action to the deeper tissues in which we may desire to concentrate
the action of electrolysis or of osmosis.

Extra-uterine foetation oilers the most favorable indication for the
electrolytical treatment; this is the more evident in view of the fact that
electrolysis in therapeutics should be used for its destructive agency.
There are a sufficient number of cases which have been reported to prove
that the interrupted, as well as the constant, current has caused the death
of a fa'tus which has been fecundated within the Fallopian tubes, and

METHODS OF EMPLOYING ELECTROLYSIS. L39

this without injury, provided that the current has been of a rery feeble
strength. It cannot be too of ten repeated that a feeble current will nol
cause inflammation, when it is properly applied, and that the same de-
structive action to the cell life will follow its use, when the period of time
is prolonged sufficiently to interfere with the cell proliferation, upon
which the growth of living tissue entirely depends. The objection to the
use of the interrupted or Earadaic current, is its uncertain distribution to
the cell whose segmentation we seek to disturb. One application of the
electro-puncture should theoretically cause the destruction of the foetus,
whether it is within or without the uterus; but, the puncture should be
directed at the seat of the cell segmentation, upon which the integrity of
the ovum depends, exactly in the same manner that the life of a hair bull)
is destroyed. A current of feeble strength from a constant battery is the
most suitable, and this strength should not exceed that of five to thirty
milliamperes.

If, however, it is desired to use a current of changing polarity, it
should be so arranged that the current strength should be within the
control of the operator, and the feebler strength could be employed in
order to guard against the evils of inflammatory action which follow the
application of currents of too great strength. An apparatus has been
devised by Kohlrausch1 for the measurement of the induced current.

(Siromerreger) Induction Apparatus. — It should be desirable to make
ami break the current uniformly. Instead of the usual bundle of soft wire
within the helix of the induction coil, a soft iron cylinder is substituted;
this should be 100 mm. in length and 16 mm. in diameter; the induction
wire is wound around this in six layers of 522 spirals, and the size of this
wire should be 0.8 mm. in diameter. One end of this wire is connected with
a Xeef's hammer, the point of which is coated with platinum and can be im-
mersed in a cup of mercury; the contact is made by dipping into and out of
this mercury. The mercury should have a layer of water to protect its
upper surface from oxidation by contact with the air. The platinum point
should be attached to a steel spring in the usual manner; the spring
should vibrate 100 times per second, and thus cause 300 interruptions per
second. The spring may be loaded down with a piece of iron weight.
This iron acts as an armature and should be adjustable by means of a tine
screw. The induced wire is wound over the inner coil, and should have

1 Einfache Methoden und Instrumenten zur Widerstandsmessung insbesondere
in Elektrolyten. Verlid. d. pliys. med. Gesellsch. in Wuerzb., L881, pp. 93-100.

140 ELECTROLYSIS.

a diameter of 0.4 mm. insulated by a silk covering, and should be wound
in 2,800 turns. This last coil is divided into two parts, which, by an ap-
propriate connecting mechanism, can be used separately, in combination,
or alternately. The battery for this apparatus may be two Bunsen, or
three Daniell, or six Smee cells.

The above-described induction apparatus can be used with the dyna-
nometer just as the rotation inductor. If the two dynanometer columns-
are not placed vertically, one over the other, the interrupted current is
induced from the one to the other and may be a serious source of error.
To find the vertical position is not difficult. One column is linked to the
inductor, the other to itself; no variation should result. For our pur-
poses Weber's dynanometer may be modified for convenience, by the use
of only one attaching wire, the other being replaced by an electrode at-
tached at the base and dipping into dilute sulphuric acid. This makes
the instrument more sensitive and more portable. The outer column is
divided into two halves, the inner is lighter and vibrates more rapidly.
To compensate for the loss of sensibility resulting from the last modifica-
tion the reduced size is to be considered. One of the simplest means of
measuring the current is by means of a Bell's telephone. When an
induced current is transmitted through this instrument the disk vibrates
and this forms a delicate test of its presence. By the use of this form of
induction apparatus currents may be transmitted of a measured strength.

But the method of electro-puncture is preferable to that of any in-
duced current, and should be used with the constant battery; in this way
we may limit the action of electroylsis to a selected tissue and not dis-
tribute the effect of the current to more distant parts; we may also com-
bine the chemical with the cataphoric action, which we have seen 1ms a
definite influence over the matter of metabolisms. It is extremely doubt-
ful whether the induced current acts cataphorically any better than it
does chemically.

It is alleged that an urethral stricture can be readily overcome by the
use of electrolysis; for this purpose the negative electrode should form
the contact within the stricture, because the fluids of the hardened tissue
will collect around this pole, and thus render the possibility of stretch-
in-' without tearing the stricture. The electrode should be made of a
metallic catheter, which is insulated down to the tip, and in this way the
whole strength of the current will be brought to bear upon the strictures,
provided there is no mucous ulcer; in the latter case it would be advisa-

METHODS OF EMPLOYING ELECTROLYSIS. Ill

ble to apply the positive electrode Cor the healing purposes. The positive
electrode Bhould be preferred in this latter case on accounl of tin- fact

that this pole will drive away the moisture from the diseased t issue, and thus
form a dry eschar under which the natural process of healing would

occur; later on, it would be appropriate treatment to employ the nega-
tive electrode to the constricted tissue, unless the previous method of ap-
plication has made this unnecessary. It should not he overlooked that in
the removal of the positive electrode-catheter, there would lie a tendency
for the metallic conductor to adhere to the hardened eschar, and therefore
for a moment or two before its removal it would be advisable to change
the polarity of the catheter to the negative; this would have the effect of
loosening the adherent metal, or rather the cicatricial tissue, and prevent
the accident of pulling off the eschar which had heen recently formed.
The catheter should be withdrawn gently by a rotary motion on its own
axis.

Aneurisms. The treatment of aneurisms by electrolysis has not, up
to the present time, met with many permanent cures. The methods
of application are empirical, and details of reported cases are reproduced
in a subsequent chapter. A study of these cases would seem to show that
no particular theory of the action of electrolysis has been followed, except
the supposable coagulation caused by means of the positive electrode.

The method wdiich has been pursued by Ciniselli appears to have met
A>ith the ii lost promising expectations, but even in his experience, the re-
sults of cure have rarely been permanent. His method of treatment is dis-
cribed in detail in chapter seventh. Bartholow states in his work on medi-
cal electricity1 that Dr. Duncan, of Edinburgh, has presented a statistical
table of the results of the treatment by electrolysis of

< ases.

Cures.

Drat lis

Aneurism of aorta, .

. 37

Of innominata, carotid, subclavian.

. 13

« c

External iliac,

Femoral, popliteal, brachial,

. 29

Smaller vessels,

89 :;-J 12

Since Dr. Duncan's report, Dr. Bartholow has collected 21 additional
cases of aneurism which were similarly treated; nine of these were re-
ported as improved, but whether permanent cures were effected it is diffi-

1 Henry C. Lea's Son & Co., Phila., 1883.

142 ELECTROLYSIS.

cult to determine. We are rather surprised that the above-named author
recommends the use of strong currents of high tension, since the experi-
ence of Ciniselli was decidedly the reverse of this. Dr. Rartholow appears
to follow the lead of Robin, and would apparently favor the use of a cur-
rent of 45 milliamperes, one which disengaged in a voltameter a cubic
centimetre of mixed gases in two minutes.

The method of the use of electrolysis in the cure of aneurisms would
appear to offer promises of success, but as yet these promises are unful-
filled; this want of success is undoubtedly due to two reasons: 1, the cause
of the formation of an aneurysmal sac is inherent in the faulty nutrition
and strength of the coats of the blood vessels, and the appearance of the
dilatation at some definite point in the artery may be only in part reme-
died; while the conditions of the primary cause are not removed; 2, most of
the operators who have sought for the coagulating effects of electrolysis
have used currents of too great strength; and consequently the local in-
flammatory action has complicated the result; in some of the cases which
have been reported it will be noticed that this inflammatory process has
caused a fatal conclusion, and which was due to the use of strong as well
as high tension currents. Ciniselli's rule that the strength of the current
shall not exceed that of the disengagement of the mixed gases of the
decomposition of water in a voltameter to the amount of two or three
centimetres' volume during five minutes, is probably the safe guide to the
strength of the current; yet, if the cataphoric action (the driving away
the water of the blood) is the cause of the hardening of the clot, the cur-
rent might be somewhat increased, but should not exceed two or three
milliamperes, that is, one which will cause the disengagement of '20 to 30
cubic millimetres of the mixed gases in a minute of time; if the weaker
current should be employed, the duration of the sitting ought to be pro-
longed to a period of half an hour. In any case, an insulated canula of a
length of half an inch, or less, if the aneurism is more superficial, should
surround and protect the electro-needle during the whole sitting; there
would then be hardly any pain resulting from the passage of the current.

The method of treatment of chronic and indolent ulcers of tin' skin
should embrace the special indications in each case; for instance, if the
surface of the ulcer is covered with moist secretions, the positive electrode
should lie applied for the purpose of drying up these secretions and for
the production of a dry eschar. The process of subsequent healing would
then proceed in a natural manner. It would seem as if many of the cases

METHODS OF EMPLOYING ELECTBOLYS. L43

of chronic eczema might be successfully treated by this method. <m the
other band, it' the ulcer has a dry, Bcurfy, <>r scabby surface, the negative
electrode should be preferred for application to the points of disea

The application of these principles te the treatment of fistulous tracts

and sinus will naturally follow from what precedes, and will need no fur-
ther discussion.

Varicose tumors, which contain fluid masses, would naturally re-
quire the application of the positive electrode. This should be electro-
needles, because the objective point of attack is under the cutaneous cover-
ing; the number of electro-punctures will depend upon the extent of the
tumor, and they should not be inserted nearer together than one and a
half to two centimetres apart. Feeble currents, two to five milliamperes,
should be passed for several hours at a sitting, and the battery should be
arranged for a continuous and uniform current of as low tension as may
lie convenient; the pain of the metallic contact with the skin may be al-
most overcome by the use of hard rubber or ivory canulas, which should
fit loosely around the needles and thus allow the escape of the fluids which
might collect around the puncture.

The needles should always be carefully withdrawn with a rotary motion
to prevent disturbing the hardened coagulum. The patient should be
kept perfectly quiet to prevent afflux of blood to the venous enlargement.

It should be remembered that the use of surface application probably
utilizes only the cataphoric action of electricity. As a consequence of
this transportation of fluid through the tissues the secondary effects of
physico-chemical and physiological action are produced in those tissues
which are embraced within the interpolar circuit. The application of the
electro-puncture will convey the application of the current to the tissues
which are in direct contact with the metallic electrodes. The combined
effects of electrical osmosis and of the electro-chemical action of electricity
would naturally follow the electro-puncture. The surface of contact can
be conveniently coml tinea1 with the preceding effects by the use of another
battery of higher tension than is required for the latter action of the
puncture, and they will not operate in antagonism. The current for the
administration of surface and stabile electricity should not be of a less
strength than that of twenty to fifty milliamperes, and can be continued
during an hour, provided that the electrodes arc well moistened, and that
their contact with the same portion of the skin be not prolonged beyond
a period of fifteen minutes.

144 ELECTROLYSIS.

The choice of the position of either or both electrodes will depend
npon whether Ave wish to convey much or little of the electrical current
directly to the point selected for electrolysis. If a large mass of the human
body intervenes, the current will pass through a larger portion of a re-
sisting medium of various tissues; if the contact of the electrode with the
surface of the body be dry rather than moist the resistance will be ex-
tremely great: if, however, the body's surface be moistened and the elec-
trode also be kept wet with water, this resistance will be materially les-
sened. If again the skin and the electrode each be moistened with a hot
saline solution, the resistance to the conductivity of the electrical current
will be still more materially lessened.

The other terminal electrode can then be applied, either by surface or
by insertion through the skin, to the selected point, and the conductivity
of the tissues be lessened or increased by the same methods. It will add
greatly to the knowledge of the amount of current passing, if a galvanome-
ter of the kind to be described in a subsequent chapter be used to measure
the current, and this instrument should be placed in the same circuit with
the patient's body.

AVe have seen that the negative electrode or kathodal terminal is the
most convenient agent in resolving the elements whose composition
forms the abnormal structure which Ave seek to destroy. Therefore the
negatiA'e electrode should be placed upon the surface nearest the groAvth,
and the electrical current may then be made to pass into the body by the
anodal terminal, orpositiAre electrode, and out of the body by the kathodal
terminal or negative electrode, and so complete the electrical circuit back
to the battery. If the galvanometer be placed in the path of the current
from the battery terminal (copper or carbon) to the body, the needle Avill
be deflected towards the Xorth pole on closing the circuit, or if a vertical
needle be used the needle Avill be deflected to the left; if the galvanometer
be placed in the circuit which goes within the galvanic cells from the zinc
to the copper, the needle will point in the same direction as first mentioned.

Xoav if the current appears to be too strong for the patient to bear
with tolerable comfort, a rheostat may be connected with either circuit
and thus interpose a resistance which can be increased or diminished at
the will of the operator.

This surface method of applying the principles of electroh'sis is not
very effective, because the resistances offered to the flow or passage of the
current must pass through epidermal tissues which of themselves vary

METHODS OF EMPLOYING ELECTROLY8I8.

1 15

in power "t" conductivity. The current meets with a very poor conductor
of electricity, the skin, which in itself feels the discomfort of pain at the
point of contact j and if this is not the tissue which we seek to destroy, its
effects are there wasted and not carried to the underlying tissue which is
our objeel ive point of attack.

To obviate this difficulty a good metallic conductor, made preferably
of gold, silver, or platinum, or irido-platinum alloy, may be thrust through
the skin and into the very structure of the pathological formation. It is
desirable to use a metal of high conducting power in order to use an in-
strument of small diameter. [f we desnv to increase the surface of the
electrode it is more convenient for obvious reasons to do so by multiplying

Fig. 28.

the number of the electro-metallic needles than to use one of larger

diameter. We gain more effect by increasing the surface than by using

the weight of the metal. Platinum and silver needles are inconvenient

on account of their too great flexibility. Gold is stiffer and irido-platinum

is better yet, on account of the same property and smaller size. These

needles are represented in the Figure 28, as also the multiple-connecting

rheophore with which we may use any desired number.

Gas carbon furnishes a very convenient material for surface electrodes,

and this can be shaped in any desired form; but this material is better
10

146 ELECTEOLYSIS.

suited for use in the contact method of application, and unless, we should
desire to utilize the burning effects of the contact of this dry metal with
the selected tissue, it should have a moistened soft texture, such as is
offered by absorbent cotton, chamois skin, or a wet compress, to mitigate
the local escharotic effects of the contact.

The application of electrolysis to epilation in hypertrichosis deserves
its mention in a separate chapter (chapter tenth), since this treatment has
recently become quite extensively employed in this unsightly affection on
women's faces, and because it offers a perfect cure in the removal of the

hairs.

The application of this same treatment to warty and other abnormal
growths is presented in the next chapter.

The various mechanical contrivances for the practical manipulation
of electrolytical action will be exhibited in the twelfth chapter.

CHAPTER VII.

THE APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYSIS TO THE TREAT-
MENT OF DISEASES.

The indications for the use of electrolysis in disease are governed by
certain general facts: — where there is an hypertrophied growth due to a
multiplication of normal cells of a certain tissue; or where the growth may
be due to an increase in the normal connective-tissue structure; or where
the excessive deposition of healthy granulations may overlie certain sur-
faces which on close adaptation will form the definite union of these
opposing surfaces; or where a destruction is desired of the boundary
between healthy and unhealthy tissues; or in certain cases where under
abnormal circumstances healthy structure is misplaced by other healthy
structure, which is an unusual transposition; or where an excess of certain
healthy tissues are obnoxious deformations to the individual. It is contra-
indicated: — where inflammatory action is already seated in these growths,
or in their immediate vicinity, unless great caution is exercised by the
operator in the use of currents of very feeble strength; and in hyper-
trophies caused by degeneration cells or neoformations. According to
one writer,1 electrolysis is indicated:

1, In the exudation process, either with or without cell-formation,
as in certain hyperplasia? (lymphomata); and in diseases of cerebral and
peripheral nervous system; in tumors, hemorrhages and neuritis;

2, In exudation-process in muscles, in tendon-sheaths and connective
tissue; also, within the membrana tympani, and in opacities of the
cornea;

3, In diseases of joints and their surrounding parts; in hydrops ar-
ticulorum, and in plastic infiltration (not caries or arthritis deformans);

•A, In goitre, parenchymatous and vascular; in chronic splenic tumors.

1 Zancopulos, of Greece, ueber die electrolytischen u. katalytischen Heilwirk-
ungen galvanischen Stroma; in Archiv. f. kliu. Med., band p. 502, 1878.

148 ELECTROLYSIS.

This writer explains the curative effects in the above classes of disease
as due to what he calls kaialysis. This word is so often used to explain
some unknown action that it seems hardly wise to apply it to any curative
agency. He probably intended by its application to refer to some electro-
chemical agency which could not well be demonstrated; the use of this
word has been deprecated in a previous chapter, and there is no need
here for any further comment.

This same writer describes the application of electrolysis to:

1. Aneurisms. In these cases the electric needles should, in his opin-
ion, be insulated nearly to the tip with a coating of shellac.

2. Tumors. He considers that the application in these cases, pro-
duces an action like that of a chemical caustic. Strong currents should
be used during anaesthesia for a period of time of an hour or more.
He quotes the authority of Groh in support of a statement that a
weak current will stimulate growth of cancerous tumors. He proposes
this treatment for a destruction of small tumors which are inaccessible to
the knife; also, where they exist in anaemic patients or in those who have
a great dread of the knife.

It should be remembered that this communication was presented thir-
teen years ago; and that these statements would be necessarily qualified
by the more recent experience of those more familiar with the application
and action of electrolysis upon living tissue. The use of strong currents
of electricity appears to excite an inflammatory action, especially in those
structures of the body which offer the highest resistance to its conduc-
tion. The insulation of the needles with a coating of shellac, or even
with rubber, does not appear to prevent this local inflammation and irri-
tation of the skin and other structures of feeble conducting power; and
it is quite probable that the resistance offered by tissues of low conductiv-
ity are so influenced by the action of electrical force, that -a current of
strong tension may cause an arrest of the physiological functions of meta-
bolism, by means of which the natural processes of tissue changes are
quietly conducted, and thus without producing abrupt disturbances ol
the natural processes of the organism.

The effects of electricity when passing through the body at high ten-
sion, like that of high tension dynamo machines and lightning shock, are
too well known to produce death of the living organism, both in plant
and animal life. Mention has already been made, in Chapter IV. of the

APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYSIS. L49

fan ihat electro-chemical changea <>r definite amounts can be accom-
plished by the long continuance of feeble currents, as well as by the use
of strong currents continued for a Bhorl period of time; this Is well estab-
lished bothin the inorganiiMuul organic chemical compounds; it isequally
true iii the living organism as shown by tin' results of clinical experience.
Ciniselli has especially mentioned this fad in relation to his application
of electrolysis to the treatment of aneurism. Even this careful observer
arranged his battery in scries for tension, "as in Volta's pile" ami while
it is probable that, an effective treatmenl in aneurisms may require certain
dynamic actions which really belong to currents of definite tension; yet,
it should be borne in mind that, up to the present time, the application
of electrolysis to the treatment of aneurisms has produced few radical
cures.

Writers on the subject of electrolysis appear not to have paid sufficient
attention to the comparative value of the use of currents of low tension
continued for a longer period with those of high tension continued for a
short period. It is certainly true that the use of a feeble continuous gal-
vanic current can rarely work any serious injury upon the living organ-
ism; but secondary effects caused by the irritation and subsequent in-
flammatory and suppurative processes may provoke, not only an active
increase of pathological action in tissues which are the seat of degenera-
tion, but may also induce an extending inflammatory processes in tissues
of a lower order of vitality, such as the serous membranes; this may.
and has, induced serious accidents and even occasional death. This action
is similar to that produced by the local application of medicinal irritants
and chemical caustics to growths which are in the vicinity of serous mem-
branes.

It will be perhaps advisable to call the attention of the reader, at the
outset of this chapter, to a list of published cases, which were collected
and presented in the communication of Zancopulos before referred to.
It will be noticed that in the long list of about thirty reporters, the treat-
ment of similar eases by electrolysis was not followed invariably by similar
results. An explanation of this discrepancy is suggested in view of these
preceding remarks; for instance, one reporter, Chvostek, mentions the
treatment of thirty cases of goitre, all of which were cured: another
writer. Althaus, mentions eight cases of goitre, four of which only were
cured; another writer, Groh, mentions eleven cases of naevus (angioma)

150

ELECTROLYSIS.

all of which were cured, and Althaus mentions twelve cases of the same
disease, seven of which only were cured; again, Althaus mentions two
cases of scirrhus, both of which were cured, and Groh reports one case of
carcinoma, also of the breast, which ivas not followed by a favorable re-
sult. Other comparisons can be drawn of a similar nature by a close study
of this list.

This table is arranged in the first column with the reporters' names,
in the second and third columns the number of their cases reported and
the nature of the disease treated by electrolysis, and in the fourth column
the results of this treatment. The details of some of these cases are pre-
sented in the text, farther on in this chapter; those cases thus referred
to are marked with a *.

Table I. of Eeported Cases Treated by Electrolysis.

No.

Reported by

Re-

Nature of Disease.

Result of Treatment.

ported

Benedikt.

Arthritis deformans and anky-
losis.

Improved.

M. Meyer.

Arthritis nodosa.*

Cured.

Chvostek.

Gonorrheal orchitis.*

Cured.

Groh.

Carcinoma mammae.*

No result.

Benedikt.

Chronic diseases of joints, 1

17 cured.

4 improved.

Cheron.

Chronic arthritic rheumatism.

Cured.

Bartholow.

Chronic infarctus of uterus.

Cured.

Scoutetten.

Ganglia.*

Cured.

Althaus.

Ganglion.

Cured.

Groh.

Gonitis rheumatica.

Cured.

Gonitis traumatica.

Cured.

Benedikt.

Hydrarthrosis.

Cured or improved.

Groh.

Hydrosarcocele.*

Improved.

Brims.

Hydrocele.*

Not cured.

Arcoleo.

Hypopion.

Cured.

} 1

Corneal abscess.

Cured.

Chvostek.

Traumatic infiltration in leg.

Cured.

Chvostek.

6
1

Indolent inguinal buboes.

Cured.

M. Meyer.

Lymphoma.

Nearly made to dis-

appear.

M. Meyer.

Lymphoma.

Cu red.

1!)

Groh.

Melano-sarcoma

Failed.

Rudolli.

Ophthalmia, granular.

Improved.

Chvostek.

Pan n us.

Improved.

Wolf & Cheron.

Enlarged prostate.

( lured.

Birch.

Pseudarl hrosis.

( lured.

2-1

Sell \v;il in.

Extensive chancroid.

Cured.

Chvostek.

( roil re.*

Cured.

•.'<;

Mendel.

Traumatic tetanus.

Cured.

•-■;

Benedikt.

Trismus.

Improved.

28 Wiesner.

Prosopalgia.

Cured.

APPLICATION OF ELE< TROL1 918. 1 5 I

Table II. of Reported Cases' in wbioh Electrolysis was dsed.

K: PORT! D BY

No.
Re-

Nature i i

: o» Treatment.

ported

( liniselli.

Aneurism thoracic aorta.*
\ si ending aorta.

4 cured.
t lured.

Pel requin.

Aneuris traumatism of temple.

2 cured.

(il-oli.

Angioma* (navus

( lured.

Alliums.

Angioma, lower lid.*

i lured.

Juenken.

Angioma.*

Improved.

Manfredini.

Villous cancer in leg.

Cured.

NefteL

i lancer.

( lured.

( Iron.

( lancer.*

14 cured.

< londyloma.

Cured.

Fieber.

( (varian Cyst.

1 (esl roved.

Lincoln.

Erectile tumor in supra-orbital
fossa.

Cured.

Klaine.

Fibroid of left trochanter.

Cured.

Groh.

1 [emorrhoids.

Cured.

i:;

Billroth.

I 'i-a' --patellar Hydrops.

Failed.

Billroth.

a fe w

Hydroceles.*

Not permanently
cured.

Dittel.

Hydrocele.*

Cured.

Scoutetten.

Lymphoma, neck.

Cured.

1 temarquay.

Submaxillary.

Cured.

Groh.

Scrof. lupus in upper lip.*

Cured.

lit

Hilton, Fagge and
Durham.

Hydatid liver.

Cured.

C. Foster.

Hydatid liver.

Failed.

Groh.

Myxo-sarcoma.

Cured.

Althaus.

Naevi

7 cured.

Ehrenstein.

Osteo-enchondroma of clavicle.

Cured.

Bruns.

Pseudarthrosis.

Failed.

X tMat on.

Pbaryngo-nasal polypi.

3 cured.

Bruns.

Polypus of fauces.

Cured.

Althaus.

Goitre.

4 cured.

Gherini.

( 'ystic goitre.

Cured.

Althaus.
Grolf

Scirrhus mammae.

Cured.

Sarcoma.*

All cured.

Bruns.

Urethral stricture.

1 cured.

Tripier and Mallez.

Urethral stricture.

All cu'd or improVd

Couriard.

1 rrethral stricture.

10 improved.

Althaus.

Sebaceous tumors.

15 cured.

:;:.

Billroth.

Telangiectasis of cheek.

Faded.

Dittel.

Varices.*

All cured.

In addition to the above list which is thus transcribed, Ciniselli first
employed electrolysis to effect a cure of a neuroma in the leg.

Broca reports its use and cure in a case of an erectile tumor of the lip.

Nelaton reports the cure of a polypus in the naso-pharyngeal space.

Chvostek reports six cases of the cure by means of electrolysis of indo-
lent bubo, after the failure of other treatment.

Neftel reports a case of a tumor in the left mamma of a man, aged
fifty-six, which was pronounced to be a cancer by several surgeons; among
them was Marion Sims, by whom it was originally removed by the use of

1 Details of these cases are prevented in this chapter further «>n.

152 ELECTROLYSIS.

the knife; another similar tumor appeared in the right mamma which was
treated by means of the method of electro-puncture by Neftel, who used
gold needles with strong currents at weekly sittings which lasted from
two to ten minutes each. Though the tumor at first increased in size, it
afterwards became softer and more elastic, and the general condition of
the patient gradually improved. There was no fever following the great
pain of the operation, and the tumor began slowly to grow smaller by
degrees until at the end of three months there was only its vestige re-
maining; the last report is that of a complete cure.

Thirty-two cases of aneurism were collected by Boinet in which treat-
ment by electrolysis was followed. Twenty-one of his cases were failures
and ten were followed by successful cures. There was no report in one
case. Other methods of treatment had been unsuccessfully tried.

Ciniselli collected in 1856 fifty cases of this treatment in aneurism.
These aneurisms were located in nearly all the large arteries, aorta, caro-
tids, subclavian and popliteal. Twenty-three of these cases are reported
as cured.

Writers, who have had experience in the use of the electro-puncture,
report that frequently eschars will form in the superficial tissues, and this
in spite of every known precaution; there is, also, danger that a similar
inflammation will occur in the walls of aneurismal sacs. Broca claims
that this interior and local inflammatory action may be avoided by the use
of currents of low tension and of large quantity. It is difficult to under-
stand exactly what he means by this statement, because where we have
such high resistances as those which are offered by the living tissues, we
can hardly expect to convey through them currents of large quantity; for
by a reference to the former discussion of this subject in the preceding
chapter, the reader will comprehend that currents of large quantity can
only pass through a conducting medium which has a large section area of
low resistance, and the human body is not a conductor of this character.
Probably Broca would refer to weak or feeble currents, which could be
readily conveyed by mediums of conduction, in which the transmission
of the electrical force would be effected slowly and with feeble chemical
or physical action. It should always be remembered that the resistance
in either the internal circuit of the battery, or of the external path of the
conducting medium, along which the electricity flows back to the opposite
pole of the battery, will affect the rapidity of the electro-chemical action
in the battery. This author may, however, have referred to the local

APPLICATION «>r ELECTROLYSIS. I •>•>

effect of a Btrong current which would produce a Bevere caustic action at
the pointe of contact of the electrodes with the skin; the Bame action
would, however, be caused by a long-continued contact with feeble cur-
rents. Ciniselli states that no cure of aneurisms is possible without some
inflammation in the aneurismal sac.

Electrolysis is equally useful in telangiectasis, venous tumors, etc.,
because its local action can be so readily circumscribed.1 Wilheim1 re-
ports a case in which he first tapped an ovarian cyst, and after a second
tapping, lie inserted an electro-positive needle to the depth of two inches,
and completed the circuit by means of a flat metallic plate (current from
live cells for five minutes), which was followed by great pain ami by no
improvement or reaction; the cyst refilled. A second application was
made this time with the negative 'pole connected with a battery of ten
cells, and kept in place for ten minutes; this was followed by no improve-
ment and produced considerable pain; an increase in the dyspnoea neces-
sitated tapping, and six pints of a frothy albuminous liquid were removed.
Death occurred two days later. Post-mortem examination revealed peri-
toneal cancer and ascites. In regard to the foregoing case, it should be
remarked that cancer of the peritoneal surface would naturally be attended
with inflammatory action of this tissue, which is of a low order of vitality.
The increase of inflammation which would follow electro-puncture, pro-
ducing also the irritation which naturally would be expected from so strong
a battery power, would increase this inflammatory action.

Male, aged thirty-six years, with chronic hydrocele; this was situated
on the left side; a platinum needle connected with the negative pole was
inserted into the sac. The escape of the contained fluid, although pre-
vention was attempted, was unavoidable. Subsequently, the amount of
fluid diminished and parenchymatous inflammation ensued, but, later on,
the hydrocele returned and was subjected eventually to ordinary treatment.

Female, aged forty-eight, cellular polypus of uterus; (this patient
was also under treatment for paresis of legs); the polypus was accom-
panied with hemorrhage. The positive pole, a needle, was inserted to the
depth of half an inch into the polypus, which protruded from the cervix
uteri, and the negative pole was placed on the surface of the thigh. A
current from a battery of ten cells was continued for five minutes. The

1 Consult Ciniselli"s, Broca's, and the writings of the other authors, previously
referred to.

- Die Electrolyse u. ihre Labredner. 1877.

154 ELECTROLYSIS.

color of the tumor changed from red to green, and emitted the odor of
sulphuretted hydrogen; after three sittings of this same treatment the
tumor became shrivelled and gangrenous; but after the last sitting para-
metritis ensued and the patient remained weak and sickly for six months.
She became finally cured.

Female, carcimona uteri: two applications with no favorable results.

Female, aged fifty, hygroma praepatellare: the circumference of the
tumor measured two inches. In this case the two electrodes were applied
upon the surface of the skin, electro-puncture not used; this treatment
was followed with no favorable result. Afterwards, bipolar electrolysis,
both electrodes being electro-puncture, was tried for a sitting of twenty
minutes; the current was derived from a battery of ten cells (Bunsen).
This current strength is equal to twenty volts, or a total amount of four-
hundred volts during twenty minutes. Taking into consideration the
resistance of the tissues in the interpolar circuit, the resulting current
would be equal to . 20 of this original strength. This treatment was followed
by inflammation of the joint around the punctures. After three weeks
of this method of treatment for relief of the inflammation, which con-
fined the woman to the house, the tumor was reduced to one half its
original size.

Five cases of lymphatic tumors. In one of these cases Frommhold's
method of insertion of the negative needle-electrode only, was used. The
tumor, which was situated under the lower jaw, was hard and unyielding.
All the tumors grew softer under that treatment, but did not disappear.
Two cases of chronic ulcers of the leg, treated by surface application of
the electrodes, met with no success comparable to that of transplantation.
A flat platinum disk over the ulcer was combined with the application of
the other electrode upon some indifferent spot; this was attended with
pain, but treatment was continued for a period of five months.

Colley1 mentions the introduction of electrobysis into medicine in
Russia thirty years ago. This introduction resulted from the studies of
G. Crusell, of Filmland, who being favored by Pirogoff, founded a hospital
in Moscow. Colley ascribes to Crusell the first application of the " hydro-
lytic" current of measured strength, and of the "heal development" of
galvanism in therapeutics. 152 patients were treated in his hospital, of
whom 8 died and (!4 were cured. Electrolysis was found useful in the

1 Die Electrolytschen Heilanstalt in Moscow. Med. Zeitung Russlands, iv., p.
2041, 1847.

IPPLH \TI<».\ OF ELB0TROLYSI8. L55

treatmeni of scirrhus, Cungus hsematodes, fungus medullaris, gangrene,
primary syphilis, urethral strictures, tumors, and ulcere; also, in leucoma
and cataract.

Billroth ' was bo much impressed with an <>ral statement of Socin, thai
he employed electrolysis in the treatment of a case of hydrocele. Ee used
a Stohrer's (bichromate) battery formed from twelve couples. The sacof
the hydrocele at once grew tympanitic and in three or four weeks a cure
waseffected. The whole procedure involved hut little pain. Billroth did
not consider the cure permanent, as in one of these eases the hydrocele
soon returned, in hydrops bursa- prsepatellaris the same treatment re-
sulted in suppuration, which required free incision for the escape of pus.

Dittel ' reports a ease of hydrocele which was situated on the left side,
and was of two years' duration. This case was treated by electro-puncture
(positive electrode). The needles were inserted into the sac. The negative
electrode was applied by means of a sponge on the surface of the scrotum.
Very little pain accompanied the puncture. On removing the needles
some serum escaped and an oedema of the scrotum ensued. The patient
complained of pain in the region of the vas deferens., and the temperature
was slightly elevated (38.5 C°) and the pulse became 92. The insertion
of three needles (positive) was continued at the second sitting for thirteen
minutes, a platinum plate being used for the other electrode. Closure of
the wound was followed by pain, wdiich continued for five days; the tem-
perature varied from 37.-4 to 38.6 C°. After a week the swelling dimin-
ished. At the third sitting a battery (Grove's) of two couples only, was
used for the current strength in place of the three which were used at the
first sitting. Five days later, the sac Avas shrivelled and was as small as
after treatment by iodine injection in eight days. The patient was dis-
charged with the tumor one-fourth its original size.

Male, aged thirty-seven, with bilateral varicocele. Four needles were
connected with three Grove's cells and these were thrust into the right
veins. A sponge electrode was placed upon the surface of the right groin;
the veins grew smaller at once, and the scrotum became shrivelled and its
surface corrugated. No local rise in temperature occurred, and the veins
shrunk in the course of three days to a small, hard and painful knot.
The pain was relieved by cold applications, and in three weeks the pre-
viously swollen veins appeared as hard empty strands. There was no fur-

1 Open letter Th. Billroth to Prof. O. Weber. Deutsche Klinik. xviii.
»(Esterich. ztschr. f. prakt. Hlkde., No. 17. 1869.

156 ELECTROLYSIS.

ther sign of the varicocele. The patient ran away to avoid treatment of
left side. The needles were inserted into, and not through the veins.
The writer did not notice formation of a thrombus and did not consider
the cure permanent.

Female, aged sixty-one, with varicose ulcers which had existed for
sixteen years; these were in the left leg and there was a varicosity of the
saphena major. Three needles were connected with a current from three
Grove's cells, and these were inserted for sixteen minutes. The veins were
compressed above and below the needle puncture ; moderate burning pain
followed the application of the electricity; the coats of the veins became
thicker and their width narrower. The patient was discharged improved.

A similar case is reported in a man of forty-two years Avho had varicose
ulcers, which had existed for fourteen years; this was similarly treated
and the treatment was followed by the same result.

Male, aged sixty-five; similar case and treatment. The ulcer healed and
the vein was narrowed.

Male, aged forty-two years, with varicose ulcer of twenty years' dura-
tion. Two sittings with the electro-puncture. After the first, the patient
had pain which was accompanied with a chill (temp. 39.2 C°)j the ulcer
was cured in about two weeks.

Male, aged twenty-seven years, with cavernous subcutaneous tumor.
This was situated just below the tuberosity of the tibia having the size of a
walnut. It could be increased in size by pressure upon the saphena above;
four needles were inserted into the tumor. This grew harder but soon re-
turned to its original condition; after the second sitting, the periphery
became hard and small. When the patient was discharged hardly a ves-
tige remained.

Scoutetten ' reports the use of electrolysis in the following nine cases.
This was applied by the use of electro-puncture.

1. Four cysts in the wrist, one of which was in a young man and the
others in young women. These all completely disappeared in a very short
time.

2. Two cases of hydrocele, which had existed .seven ami t wenty-six years
respectively. The later case required two sittings ami. in the former, one
sitting was sufficient. There is no report of the recurrence.

3. Sebaceous tumors of head. Two of these cases were in men, and

1 Sur la methode electrolytique dans ses applications aux operations chirurgi-
cates. Bull., Acad, de Med., Paris, 1864-5, xxx.. p. 969.

APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYSIS. l-'<

one in a woman. Each case required two sittings of fifteen minnt
duration, and a cure was effected.

I. A cyst <>n tli*' outer border of the lefl eyebrow was qo1 successfully
treated.

;.. A cancerous tumor in a male aged sixty-six years, continued to
-r.>w, notwithstanding the application of electrolysis for six sitting:
finally death ensued.

6. Three soft lymphatic ganglia of the neck were successfully treated.

7. A fibrous tumor situated under the jaw. righi side, of a man. aged
thirty-seven. All of these latter were unsuccessfully treated, for five
sittings, with a currenl derived from three Hansen's cells.

8. An indurated ganglion on the anterior portion of the auditory
meatus, left side, was successfully treated by a current of the same
strength as in ease seven. Scoutetten gives no other details of apparatus
used by him. It is not improbable, as lias been before remarked, that in-
flammatory and suppurative processes existed in his cases. The use of too
strong current in tissues previously inflamed and degenerated may have
increased the local inflammation, and so have hastened death in the case
of the cancerous tumor above reported.

Onimus ' produced a softening in several cases of lipoma, but the
treatment of electrolysis was discontinued on account of objections from
the patients. In one of these cases, the lipoma disappeared after several
sittings. The treatment of this case was attended with oily discharges,
which was followed by an interstitial abscess caused by emphysema.

A venous tumor in a man of twenty-one years of age was treated by the
same method; this was situated in the forearm. A current strength from
fourteen Daniell cells, probably arranged for tension, was employed for
one minute with no apparent effect. At the second sitting, a battery of
twenty DanielTs employed during three minutes apparently produced no
effect. At the third sitting the use of thirty of these same cells was fol-
lowed by complete coagulation of the blood in the venous sac.

It may be well at this point to present certain results of experiments
on animals reported by Abeille.2 Eleven of these experiments were on
animals, one sheep and ten dogs. In the first experiment on the dog the

1 Quelques faits chirurgicales relatif aux acu-punctures electriques. France
Med., xxiv., 769.

2 L'electricite appliqu6e a la therapeutique chirurgicale. Par M. le Dr. J.
Abeille.

158 ELECTROLYSIS.

crural artery was pierced by the electrodes; the operation was successfully
pel-formed without isolating the blood vessel; the duration of the current
was for five minutes. On the next day, an unsuccessful attempt was made
to pierce the left crural artery. The animal was killed two days later;
the right artery was found to be occluded by a firm clot, which was ad-
herent to the sides of the vessel, and the coagulation was arranged in con-
centric layers.

In the second experiment on a large dog, an electro-puncture into the
blood vessel caused so much struggling that the needle became disengaged.
This operation was followed by spurts of blood. On again being introduced
the hemorrhage was immediately arrested, the blood " boiling and coagu-
lating" around the electrodes; the duration of the current was for five
minutes. A hard body was felt in the track of the artery at the seat of
the operation. On the next day a similar attempt was successfully per-
formed on the corresponding artery of the opposite side, and twenty-four
hours later the dog was killed. Both arteries were found to be occluded,
the passage of a stylet being impossible; the clot presented the same con-
centric layers. The second clot was red, and the first rose-color; the
color appeared to depend upon the length of time after the operation at
which the animal was killed. As in the third experiment, when the animal
was killed later, the clot was paler, and its color was still paler in the fifth
experiment, in which the animal was killed at a later period. In the last
experiment the color had completely disappeared, except at a central spot,
which proved that decoloration proceeds from the circumference to the
centre. The other experiments on dogs, the details of which are not
given, produced similar results. The experiment on the sheep was con-
ducted with difficulty; four attempts were made to find the artery, and it
was thought in none had the electrode pierced the vessel. The animal
was killed fifteen days later, however, and after careful search among the
hardened tissues, four inches of the vessel were exsected. The artery was
found flattened like a ribbon and would not admit of the passage of the
stylet; in the interior of the artery a remnant of a clot, which adhered
to the walls of the vessel, was found. It was remarkable that the clot
formed so rapidly. According to these authors, it is supposed by many
physiologists that the result of the coagulation of blood should be attri-
buted to the effect of heat; but this theory cannot be true, from the fact
that the clot is so firm and so adherent to the walls of the blood vessel
that it can only be removed by violence. The action of heat alone would

APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYSIS. L59

in their opinion result in an embolus. The action of electrolysis differs
fr,,m thai of heat in causing no direct inflammation. This may be ex-
plained on the ground that the walls of the blood vessels, being bad con-
ductors, insulate the current from adjacent tissues. Neither, according to
this writer, can simple needle punctures in the resBels produce the same
effects; because, unless these needles ad as electrodes, experiment Bhows
that similar coagulating results cannot be obtained, other observers
claim that the blood of the lower animals is more plastic than that of man.
because some authorities have shown that a clot will form in the animal
at the opening of a divided artery. Amussat has, however, shown that the
same will occur in man, and that, at the most, the only difference lies in
the fact that a longer time is required for its formation.

With the introduction of these detailed experiments the application of
electrolysis to the treatment of aneurisms and venous enlargements may
justly he compared. Abeille presents the following case of aneurism
treated by electrolysis:

Mile. P. de G., set. 65, the aneurism Avas situated in the left sub-
clavian artery. When first seen it had the size of a pullet's egg; the pulsa-
tion was expansile and was synchronous with the heart's beat. The tumor
had a medium hardness, and was partially emptied by digital pressure, at
the same time giving a trembling sensation to the fingers; compression of
the subclavian above the tumor arrested the pulsation. Compression of the
axillary artery increased the size of tumor. The diagnosis of aneurism
was confirmed by several physicians. The bulk of the tumor was visible
between the scaleni muscles. Operation. — Patient was etherized in the
recumbent position, and the head was turned to the right to render the
tumor more prominent. Four needles were introduced to a depth which,
from the diminution of resistance and increased freedom of their move-
ment, showed that they had penetrated the sac. Duration of the current
was for thirty-seven minutes; the tumor grew hard and pulsation ceased,
as shown by palpation over aneurismal sac and in radial artery. Several
small drops of blood followed the withdrawal of the needles and light
eschars formed in the skin around these needles. At the close of the
operation there was apparent absence of pulsation over the aneurismal
sac; but the bruit was the same. This was formerly distinctly audible. On
very careful pal pation a feeble pulsation could be detected in the axillary
and radial arteries. The wounds from the puncture were covered with
n wet compress of cold water, and a weight of one kilogram (about two

160 ELECTROLYSIS.

pounds), was placed over the subclavian artery above the tumor, where it
remained for ten hours.

On the second day there was light vibration, but no radial pulse; the
hands and fingers were cold; and there was loss of muscular power in the
fingers. On this and the day following the compress was kept in place,
and the patient slept well.

On the third day ointment was applied to the wounds of the punctures
and the compress was removed.

On the fourth and fifth days pulsation reappeared in the radial artery,
though small and feeble. The tumor was very hard and incompressible,
and its shape was regular and oval. The patient had intense headache,
flushed face and injection of conjunctiva. During the next two or three
days the hand regained its normal warmth and usefulness.

On the thirteenth day the tumor had diminished to more than half of
its original size.

On the seventeenth day after the operation the skin was no longer
elevated, and strong pressure developed the sensation of a hard metallic
plate. The artery above the aneurism was enlarged and gave off three dis-
tinctly visible branches, which were supposed to be the inferior thyroid,
the vertebral and posterior scapular.

The following cases were reported by Groh:1 1. Aneurism of right sub-
clavian artery. In this case six zinc needles were used for one electrode,
while the other was applied on the skin over the aneurismal sac, and the
battery was formed of six zinc elements. After duration of the current for
thirty minutes there was no pulsation to be perceived by palpation in the
aneurism; but the subsequent history of the case was uncertain.

A case of aneurism of the arch of the aorta is reported by Eivet:a
Man, aged forty-five years, was admitted to the hospital in February,
1878, with a large aneurism in the ascending portion of the arch of the
aorta, which communicated with this vessel by a narrow orifice. Two nega-
tive electrodes were applied on the surface of the chest and thigh. A
needle, positive electrode, was thrust into the second intercostal space
seven centimetres from the median line to a depth of five centimetres;
a second needle was thrust into the third intercostal space. The duration
of the current lasted for ten minutes.

1 Die Elektrolyse inder Chirurgie, Wien, 1871.

3 Aneunsme de lacrosse de l'acn-te traite par l'electro-puncture. Med., Paris,
1878, xxv., \k 241-:!.

APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYSIS. 161

On the Becond day the subjective symptoms were somewhat more
favorable, as well as the objective BymptomB,

On the thirty-second day three needles were inserted during thirty
minutes. For the uexl few days the symptoms were greatly relieved, the
arterial impulse was diminished and venous stasis, formerly very marked,
was also relieved: the bruit, though sometimes absent, was about the same.
At the date of writing (one month later), the author does not specify the
result.

Bucquoy ' reports the following case of an aortal aneurism in a woman
of fifty-eight years of age: The measurements of the aneurism were eight
eentimetres in the vertical line, ten to twelve centimetres in the transverse
diameter. There was no vestige of the second, third, or fourth ribs, or
their cartilages. The first sitting was on June 12, 1878, in the presence
of Dujardin-Reaumetz. Two needles were inserted, which were con-
nected, one at a time, with the positive pole into the most prominent
part of the tumor to the depth of two and half centimeters (one inch).
The negative electrode was applied to the thigh; the current was applied
for twenty minutes; great pain and inflammatory swelling followed this
application. These symptoms, however, disappeared at a later period. At
the second sitting, two weeks later, there was further improvement.
After three more sittings the tumor was in great part solidified, and the
patient left the hospital for the purpose of resuming work. The tumor
again reappeared two months later, but not in its original dimensions.
After four applications the aneurism was reduced to a hard fibrous charac-
ter. This case appeared to the author to present every reason to hope
for a permanent cure. He thinks the method of treatment would be of
great benefit when the aneurism is in communication with the artery
by a narrow orifice.

(iniselli2 divides his cases of aneurism into two classes: nine of the
cases were between 184G and 18G6, and fourteen cases were between
1868 and 1870. The former cases were those treated without expe-
rience, the latter were treated in the light of the former results.
The first cases were voluminous tumors, in one of which the blood
had begun to escape; all of the cases were threatened with rupture and
gangrene, and were thus very far advanced, being beyond the reach
of nature and art. Three case< were ameliorated. In one the result was

Bull, de PAcad. de Med., 2me., viii., p. 55, 1879. ■ Op. cit.

162 ELECTROLYSIS.

not known, and the remainder died of rupture. As this first series was
experimental, the improper methods used, probably, had something to do
with the results. Thus in two cases the induced or faradaic current was
employed, which subsequent experience shows to be the worst possible
form of current. In other cases, Bunsen's and Wallaston's elements were
used, giviDg too great current tension, and causing phlegmonous inflam-
mation, gangrene and fatal hemorrhage. From an analysis of twenty-
three cases, this author is convinced that when the aneurism is still within
the cavity of the chest, is of medium size, lateral to the artery, and com-
munieatino with it by a limited opening, and when no complications exist
menacing life, galvano-puncture offers fair prospects of success.

Of the second series, seven were characterized by bulging of the inter-
costal spaces only, the remainder in addition being attended by more or
less erosion of the chest walls; seven were uncomplicated, three being in
the ascending aorta, three at the arch, and one in the innominate. They
were diagnosed to be lateral to the artery, except one which had an uni-
formly enlarged bulging on both sides of the sternum. This latter re-
quired two applications of electrolysis while one only sufficed for the
ethers. The other seven were complicated with secondary external aneur-
isms, three being in the ascending aorta and four at the arch. These
communicated with the vessel by wide orifices. Aggravated subjective
symptoms usually were present.

Ciniselli used the previously described voltaic pile; this pile was formed
of thirty couples; the zinc and copper plates were each ten centimeters
square, each disc-element being separated by cloths wet with salt water.
He used the poles alternately to avoid the local effect of either the alkaline
or acid reaction, which belong to each respective pole. By this method the
author considered that no accidents would occur from the predominance
of either reaction. In one case only was it necessary to use anesthetics.

The local irritations due to the contact of the electrode were always
easily controlled by ice and lead water. Ciniselli considered that the local
cauterization is produced by too long-continued application of the elec-
trode, or to a chemical action which is too great. The irritation should
never be more than superficial and slight. The first seven cases showed
immediately apparent improvement; this was marked by a diminution of
extent of pulsation, by increased consistence and firmness of the tumor, and
decrease in size; then; was increased regularity of circulation. The general
symptoms of neuralgic pain and dyspnoea diminished or disappeared; the

APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYSIS. L63

patienl was aide to lie in positions thai were formerly impossible, and
decided improvements recurred in tranquil sleep and In muscular
strengt h.

This author states in regard to the recurrence of aneurism in hi
perience: — in six of these cases there was qo return for seventeen months,
eighl months, Four months, three months, and three months, respectively.

In the first ease a second operation was required twenty months after
the first temporary cure; the walls of the chest wwr eroded and the tumor
was of immense dimension.

Another ease recurred in four months, but was still confined within
the walls of the chest; a second operation was a complete success, and
there was no evidence of the aneurism at the close of eight months later.

In the seventh ease there was marked and prompt improvement, but
a rupture of the sac caused death eighteen days later.

The same methods of procedure were followed in the six remaining
cases. Two of these cases required a second operation, immediate results
of which were the same: viz., increased consistence and firmness, and
diminution of the size of the tumor, with improvement in the general con-
stitutional symptoms. There was no general constitutional disturbance
and very slight local irritation. The greatest advantage possessed by this
operation as compared with other means of treatment is its short dura-
tion. In two of the cases the tumor was of considerable size, which sub-
sequent to the operation became suddenly enlarged and softened; gan-
grene, rupture and death resulted in forty-two and fifty-two days respec-
tively after the operation.

In the seventh case the occurrence of gangrene and hemorrhage re-
sulted from local cauterization which was caused by a current of too great
strength. Post-mortem examination showed in some of the fatal cases
organic alterations which would preclude success; while in the others the
beneficial effects of the operation were shown by consistent clots.

Ciniselli draws some conclusions from his experience in this method of
treatment of aneurisms. Before presenting this summary it Avould be
well to call attention to the large number of cases from which his experi-
ence was gathered, and to note in advance of his conclusions, that many
of his cases presented more unfavorable aspects of treatment than some
of those which are quoted from other authorities. It would be well also
to remark that the voltaic pile, used by him, gives a galvanic current of
very low tension and a feeble chemical action. The current from this pile

104 ELECTROLYSIS.

has not the property of a tolerably constant action for long-continued use.
The batteries most generally employed for electrolytical treatment of
aneurisms on the European continent, as well as in this country, appear
to be those which afford strong currents of a high tension.

The conclusions of Ciniselli are summarized in the following valuable
suggestions for the indications and methods of treatment of aneurisms:

The favorable indications for the use of electrolysis are: entire enclos-
ure of the aneurismal sac within the cavity of the chest, the only external
manifestations being a pulsation and bulging of the intercostal spaces; the
seat of the aneurism should be lateral to the arterial wall; the aneurism
should not be too extended nor have formed in a very short period of time.
There should be no evidence of disease in the organs of respiration or of
the circulation other than that shown by the symptoms of the aneurism
itself.

The above symptoms demand the use of the electro-puncture. As the
most common cause of aneurism is that of atheroma of the arteries and its
tendency to progress, the permanence of the cure will depend upon the
progress of this arterial lesion. If the aneurism should recur, and if the
same favorable symptoms persist, the operation should be repeated.

On the other hand, in the case of peripheral aneurisms, and of those
which show a tendency to progress very rapidly, and in secondary aneu-
risms, or in those complicated by erosions of the thoracic walls, the electro-
puncture is contra-indicated. It is useless and may be followed by danger-
ous consequences.

He would especially caution against the use of too strong a current (of
high tension). In his opinion, the best form of battery is furnished by the
Voltaic pile. One serious objection to this form of battery is the fact that
its electro-chemical action is not continuous for a sufficient period of time,
and consequently the force of the current decreases very rapidly. If an-
other form of galvanic cell is used in battery, the current should not have
a greater force than that of the initial strength of the Voltaic pile. The
strength of the current should be equal to that which will decompose a
mixture of sulphuric acid and water in the proportion of one part of the
acid to thirty of water, and which will give in five minutes two or three
cu. cent, of the mixed gases resulting from the electrolysis.

He recommends polisbed steel needles which are one millimetre or
more in diameter. These should be inserted, to the number of two or
four, not nearer together than an interval of one and a half to two cent.,

APPLICATION OF III ■:< TROLl SIB. 1 65

ftor to a depth of oyer two to tour cent. The ourrenl should be reversed
at regular intervala in order to obtain a firm clot, and abrupl shocks may
be prevented by having pins in the handles of the eleotrodea At Brat
the negative should be applied on the- surface of the skin by means of a
wet compress, and the electro-positive oeedles should be connected one
after the other In Buoh a manner that each needle is connected first with
tin- positive and afterwards with the negative electrode, when the direo*
tion of the current is reversed. The needles should not be allowed to con-
nect with the negative electrode until after they have been acted upon by
the positive. His reason for this precaution is that he desires to coat the
needles with oxidized iron so that they are practically insulated before
being used to convey the negative electricity. The current, after acting
upon the skin should be changed, so that the former positive needle shall
he used as negative on changing the direction of the current.

The current should be reversed as soon as a little black circle shows
itself at the positive pole, as this indicates the commencement of the
caustic action. The appearance that indicates that cauterization is about
to take place around the negative pole (which has formerly been positive)
is the substitution for the red zone surrounding the black circle of a pale
and subsequently a cadaverous hue. This will inevitably be followed by
an eschar and ulceration unless the action of the current be terminated.
The sittings will last from 30 to 45 minutes, according to the number of
needles and the number of times each is employed.

Dujardin-Beaumetz1 refers to a later collection by Ciniselli of thirty-
eight cases of aneurism. In no case had a permanent cure been effected.
In eleven cases the cure persisted for IS, 27, 23, 21, IT, 16, 7, 7, G, 4, 1
months respectively. In seven cases the amelioration persisted at the date
of writing (28, 16, 12, 8, G, 3, 3 months after the operation). This quota-
tion is from a letter of Ciniselli to Dr. Bacchi. Dujardin-Beaumetz puts
a case on record witnessed by Dr. Bemutz. This was an aneurism of the
aortal arch. The patient after apparent cure from the treatment returned
to work at the forge, and died suddenly two weeks later. There was no
post-mortem examination in this case.

Another case is reported by Dujardin-Beaumetz which was in a man
aet. 37; aneurism of ascending portion of the arch, with insufficiency of
aortal valves. When admitt d March L7, 1877, the patient stated that he

1 Note Bur un cas d'aneurysme de la crosse de i'aorta tniit£ par I'electro-punc-

ture. Bull. gen. de therap., xciii, p. 1.

166 ELECTROLYSIS.

never had syphilis, nor had he been addicted to alcoholic excess; no report
of rheumatism; his father died of cerebral hemorrhage, his mother was
living and in good health. This patient had apparently from the reported
history an attack of parenchymatous nephritis at the age of fourteen years,
which was not recovered from for six months. Four years ago he was
suddenly attacked with violent pain in chest, which disappeared after some
days. Two years ago without appreciable cause he was attacked with pain
which radiated into the arms, especially the right; this was soon followed
by a palpitation so severe as to compel him to stop work. Decubitus on
the left side caused intense dyspnoea. About one year ago he noticed a
pulsation on the surface of the chest, between the fourth and fifth ribs.
He was treated for this symptom at a hospital in Bordeaux by ice and
iodide of potassium. On examination visible pulsation was most marked
in the third intercostal space. A bruit could be heard at the apex on the
mammary vertical line in the sixth intercostal space. Iodide of potassium
and refrigerants were tried unsuccessfully, and as this case presented the
favorable symptoms for treatment by electrolysis mentioned by Ciniselli,
this method was determined upon. Gaiffe's battery of twenty-six couples,
was used, producing 2c. c. of mixed gases in five minutes from the acid-
ulated water of Ciniselli. A rheostat was available so that the current
strength could be increased at will. Needles were varnished for one half of
their length. One positive needle was inserted at a distance of three cent, to
the right of the sternum, the second needle was introduced at a distance
of four cent, from the sternum. The positive needles were used singly
and in succession. To avoid shock the current was diminished each time
a needle was inserted ; each needle was twice acted upon in the way
recommended by Ciniselli. The sitting lasted half an hour. An ice
bag was applied after the withdrawal of the needles. Four hours later,
the force of the impulse beat of the tumor had diminished, and its
increased consistence showed that a clot had formed. This author
concludes that, if Ciniselli's directions are followed, two-thirds of the
cases will be ameliorated.

In the Gazette des Hopitaux ' Dujardin-Beaumetz reports the continu-
ance of the treatment in this same case; second sitting, about one month
after the first. Three needles were inserted in the fourth intercostal
space, which was followed by an amelioration even more marked than

'Paris, 1877, p. 1004.

APPLICATION 01 i l.i I rBOLI 318. 1 67

before. The pulsation was perceived only (and there with difficulty) al the
borders of the tumor; bul in proportion to the improvement in bhe aneur-
ism the cardiac symptoms increased in Beverity, dyspnoea, enlargement of

the liver, a ml < edema appearing. Death took place one and a half months
after tin- sec. Mul operation. Posl mortem Bhoweda pear-shaped aneurism,
of the firsi portion of the vessel; this aneurism rested on the liver, mount-
ing to the third intercostal space". There was insufficiency of the aortal
valve-; the sac was lined by a clot one cent, in thickness. The author
thinks that it would be impossible to produce complete occlusion of a
cavity of Buch a size by electro-puncture. Some erosion of the chest, walls
was also present.

Ciniselli ' says that formerly he used varnish to prevent cauterization,
but found this to be useless, as the tissues were cauterized by " the elec-
tricity acting by induction across the intervening stratum." Also that
cauterization takes place around negative needles, but not wdien they have
pre\ iously been positive. It is more difficult to obtain a clot with the nega-
tive pole applied over a wet compress. He has shown by experiments on
animals that the negative pole does not dissolve a positive clot. On the
contrary, it produces an increase in its consistence and renders it a better
conductor. These clots are chemical and can be prevented by the use of
oxidizable electrodes. The best insulator for the tissues is the black circle
of oxide formed on a steel positive needle, and this is the reason for never
using a needle as the negative electrode which has not previously been
positive. Induction will, however, take place after a while around this
circle, and the sign of this is — pallor replacing the redness that formerly
existed around the dark circle. He now employs, first a positive needle,
second the negative, and third positive for 8-10 minutes. This ensures a
better clot, of a drier character, and prevents hemorrhage. A light com-
press is placed over the vessel and an ice bag on top of that.5

.Male. act. 44, thoracic aneurism. Four new silver negative needles
were inserted in sac and positive leather-covered electrode moistened ap-
plied on skin. Pain and discomfort at once lessened, improvement con-
tinued for several days.

Male, act. 45, aneurism of thoracic aorta. Seven positive needles in-
troduced into sac. A current from thirty Daniell's cells was applied for

1 Loiter to M. Dujardin-Beaumetz. Bull. gen. detherap. xciii, p. 177.
'-' Z. de Kauer. Qalvano-plastischen Behandlung- der aorten Aneurismen. St.
Petersburg Ztschr., xv, p. 29.

108 ELECTROLYSIS.

eighteen minutes; temporary improvement ensued. The operation was
repeated seven times, and the patient died. '

Heidenreich states that the current decomposes blood thus: at the
positive pole, albumen, fibrin and fat, acids (HC1, etc.); at the negative
pole, watery and alcoholic extracts, alkaline and earthy bases, iron, pig-
ments, etc.

Axgioma (Naevus).

The treatment of naevus by the use of electrolysis has been attended
with great success, and, like almost all those resulting from the local
action of electricity, the scars on the skin are of so slight a character that
hardly any visible blemish remains. The treatment of this class of skin
deformity by the use of chemical caustics, or by means of skin trans-
plantation is most generally followed by white scars; these leave ugly cica-
trices and, consequently, are very objectionable. A number of these cases
were successfully treated by Groh.8

1. Male child of five months. The size of this naevus was that of a
walnut and situated in the skin of the left cheek. It was cured in one
sitting.

2. Male child of six months with a cavernous naevus of the same size
as in the preceding case; this was situated in the skin of the left upper
eyelid and extended to the temple, where it was flat and of the size of a
silver dollar. This was cured by electrolysis in three sittings.

3. Two cases of naevi were cured in five minutes and three minutes
respectively. One of these was situated at the left angle of the mouth
and had the size of a bean; the other was below the right clavicle and was
the size of a pea.

4. Another naevus in a child eight months old was equal in size to a
pigeon's egg; this was situated upon the upper lip. It was cured in three
sittings.

5. Another case of cavernous naevus was situated near the left eyebrow
and was the size of a walnut. This was cured in three sittings.

G. A child of ten months had a cavernous naevus situated on the left
side of the neck over the region of the larynx; this was twenty-one lines

1 Frommhold. Ueber coagulation des Eiweisses durch Electrischen Stroeme
mit Bcziehung auf die Heilung von Aneurisinen und ueber Aulloesung von
Barnroehren Stricturen durch Electricitast. Oest. Ztschr. f. prakt. Hlkde. \i.. I860,
p. 514. » Op. cit

APPLICATION OF BLEOTROLY8I8. 1 <J!>

Long And fifteen lines broad. This naevus could be diminished by pressure,
and was increased with muscular efforts of the child. A lou-- and thin
needle (positive electrode) was connected with Frommhold's battery.1
The negative electrode, a steel needle, was inserted parallel to the surface

of the skin first above and then below the transfixed positive ueedle, and
then in other parts of the tumor. In eighteen minutes the whole mass

was a slough. The positive needle was held so firmly by the tumor that
it was allowed to remain. The slough separated in eight days, and its
only remains was a linear cicatrice.

8. Another case of cavernous naevus was situated in the skiu of the
cheek, involving also the right eyelid; this was treated by electroh
the dimensions of this naevus were eighteen lines vertically and twenty-one
lilies transversely. The patient's age was six months. As it was the
author's intention to produce obliteration of successive portions in the
hope of preventing a distorted scar, a batterywas used of twenty-two
couples, the elements of which had an area of 160 square inches. The ap-
plications extended over seven sittings and the treatment was followed by
favorable results.

9. A female child of five months presented a very large naevus on the
right side of the face, which extended forwards six and a half centimeters
(two and a half inches) from the tragus and six centimeters (two and a
quarter inches) in a vertical line. This case was cured after a number
of sittings.

10. A naevus in a boy of thirteen months, a walnut's size, situated
below the umbilicus, was cured after two sittings.

These blood tumors were either cured by the coagulation of the blood
or by the production of a slough. Groh had a practical difficulty in pro-
curing insulated zinc needles. A number of zinc needles were used for
the purpose of procuring a distribution of several points and these were
used for the positive electrode. The negative electrode was formed of a
moistened conductor applied on the surface of the skin or by needles
inserted into the growth. To produce a shrivelling of the growth the
needle should remain only for a few moments. In order to produce
sloughing the needles should remain for a longer time. Groh, from his
experience, ascribes great value to the treatment of angiomata (naevus)
by electrolysis.

'This battery lias been described in chapter iii.

170 ELECTROLYSIS.

The following case reported by Wilheim, assistant, was observed and
reported m Fieber's ' Clinic. Though it presents an unfavorable result
as compared with the experience of Groh, it should be observed that this
naevus was not treated by his method nor by an operator who placed much
confidence in cures by electrolysis. The naevus was situated below the
left clavicle of an hysterical girl; a gold needle, used as a positive elec-
trode, was inserted into the tumor; the negative electrode was applied
over the surface of the skin in the region of the deltoid muscle. The
current was derived from a battery of six Bunsen's cells. The treatment
produced no favorable result.

Two cases of leucoma were reported by the same observer, one of which
was partially and the other wholly cured.

1. Leucoma (a white opacity of the cornea), was situated on the left
eye of a woman. In this case a needle, as the negative electrode, was
placed in the centre of the opaque spot for a little less than two minutes.
This was followed by a cure.

2. In this case of leucoma the negative electrode was a wet sponge
which was placed over the eye; the positive electrode was held in the
hand. There was no cure. It will be observed that in one of these
cases which was followed by a cure, the electro-negative needle was di-
rectly applied to the spot; the other case which was treated by surface
contact of a moistened electrode, was not followed by a cure. The
naevus which was treated by the insertion of an electro-negative gold needle
into the growth was followed by a cure. The impartial reader will
naturally infer from the preceding cases that naevus can most generally be
removed by proper application of treatment by electrolysis.

It is not right to assume that every case should be treated in the same
way, or by the use of only one kind of electrode. These electrodes should
be adapted for each especial case. Generally speaking, the destroying
action which follows the insertion of an electro-positive gold needle is
slower than that which follows the insertion of the electro-negative gold
needle, and the accompanying inflammation in the former case is greater,
perhaps from the acid reaction or exosmosis. The use of zinc electrodes
would appear to be followed by a more rapidly destroying action. Groh as-
sumes that this result is on account of the formation of a destroying caustic
action produced by a caustic zinc compound, or else by promoting chemi-

1 Die Elektrolyse und ihre Lobredner. Allg. Wien Mod. Ztg., xxii, pp. 30, 40,
56, 93. 1877.

LPPLIOATION OF ELBOTROL i 171

oal decompositions by establishing a subsidiary electro-chemical action by
the decomposition of zinc within the tissues. (See Chap. Kill.)

The Action of Electrolysis in Tumors. — The following cases of the
action of electrolysis in promoting the absorption of sacculated tumors
are quoted:1

A laborer, aged thirty-nine years, with a hydrosarcocele, which had
existed for many years, was six indies long by twit inches broad, ami was
situate.! near the external ring.

First sitting, a varying number of cells was used for sixteen minutes;
this was followed by much pain; the firmness and consistence of the
tumor was softened.

Second day " feels well."

Fourth day the tumor is smaller.

Fifth day, patient was discharged from the hospital with the tumor
reduced to half of its original size.

Female, aged twenty-three, with a tumor of medium size. In this
case* the tumor extended a distance of seventy-eight centimeters, from
one iliac spine to the opposite.

Two needles, separated ten centimetres apart, were connected with a
current from a Bunsen battery and were inserted during ten minutes.
As fever, abdominal pain and other symptoms of peritonitis developed the
operation was not repeated. There was no immediate signs of diminution
in the size of the tumor.

Ovarian Cysts. — The following eight cases of ovarian cysts treated
by electrolysis are reported by Ehrenstein: 3

Abdominal measurement.
Before. After.

1. 178.62 89.75

2. 110.75 60.75

3. 90.00 60.75

4. 79.75 56.37

5. 127.12 87.50

6. 75.25 58.25

7. 109.75 87.75

8. 77.25 ';:;.75

The following case is reported by Fieber ' of an ovarian cyst of the size
of a man's head. The age of the patient was thirty years, and the diag-

1 Groh., op. cit. ' Scoutetten, Qaz. d. Hop., Paris, 1865, p 354.

3Allg. Med. Cent Ztg., 1876, 608. 4 Wien Died. Presse, 1871, p. 372.

172 ELECTROLYSIS.

nosis wus confirmed by Curl Braun. The cyst was multilocular with non-
fluid contents and was not suited for an operation. A battery of twenty
Daniell's cells was employed. A gold needle, connected with the copper
element of battery (positive electrode) was thrust into the tumor. This
treatment Avas repeated at eleven sittings, and ultimately reduced the size
of the tumor to that of a small apple. Negative electrode was applied to
surface of skin.

The same author reports ' another case of a tumor of the left ovary
which had existed for three years; this was first punctured after a consulta-
tion with Spath, and four litres of fluid removed; then, percutaneous
faradization was employed; but the cyst refilled. Afterwards, the patient
was treated at four sittings with the galvano-puncture. This was followed
by a little pain, and after some weeks the tumor was reduced to the size
of an apple.

The use of electrolysis in the treatment of ovarian tumors has been
the subject of a careful and critical study by Dr. Munde of New York.
The general tone of his article would appear to lend support to the
belief that he was disposed to consider this method of treatment so
much inferior to that of the more popular ovariotomy that it should
hardly ever be used in place of the latter capital operation. We do not
desire to make any comparison of the two methods; it avouM scarcely be
in keeping with the purposes of this treatise, which is simply intended
for a description of electrolysis, and not a treatise to defend this treat-
ment, which should stand upon its own merits, even in those cases of disease
whose details have been given in this chapter. The history of the reported
cases should simply be used for the purpose of illustration, and their study
will furnish us with information such as may be usefully employed to
obtain a knowledge of the most appropriate means to be used in the ap-
plication of this remedial measure for the treatment of diseased tissues,
no matter in what part of the human body they may be found.

In this article of Dr. Munde's we find a collection of fifty-one cases of
abdominal cystic tumors which were treated by the method of electrolysis
or by "electro-catalysis." Twenty-eight of these cases (55 per cent.) have
been completely cured; nine of them ended fatally, and four of them were
followed by dangerous symptoms. We can hardly forbear mentioning in
this relation that the first few years during which the capital operation
of ovariotomy was practised, the mortality from it was so great that but

1 All.-. Wien Ztg., 1876, p, 433.

Al'Pl.K IATTOM «»F BLBOTROLY8I8. 1 7.J

few surgeons would undertake the risk of operating. A.t one time, in
tin' early period of this operation, if memory is correct, about Eour out
of every five cases of ovariotomy performed ended finally; and yet, in
spite of this record, the greal Bkill and care of the eminent Burgeons who
brought the rate of mortality down to nine per cent, mighl have hern far
otherwise, if the objections which are nowurged by Dr. Munde" againsl
electrolysis of cystic tumors had prevailed to *\<>\> the efforts of Spencer
Wells and other Burgeons from studying the best means of performing
ovariotomy with successful results.

In a letter which is given at length in the article before us from Von
Ehrenstein, it is stated that the latter had treated two hundred and twenty
cases of abdominal tumors having liquid contents, and that all of these
were cured with the single exception of one patient who left before the
completion of the treatment. In some of these cured cases, about thirty
or forty, after two to five years, the tumors returned, but were invariably
removed a second time when the treatment was administered in his
establishment. One case of recurrence, on the other hand, which was
treated by a North German physician with electrolysis only, without
regard to Von Ehrenstein's method, terminated fatally under his care.
This physician especially cautions against the use of tapping prior to elec-
trical treatment, and also against employing both electrodes as electro-
puncture^ he employs for the latter only the " cathode or positive pole," (?)
and uses sulphite of magnesia or magnesia sulplmrosa to prevent any sup-
purative fever. Though* it may be somewhat out of place to discuss this
particular form of treatment, the details of which are especially withheld
by Von Ehrenstein from our knowledge, yet it seems to be advisable to
make a little digression, in order that the obscurity may possibly be cleared
while the question is su]1 before our thoughts.

Reference has been made in a previous chapter (see chapter second)
to the cataphoric action of electricity, electrical osmosis, and it should be
remembered that the effect of this action results in a transmission of the
fluid, acted upon by a current, en masse towards the negative electrode.
From the information incompletely furnished above from Von Ehrenstein,
it would appear that his method required the insertion of only one pole,
the positive, into the sac which contained the fluid. While the negative
was applied to the surface of the overlying skin; the effect of this manner
of application of the electrodes would resrdt in pushing the contained fluid
towards the secreting membrane of the sac, and would probably help the

1 74 ELECTROLYSIS.

natural absorption of this fluid. It should also he noticed that the ad-
ministration of an active hydragogue cathartic, like sulphate of magnesia,
which is also a diuretic, would increase the physical osmosis from the ab-
dominal tissues. In this way we may suppose that the fluids which are
contained in the pelvis may be drained out of the body. This mere hy-
pothesis is certainly not established; and yet it is a well-known fact that
ascites is frequenthT relieved by the active medication of diuretics and
cathartics; moreover, the spontaneous disappearance of cystic abdominal
tumors is sometimes accomplished in the same manner. In support of
this supposition we would refer to a few details of some of the cases which
are reported in Dr. Munde's article.1 In regard to Case III., which was
published by Von Ehrenstein: 2 "After the third sitting an unaccounta-
ble profuse diuresis took place, accompanied by a marked decrease of the
abdomen. No cystic fluid escaped through the abdominal walls at any
time, but the originally tense abdominal parietes became lax, after the
third day, particularly in their upper portion, so as to render the formerly
hidden points of the false ribs easily palpable, and a splashing motion
became perceptible in the abdomen of the patient at each movement.
These attacks of profuse micturition were repeated during the whole
month of August, at intervals of twelve hours to three days, without,
hoAvever, producing debility; because the development of a strong appetite
rendered the patient better able to bear the drain on her system, and the
improved condition of the blood prevented the rapid refilling of the cyst
by transudation of its watery constituents. The usual (sic) diaphoretic
tendency did not appear in this case, but on August 29, an intense itch-
ing of the abdominal epidermis showed itself, unaccompanied by an erup-
tion, or by a change of temperature or color. But the dry hand or a dry
warm plate of glass applied to the skin at once demonstrated the presence
of a continuous, almost imperceptible moisture, which was neither actual
perspiration, nor transudation from a puncture, and could be looked upon
as nothing else than so-called " perspiratio sensibilis." The beneficial
diuresis having ceased in the meanwhile, Ehrenstein restored it by a mix-
ture of squills, digitalis, and oil of juniper. The results of eight other
cases are mentioned by Ehrenstein, but the details of the symptoms of
treatment an; not given. They all completely recovered.

Another case (No. XIX.), is reported in detail by I >i\ Minnie, in which

1 Transactions of the American Gynecological Society, vol. ii. p. 377. 1877.
• Alls. Mel. Central Zeitg., 1876.

APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYSIS. 1 ■ 5

the tumor recurred two years later and resulted fatally, thai reported by
Dr. Haves of Chicago. The chief point of interesl to us in this case is,

however, that a subsidence in the size of the turner, each time during its
treatment by electrolysis, was marked by a previous appearance el' dia-
phoresis and diuresis.

Dr. Semeleder, of the city of Mexico, publishes1 eighteen eases of ab-
dominal tumors which lie treated by electrolysis. His method was the
insertion of positive steel knitting needles into the sac of the cyst, and
the negative elect rode was applied to the surface of the abdomen. I le used
a Calland's battery of twelve elements of zinc and copper, the surface of
the zincs measuring two by sixty square centimetres. For the battery solu-
tion he used water in which sulphate of copper was dissolved. The ele-
ments were arranged in series for tension. Four to twelve galvanic cells
were employed as his battery in different cases. The negative electrode
was formed of carbon, or of sponge, or of wet blotting paper. Twelve of
his eases are reported as cured, one with no especial result, two wen- im-
proved, and three died. Two other cases reported by him were not treated
with a sufficient number of sittings to furnish any especial matter of
interest. His sittings occurred almost daily, and lasted from five to ten
minutes. The number of these sittings was from six to one hundred and
three, and the time of the whole treatment lasted from one to six months.

Tumors. — Wilheim reports a case of ganglionic tumor in the wrist
joint treated by electrolysis.2 After this treatment, points of gangrene
supervened and the hand became cedematous, and lymphangitis occurred,
which required treatment for six weeks. It should again be remarked
that this writer used currents of too great strength, and probably did not
exercise the same careful use of electrolysis that other operators of larger
experience had especially observed in their cases. Too much stress
cannot be laid on this subject of the use of feeble currents continued for
longer sittings. It should always be remembered that the same chemical
effects can be produced by the long continuance of feeble currents as by
the use of strong currents in a short period of time, and without the
danger of exciting inflammatory action; this chemical effect and law lias
been mentioned in the statement of the behavior of electrolysis in the de-
composition of inorganic chemical compounds, and is equally true for the
electro-chemical action in the living tissue. This same author reports two

1 The American Journal of Obstetrics. July. IN*',', Vol. xv., No. ■), \>. 518.
5Op. . n.

17<i ELECTROLYSIS.

more cases of the use of electrolysis, in which he notes a failure of cure:
one, a thickening of the false vocal cords, and the other a case of sarcoma-
in the larynx.

Tripier ' quotes the following three cases reported by Ciniselli: —

1. A hard round cutaneous tumor in the right leg of a woman, aged
twenty. Forty couples of discs, each ten cent, square, were arranged in
Voltaic pile and were separated by pads moistened in sulphuric acid di-
luted (1 to 20). A positive electro-needle was inserted into the tumor
and the negative electrode was applied to the surface of the skin on a wet
compress on the leg. Great pain followed this treatment, but the tumor
came away with the eschar in eight days, and a smooth cicatrix was left
in twenty days.

2. A tumor of the size of a hazel-nut in the left arm of a boy of four-
teen years of age, was electrolyzed with a current from a voltaic pile of
thirty couples. The discs used were half the size of the preceding; in
other respects the application of the treatment was the same. The patient
complained of the attending pain. The eschar separated on the thirteenth
day leaving half of the tumor; at the second sitting, electro-puncture,
platinum for positive and steel for negative were employed for five
minutes, and the remainder of the tumor separated on the tenth da}',,
producing a complete cure.

3. An erectile tumor, of the size of a large walnut, was situated on
the nose of a child of eight months' age. One electro-positive platinum
needle and two electro-negative steel needles were inserted into the
tumor, and these were connected with a current from a voltaic pile of fifty
couples for ten minutes. The local inflammation and fever which followed
this treatment ceased on the sixth day, and the separation of the eschar
on the ninth to the twelfth day. Erysipelas supervened and the child
died on the nineteenth day. It should be noticed that the current used
with this third case was not only four times the strength of the preced-
ing case, but even still stronger. It should be remembered that, after the
current has counterbalanced the resistance offered by the human body,
the addition of added couples will practically increase the tension of the
current by that of each additional pair.

Tripier2 reports a case of a niultiparous married woman, in whom an
interstitial fibroid tumor, with metrorrhagia, was appropriately treated

1 Archiv. gon. de. Med., 18GG, vii., p. 48. 5 Op. cit

Al'l'l.K A'l'loN ok BLB0TR0LYBI8. I i 7

for the relief of the hemorrhage. After this had ceased acute bronchitis
occurred and continued throughout tin- winter, which, in the opinion of
her attending physician, was caused by tuberculosis. In March, 1881,
Tripier discovered a fluctuating tumor in the margin of the side of the
anus, which was two ami a hall' cent, in diameter and bulged out t<» an
extent of one cent. Tins was punctured with a trocar, and on the with-
drawal of the trocar a little pus, blood and a large quantity of tenacious
pus was spontaneously expelled; the depth of the cavity measured five
centimetres. A sound was then introduced and the interior of the sac
was suhjected to the action of a current equal to ten inilliwebcrs (milliam-
peres?) for twenty minutes duration, the closure of the circuit being
formed by an electrode placed on the surface of the thigh. There was
no dressing applied to the opening of the wound; cicatrization occurred
on the fourth day, and there was no return of the abscess.

Dr. Neftel ' reports cases of tumors, mostly cancerous, which in his ex-
perience were treated by electrolysis.

1. In a man of fifty-six years of age, atheromatous, lately troubled
wTith rheumatic neuralgia. His maternal aunt died of cancer. The man
had noticed for some years an induration in the left mamma, which he
supposed was caused by a local irritation, because a blister was applied
some time previously. After which three boils had appeared, two of
which had since healed; the third remained in an ulcerated condition and
subsequently had become painful. The diagnosis was formed of a scir-
rhous cancer, which involved the axillary glands, as well as the cervical
glands; this diagnosis was confirmed by Nelaton, Marion Sims and In-
several European physicians. Dr. Sims removed the diseased structures,
after which healing occurred by first intention, though the general con-
dition was not much improved. A year later, the glands had enlarged
to a considerable size. Dr. Sims removed these enlarged glands, the
subsequent cicatrization of which was retarded by the appearance of ery-
sipelas. Later on, a tumor as large as an orange was found in the right
mamma. The patient was then too much reduced to admit of an opera-
tion by the knife. Dr. Xeftel proposed the use of electrolysis, which he
applied for eleven sittings; the negative platinum needle was introduced
into the tumor, and the positive electrode was applied as a wet compress

1 Die electrolytischen Behandlung Boesartiger geschueltste. Reprinted from
Virchow's Archiv., lxxv.
12

178 ELECTROLYSIS.

on the skin. A labile application ' was made for fifteen minutes. At the
second sitting, an electro-positive gold needle was introduced into the
tumor, the circuit being closed by the application of a surface electrode,
and the full intensity of a current from fourteen Siemen's (Krueger-
Hirschmann) battery was continued for two- minutes.

Three days later, two negative needles were introduced.

Four days later and five days later, electro puncture was used as nega-
tive electrode, and the positive electrode was applied by means of a broad
surface to different points of the skin, with a current derived from a bat-
tery of thirty Siemen's couples, during a period of five to fifteen minutes;
a frothy foam appeared around the electro-punctures. The pain attend-
ing the operation was intense, and immediately after the tumor increased
in size and became softened. The patient continued the use of weak cur-
rents, from a Daniell's battery of two cells, which he applied himself daily
for fifteen to twenty minutes. After the second introduction of the
needles the tumor began gradually to diminish, and in three months had
entirely disappeared. The patient continued the applications of the weak
currents to himself for a longer period. He was seen three years later
by Neftel, Sims and Mott, of New York, and no evidence could be de-
tected of the return of the tumor, or of enlargement of the glands; the
skin over the mammary region was soft and movable. The patient died
of some other disease at Washington.

Dr. Neftel states that the electro-punctures with strong currents into
■cancerous tumors will not suffice for a cure ; but the subsequent and con-
tinued application of weak currents are, also, necessary. His reasons for
this statement are based on the supposition that strong currents attack
the tissues violently around a small space, while weak currents will radiate
with the production of a milder local action. It has already been noticed
by the writer of this treatise, as well as upon the authority of Ciniselli
and other observers, that the use of strong currents by electro-punctures
in the tissues will cause an irritation and inflammation at the point of
application, which may even extend to the adjacent tissues, and provoke
suppurative processes; these may induce the spread of the cancerous de-
generation beyond its original seat. Moreover, even if suppuration does
not follow the electro-puncture, the irritation may act as a stimulating
cause for the enlargement and further growth of non-cancerous tumors,

1 Labile application is made by the continuous movement of the electrode; the
stabile method is made by keeping hot!) electrodes stationary.

aiti.k \ l'H>N OF ELECTRON SI8. 1 7!)

which are forms of neoformations. I'r. Neftel states, farther, thai the
electro-puncture affords the besl possible conductor of the run-cut into
the deeper tissues, and thai the tumor will soften at these points of appli-
cation. He would advise that the order of procedure should be: — first,
to provoke an energetic decomposition, and second, to induce a alow
absorption by the application of surface contact of the electrode to the
skin through the long-continued action of weak currents. He presents
the history of the following recited rases to show the inefficiency of the
use of strong currents to effect a cure of cancerous affections: —

1. Unmarried woman of fifty years; the growth of the patient had
been stunted; kyphoscoliosis; menstruation had been absent for twelve
years. The right mamma had been amputated on account of a scirrhous
tumor. Two months after this operation the axillary glands began to en-
large. He began treatment of these enlarged glands, six months' after
the amputation of the breast; he employed the electro-negative puncture
into the axillary glands, closing the circuit by means of a broad positive
electrode applied to the surface. The current was gradually increased to
that from fifteen Siemen's couples, applied for fifteen minutes, and then
gradually diminished. At the next three sittings, at intervals of a week,
the current from twenty couples was applied during fifteen minutes; then,
that from twenty to thirty couples (Siemen's) for fifteen minutes. The
same electrodes were employed as in the preceding sitting, and in the
same manner. The enlarged gland, which had previously been as large
as an egg, then disappeared from the axilla gradually during the next two
months, as well as the cervical glands which had been treated in the same
way; the patient's condition was good and she went home. In less than
a month she returned for advice on account of a diffuse hardness in the
right subclavian fossa; this tumor had the size of a walnut. A current
from twenty Siemen's couples was employed, as before, during twenty-
five to thirty minutes for four sittings. Tins treatment produced so
much irritation that a confluent slough appeared which covered the place
of the tumor; this afterwards disappeared and the tumor diminished in
size; the axillary swelling also decreased and the patient went home.
Four months later she again returned with nodules of the size of a pea
on the anterior wall of the thorax; there was. also, diffuse induration in
the axillary space. At eight sittings, each nodule, one only at a sitting,
was punctured by the electro-negative needle with a current from twenty-
live to thirty Siemen's couples for thirty minutes, lie was intimidated

180 ELECTROLYSIS.

from inserting the needles in the axillary space on account of the numer-
ous vessels. The axillary induration gradually increased in that region as
well as an edematous condition of the whole forearm. This case illus-
trates the rapid disappearance and rapid recurrence of the cancerous con-
dition under this treatment.

2. Married woman of fifty-two years of age; menstruation had ceased
two years ago; her maternal aunt had died from cancer of the breast. In
the present case there was a hard knot in the right mammary gland of the
size of an hen's egg, which he had noticed within the preceding six
months. There were also swollen glands in the right axillary region.
Both the tumor and glands were extirpated, after which pleuro-pneumonia
of the right side developed . Cicatrization was followed by a stiffness and
pain in the right arm, and the fingers were immovable. There remained
two hard nodules under the cicatrix. These latter became hard and in-
flamed. Three electro-negative needles were inserted during anaesthesia
into these nodules, the circuit being closed by the surface contact of the
positive electrode on the skin of the breast; a current from thirty Sie-
men's cell, arranged for tension, was passed through the circuit for
twenty-five minutes. On recovery from anaesthesia there was no pain
and no local inflammation, and the patient felt much improved. Three
days later, at the second sitting, the insertion of the same needles caused
no pain; the hardness was less.

Third sitting, same treatment was repeated.

For the next two months a current from thirty Siemen's couples was
applied by means of surface contact of the two electrodes for twenty min-
utes, but without electro-puncture. The patient regained the use of her
arm and hand. Six weeks later the induration had returned and was
rapidly increasing; four needles were then introduced with a current from
forty Siemen's couples for twenty minutes, which seemed in a few days
to soften and reduce the pre-existing induration; the hardness of the cica-
trix still remained, as well as the enlargement of the cervical glands of
the right side. Strong currents then became unbearable, as they caused
great pain and vertigo; consequently, only a current from eight to ten
couples was u seil. Precordial pain and an irregular pulse followed even
this mild current application, and death occurred after a collapse. The
post-mortem confirmed the original diagnosis.

3. A married woman of forty years of age received a blow upon the
breast, which was followed soon after by the appearance of a tumor in

APPLICATION OF ELEOTBOLY8J8. L81

the mamma (left) accompanied with lancinating pains; the skin was in-
volved with, and adherent to the tumor; the pain extended over to the
other (right) arm; the patient bad a cachectic appearance. Of late the
tumor had Increased to the size of an orange, and was accompanied with
indurated glands in the axillary region. The electro-puncture from a
battery oi thirty Siemen's couples was applied in the same manner as in
the preceding cases, and under chloroform, for thirty minutes, (ireat
improvement in the patient's condition followed the first applications of
electrolysis, and the use of daily and weak currents were then, imme-
diately, begun; these currents varied in strength from six to ten couples,
and, in duration of application, from fifteen to thirty minutes. Under
this method of treatment the tumor gradually decreased in size and finally
disappeared entirely. This author insists upon the imperative rule, that
the applications of electro-puncture should be made at short intervals, and
should be followed up by the application of weak currents; because, if
the intervals between these applications are long, the effect of the electro-
lysis will be to stimulate the growth of the tumor.

4. A married woman of forty-eight years of age; the patient's family
history was good. She had received a blow on the breast (left); soon
after this a tumor had appeared which was accompanied with lancinating
pains. When seen by Dr. Xeftelthe tumor involved the whole breast, and
was adherent to the surrounding structures as well as to the skin. The
axillary glands were also enlarged and there was pain accompanying vol-
untary motions of the arm. Under chloroform, a current from thirty
Siemen's couples was applied for twenty minutes by the method of
electro-puncture, as in the other cases, but through three needles used
as the negative electrode.

Four days later the tumor was softer and smaller; the electrolysis was
repeated in the same manner and with the same current strength.

Twenty-three days later the tumor had still further decreased; electro-
lysis was again repeated; the decrease in the size of the tumor was fol-
lowed by a subsequent increase in size.

Eight days later, as the patient had been suffering rheumatism for
the past four months and was somewhat worse, Dr. Neftel did not like
to proceed with the electro-punctures, and, therefore, applied the surface
contact daily for thirty to fifty minutes with a current strength of twenty
to thirty couples. Later on, lie employed the electro-puncture fourteen
tines, during a period of thirty minutes at each sitting, with a current

182 ELECTROLYSIS.

strength of forty couples. The surface application of the current was
daily continued for the following eight days with a current strength from
twenty to thirty couples, and, later, with that froni four couples. The
patient began to improve, and the electro-puncture was then resumed.
This treatment was followed by varying methods of electrical treatment,
and at the date of the report the patient Avas in a very unfavorable con-
dition.

5. A married woman of thirty-eight years of age with a good family
history; the tumor in this case was situated under the surface of the left
breast, and was of the size of a pigeon's egg; in a few months it had in-
volved the whole gland. At present all the adjacent tissues were involved
and the axillary glands formed one hard swelling. The mammary tumor
was in size as large as a child's head and the breast itself was hard ; a peri-
pheral ulceration extended under the tumor. The case was recognized
as cancerous by several consulting physicians. Under chloroform one
electro -positive needle was inserted vertically into the breast, and four
electro-negative needles were inserted into the tissue around the peri-
phery at intervals of half an inch ; these needles were connected with a
battery formed of forty couples ( Siemen's). The electro-negative needles
were re-introduced, one after another, until the whole mass was under-
mined; the tumor became livid, the next day it was black, and in nine
days it sloughed off; after this the pain was gone and the patient could
sleep; her general health improved greatly. Strong and medium currents
were continued for a year; but it was evident that the disease was not,
and could not, be cured, and the patient gave up treatment and went
home. When last heard from she was in a feeble condition.

These cases are given in detail, and, certainly, as the author specifies,
do illustrate the dangers of using currents for electro-puncture of too
great a current strength. We have the authority of Bruns for the state-
ment that, though the case reported ' by him had a relapse after a period of
three years, he has since cured others by electrolysis. In his opinion, if
the primary affection of cancer be treated by this method, and before it
should become a constitutional infection, after Virehow's views, the cancer
will not recur. Bruns believes this to be true, as he has seen it proved
in his practice, because electrolysis extends somewhat into the tissues
which surround the electro-puncture. Ciniselli 2 claims that the caustic

1 Op. eit. - Op. «it.

/APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYSIS. L83

aotion of electrolysis is of Borne importance in the treatment of malignant
tumors and their relapses, either as curative or palliative. Qrdh ' recom-
mends the most powerful currents for the treatment of cancerous affec-
tions, and advises the battery arrangement of the couples in batteries Cor
ourrents of high tension; he speaks Eavorably of his own experience with
the use of four large and four smaller Grove's colls. He urges the use of
these Strong currents to extend the action, as with extirpation by tho
knife, to as Ear as possible into the tissue surrounding tho scat of the
cancerous degeneration, lie succeeded best by undermining the tumor
by the use of curved needles. In smaller tumors lie advises that a zinc
needle should be used with which to perforate the base, and that steel
needles should be employed to puncture the; surface. The electrolysis
must, in his opinion, be continued until every portion of the affected and
adjacent tissues have been completely destroyed.
He presents the history of the following cases: —

1. Epithelioma of the head, having an area equal in extent to twice
the size of a silver dollar; this was cured in two sittings. He employed,
as the negative and positive electrodes, three zinc needles attached to each
electrode. This case was in a young woman.

2. Epithelial cancer of the size of a walnut directly under the lip; this
tumor was destroyed in one sitting of twenty minutes.

3. A case of epithelial cancer, which was very extensive, situated in
the under lip of a man aged seventy-four. Groh attempted to destroy
this tumor by passing a curved electro-negative needle under its base, the
circuit being closed by surface contact of a sponge positive electrode, and
a battery of twenty couples (Grove's?). Though this strength was well
tolerated by the patient without anaesthesia, it was not sufficient to destroy
the tumor. Then zinc and steel needles were used, respectively, in place
of the curved needle and the sponge electrodes. The operation was once
repeated for a slight return, after which a cure was effected.

4. Epithelial cancer in middle of the lower lip of a man of fifty-six
years of age; three applications, similar to the preceding treatment sufficed
for a cure.

5. Case similar to the preceding in a man of sixty years of age was
cured by four applications. This cancer afterwards recurred with a terri-
ble relapse. The whole of the gum, lower lip, and chin was a mass of
cancer; his teeth were loose and the submaxillary -lands were also in-

1 Op. < if.

184 ELECTROLYSIS.

volved. The patient requested a repetition of the previous treatment;
and a positive curved zinc needle was inserted at the right angle of the
mouth and beneath the bone across to the opposite side, the electro nega-
tive being formed of three steel needles which were inserted about three
lines apart; the electro-punctures were continued from the periphery to
the bone; a current was employed from four large and four smaller
Grove's cells. The action of electrolysis was very powerful, the whole
mass swelling from the development of gas in the tissues and from the
local inflammation of the parts.

The swelling subsided in an hour and the swelling of the submaxillary
glands disappeared in six days. The sitting lasted an hour under chloro-
form. The disease reappeared a second time, and required another sit-
ting. A battery of thirty Frommhold's cells was used with the same
electrodes as before; three needles were inserted for fifty-eight minutes,
and subsequently for three more sittings of thirty minutes each. As a
result the whole of the lower jaw over the seat of the disease was exposed,
followed by rapidly spreading and healthy granulations, and a cure re-
sulted with brilliant effect.

6. A case similar to No. 4 was cured in four sittings.

7. A case of epithelial cancer in a man of seventy years of age; this
cancer involved the whole of the lower lip. A Frommhold battery having
a surface of two hundred and ten square inches was used under chloro-
form; an electro-positive zinc needle, two and a half inches long, was in-
serted through the middle of the tumor, and an electro-negative curved
steel needle (forming a segment of a circumference of a circle having a
diameter of three inches) was also inserted at the margin of the tumor at
the angle of the mouth; a frothy foam developed rapidly over the surface
of the diseased tissue. The sitting lasted for twenty-five minutes, and
effected a permanent cure.

8. A case of epithelioma which involved the chin, lower lip, and al-
veoli of a man aged sixty- four; the positive electrode was formed of three
long zinc needles, which were inserted from the left side to the centre of
the tumor; the negative electrode was formed of three other needles,
which were inserted also into the cancerous mass; the current was con-
tinued for seventy-three minutes. At the second sitting, the facial artery
was punctured and a severe hemorrhage followed, which was stopped by
inserting the positive electrode at the point of the flow of blood; the
patient then absconded much improved, hut not permanently cured.

APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYSIS. L85

9. A rase of epithelioma in righl lower eyelid extending over the
zygomatic region. rrii<' patient refused more than one application.

10. A ease of epithelioma in the left cheek of an old woman, which
was equal in size to that of a hazel nut. A cure was effected in one sit-
ting of twelve minutes.

11. A case of Hat epithelial cancer in the lefl check of ;i woman of
forty years of age. Five needles were inserted into the cancer about three
lines apart, which he lias since concluded is too wide a separation and now
places the needles closer together. 'The positive electrode was a thick zinc
needle. This patient wus cured in one sitting.

12. A case of cancer of tlie parotid (on right side) as large as an apple
in a woman of the age of eighty-four years. This patient was much ex-
hausted by her age, by suppuration, and by hemorrhage. Each electrode
was formed of three needles, which were inserted parallel to and alter-
nately, the positive placed from behind forwards, and the negative from
before baekwards. A current from thirty-two Frommhold's cells was em-
ployed for forty-four minutes. The cancerous affection was much im-
proved, but the woman died of colliquative diarrhoea.

13. A case of a man, aged forty-eight; there Avas epithelioma of the
tongue, including the lower jaw and the floor of the mouth, the enlarge-
ment of submaxillary glands; there was some sloughing from the can-
cerous mass. A battery of thirty-three Smee-cells was added to the
Frommhold battery, previously referred to, thus making the whole sur-
face of the couples exposed to the action of the exciting fluid equal to
four hundred square inches.1 Groh was averse to the use of chloroform
in this case from the fear that the collection of mucus in the air passages
might interfere with respiration. This collection of mucus was very
abundant and had to be frequently removed by the use of sponges ami
forceps during the operation. Two zinc needles were fixed info the
middle of the tongue for the positive electrode, and the electro-negative
needle was formed of steel; the latter was used to separate the healthy
from the diseased tissues. Two electro-negative steel needles were thrust
into the floor of the mouth, and between these a zinc needle, connected
as positive, was also placed. The first sitting lasted six minutes, bit

1 It is doubtful whether this combination of two batteries would give a very
much stronger currenl than either one used alone, because the junction of differ-
ent kinds of cells is apt to complicate the electro-chemical action in each, and the
result of their combined effect is disadvantageous.

186 ELECTROLYSIS.

was interrupted by the falling out of two steel needles; then twro zinc
needles were inserted into the tongue and a third in the lower jaw; six
electro-negative steel needles were arranged in a circle at various points*
each receiving the current for a period of fifteen to thirty seconds; when
this had continued for three minutes and a half, the sitting was inter-
rupted by the cessation of action in the battery. Then a battery of
thirty-three Smee-cells was employed, and with this current a long and
curved zinc needle was inserted into the tongue, and another similar
needle of the opposite pole was thrust into the floor of the mouth, dur-
ing six minutes. This was followed by a cessation of the pain, and after-
wards sloughing ensued. As there was some induration remaining, a
second sitting was required during which two zinc needles were inserted
for an hour at three different points; a battery surface varying from fifty
to two hundred square inches was used. The size of the glands decreased,
but a relapse recurred which required another sitting; at this third sit-
ting two zinc needle-electrodes were used for twenty-seven minutes, the
negative being inserted at three different points, and the positive being
held firmly fixed in the tissue. This was removed afterwards in the even -
ing by gentle rotation. At the fourth sitting, which lasted seventeen
minutes, for the treatment of some nodules which had appeared near the
lower jaw, the same plan was followed, after which granulation and cica-
trization occurred; this was, however, followed by another relapse in three
weeks. The patient very naturally refused to submit to any further use
of the strong currents, so that only those of a weak character were em-
ployed with the hope of retarding the rapid advance. The final result is
not stated.

14. A case of scirrhus which involved both mammary glands, and
which was accompanied by swollen glands in the axilla; on the left side
there was a disseminated mass (lenticular) which included also the skin.
The first three sittings were occupied by the employment of the surface
contact, without any electro-puncture, using weak currents with moist
electrodes. Then in a series of frequent and consecutive sittings, the
cancer of the right breast and the adjacent nodules were destroyed by the
electro -puncture. No anaesthesia was used because only weak currents
were employed. After the sloughs had separated, cicatrization was has-
tened by dusting the surface with fresh gypsum. Though during this
time the tumor on the left side did not progress, death occurred six
months later from the disease.

MTLU'ATluN OF ELECTROLYSIS. Is<

L5. A case of cancer nodules in a cicatrix from an amputated breast;
in this case one sine needle was inserted in the nodule of the mammary
cicatrix, and three steel needles in the nodule in the axillary region, A
Frommhold battery was used, having a Bquare surface of one hundred
square inches, for one sitting of fifty-eighi minutes. Both of the nodules
were destroyed. The only distress shown by the patient appeared to be
chiefly from fright.

L6. In another ease, an extensive cancer which included the uterus
and vagina, the electro-puncture produced so much pain that the treat-
ment was Btopped, and the patient was discharged, unimproved.

i;. A ease of extensive cancer in a man of fifty-two years of age,
which was situated in the rectum and was surrounded with infiltrated
tissue around the anus, and which extended two inches up the gut; no
anaesthetic was used. Electrolysis of the external growth was accom-
plished hy the current from a Frommhold battery which had a surface of
ninety square inches, the treatment being continued for forty- two min-
utes. Immediately afterwards a number of electro-negative needles were
used, instead of the one which was employed at the first sitting, during
forty-two minutes; this treatment was followed by the relief of the pre-
viousy existing great pain, and his sleep and appetite returned; the offen-
sive odor of the discharges was also much lessened. At the second sitting,
which lasted for thirty-three minutes, a larger Frommhold battery was
used having a surface of one hundred and thirty to one hundred and sixty
square inches, with the insertion of electro-positive zinc needles, the punc-
ture was made through the base of the rectal tumor, and parallel to it.
Half an inch apart from these, electro-negative steel needles were inserted,
removed, and reinserted, into the tumor, until the whole circumference
of the mass was completely destroyed. Subsequently, an old-fashioned
brass electrical conductor was placed in the rectum and an electro-positive
zinc needle was inserted into the anal tissue; this was accompanied by a
great deal of pain, but the patient was discharged cured.

These seventeen cases of cancer treated by CJ-roli are presented in all
their details, for the purpose of illustrating the destructive action of cur-
rents, having high tension, acting as a mild thermo-cautery upon cancerous
tumors. The attention of the reader is again called to what has been
previously mentioned in this book, that electrolysis is liable to increase
inflammatory action, especially the suppurative processes, which may have
already been established. Consequently it is not desirable to attack such a

188 ELECTROLYSIS

diseased condition with electro-puncture, unless this be used to separate
the healthy from cancerous tissue. If these and the other cases be ex-
amined with especial reference to this view of the matter, it would seem
as if the local inflammatory condition would act as a contra-indication to
the use of electrolysis in such cases. It is, moreover, doubtful if the use
of weak currents will cause the destruction of cancers, which are under-
going a process of inflammation and suppuration. This part of our sub-
ject has been so particularly discussed in the chapter on the action of
electrolysis of the tissues, that it is hardly worth while to mention it
further in this place. , ■

Groh in the work from which we have so largely quoted proceeds to a
report of the practical effects of weak currents. Their long-continued
action, in his opinion, produces startling results. He recommends the
use of the DanielPs cell for obtaining a constant action of electricity with
weak currents. This cell has been described in chapter third, in which
its electro-motive force was stated to be about one volt, or two-thirds of
that furnished by the Leclanche, or one-half of that furnished by the
Grove's on an open circuit. The chloride of silver cell would, however,
supply the same amount of electromotive force, and though its internal
resistance is high, about seven ohms, this would not be of much account
in reference to the very high resistance which the human body presents
in the external circuit. As but few cells are required to produce weak
currents the transportation of the Daniell's cells need not deter their use
in this object. It should be remembered that, to obtain any chemical or
physical effects on the living tissues from the continued use of weak cur-
rents, the action of the battery should be maintained at a constant point.
The electrodes should be of such a kind as could be easily handled by the
patient himself, and which would not easily get out of order. The ad-
vantage according to Groh to be derived from the use of weak currents: —

1. That of avoiding the expense to the patient of frequent consulta-
tions at the physician's office.

2. The avoidance of the pain which accompanies the use of currents
of high tension and of great power.

3. That many diseases may be subjected to the slow action of a weak
chemical current, which would otherwise not receive any treatment, ex-
cept at great expense or with great pain.

Groh first attempted this method in 1851 for the cure of varicose
ulcers. He reports three cases treated in this way: —

APPLICATION OF ELE< TROLY8IS.

189

1. Myxosarcoma in a man of thirty-two years of age. This was situ-
ated in the Left leg and was in rise equal to a child's bead. There was sup-
puration and hemorrhage from two points of the ulcer. The tnmor was
vcrv painful and the patient was much reduced; the ulcer covered an
extent of two and a half inches in one direction by four inches in another,
and was twelve inches in circumference, Eeroic treatment wasthought
to be contra-indicated on account of the patient's weak condition. A
Daniell's battery of six cells was suggested, and for rheophores, or con-
ductors, insulated copper wires which ended in spirals of thick copper
(about two millimetres thick) measuring three cent, in diameter. The
two ulcers were filled with zinc filings and the copper discs placed in
contact with these filings and then covered with more filings; then each
ulcer received the current from the Daniell's battery; a moderate burning
sensation was experienced which soon disappeared on closing the circuit;
the current was continued constantly for twenty-four hours. There was
then found on the electrode connected with the zinc pole of the battery
(positive) at the end of this period a reddish-brown froth; the other
(negative) electrode was dry; on removing the filings of the latter a
horny white slough was noticed; on removing the zinc electrode the cavity
appeared black but was not sensitive; the copper disc was almost eaten
through. On the next day the electrodes were applied in the inverse
order; twenty-four hours later the conditions of the ulcers were reversed.
On the third day the middle of the tumor appeared to be destroyed, and
the general condition of the patient was much improved. At the fourth
visit electro-puncture was employed, the electro-positive at the lower and
the electro-negative at the upper part of the varicose swelling; the pain
from these punctures was so considerable that the number of the cells
was decreased to four. The slow action of electrolysis was then resumed
for twenty-four hours, as before. When, at the end of this period, the
electrodes were removed, there appeared at each of them about one and a
half inches of slough, together with, at the positive, a greenish-grey Eroth,
and at the negative, a greyish-white firmer tissue. The appearance was
that of an excavated ulcer. The slow method of electrolysis was again
repeated until the swelling was entirely gone. The patient was discharged
with this ulcer nearly healed. Groh remarks that this treatment took
fifteen days and was apparently attended with no discomfort to the patient.

2. Osteo-sarcoma in the right thigh of a woman of twenty-two years
of age. This tumor was larger than a child's head and was situated on the

190 ELECTROLYSIS.

outer side and on the lower third of the thigh; it measured three and
three-quarter inches on the vertical line and five inches transversely. This
patient was very much reduced by hemorrhage and suppuration. Nine
fine and seven thicker needles were thrust into the tumor to a depth of
over two inches; the thicker needles which were introduced from below
upwards, were connected with the positive for the purposes of providing
for corrosion, and the fine needles, as the negative, were inserted into the
upper portion. The tumor was destroyed in three days, but did not heal
for three and a half months. The tumor showed no tendency to reform,
but an annular ulcer with healthy granulations remained, which was two
and a half inches in diameter.

3. A case of a cancerous nodule which formed to the size of a hazel
nut in the cicatrix of an amputated breast. As in the other cases of elec-
trolysis four fine electro-positive and six thicker electro-negative needles
destroyed this nodule, and in half an hour's time.

A careful examination of these last three cases reported by Groh will
show that the local action of a weak current of electricity will accomplish
a destruction of tissue with as much facility as the stronger currents,
though the action must be longer maintained. It is perfectly compre-
hensible in view of the original truths laid down by the physicists, who
have declared and confirmed by experiments that the electro-chemical
action in a galvanic cell will develop an equal amount of chemical action
in the external circuit, provided this circuit be formed of chemical com-
pounds in solution in this circuit; the resistance in the circuit can only
affect the result by weakening the current, and, in consequence, the
original electro-chemical action in the battery. It is rather a matter for
regret that Groh did not record the measurement of the currents actually
used by him in each case; this would furnish a basis upon which other
operators could compare their experience with his. His report was, how-
ever, presented in 1871, when the matter of measurements of currents
was not so much in vogue.

Groh reports four cases of sarcomata which he treated by electrolysis;
all of these were successfully destroyed.

1. A case of myxo-sarcoma,

2. And a case of melano-sarcoma, both of which were cured in sittings
of fifteen minutes each.

3. Sarcomatous epulis, excrescence on the gum, of the size of a hazel
nut ; this was electrolyzed by two positive zinc and one negative steel needle.

tfPPLIOATIOM OF ELECTROLYSIS. 191

One Bitting effected only a temporary cure, as the excrescence recurred

four months later, the patienl having complained of being sensitive to
draughts of air during this interval. The size of bhe tumor had mean-
while increased. Thirty-three Smee cells were then added bo the pre-
viously used Frommhold battery, thus giving an area of four hundred
square inches of Burface. In this second Bitting the whole mass was de-
stroyed in seven minutes, the excrescence slouching off with a thin lamella

of hone.

4. A case of tihro-sareoma in the nose which had developed from the
nasal septum and from the wall of the left nasal cavity. This case, which
was in a girl of sixteen years of age. was temporarily euivd in one sitting;
but it recurred nine months later and was then permanently destroyed in
a sitting of live minutes' duration by the use of platinum needles used as
electrodes. There was no further recurrence in this ease.

Groh reports two cases of lupus which were successfully treated by
electrolysis.

•1. The lupus in this case covered the space of a square inch on the
upper lip; the electro-positive zinc needle and seven steel electro-negative
needles, was connected with, at first, ten, afterwards with thirty-two cells.
These needles were arranged around the circumference of the ulcerating
surface at one sitting of nine minutes, and they were separated three lines
apart. This sufficed for a cure.

2. This case, in a boy of fourteen years, involved the upper lip and
nose. Six electro-negative needles were inserted into the mass, separated
two lines apart, the positive electrode being formed by a wet sponge.
The lupus was punctured again and again, the needles remaining in the
same place for twrenty seconds. The diseased growth was destroyed in
twelve minutes; after two weeks had elapsed only a few small hard knots
remained at the periphery. This case was reported cured.

A few cases have been reported where electrolysis has been used for
inciting a healthy growth over a suppurating surface. In these cases
care should invariably be exercised to use the current only for a very few
moments at a sitting: and it would seem advisable, even then, to employ
this treatment only in those cases where the suppuration has been suffi-
ciently prolonged to be called a chronic abscess, or only in those cases
where there is a sinus or a fistulous tract.

1. A case of anal fistula in a woman of twenty-three years of age.
This fistula dated from four years before, ami after her confinement; the

1 9 2 ELECTROLYSIS.

pain was so troublesome that it prevented sleep; forcible dilatation had
never been tried. The patient reported that many kinds of cauterization
had been tried, but that all had failed to relieve her. Ciniselli ' made an
examination and found an elliptical ulcer on the right margin of the anus,
which was one and a half inches square; he performed an operation for a
superficial galvanic cauterization lasting for three minutes, with a current
strength of fifteen milliwebers (milliamperes ?) ; in one Aveek after this
operation the patient reported that there had been a steady diminution
of her pain, though this had not entirely disappeared; a tender cicatrix
was then present. One week later the pain had completely ceased and
the cicatrization was perfect.

Tripier ' reports the treatment by electrolysis in two cases of chronic
abscesses of the axilla; the suppuration of these glands is often a very
tedious affair, one after another undergoing inflammatory and suppurative
processes. These abscesses were operated upon by his method of tubular
cauterization, which has been previously described in this chapter, and
cicatrization occurred within a few days. There was no return of the
abscesses. He advises the use of this method in the so-called cold abscess,
and especially in Pott's disease; he does not attempt in the latter to evacu-
ate the contents of the abscess at one sitting, but to make of this " a
means of treatment of the affection. "

This same writer reports the beneficial results in improving the con-
dition of an ulcer in the cervical canal of the uterus; also, for the enlarge-
ment of the calibre of this canal in a case in which it had become so
obliterated that the uterine sound could not be passed. He recommends
this method in the case of wens and in the opening of buboes, in the
latter of which he endorses it as the best treatment. He advises the
employment of electro-negative electrodes as the better pole for the intro-
duction into lachrymal tumors and fistulas. This may also be used as a
means of cauterizing the opening into the Eustachian tube, as also, some
portions of this canal. He would recommend its employment for the
removal of cutaneous tumors, and as well also in the dilatation of urethral
strictures.

Tripier reports also a case of fistula in ano, which he treated by elec-
trolysis. The details are thus given by this writer:—

Three months after the second labor of a young woman an abscess ap-
peared at the right margin of the anus, and eleven months later she pre-

•Op. cit. 'Op. cit., 1881.

APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYSIS. L93

Bented herself for the treatmeni of a fistula, three centimeters (one inch)
long, which communicated with the rectum; an olive-pointed Bound whs
employed as the positive electrode with the hope of healing the opening
of the fistula into the rectum, and it was therefore passed as Ear as possi-
ble within the tract, and the negative surface electrode was applied upon
the skin of the thigh. A current strength of eight milliamperes was
continued for ten minutes; .an examination seven days later showed only
a sero-purulent discharge without any admixture of faecal matter; on this
same day the procedure of the previous week was pursued; ten days later
the fistula was in about the same condition, as also at an examination a
fortnight later. Another application of the same current strength was
tried for five minutes, and again one week afterwards for eight minutes;
eleven days later the same strength of current was repeated for three
minutes, the electrode being inserted to the depth of eight millimetres,
and a month later to a depth of one centimeter. Frequent repetitions
wire made, but with apparently no further benefit to the patient, as she
left for the country.

A comparison of this case of fistula, with the report on a previous page
(p. 192), will show that Tripier did not employ a current of sufficient
strength to obtain the cauterization by means of the positive pole (ACID),
which is especially mentioned by Ciniselli as the proper method for the
use of electrolysis in the repair of suppurative surfaces of long standing.
It will be noticed that the current strength used by Tripier was only half
of that used by Ciniselli, and in the cases reported by Grdh for the heal-
ing of indolent ulcers the current was even much stronger than that used
by Ciniselli, or else was used for several hours' duration.

Before closing this chapter which has been devoted to the clinical ap-
plications of electrolysis, it should be mentioned that no allusion has been
made to the action of the galvano-cautery, except as for comparison with
the special subject of which this book treats, for the reason that: —

Galvano-cautery, like thermo-cautery, deals with the destruction of
the tissue by a cutting edge; while electrolysis acts upon the tissue by
disturbing the chemical or physiological integrity which maintains the
composition of the structures of which these tissues are composed.

It probablv has been noticed that Groh employed zinc and steel elec-
trodes for the destruction of the degenerative tissue of cancerous and
similar growths. The effect of the contact of these metals, endowed with

opposite polarities of electricity, appeals to have produced very extensive
13

194 ELECTROLYSIS.

destruction even in tissues in which the inflammatory and suppurative
action had already existed. His experience is so different from that of
other operators by this method of electrolysis, that his results may have
been influenced by the materials of which the electro-needles were
formed.

This subject will be more fully discussed in the final chapter, but it
may be as well to anticipate the matter somewhat at this point.

The cataphoric action of electricity is very much more active when the
metallic electrodes are formed of zinc for one terminal and platinum or
steel for the opposite pole. This can be easily seen by making a compara-
tive experiment with electrodes made from these different metals.

Groh apparently is of the opinion that the zinc electrodes act as caustic
destroyers of tissue by means of an alteration which is due to the chemical
reaction of the zinc metal in presence of an acid at the positive electrode.
In the experience of the author of this present treatise, it will make no
difference in the destroying action upon living tissue, whether the zinc
needle forms the positive or the negative terminal of the battery. ' There
is certainly no doubt that the use of zinc for its local contact with the
abnormal tissue produces a stronger action upon these than if platinum
or gold needles should be inserted. When the use of zinc electrodes is
combined with the use of such strong currents as were employed by Groh,
the destructive action upon tissue may reasonably be supposed to be also
very much increased. We very much doubt, however, whether it is
correct to assume that the action is entirely due to a chemical cause. We
have seen that the introduction of irritating medicinal agents into tumors
may arrest for a time the increasing size of these growths, but experience
has taught us that the arrested growth is only a temporary effect. Acetic
acid, hydrochloric acid, caustic alkalies, gastric juice have all had their
fashionable day of local treatment. It is difficult to believe that the local
action of an "alterable electrode" should produce a destroying action
which is explicable on chemical grounds. We must look farther for a
proper explanation of the effect, because it can hardly be possible to dis-
credit the successful results which this and a few other authors have re-
ported so much in detail.

We may possibly obtain some inkling of the cause of the action of elec-

'It should be understood that we are speaking only of those cases where both
electrodes are used for electro-puncture, and not in those cases where one is used
for surface application and the other for a puncture beneath the skin.

APPLICATION 01 ELEOTROLYSI8. L95

tricity in destroying the activity of living tissues by an examination into
the cause which promotes their growth. The study of the enlargement
of tlif thyroid body, and the growth of uew hairs from their papilla? or
from the adjacent connective (issue, ofiEer a fair field, because the his-
tological knowledge of their formation and development has received bo
serious attention by competent and faithful observers.

The next ohapter may present some of the results of this study which
will perhaps be useful in our present inquiry, it will treat of the various
forms of goitrous tumors, their growth and natural retrocessions.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROLYSIS TO BASEDOW'S.
OR GRAVE'S DISEASE, COMMONLY CALLED EXOPH-
THALMIC GOITRE.

Befoke describing the therapeutical application of electrolysis to the
treatment of this disease, it would be well to pass in review the pathology
of the different forms of goitre, in order to learn, if possible, what effect
this kind of treatment will have in limiting and reducing the abnormal
growth in this glandular enlargement. The author of this treatise will
be pardoned if the description must necessarily occupy considerable
space in the presentation of these details.

Exophthalmic Goitre, or Basedow's disease, is found to exist and to be
recognized by the pronounced symptoms of anaemia, exophthalmos (pro-
trusion of the eyeballs), palpitation, and very rapid action of the heart,
and by an enlargement of the thyroid gland or body. This enlargement
may involve either or botli of its alse, or wings (or bodies), as well as the
isthmus which connects these two wings.

The pathological enlargement of the thyroid body ' may be due to a
hypertrophy of the thyroid body, to adenoma, to cystic adenoma, to carci-
noma, and to sarcoma of the thyroid body. The hypertrophy of the thyroid
may be formed by simple hypertrophy of the acini, or of the follicles in
the gland, or by an increase in the normal contents of the glandular vesi-
cles. These hypertrophies are distinguished from adenoma, from the fact
that these latter are not seen in the embryonic tissue, and that the vesi-
cles, which may be filled with colloid substance, are clearly defined by the
vessels and connective tissue. Wolffler describes two varieties, parenchy-
matous and gelatinous hypertrophy, and states that these two forms may
coexist.

Adenoma of the thyroid body is composed of epithelial neoplasms
which originate from the embryonic glandular formations without typical
vascularizations, which sometimes retain the embryonic conditions, and

4 Ucber die Entwicklung u. den Bau des Kopfes, A. Wolffler in die Arehiv. f.
klinischen Chirurgie, Band 29, p. 1 and 754, 1883.

ITS APPLICATION IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 197

sometimes arc transformed into glandular tissue of normal appearance.
Many of these tumors are congenital, while others may be developed during
puberty or during pregnancy. They often attain an enormous size and
are generally benignant; yet sometimes they give place to metastatic
changes. It is sometimes impossible to differentiate between simple and
cancerous hypertrophy. Wolffler describes several varieties of adenoma:
— foetal, interacinous, gelatinous or\;olloid goitre with two Bubdivisionsj —
in\ xomatous adenoma, and cylindro-cellular adenoma.

Cystic adenoma is divided into the inter-acinous cystic adenoma and
the papillar cystic adenoma.

Carcinoma of the thyroid gland is met with under three forms: alveo-
lar, which is the most common; epithelioma with cylinder cells; and epi-
thelioma with pavement cells. These last, Wolffler thinks, are developed
by including a portion of the external fold of the blastoderms in the gland.

Sarcomata arc met with of several varieties: — sarcoma, angio-cavernous
sarcoma with fusiform cells, a sarcoma with giant cells, an alveolar angio-
cavernous sarcoma with trabecular of muscular iibres, and finally a sarcoma
having round cells.

According to Ortli1 ''Goitre, in the more restricted sense, comprises en-
largements originating either in the glandular or interstitial tissues, or in
the vessels. The first of these varieties is called parenchymatous or hyper-
plastic; though, in accordance with the more modern nomenclature, it
should perhaps be classed among the adenomata, and consists in simple
hyperplasia of the glandular alveoli. Its cut surface appears granular
and of uniform brownish-red color. The most common form is called
gelatinous or colloid, and is characterized by a dilatation and distention
of the alveoli with a translucent yellowish or brownish substance, the col-
lections of Avhich project slightly above the level of the cut surface, and
are larger in proportion as the process is more advanced. The entire
gland may be affected, or only limited portions, which are usually sur-
rounded by capsules of fibrous tissue. This is closely allied to the cystic
form, also originating in the glandular alveoli, which are filled with a soft
or even fluid substance, and are greatly dilated. These cysts may be the
seat of hemorrhage, which imparts a brownish-red color to their contents:
— hemorrhagic bronchocele.

The variety of bronchocele, which is characterized as fibrous or osseous,

1 Diagnosis <>t Pathological Anatomy, translated by F. C. Shattuck, G. K. Sa-
bine, EL H. Fitz. Hurd and Houghton, Cambridge, 1878, p. 178.

198 ELECTROLYSIS.

originates and runs its course chiefly in the interstitial tissue, which be-
comes greatly increased in amount, and dense, gradually replacing the
glandular elements more and more, and finally may become calcified.
Any or all of the above-mentioned forms are often found in combination,
and, in fact, scarcely any two bronchoceles are exactly alike.

We now come to the third variety, comprising those forms which
originate in the vessels. These may be further subdivided into aneuris-
mal and varicose bronchoceles, according as the dilatation is arterial or
venous. The latter form is very apt to be combined with some one or
more of the preceding forms. Amyloid bronchocele is the result of amy-
loid degeneration of the arteries, and may also occur in the form of en-
capsulated nodules. "

Another writer ' in a recent communication describes the normal
anatomy of the thyroid gland. He also states that complete hypertrophy
is rare; that the right lobe is oftener involved; and that the tumor may
be attached to the remainder of the gland by a pedicle. Poland, Billroth
and Pitha, say that this enlargement is never due to new development of
thyroid tissue, but to hypertrophy of the tongue-like process, or to the
remains of glandular cells. The tumor is chiefly found between the hyoid
bone and the thyroid cartilage, on the side of the oesophagus. This hitter
is sometimes compressed by it, though not often; it may lie in front of
the arch of the aorta, and has sometimes been mistaken for lymphatic
enlargements (Albers). The surface may be smooth or lumpy, and the
consistence of the interior structure often varies. The onset of the disease
is obscure, the first symptom being an increase of the size of the gland;
the progress is slow and painless, and the swelling increases by paroxysms
which, in women, correspond to the menstrual periods and to that of
pregnane)^. Certain varieties, especially the colloid, possess an indefinite
period of development. Others, as the fibroid, after reaching a certain
stage, remain stationary. There is also much diversity as regards the
form of goitre in the individual cases. Vascular goitre increases most
rapidly (Nelaton). The cystic likewise increases rapidly, and also by
paroxysmal growth; this latter is due to effusions of blood, spontaneously
or not. Certain goitres remain stationary for life, others grow for a few
years, and then undergo secondary degenerations. To these changes
probably are to be referred the varieties described by Savoyen as hyper-

1 Krishaber. Diet. Eiicycl. des Sciences Medicales, Art. Goitre, 4. s., ix., p.
489, 1883.

IIS APPLICATION IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE.

L99

Bemic and ansemic All authorities recognize resolution as our of the
natural modes oi its tennination. Fatty degeneration occurs and isfol-
lowed by reabsorption. This latter mode occnrred In a few ca ct of
small dimensions, and were of apparenl parenchymatous character.

A. Wolffler1 states that congenital goitre is positively proven to occur
both in the endemic and sporadic tonus, both in man and animals, cattle,
horse, goat, sheep, ami dog. [n all oases this form represents the anatomi-
cal basis of the pathology of the thyroid -land in the festal State. The
temporary hyperemia of the -land, which subsides a few days after birth,
is to be excluded from the true goitre. The development of this form
may occur very early in life, tumors of largo size having been found with
foetuses in a very early state of development.2 Some cases are forms of
pure hypertrophy, others are telangiectasia (Mondini, Cammerer) or cystic.
According to Friedreich, Boucher, Bednar, Bubbauer, Loddein, Adel-
mann, and Dcmme, this variety sometimes begins as a colloid infiltration;
also as a fibroid (Demme); also as adenomatous (W. Mueller). While
it is not proven that every case of goitre is embryological and tbat it only
begins to develop between the ages of eight or fourteen to that of forty to
Bixty years of age, "it seems probable that in many cases of adenomatous
goitre the origin is embryological. Foetal localized atrophy of the thyroid,
and abnormalities of position of single or distinct parts, point to the con-
clusion that embryological pathology is not without significance in the
development and formation of goitre. Hypertrophy of the thyroid is
understood to be a multiplication of, and an increase in, the solid gland
follicles or vesicles as regards their normal growth (not as regards embry-
onic development), or it may be consequent upon the increase of the nor-
mal contents of the vesicles. This form is commonly found to consist of
hypertrophy of the parenchyma, or colloid infiltration, or both together.
Wolffler has recently proved that the normal development of the gland
vesicle is by destruction of the central cells of the gland mass or by en-
dogenous nucleus-division. In hypertrophic goitre the growth is clue to
multiplication of the gland cells into gland masses and the change of the
masses into vesicles, or by direct endogenous proliferation of the single
gland cell. Tts microscopical characters distinguish hypertrophic goitre
from adenomatous, especially by the absence in the former of glandular

1 Ueber die Entwickelung u. den Ban des Kropfes. Berlin, 1883.
* Cases Mondini, Nov. Comment. Acad. Sc. hist. Bononiensis, t. hi., 1829;
Danyau, Gaz. d. TTop., p. 77, 1861; Virchow, Demme, Hecker. *

200 j<:lkotrolysis.

structures of an embryonic character. We judge of this distinction by the
conformation of the gland masses, whether atypically large and vascular,
or long and much branched, or normally round gland masses. Hyper-
trophic goitre is not infrequently congenital ; many mild cases are over-
looked. Rokitansky considered this to be the only form, and thought
that the other varieties were only degenerations. Neither he nor
Virchow distinguished this from the adenomatous form. A pure exam-
ple of gelatinous (colloid) hypertrophic goitre can hardly be found, as the
specimens indicate either an adenomatous nature or an atrophic change.

Adenoma of the thyroid is an epithelial new formation developed
from embryonic atypically vasciilar gland structure, pre-existing or as the
metamorphosis of apparent normal tissue. It is often difficult to distin-
guish from true hypertrophic goitre, but yet distinctions do exist. This
form may b^e congenital, or develop during pregnancy; and may grow
so large as to produce danger of suffocation from compression of the air
tubes. In this respect the largest cysto-adenomata are not so serious as
the adenomata of puberty and pregnancy, which are succulent and rich
in cells. Apparently benignant adenomata may become metastatic; many
return after extirpation, but so slowly that a second operation is seldom
demanded. This return confirms the fact that the smallest trace of thy-
roid tissue may not have been destroyed but continues to grow. In some
adenomata, on the contrary, spontaneous retrogression occurs and the
gland may afterwards again increase with future attacks. In a case of an
oldish woman every pregnancy produced an increase in size. This was
followed by decrease after delivery. On one occasion of increase, symp-
toms of suffocation demanded and compelled extirpation; the tumor
showed the different stages of increase and decline (hemorrhages, cysts,
fibroid degeneration, etc.) No positive distinction can be made between
adenoma, carcinoma, and sarcoma, many transition forms occurring.

Fcetal adenoma develops with the embryonic thyroid, and later on
retains its embryonic structure and undergoes all its stages of develop-
ment. These tumors are the seats of capillary hemorrhages and of larger
luematomata; also cavernous spaces and ampullar)- dilatation of the capil-
laries; the walls, however, are not lined with endothelium. Large areas
of blood extravasation cause the tissues to assume a hyaline appearance,
due to alterations of the effused blood, and this change produces an in-
creased growth of tin; adenomatous mass.1 This hyaline substance be-

1 Zieg'ler, Path. Anatomie, Art. Metaplasise.

rrs APPLICATION IN' BXOPHUHALMIO GOITRE. 201

oomes vascular and ia bhe intermediate nutrition-apparatus of the adeno-
matous formation.

Si mmaky- l. The EoBtal adenomata develop, ae a rule, a1 puberty
from congenital deposits. 2. The size yariea from thai ol a pin-point to
that of a goose-egg. 3. Through lacunar vascularization, diffused or cir
cumscribed apoplexies are common. 4. A cortical layer (capsule) is found
but is notsoevidenl as in other goitres. 5. A variety of descriptive terms
can he applied to these tumors in their different Btagesand degenerations,
e.g., Adenoma tot. vaaculosum, aeinosum, myxomatosum, fibrosum,
angio-cavernosum, and papilliforme.

Gelatinous goitre (Adenoma gelatinosum) consists of larger or smaller
new-formed, colloid-holding gland vesicles derived from embryronic ele-
ments. Unlike the total adenoma this is not in the form of circum-
scribed nodules. The surface is smooth or rough; involving one lobe or
the entire gland. This variety is usually called colloid goitre. The his-
tological boundary of adenomatous goitre is hypertrophy; the two pass,
however, into each other; in the opposite direction is medullary or alveolar
carcinoma; between the two extremes lie different forms of adenomatous
goitre, some of them growing to the size of a child's head. The gelatin-
ous presents the following forms:— (1.) Interacinous, the most common
form, which presents abundant proliferation of gland cells, between the
gland vesicles; and as most of the class are benignant, many eases pro-
duce no inconvenience; their very slow growth depends upon the slight
amount of vascularity. (2.) Cystic adenoma consists of cysts which may
have the size of a lentil to that of an egg; these contain much gelatinous
fluid. Unlike the last variety there is little proliferation in the septa of the
follicles; the cell-walls are liable to fatty or colloid degeneration. The
large cystic sacs are frequently the seat of glandular neoplasms (Kokitan-
sky); these are exogenous or intra -acinous; they may be found both to-
gether or singly in a goitre. (3.) Adenoma which have a papillary pro-
liferation of the limiting epithelium of the gland vesicles; the papillary
excrescences are found normally in the dog and ape. This form constitutes
the congenital goitre of the goat and calf. Papillary cysto-adenoma is

more rare.

Adenoma myxomatosum (folliculare et tubulare). This has a struct-
ureless hyaline appearance, of basement tissue, which substance can-
not be stained. It contains groups of gland cells of different sizes; it
may present fibroid or calcareous degeneration in certain portions. The

202 ELECTROLYSIS.

higher stages of development of this form of goitre may possess solid or
hollow tubes, or projections. It belongs to the adenomatous group be-
cause of its well-marked embryonic tissues,' it can attain considerable size
and may occur in the young and old. Its glandular masses develop with
the hyaline matrix and arise from the division of the nuclei of the gland
cells. Its growth, as in the others, occurs at puberty, during the menstrual
periods, or during pregnancy, and the rate of its growth depends upon the
degree of vascularity; later when this becomes deficient the parts undergo
the degenerations before mentioned. Increase of the blood supply is fol-
lowed by increase of the solid gland masses and the proportionate diminu-
tion of the hyaline matrix. Finally the larger gland masses may liquify.
Adenoma cylindro-cellulare. He examined one specimen but without
conclusive results. It is difficult to distinguish this form from carcinoma
cylindro-cellulare, which latter, however, specially possesses papillary and
dendritic vegetations, and the interstitial tissue is infiltrated with small
cells. The preceding are the benignant forms of thyroid tumors; however
prominent degenerations may appear it is not necessary for that reason to
make them special forms of goitre. As regards vascular goitre (struma
vasculosa, struma aneurysmatica, struma angio-cavernosa, struma pul-
sans), Liicke l has shown that capillaries, veins, or arteries may be per-
manently or only temporarily dilated, but that in all such cases there is a
goitrous formation, and that the condition of the vessels does not consti-
tute the disease. It cannot be determined whether all adenomata of the
thyroid are of congenital origin; it is difficult to determine whether all
embryonic structures date from their foetal origin.

Malignant forms of goitre may be classed as follows: —

1. Malignant adenomata of the thyroid. 2. Carcinoma of the thyroid.

3. Fibroid tumors of the thyroid. A. There is no record of Fibroma in
literature, but the author of the article referred to has seen one specimen.

4. A. Lipoma. B. Enchondroma; there is no recorded case; a few cases
have been seen of osteo-enchondroma; true osteoma of the gland is doubt-
ful. 5. Sarcoma. Wolffler reports cases of angio- cavernous and of giant-
celled sarcoma, of alveolar angio-cavernous and of nmnd-celled sarcoma.
G. Tuberculosis and syphilitic disease of the thyroid; a few of these eases
are reported.

Hemorrhages occur in goitre in the growth, and not in the normal
gland tissue; all except traumatic effusions, are due to results of the dis-

1 Quoted by Billroth & Pit I m. 1 Ian. 11,. d. all-, u. spec.Chir., Bd. 3,abt. 1, 1875.

ITS APPLICATION TO EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 'H)'6

ease. They may be in the form of points, spots, or streaks; may be mis-
taken for Inflammation owing to their dark-blood appearance; bleeding
occurs much lesB rarely at one spot and which then diffuses. 'The areas
of hemorrhage extend gradually at times; at others it occurs suddenly
with symptoms of dyspnoea. In six reported cases where hemorrhages
were present, no increase was noticed in the size of the tumor at periods
of hemorrhage; all were women who hail had the disease for years. Blood
extravasations replace the medullary suhstance of the gland.

The rule is for the hemorrhages to be confined to the cortical layer;
this is a thick capsule which sometimes itself contains medullary tissue.
The resistance of this thick capsule prevents external rupture; this latter
only occurs when the hemorrhage takes place in thin- walled cysts. It is
often possible to shell out the gland from the capsule easily and without
loss of hlood; and at other times free bleeding is encountered in the case
of normal parenchyma. The subsequent changes in the extravasation are
the same as are found in other organs (fatty degeneration, Cohnheinvs
coagulation-necrosis). Hemorrhagic goitres in time become cystic. The
hemorrhages produce more or less tissue-necrosis. If the extravasation
he small, usually a regeneration of tissue takes place from the remains of
the gland masses and the trabecule, the hemorrhagic spots changing to a
structureless hyaline substance. In proportion to the excess of connnec-
tive tissue and small mass of parenchyma will the hemorrhage produce a
cicatricial structure which in time becomes calcareous; thus the hyaline
substance is the matrix for regenerative and degenerative changes. If the
degeneration is extensive, the area of infarction is destroyed; the spaces
or alveoli in these cases will then be full of blood corpuscles and fibrin
meshes. The cortical layer may present evidences of inflammation
(chronic). Finally what remains of the parenchyma is a fatty degenera-
tion, a soft yellowish-white smeary mass. Not infrequently all of these
changes are met with in the same case. Hemorrhage is caused by the ex-
ceeding thinness of the walls of the vessels, especially the veins. Fibroid
degeneration, like hemorrhage, maybe confined to a very small ana or
may he diffused; it increases with prolonged growth of the tumor, hut is
not rare in young and vascular adenomata. The form of degeneration is
often radiate or stellar; this is due to the fact that in goitre the vitality
and activity of the degenerative changes have (as it were) their nuclear
centres in the gland masses. The fibroid change extends to the periphery
along the interalveohir spaces. The hardest fibroid masses resemble carti-

20-4 ELECTROLYSIS.

lage, from which they are only to he distinguished by the microscope. Two
forms exist: — (1), induration (diffused); (2), the circumscribed fibroid de-
generation; the cartilage-like masses belong to the former. The second
variety develops around an extravasation. Calcification is not rare; it is
as frequent as the fibroid change; it exists in the form of lumps or sand.
The larger pieces in the interlobular fibrous tissue form irregular masses,
or stalactitic processes, or may have a gland-like aggregation; this change
may also be confined to the gland cells and masses. This may be distin-
guished as acinous calcification, the other forms being the interacinous.
Cases are recorded where each lobe was a chalk stone the size of a hen's
egg or of a fist; in others the chalky deposit formed the cyst-wall. The
jelly-like degeneration is probably the result of secretion; it occurs where
active adenomatous proliferation has taken place. The number of the
blood vessels is diminished. It seems most plausible to refer the struma
gelatinosa to degenerative changes in a previously formed adenoma; an
arrest of development occurring in the gland parenchyma and the limit-
ing epithelium becomes flattened by the increase of the gelatinous sub-
stance. This explains how such goitres are borne without inconvenience.
In parenchymatous goitre an atrophy and disappearance of the gland
parenchyma takes place, and is accompanied by a transformation of the in-
teracinous connective tissue into the gelatinous substance; the increase of
the goitre at puberty and during pregnancy is due to increase of this sub-
stance which is at those times profusely secreted. Multilocular cystoma
belong to parenchymatous atrophy, there being usually no further increase
in the size of the gland. If the gelatinous (colloid) vesicles burst, the
connective tissue presents a shining yellowish-brown appearance; a cys-
toma results, or, if diffused, a fibroid tissue. Large cysts may rupture
through the skin or into the larynx or trachea (Bruchmann). The fibroid
change is a reparative process.

Pathogenesis. In regard to the cause of this disease the opinion of
authorities is at wide variance. The attention of the reader is especially
directed to the article by Eulenberg in Ziemssen's Cyclopaedia of Medicine
for a synopsis of these authorities. Since his article was written further
investigations and observations have been made, which may lend some as-
sistance in establishing the theory of the formation of exophthalmic goitre.
In the treatment by electrolysis it would, be necessary, if we are to apply
this in a rational manner, to know something of the causes which promote
the growth of the tumor as well as the way in which the natural resources

ITS APPLICATION IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 203

of the body affect its absorption. It lb by do means certain that the tumor
itself is the scat of the disease, nor can it be said wit li equal trul h that t be
symptoms of t he disease as shown by anaemia, irregular pulsations -of the

heart, or the plot fusions of the eves, will cause the appearance of the

growth of the enlarged thyroid gland. There is a strong probability from
the investigations of the most careful observers, that the cause of this
disease will he found cither in the central nervous system, the sympathetic
ganglia, or in the nervous periphery which takes its origin from either or
both of these.

The pathogenesis is important in the indications for electrolysis.

Filehne1 is of the opinion that exophthalmic goitre is preceded by a
paralysis of the thyroid vessels as well as those of the orbit, and that this
is due to a functional or organic (pathotogic) paralysis of the fibres of the
vagus nerve which innervate the heart; the latter cause would thus account
for the irregular pulsations of the heart. According to this writer, the
symptoms may be developed in rabbits after traumatic destruction of the
anterior fourth portion of the corpora restiforma. For this purpose he
used a knife formed of the galvano-cautery. Some of the chief symptoms,
but not all, of exophthalmic goitre will be developed by this operation.
Previous section of the sympathetic would not prevent the development
of the exophthalmos in these animals; and the pupil was not influenced.
When a slight increase of the thyroid gland was developed after this ex-
periment, it was caused by an increased determination of blood to this
organ.

Filehne concludes from his experiments: — 1. That the disease can
be produced by the paralysis of certain nerve-areas which pass through
the medulla oblongata, and whose paths lie in the restiform bodies. 2.
The exophthalmos and enlarged thyroid are both due to a dilatation of
the blood vessels. 3. The rapid and irregular action of the heart by the
disturbance of the inhibitory (suspension of the tonus) action of the vagus
nerve. 4. From these three he makes the deduction, that the cause of
the disease in man will be found in the study of pathological changes in
the medulla and the vagus.

Symptomatology. Eulenburg and Van Dusch have observed that, after
the disappearance of the exophthalmos, the symptoms of cardiac dis-
fcurbance may remain. This discrepancy might be ascribed to the supposi-

1 Zur Pathogenese d. Bascdow'schen Krankheit, Silzungsber. d. phys. M. Soc.
u. Erlangen, 1878-9.

206 ELECTROLYSIS.

tion that the extreme anaemia, as well as the relaxation of the vascular and
heart tonus may combine in preventing the proper filling of the blood
vessels; consequently these symptoms will persist.

Lescaux ' in a recent thesis quotes Jaccoud for his authority in assum-
ing that palpitations are essential to constitute this disease. He states
that in the opinion of G-. See the palpitations always are present at some
period; while Burls found these absent in four out of fifty cases; while
Beni-Barde found these absent in two out of twenty cases.

With regard to the sequence of the symptoms in this disease: — on the
authority of Stokes and of Jaccoud, the writer of this thesis claims that
the palpitations occur first and the goitrous tumor subsequently; the ocular
phenomena are referred to generally as occurring after the other two
symptoms. Jaccoud positively infers that, from their subsequent appear-
ance, these ocular symptoms are produced by a disturbance of the circula-
tory phenomena. On the other hand, the authority of Trousseau is ad-
duced for the opinion that the palpitations are the first symptom which
attract the attention of the patient. Bruck is credited with the opinion
that the ocular symptoms occur first, and that many patients seek advice
from the oculist first; while See states definitely that the ocular are the
only symptoms at the beginning of the disease. Lescaux reports one case
in which the ocular preceded the cardiac symptoms by an interval of five
months; while in another case the goitre preceded the cardiac symptoms
by an interval of ten months; he quotes the authority of Story for a case
in which goitre and the exophthalmos occurred five years before any
cardiac palpitation. He describes the character of these palpitations as
follows:— Increase in intensity, often paroxysmal, with the progress of the
disease; these paroxysms may Occur during the night and awaken the
patient; a very peculiar feature is their continuance during the interval
between the paroxysms; and the frequency of these palpitations is greater
than in cases which are due to other causes.

A comparison of the character of these palpitations shows that they
closely resemble those which accompany an attack of cardiac thrombosis,
or those which follow the section of the par vagum. When the patient
has not previously been subjected to muscular exertion, or in the intervals
of repose, the rate of the pulse may be as rapid as 100-120 beats per
minute, even l-iO-150, and during a paroxysm its rate may be 200 or more;
Beni-Barde reports the sphygmographic tracings in a case to have almost a

1 Des pertubatious cardiaques dans le goitre exophthalmiques, Paris, 1885.

ITS APPLICATION IX EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 207

continuous line: the force of the pulse is oftentimes greatly increased, but
sometimes it is quite feeble. The subjective sensations maj be so exc
sive thai there ia some basis for accepting RendVs theory of an nyper-
sesthesia of the walls of the thorax. Some writers have questioned whether
there could be a hypertrophied heart; this would explain the increased
area of dullness over the region of the heart, as well as the increase in the
arterial impulse. Lescaux would attribute the latter as due to the in-
creased force of the cardiac pulsation, and the former as due to the exhaus-
tion of the heart by the rapid action in palpitations, lie states thai be
has made careful and daily observations, and has found that the area of
dullness was smaller during the time when the arterial pulsations were the
most energetic; consequently, he would infer that increased area of dull-
ness noted at other times would be caused by the relaxation of the myo-
cardium from fatigue. This same writer reports that there were bruits
to be heard in one-half of bis cases, and that these resembled those of
valvular disease. These were nearly always systolic, soft or harsh, and were
beard both at the base and apex, the point of preference for the basic
murmur being at the second intercostal space (over pulmonary artery).
These bruits resembled those which are usually associated with anaemia,
but were louder. The murmur beard at the apex would, in his opinion,
denote a relative insufficiency, which he attributed to cardiac dilatation.
On the other hand, Stokes, Trousseau and Teissier attribute no particu-
lar significance to the systolic bruits, though there may be a diffused and
non-localizable murmur. Durozier attributes this murmur to paralysis
of the vaso-constrictor nerves, and states that it is produced in the coronary
artery. See explains it as an incomplete action of the papillary muscles.
Again we have a conflict of opinion in regard to the causation of the
irregularity in the cardiac pulsations. Constantino Paul states that regu-
larity in the heart's beat is the special function of the myocardium, which
is not under the control of the nervous system, and consequently, the
irregularity is always due to an affection of the myocardium. See thinks
that the irregularity is caused frequently by valvular disease; Letulle (in
a thesis) attributes the irregularity associated with this disease to some
impairment of the vagus nerve and the ganglion of Ludwig. Asystolia
(or that condition of incomplete contraction in which the ventricles do
not free themselves of their received blood) may in fact occur independent
of previous valvular disease; for in a patient of Trousseau's this occurred
to a partial extent after a paroxysm which was accompanied with oedema

208 ELECTROLYSIS.

of the legs and with ascites; the latter soon disappeared. Asystolia may be
partial or complete in this disease. The post-mortem examinations show
nearly all the well-known forms of cardiac disease.

Cardiac diseases apparently confer no immunity from exophthalmic
goitre. Jaccoud at one time used to differentiate between his cases of
goitre, those having cardiac complications and those without them; but
latterly he has admitted a functional disturbance in those cases of apparent
valvular disease which is associated with exophthalmos and goitre. See
considers that there is always a basis for cardiac disease (whether organic
or from a neurosis) in exophthalmic goitre; Stokes thinks this improba-
ble on account of the frequency of cardiac diseases and the comparative
rarity of exophthalmic goitre, and would prefer to consider that the car-
diac complications in goitre are due to the prolonged functional disturb-
ance. Kendu admits that organic cardiac disease frequently is associated
with exophthalmic goitre, while Trousseau admits that this occurs only
"in some rare instances" of very long standing, in which opinion both
Lavareau and Teissier agree. See reports one case in which there was no
increase in the blood pressure; in this instance, at least, the abnormal work
of the heart was to the normal work as the ratio of the rate of the pulse
in the two cases (120 to 200: 60 to 80). Enlargement of the capacity of
the arterial system is frequently met with, and in these cases the enlarge-
ment of the arterioles is so great that a venous pulse will be heard inde-
pendently of the tricuspid regurgitation.

Dilatation is more frequent than hypertrophy; this is supposed to be
due to the fact that nutrition cannot keep pace with dis-assimilation on
account of the rapid action of the heart, and consequently, its long con-
tinuance and exhaustion will cause myocardial dilatation. Occasionally its
nutrition may keep in pace, and this theory would explain the compara-
tively few cases of increased area of cardiac dullness; probably, frequent
respite from the hurried action of the heart-beats will explain why dilata-
tion has not occurred in every case. If the theory of trophic centres in
the heart is upheld, their impairment or immunity would affect this dis-
cussion. Beau cites a case of a man who met with a severe fright, which
was immediately followed by palpitations and dyspnoea. Two months later
he observed cyanosis of the lips, distension of the jugular veins, small and
irregular pulse; the cardiac beats became irregular in rhythm and in-
tensity; his dyspnoea increased on the slightest exertion and death occurred
in three weeks. The autopsy showed a dilated heart, with no hypertrophy

ns APPLICATION IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 209

nor valvular disease. < Mher cases are on record where hypertrophy existed
in some cases of disease of bhe apper portion «>f the spinal cord. Raynaud
reports a case in which asystolia occurred in bulbar paralysis, and in which
the autopsy Bhowed an enormous dilatation of the heart, while the lungs

and cardiac valves were perfectly normal.1

That the sympathetic plays an important role in the production of the

phenomena of this disease is evident from a consideration of the principal
symptoms; the cardiac disturbances, and the goitre and exophthalmos.
The forcible heart-heats (Herzklopfen) indicate an irritation, while the
goitre and exophthalmos apparently indicate those of an opposite nature
(depression). To avoid this contradiction Benedikt supposes the goitre
and exophthalmos to be due to excitation of vaso-dilator fibres, whose
existence has been shown by Bernard, Ludwig, and Schiff. Eulenburg
assumes a trophic centre alteration causing glandular hyperplasia and in-
crease of the retro-bulbar connective tissue. A corroborative symptom is
the immobility, or restrictive mobility, of the eyelids; this, in their opinion,
is caused by the disturbed innervation of the smooth muscular fibres,
which were discovered in the eyelids by H. Mueller; this has been shown
to exist in some of the lighter cases of this disease, and was first described
by Graefe; these fibres are innervated by the sympathetic. Another argu-
ment in support of this theory is shown from the satisfactory results in
the cure of this disease by galvanization of the sympathetic in the cervical
region.

In a thesis by P. Gros 2 a table is given of the comparative frequency
of this disease in the two sexes.

Frequence in the Two

Sexes.

Male.

Female.

Cheadle

Taylor

. —

Prael

Vithuisen

. 8

Graefe

Emmert

. 10

Hammond

. —

Romberg and Henoch

•M

Total

. 24

206

4 M. Meyer. Ueber Galvanisation des Sympathicus bei der Basedow'schen
Krankheit. Verhdlg. d. Berlin Med. Gesellsch., (1871-8) 1S74, iv., pt. 1, 110.
■ Etude but le goitre exophthalmique, Paris.
14

210 ELECTROLYSIS.

In the same thesis of Letulle it is shown that the most frequent occur-
rence of this disease originates in the years between twenty and fifty;
most of the exceptions to this rule originate after fifty years of age. It
always attacks those who have neurotic temperaments. The principle
predisposing causes are heredity; and this disease is apt to alternate
with other nervous diseases. Eheumatism is a frequent antecedent. There
seems to be a connection between goitre and chorea; the author quotes
cases of exophthalmic goitre which have supervened upon the cure of
chorea, and vice versd. He also cites cases of various nervous affections
which have alternated with this disease, both in the individual and in the
family. He cites cases which show that the onset of the disease some-
times occurs suddenly. He describes the symptomatology very much as
does Lescaux: the cardiac murmurs do not usually indicate organic disease
of the heart. The appearance and progress of goitre is very variable, some-
times proceeding rapidly and at other times slowly; the tumor may be
confined to one side, which is usually the right. In its first stages the
expanding movements of the tumor and its bruit are due to hyperemia;
subsequently these symptoms may be followed by " disorders of nutrition
and indelible lesions."

Natural Retrocession. In an article written thirty years ago Bach1
describes the following course of the natural retrocession of the goitrous
tumor. After parenchymatous goitre has reached its maximum, three
changes may take place in the enlarged thyroid gland: — (1.) Fatty de-
feneration. (2.) Osseous transformation. (3.) Calcareous degeneration.

In cystic goitre the wall of the cyst frequently undergoes cartilaginous
or osseous degeneration.

According to a more recent writer the disappearance of the tumor
will often occur without medical aid."'

In cases of struma hypertrophica the growth disappears spontaneously
or under the influence of absorbent agents, such as iodine and potass,
iodide. Spontaneous disappearance is established and is due to resorption
into its constituent parts; hence this author claims that the morbid growth
must be in solution, or be soluble and that it is not formed of organized
tissue elements. Since neither suppuration nor calcification occur, nor

1 De l'anatomie pathologique des diflferentes especes do goitre. Mem. del' Acad,
de Med. de Paris, 1855, pp. 338-4iiti.

2 K. Stoerck. Beitrag zur Heilung des Parenchym und Cystenkropfes. Er-
langen, 1874.

ITS APPLICATION l\ EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. -11

any other degeneration, it mnsl be supposed thai Borne other unknown
agency produces the change which is Followed by absorption. Hundre
of rases demonstrate thai this spontaneous resolution i.- harmless; il is
therefore to be supposed that this resolution consists of a reabsorptiou of
the colloid infiltration-substance. It is remarkable thai this was doubted
until recently. Rbser and Virchow believe thai the absorption is injuri-
ous to the organism of the body. Lebert also seems to think so. Thus,
it will lie seen that there is a natural tendency for the enlarged thyroid to
disappear under the normal processes which reside in the living tissues.

Surgical ablation of the goitrous tumor by the knife has frequently
been accomplished without causing the death of the patient. The opera-
tion is, however, a very bloody one, and is not unattended with risk-
to the life of the patient during its performance. Many of the reported
cases' show the fatality of this operation. Julliard gives thirty-live cas
two of which died during the operation, two others from embolus and
pneumonia, while the fifth died without ascertainable cause. The remain-
ing twenty-six operations were followed with healing by first intention.
Liebrecht reports three hundred and sixty-one cases which he gathered
Let ween the years 1850 to 1882, of which sixty-eight died, in two the
result was not stated, in two the operation was not completed. This author
finds that during the last few years the mortality lias only been eight per
cent.; out of 164 cases which he collected between 1ST T and 1881 there
were 140 cures and ".'4 deaths.

Rapin ' bases his remarks upon the recent works by Reverdin, Kocher,
and Julliard, and arrives at the following conclusions: — that there exists
a cretinism which follows the ablation of the tumors, and which is charac-
terized by a dullness of the intelligence and by an arrest of the animal
development. This happens after the excision of the whole thyroid gland,
especially when this operation has been performed during the period of
adolescence, that is to say between live ami twenty years of age. There
is also observed, after these operations, muscular feebleness, bloating of
the countenance, a chilliness ami also a certain stupidity in the intellectual
faculties, though to a slighl extent. The integrity of the functions of the
thyroid gland appears to have an important influence upon the normal
development of the animal body, as well as upon that of the intellectual

1 Revue de chir., 11 aout, 1883. Bull, de PAcad. de Med. de Belgique, no-. :;
et 4. 1883.

• Revue med. de la Suisse romande, iii. p. 413, juillet, L883.

212 ELECTROLYSIS.

faculties during youth, and of the maintenance of these in adult life.
Why may we not assume that the retardation in the development of the
animal tissues may be explained by the interference with nutrition coin-
cident with the anaemia ? The proximate cause may still he explained by
the alteration of the cell functions in the trophic centres, be these where
they may.

Exophthalmos. Juler states' in regard to its cause that the eyes them-
selves are not enlarged, but are simply pushed forwards by the vascular
distension of the fatty tissue at the back of the orbit. There is a venous
stasis of this tissue, which causes it to become turgid like erectile tissue,
a simile used by Graves himself. Though true hypertrophy of the retro-
bulbar tissue is sometimes found, the eyeballs usually recede after death.
He also refers to the loss of the association of movement between the upper
lid and that of the globe, explaining this deficiency of co-ordination in
Graves' disease as due to an interference with the action of the fibres of
Mueller, which has been mentioned before in this chapter as being the
opinion of many. Juler refers to a case reported by Cheadle in St.
George's Hospital Reports, in which were found post mortem considerable
dilatation of the capillaries of the medulla oblongata and upper portion
of the spinal cord, but without atrophy or cellular lesions, thus showing
simpiy increased vascularization. No lesions were found elsewhere, neither
in the viscera nor in the cervical sympathetic. "The singular nervous
sensibility, which is so early and constant a symptom, and which in some
cases has even gone on to mania after the cure of both the exophthalmos
and the goitre, would seem to point to the brain itself as the initial seat,
of the disease."

Stokes considered the whole disease as caused by anaemia: however,
cases have occurred without any anaemia (Frissier), and many cases of
anaemia have occurred without the goitre and without the exophthalmos.

The pathogenesis of Graves' disease has been described in the foregoing
pages so especially in detail for a definite purpose. It has not been the
writer's object to give a synopsis of the pathology simply as a matter of
diagnosis of goitre, but in order to illustrate in the treatment of this dis-
ease the principles of the action of electrolysis in effecting a degenerative
change of living tissue. The attention of the reader is particularly called
to the subject of electrical osmosis and to experiments which have been

4 Handbook of Ophthalmic Science and Practice.

lis AMPLICATION l\ EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. l' 1 .'i

mentioned in a previous chapter (Chap. II.). in regard to the * • tT» ** - 1 which
electrolysis possesses of producing a decomposition in the chemical
organic combinationa His attention is also called to a consideration of the
modern teachings of the way in which the formation and multiplication
of cells is accomplished in planl life (see Chap. V.). Professor Goodale
has shown, as before referred to. that in the opinion of modern botanists
the growth of vegetable cells takes place by segmental ion, of proliferation,
and by a thickening on the inside of the cell walls and, perhaps, by the
deposition of new material on the inside of these walls, which have been
previously stretched by the result of receiving more food supply from out-
side influences. The same principles govern, in a measure, the growth of
cells in the animal life, and we have seen that certain pathologists explain
the increase in the structure of the thyroid gland by a thickening of
the connective tissue (in which the inter-acinous septum occupies more
space than in the normal condition), and, perhaps, also, by the swelling
of the acini themselves, and perhaps also, by the storing up in them of a
degenerated colloid material. It will, moreover, he noticed that in both
of these suppositions a large number of observers join in the assertion that
the blood vessels which supply the thyroid with its nutrition are enlarged;
that in consequence, this gland (or organ) receives a much larger amount
of material from which it may build faster than it grows naturally: or
else, we may suppose that the tissues are so crowded with blood tint the
materials of destruction accumulate more rapidly than tiny can be re-
moved. "Whichever of these hypotheses may be established, the fact re-
mains that we may have a very large variety of forms of tissue which are
recognized as goitre.

We have also seen that many observers unite in the statement that
certain cases of goitre have spontaneously been reduced without treatment
by a natural process of resorption, and some of these observers have sup-
posed that the resorption has resulted from a diminution in the supply
of blood to this thyroid body.

It is not necessary at this stage of the discussion to speak of the cause
which it is believed the nervous centres, or their periphery, play in the
regulation of the supply of blood to this gland. We are, at present, con-
cerned with the subject of the alteration of tissue growth in its relation
to pathological formations, as also to the physical effects of the so-called
vital processes.

What are these so-called vital processes' Formerly it was supposed

214 ELECTEOLYSIS.

that the substances peculiar to the plant and animal kingdom possessed a
different composition from that of the mineral kingdom. This supposi-
tion was based on the theory that organic bodies could not be formed by
synthesis out of the elements. Since the time when that opinion pre-
vailed, Wohler artificially prepared urea by synthesis (1828), and later still
other organic bodies have been artificially prepared in the same manner,
which are even of a much more complicated structure than the composi-
tion of urea. It was also, and until quite recently, considered that the
chemical elements in the living body were subject to other laws than those
of inanimate nature, and that structures of the living body were formed
by the operation of "vital" forces, which behaved differently in living
nature than in inorganic chemical compounds. Since the time when that
opinion prevailed, successful experiments have demonstrated that even
the lower orders of vegetable structures may be artificially prepared by
use of chemical agencies, and the boundary line between organic and
inorganic chemistry no longer exists; moreover, it is also difficult at the
present time to state where the boundary line exists between structureless
organic bodies and bodies of formed structure. It is well known that an
organic substance, acyteline, can be formed in the presence of hydrogen
between the pure carbon electrodes of the arc, which is produced by the
passage of electricity, and that from this body a form of fat may be obtained
from which alcohol may be made.

We have the authority of Professor M. Foster for the presumption that
in all forms of living protoplasm, the proteid base is found upon analy-
sis to have some carbo-hydrate and some kind of fat associated with it.
We may, also upon his authority, state that protoplasm gives rise by
metabolism to carbo-hydrates, fats and proteids, and the two former are
probably formed out of the proteid food by the agency of some living-
tissue; while the result of the destructive changes is particularly repre-
sented, among other organic crystalline bodies, by urea. Mention has
already been made in the previous pages that Drechsel has made by
means of electrolysis this latter substance, and that it is highly probable
that this same agency is at work in the living body in the formation of
urea.

The chemical formations of the living tissues, of organic bodies having
a peculiar structure in the form of functionally active cells, is now ad-
mitted to be influenced by the chemistry of the carbon compounds. What-
ever may be the conception between organic and organized bodies, we

ITS AlTUCATh'N IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 215

know that different carbon compounds possess the power of assuming
in the living organism an organized structure in the Conn of cells. We
do not know what causes are at work which produce these results.

Some of the proteids are soluble in water and some are not; those
which are soluble, the peptones excepted, are changed by heat.

Proteids are divided into various forms of albumin, anion-- which
may be mentioned the acid-albumin and the alkali-albumin, which are
probably nothing more than solutions of the albumin in an acid or an
alkali, hut there is reason to suppose that in addition to their solution
there is formed a combination with either reagent. Acid albumin is a
Berum-albumin which was soluble in water, or in a neutral fluid containing
only a small amount of neutral salts, and which has afterwards become
converted by a very weak acid into a substance insoluble in the neutral
fluid.

There are substances contained in the proteids which differ from the
albumins in not being soluble in water alone, but which require for their
solution the presence of a small but appreciable amount of a neutral saline
material like that of common salt. These are also soluble in dilute acids and
alkalis,, and in that case are changed into acid or alkali-albumin, unless
these reagents are exceedingly dilute.

Paraglobulin, when in solution in dilute common salt, may be pre-
cipitated from this solution by the addition of a very extended dilution of
acetic acid, but if the acid is strong, this precipitate will be converted
into acid-albumin. Paraglobulin is insoluble in pure water which is free
from oxygen, but if this gas be present, its solution readily takes place,
and it may then be converted into an alkali-albumin from its solution by
the presence of an alkali in the strength of over one per cent.

The proteids form the principal solid portions of the glandular tissues,
and their chemical combination is composed (Hoppe-Seyles):

0. B. N. C. S.

from --20.9 6.9 15.2 51.5 0.3

to 23.5 to:.:; to 17.0 to 54.5 to 2.0

It will thus be noticed that the proteids differ from urea [(XIIJ.CO]
containing very much more oxygen, carbon and nitrogen, as well as a,
small amount of sulphur. The urea, is the simpler nitrogenous com-
pound, and is, moreover, the result of the waste products of the tissues.
Foster states that Pflueger " has called attention to the great energy of the

216 ELECTROLYSIS.

cyanogen compounds, and lias suggested that the functional metabolism
of protoplasm by which energy is set free, may be compared to the con-
version of the energetic unstable cyanogen compounds into the less ener-
getic and more stable amides. In other words, ammonium cyanate is a
type of the living, and urea of dead nitrogen, and the conversion of the
former into the latter is an image of the essential change which takes
place when a living proteid dies." We have no means of knoAving exactly
what occurs in a particular form of tissue when it loses its functional
activity, nor do we knew what may arrest its power of making, out of pro-
toplasm, other forms similar to that which itself possesses; we do know
that the building of higher forms of organic compounds requires the
presence of some latent energy, and that the decomposition of the higher
organic bodies is attended with the evolution of energy. The hydration
resulting from the formation of water by the combination of oxygen and
hydrogen consumes energy. The functional activity of a cell requires the
supply and expenditure of energy, and those which are most actively en-
gaged in, the performance of their functions require a more liberal supply
of nutritive material by which they may accomplish their object. This
nutritive material is, in general terms, blood, and that kind which is found
in the arterial system. It has been found that, if the blood vessels which
supply the enlarged thyroid body with this blood, be ligatured, while the
recurrent veins be left patent, that in many instances the enlargement
will become reduced.

Electrolysis Applied to Treatment of Goitre.

The inconveniences attending this mode of treatment do not recom-
mend it to the surgeon, but their results from the capital operation may
be used by us for a comparison with the treatment by electrolysis. This
comparison will incline us to assume that a proper explanation of the
benefits to be derived from the use of this form of electricity ought to lie
in the effects of control of the nutrition of the tissues. It will be shown
in some of the cases reported, especially those of Chvostek, that the sur-
face application of the galvanic, or constant, current has been followed
by a retrocession of the goitrous tumor, as well as by an improvement in
the general symptoms; this has been so marked that many observers have
advanced the theory that Grave's disease is either a lesion of the medulla
oblongata, of the restiform bodies, or of an alteration in either the sym-
pathetic nerve centres or in the vagus nerve. It would be iliflieult to

ITS APPLICATION IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. Zli

explain the improvemenl which follows this mode of treatmenl in those
cases where only the enlarged thyroid exists, in the absence of the other
general symptoms which are more particularly associated with the nervous
system, [t is equally difficult to explain these latter symptoms as being
caused by the local enlargemenl ol the goitre. We have another means
of Learning something of the relation which exists between these two
divisions, viz., that the use of certain medicinal agents, digitalis, veratrum
viride, will produce no amelioration in the cardiac symptoms; and othi
iron compounds, cod-liver oil, iodide of potassium, will not promote the
same hema-poietic and reconstituent properties of the organism which usu-
ally accompany this disease which they will accomplish in other eases of
anaemia; moreover, medicinal agents do not produce that improvemenl
in the irritable nervous system, as they will do in those cases in which
these same symptoms exist without the symptoms of this particular disease.
The inconsistencies which mark the causation of goitre and goitrous
affections are too palpable to he overlooked, and show that the actual con-
dition of our knowledge is far from being based on solid information. It
is not so remarkable in consideration of the fact, that as yet physiologists
have not solved the functions of the thyroid body; in fact, they have not
even agreed as to whether this body is a gland or something else. It may
be absurd to call it an organ which in some way or other presides over the
function of nutrition, or a trophic centre. It is certainly true that the
loss of this body is followed by disturbances in the nutritive function, and
is often associated with derangement of the intellectual faculties. It has
been noticed by careful observers that hypertrophy of this organ is ac-
companied by the same disturbances of nutrition and the production of
intellectual deficiency. On the other hand, a case occurred in the author*-
experience, where the hypertrophy was on the left side, and yet the patient
lived beyond the age of seventy years and suffered little discomfort from
any other symptom than that of the increased size of the tumor.

The evidence seems to point to one fact which may be useful in settling
an apparent obscurity: — the best treatment to relieve the general symp-
toms appears to be that which is directed to a reduction, not the entire
ablation, of the enlarged goitre. It would seem as if it made little differ-
ence in what way this result is reached, whether by the natural means of
retrocession, by electrolysis, by electrical catalysis (so called) by the
use of external irritation from some stimulating medicinal agent, or by the
incomplete ablation of the surgeon's knife. In India a well-known method

218

ELECTROLYSIS.

of treatment, which is reputed as often successful, is pursued by the
smearing of the cutaneous surface of the goitre with a strong iodiu9
ointment; and the patient then obliged to lie on the back in the full sun-
shine, or in winter before a hot fire.

Other methods of treatment by the modern surgeons seem to be di-
rected to the injection of stimulating medicinal agents, which are supposed
to induce changes in the tissue growth within the capsule of the goitre.
Some prefer the use of iodine hypodermically introduced (Mackenzie), and
another (Agnew) 1ms lately used carbolic acid similarly introduced.

The general constitutional treatment by the internal administration of
iodide of potassium would appear to act, in the few cases in which it has
been supposed to have had a curative effect, by an interstitial change of
tissues and in the general condition of nutrition of the whole body.

T. Kocher ' mentions the impropriety of the use of injections into
some of the forms of tumor of the thyroid body, and illustrates the evil
effects of this treatment. He shows that this injection of irritating sub-
stances into these tumors may be followed by the appearance of subsequent
acute and chronic inflammatory, as well as suppurative, processes. He
quotes the authority of Luecke for the advantage to be derived from these
injections in cases of struma hyperplastica, in which connective tissue and
follicular growth occur to the same extent. The treatment by injection
is also recommended by Kocher in cases of struma fibrosa or calcarea
(goitre); as also treatment by surgical extirpation. The two forms of
struma fibrosa and calcarea, which exist either, as (1) diffuse hypertrophy
or (2) tuberous hypertrophy, present great clinical but no anatomical dif-
ferences, according to this author. The diffuse calls for the internal and
local use of iodine, while the tuberous calls for the local use of iodine by
injection. He is also of the opinion that the latter rarely reaches the size
of a cherry without undergoing a softening, which is probably caused by
disturbances in the vascular supply. The earliest changes are those which
are the result of punctate or infiltrated hemorrhages or the encapsulation
in cysts. He agrees with Yirchow, however, that hemorrhages do cause
cysts; these latter and their capsules are due to a cellular degeneration,
or disintegration. An acute inflammation of the thyroid occurs only as
the result of a predisposition, from which originates an anatomical change
in the tissues. The most usual change of this kind is a hyperplasia with

1 Zur Pathologie u. Therapie des Kropfs. Deutsch. Ztschr. f. Chirurg. u.
Therap., 1873-4, p. 417.

ITS APPLICATION IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 219

throrabij hemorrhages represent subsequent degenerations, Buch as those
of a colloid or Catty character; the most common predisposing can
these changes is that of tissue-necrosis. A rapid development of this
predisposition is caused by traumatic irritation or in consequence of that
produced by the injection of irritating substances in goitre.

Many observers believe this disease to be an affection of the sympathetic
nervous s\ stein. Chvostek is inclined to the opinion that the seat of the
lesion is in the medulla oblongata, and that it is either a functional neurosis
or at mosta lesion accompanied with only very slight anatomical alterations.
The continued current has played a very important part in the treatment
of goitre. Remak applied the constant current to the cervical sympathetic
ganglia, and especially to that of the superior cervical. Priedrich thinks
that galvanism of the cervical sympathetic and to the upper portion of
the spinal cord is well worthy of more serious consideration. Yon Dusch '
reports a cure which followed the use of a constant current from a battery
composed of ten to twenty Meidinger cells. In this case one electrode was
applied to the inner border of the Bterno-mastoid muscle and the other to
the nape of the neck: this treatment was followed in a very short time by
a reduction in the rate of the pulse., which fell in eight days from 130 to
70-G4. Simultaneously with this improvement in the arterial circulation
there was a decrease in the exophthalmos, and the patient enjoyed a quiet
sleep. This improvement continued at the end of four months.

Luecke- mentions the obsolete method of the ligature of the afferent
arteries of the goitre, especially that of the superior thyroid artery, which
is condemned by Koenig. The method of the operation does not concern
us in our present discussion, except on the principle which was involved:
viz., that of interrupting the means of nutrition of the enlarged growth.
'Idie dangers of the operation for cutting off the blood supply by means of
ligature of the arteries has too often resulted in serious, and not unfre-
quently, fatal hemorrhages, which have also sometimes been followed by
other secondary and serious effects. Therefore this difficult operation
has been supplanted at the hands of the later surgeons by the injection
of tincture of iodine and of other irritating medicinal substances, or by
the capital operation of extirpation; both of these methods have been pre-

1 Lehr. d. Herzkrankheiten, Leipzig, 1868.

•In Handbuchder allgemeinen u. speciellen Chirurgie, redigiri von Pitha u<
Billroth. Stuttgart, L880, Abschnitl iv., No. 4., p. 75.

220 ELECTROLYSIS.

viously discussed. The principle of the method of ligaturing the arterial
supply seems to be based upon the interruption of the vascular supply to
the hypertrophiecl tissue formation; its success would doubtless depend
upon the degree to which this effect could be carried, without causing suffi-
cient inflammatory action to counterbalance the benefit to be obtained from
the slight disturbance originally incited. There can be no doubt that the
action of electrolysis may accomplish the same object as in the treatment
by these other means, whether it is supposed to be the result of the simple
method of restraining the amount of blood supply, or whether it is sup-
posed that some more subtle effect is produced in the prevention of the
formation of cell growth, or whether it be supposed that the process of
re-absorption of the already formed cell is encouraged. It will naturally
be supposed by some of our readers that many of the attempts for the cure
of an enlarged thyroid have been undertaken with a view to secure the ab-
sorption of the fluid material in the goitre; for upon this ground elec-
trolysis has been attempted for the absorption of the fluid in hydrocele,
as well as in varicocele; a careful examination of these latter reported
cases would show that, though the absorption of the transuded fluid
occurred at first, the transudation again took place subsequently, and that
the first promise of the permanent cure was not always sustained. A
comparison of those cases which are reported of successful treatment of
goitre by electrolysis, whether by surface contact of moistened electrodes
with the skin or by the method of electro-puncture, will show that the
temporary cure within the growth has not been followed by a return of
the goitre. This evidence would seem to prove, that the cure of the en-
larged growth by electrolysis is brought about, not only by a reduction in
the blood supply to the tissue, but also by some effect produced in these
tissues themselves.

The chemical composition of the thyroid seems to be but little known
to the best investigators in physiological chemistry. This may not be of
much consequence in the light of our present enquiry; yet, because the
treatment by electrolysis is naturally supposed by many physicians to be
explained upon the ground of a pure chemical nature, it maybe advisable
to reproduce one of the later chemical investigations into the composition
of the tissue of this " ductless gland ": —

Bubnow of St. Petersburg,1 after giving the views of various authors

1 Zeitselnil'1 ti'ir }>hys. Cheinie, Band viii., ]>. 1, 1881.

ITS APPLICATION IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE.

221

upon the composition of the thyroid gland, in which he shows the
divergence of these opinions, gives the results of his own researches. He

subjected the Bubstant f the gland to various chemical processes by

which be found it was composed of xanthine, hypoxanthine, paralactic
acid and other substances which he called by the name of thyreoprotine.
To obtain this latter from the thyroid of a man, and from animals, the
gland should be cul up into little pieces, and then washed with water until
they are decolorized: then these pieces were treated by him with several
washings of water containing LO per cent, of sea salt; then a precipitate
was formed by acetic acid, which represented the first thyreoprotine.
The gland was then washed immediately with a cold solution of potassa,
(1 per cent.) for an hour. The filtered solution was then precipitated by
acetic acid, and this voluminous precipitate was his second thyreoprotine.
Finally the solution was again washed with a solution of potassa, and the
addition of acetic acid gave another voluminous precipitate. Thyreopro-
tine. which he thus obtained, when boiled with dilute sulphuric acid, did
not furnish a suhstance capable of reducing the salts of copper.

The three precipitates thus obtained were washed with water and suc-
cessively purified by alcohol, 80°, by ether, absolute alcohol, and dried in
a vacuum. Their elementary composition is given by him as follows: —

First Thyreoprotine.

Second Thyreoprotine,

Third Thyreoprotine.

Man. Beef.

Man.

Beef.

Man.

Beef.

49.53 49.36
6.30 6.45

15.90 16.04
1.38 1 1.38

26.89 36.77

50.27
6.47

15.80
1.35

26.11

50.20
6.31

16.90
1.34

26-02

49.15
6.45

16.68

1.39

26.33

49.27

6.29

1G.68

1.40

26.36

"Whether this chemical substance is a different form from that which
is recognized in other tissues of the internal organs may not be easy to
say; still, the elementary composition varies from that of the proteids as
given by Hoppe-Seyler. It contains a little less carbon, very little less hy-
drogen, about the same amount of nitrogen, more oxygen and more sul-
phur. It is hardly probable that the action of electrolysis, whether accom-
plished by electro- puncture or by the method of surface application, may
be explained as concerned with the organic chemical changes of the tissues
in the thyroid body. It would be mere presumption to state exactly in
what these changes consist; for we have no means of ascertaining what

222 ELECTROLYSIS.

the natural chemical changes of any living tissue consist. We do know,
however, that the use of electrolysis will accomplish the slow absorption
of proliferous cell growth when it acts upon those portions of the human
body which are visible to the eye — in warts and moles upon the skin — and
that this may occur without the process of any inflammatory action. The
induction of changes of tissues which are subcutaneous is certainly accom-
plished by the surface application of the ordinary moistened electrodes;
this is shown in the cases of Chvostek, which are soon to be detailed. The
experience furnished from most of the cases in which he caused the ab-
sorption of the goitrous affection, as well as in the cases of others who
have successively accomplished the same effect, would show that it seems
to make little difference in the result, whether the application is made at
one particular point in the neck or head or at another, provided that one
of the electrodes is placed over the skin upon the tumor; it has been also
shown in a previous chapter that the electrical current will produce a
transmission of its manifestations through a portion of the human body,
whether the connection with the battery poles is made by surface con-
tact or by subcutaneous needles; the only difference would seem to be,
that the action in the former case is very much more slowly accomplished
than in the method of electro-puncture. It has probably been noticed by
the attentive reader in the detailed account given on a previous page,
that the behavior of the proteid bodies, especially the para-globulins, will
vary in the presence of a very weak acid or alkali. It is fair to presume
from this laboratory experience, that the use of very strong elestrolyfcical
currents (by which it has also been learned in the laboratory that the
strength of acid or alkali collecting around the interpolar region is pro-
portionally greater) may produce a different action than that of very weak
currents. This may account for some of the conflicting reports presented
by various writers.

It is stated by Erb,1 that the cataphoric (electrical osmosis) action
of electricity in its application to the removals of growths like those
of goitre, has been overlooked by many writers; and we should not
forget that, in the case of these enlargements of tissue growth which
arc attended with the presence of a very large proportion of saline
and neutral solutions, and which are also accompanied with increased
amount of blood, this action of the transference of these watery solu-
tions may be followed by a very great increase of activity in the

1 Handbook of Electro-Therapeutics.

ITS APPLICATION IX EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. --•>

promotion of metabolism, especially in those tissues included in the
. 'Menial circuit. It should be remembered that this transportation of
liquid goes from the positive electrode to the negative, and thai the
empirical use of electricity tends to prove thai the negative electrode
should be applied to thai portion of the tissues nearest to the growth
whose absorption it is our objecl to accomplish; it is highly probable that
this particular function of the current is adapted to the use of the surface
application. Vet. in the latter method, there is not the same op-
portunity for the escape of the gaseous or watery products which result
from the chemical decompositions, bul in electro-puncture we can seethe
escape around the needle punctures of water and of gases.

It has been thought advisable to precede the detailed reports of cases
of tin' treatment of goitre by electrolysis with this somewhat Lengthy dis-
cussion of causes and effects both in the disease, as well as with the assumed
explanation of the modus operandi of the natural and artificial curative
agencies. It is hoped that their applications to the study of the clinical
experience will show that this discussion has not been irrelative.

This cataphoric action of electricity deserves more than a passing
word in relation to the subjed of the treatment of simple goitre. This
disease has been purposely selected as atypical application for the treat-
ment by the so-called electrolysis, for we can readily understand that the
basis of the effect must have a uniform action, which may be applied as
a special therapeutical agency.

A simple vascular goitre results from a multiplication of the cell growth,
and the latest and best authorities appear to be agreed upon the character
of the growth. This growth is formed by segmentation of the nuclei. In
.another portion of this treatise the method of the segmentation of
embryonic cells has been portrayed as that which is due to the endogenous
segmentation of the nucleoli. Simultaneously with this segmentation,
fibrillar are thrust out in regularly defined figures, and this harmony of
action is probably essential to the proliferation of new cells.

The increase of the enlarged thyroid body must be dependent for its
growth upon the multiplication of these embryonic cells, because it is
clearly shown in the preceding panes that a simple growth, like that ob-
served in Basedow's disease, is in no way a neoformation. We must
exclude from the curable tumor of exophthalmic goitre all those other
forms of tumors of the thyroid region, whose pathological structure belong
to the class of tumors the cell formation of which is nol of the embryonic
type.

2 2 4 ELECTROLYSIS.

It will be evident that any process of treatment which will prevent the
multiplication of cells by their natural method of segmentation will, also,
stop the increase of the enlargement of the thyroid tumor. The reverse
must also be true. If electrolytical treatment can arrest sarcomatous or
other malignant forms of tumors by application to them, it would be
unreasonable to assume that its curative agency can be explained upon the
simple process of a physical basis, which is antagonistic to that of the
physiological process. It may be fairly assumed that a cancerous growth
is one of a degenerative charater. The simple goitre is not a degenera-
tive growth.

Now, it may be asked, in what Avay does electrolysis arrest the growth
of this goitre by interfering with its cell proliferation ? The answer to
such a question lies in the reference to the chemical changes produced by
this form of electrical force, but more especially to the physical effect of
electrical osmosis. In our opinion the latter is the more important of
the two effects. Let any one of our readers try this simple experiment,
and he will be surprised at the magnitude of the result: — -

Place a porous cup of pure water in a glass vessel, and observe that the
level of the water in each vessel is as nearly as possible at the same
height; then place two irido-platinum needles, which are connected with
the negative pole of a battery, and two others, connected with the positive
pole, in the outer vessel; let on the battery current from ten cells. In
the course of one or two hours, according to the constancy and strength
of the current, the water of the inner cell will rise to more than an inch
higher level than that within the outer vessel (provided the diameter of
the porous cup does not exceed an inch in measurement) and the level of
the water in the latter will be correspondingly lowered from its original
height.

The chemical action upon pure water from the action of electricity
is very slight, if any. Yet, it will be observed that the ebullition in both
vessels immediately around the metallic electrodes will be very active from
the motion of the fluid and gaseous particles in the water.

No one, who has performed this simple experiment, can fail to realize
that its application to the porous tissues within the body must be followed
by correspondingly great disturbances in the movements of the fluids of
the human tissues. It is very natural to conclude that the disturbances
within these tissues must play havoc with the normal physiological
changes which are essential to the proliferation of the cells.

CHAPTER IX.

TKKAT.MKNT OF EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE BY THE METHOD
OF ELECTROLYSIS, AND THE REPORTS OF CASES.

We will commence this chapter with the published reports of cases

Which have been treated by electrolysis.

Cask I. (Eulenberg). This was of a woman; this patient was treated
by the surface application of the electrodes by the method recommended
by Chvostek, and with weak currents; the pulse rate was thus reduced
from that of 108-130 down to 84-70; the force of the arterial impulse
was much decreased in the carotid and radial arteries, and there was also
a decided improvement in the subjective symptoms; since this case he has
reported six others which were treated by the same method of galvaniza-
tion of both sympathetics in the neck, either simultaneously or alter-
nately; the application of the negative electrode was over the superior
cervical ganglion, and was followed by an abatement in the force of the
arterial beat, and an improvement in the symptoms connected with the
nervous system. Eulenberg did not find that the employment of electro-
puncture was followed with certain results.

Case VIII. (Chvostek). An unmarried woman, of nineteen years of
age; menstruation ceased three or four years previously from "taking
cold." The patient was quite anaemic, and had forcible cardiac pulsation
with rapidi but feeble pulse; the symptoms of chlorosis were very pro-
nounced. The goitre and exophthalmos were of one year's standing; the
protrusion of the right eyeball was so great that approximation of the lids
failed by an extent of from one to two lines; the movements of this eyeball
were particularly restricted. The lobe of the thyroid on the right side was
equal to the size of a pear, that on the left side to the size of a plum.
Chvostek applied by means of surface electrodes the use of weak currents
for the duration of two or three minutes over the position of the cervical
sympathetic ganglion on both sides: one electrode was either on the tumor,
eyelids or submaxillary region; improvement in the general symptoms and
the retrocession of the tumor began after the first few sittings. After

the twentieth sitting the eyes could be entirely closed, and the goitrous
15

226 ELECTROLYSIS.

tumor was much diminished; but the greatest improvement seemed to he
in the general condition and in the color of the face. After fifty-two
sittings the eyes had returned within their orbits, the tumor was greatly
diminished in size; the menstruations, which had been absent four years
nearly, returned for a period of six days, and were subsequently regular
in their recurrence. No other treatment was pursued. The patient went
home and died six or eight months later from over-exertion, which was
probably induced by dancing all night.

Case IX. A married woman of thirty-eight years of age, who had
seven children; four years after her last delivery she was the victim of
extreme nervous irritability and anaemia; for the relief of these symptoms
she resorted to some French baths, and considerably improved, although
she did not completely recover. The Franco-Prussian war obliged her to
return home, and during this time her previous symptoms recurred. An
examination at this time showed the development of goitrous tumor and
exophthalmos; the menses had also become scanty. The enlarged thyroid
extended from the lower jaw to the clavicle and in shape resembled a
pear elongated; the middle lobe was as large as a plum; she complained
of distressing cardiac palpitations, 120-130 per minute. After twenty-
four sittings the goitre was reduced to about one-third of its original size,
the exophthalmos was also very much diminished and allowed the eyes to
close with facility; the general condition was very much improved, the
cardiac pulsations causing less distress. After seventy- two sittings there
was a complete cure, no distressing palpitations, disappearance of nervous
irritability and of the pre-existing exophthalmos; but the goitrous enlarge-
ment still remained.

Case X. A feeble, slightly built female servant, aged thirty, who
commenced her menstruation at the age of fifteen, then became chlorotic
and two years later had gastric fever; subsequently she was troubled with
violent cardiac pulsations. An examination showed an enormous goitre
on the right side, which measured eighteen centimeters in its transverse
diameter, and exophthalmos; there was also a strong pulsation in the
arteries and veins. The surface electrodes were placed one upon the eyes
and the other on the tumor; the goitre and the exophthalmos underwent
niu-r a course of thirty-six sittings a diminution in size, but the cardiac
symptoms persisted; the menstrual flow still remained scanty. The goitre
and exophthalmos subsequently, after sixty sittings, disappeared; but the

TREATMENT IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 227

anaemia, violent cardiac pulsation and a pre-existing slee] still re-

mained.

Case XI. An anmarried woman of the age of forty-six; this pal
had been a sufferer for many years before with diseases of the abdominal
viscera. A month after the use of the baths of Kreusnach, in L870, she
was attacked with pain in the head and about the cardiac region, which
was also associated with a troublesome itching of the eyes ami excessive
lachrymal How: these ocular symptoms were more marked with the righl
eye and were followed by a protrusion of the globe, which was, continually
increasing. These and other symptoms of a burning pain in the eyes
and bead were somewhat relieved by the use of bromide of potassium,
excepl at the menstrual periods, at which time they became intense and
were accompanied by a stiffness in the neck. Examination revealed a
very marked exophthalmos of the right eye, the lids not approximating
by the width of two or three lines, and those of the left eye by that of one
or one and a half lines; the vision was frequently that of two superposed
images, owing to a restricted movement of the downward mobility of the
globe; there was no evidence of a goitrous tumor. A perceptible dimin-
ution of the exophthalmos occurred in fourteen days after the use of
galvanism like that practised in the preceding cases, and the premenstrual
pain was also diminished; some days before the period of menstruation
the protrusion of the globe from its orbit was more pronounced, as well
as the cardiac distress and the stiffness in the neck. There continued
to be after eighty-four sittings a diminution of the peculiar ocular look,
but there was no decrease in the pulse rate nor in the cardiac palpitations.1

These and other cases, in all amounting to the number of thirty,
reported by Chvostek in detail as being subjected to the treatment of gal-
vanism (surface contact of moistened electrodes in the cervical and the
region of the malar protuberances) appear to have given credit to the
opinion that this method, if continued for a sufficient length of time, will
effect a cure of this disease which is now under our consideration,
(hvostek's method was based on the supposition that exophthalmic
goitre has its seat of lesion in the medulla oblongata or in the cervical
and vagus nervous tissue, and that the ocular symptoms were caused by a

1 These last four cases are reported by Chvostek in an article published in Die
Therapie der Basedow'schen Krankheit. Zt'schr. f. Ther. mit EHnbzhung der
Elektro. a, Bydro-therapie, 1. 'sis:,.

228 ELECTROLYSIS.

disturbance of Mueller's fibres in the eyelid. Consequently he passed
transverse and oblique currents for short periods of time, frequently re-
peated on succeeding days, through the head for the purpose of affecting
the medulla oblongata, the cervical sympathetic and the vagus nerve; for
this object he used very weak currents. He also passed the same kind of
currents through the temples, from temple to orbits, and from the nape
of the neck to the closed eyelids, for the relief of the exophthalmos; he
does not venture to say, however, how much benefit has been derived
from this mode of treatment. '

M. Meyer 2 has obtained remarkable results in the rapid diminution of
exophthalmos and goitre by placing one electrode on the closed eyelids
and the other over the submaxillary region; decreased frequency of pulse
also has followed this treatment in his experience, as well as an improvement
in the regularity of the cardiac pulsation. Others have passed the current
over the cutaneous covering of the superior cervical ganglion and to the
closed eyelids. Many of these cases, which were at first reported as im-
proved at the date of the report, have since demonstrated a permanent
cure.

Case XII.3 A maiden lady of the age of thirty- two years, a native
of Devonshire, presented herself for treatment of cystic goitre which had
existed for about ten years. He inserted three needles into the cyst and
passed a current through them from fifteen galvanic cells for ten
minutes. This operation was repeated nine days later, and again fif-
teen days later. At the third sitting the size of the tumor was so much
reduced that it was scarcely perceptible. On the twenty-sixth day after

4 Chvostek's method; an ascending' current to the cervical sympathetic, each
side, stabile, not longer than one minute, the negative pole being on the superior
cervical ganglion; also an ascending current to the cord, the positive pole on the
5th dorsal vertebra, and the negative high up on the vertebral column; also
through the occiput, one pole being placed on each mastoid process; also through
temples, stabile, not longer than one minute and feeble currents; just sufficient
to produce a sensation of burning; strong currents have not seldom been followed
by patient's getting- worse. At the height of the disease he has frequently seen a
hyperesthesia of the head (manifested by burning sensation with only one or two
Siemen-Halske elements) which disappears as improvement takes place. He em-
ploys transverse galvanization of the temples for sleeplessness, physical irritability
or great exophthalmus; also applies the stabile to the tumor with very weak cur-
sents reversing every minute, daily sittings.

2 Ueber die Galvanisirung des sympathicus in Basedow'schen Krankheit. Berl.
Klin. Woehenschr., 1872, No. 39.

SH. Campbell, Electro-Surgery, etc. W. Alexander, London, 1872.

TREATMENT IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 229

the first sitting there was no remaining yestige other than a slight thicken-
ing of the integuments over the original seal of the disease, and which
marked the former position of the sac; a1 this time no trace of the tnmor
could be discovered. A year later the tumor had not returned.

Case XIII. (Idem.) A native of North Germany, bu1 resident in

London for many years. She was fifty-two years of age. 'This patient
had a " bronchocele " which, by its pressure, gave rise to some very
unpleasant symptoms. Six needles were inserted into the mass ami were
connected with a galvanic battery of fifteen couples, which were gradually
increased to thirty, and the current was passed through them for twenty
minutes. This same procedure was repeated weekly for two months, at
the end of which period it had almost entirely disappeared, leaving the
overlying skin wrinkled and shrivelled. Immediately after the com-
mencement of the electro-punctures it grew softer and decreased in size
week by week.

Case XIV.1 A man aged sixty-four, with a tumor of the neck of thirty
years standing. This tumor was the size of a walnut one year before,
but then began to enlarge, grow painful and at the time of examina-
tion it extended from behind and below the clavicle to the superior border
of the thyroid cartilage. It was supposed to be a fibrous tumor of the right
lobe of the thyroid body; its greatest diameter measured eight centimetres.
Two platinum needles were used for electro-puncture with a current from
five Bunsen cells with a surface area equal to nine square centimetres for
each couple; one needle was connected with the opposite poles of the
battery. The first sitting lasted for thirty minutes. The second sitting,
ten days later, lasted for twenty minutes. The third sitting, eight days
later, lasted fifteen minutes. The diminution in the size of the tumor
commenced with the third sitting: the freedom of the movements of the
neck and arm returned. The patient went off to his work as a mason
with the tumor reduced to one quarter of its original size.

CASE XV.' A man of the age of sixty years with a moderate
goitre was treated by the method of electro-puncture: a battery of
twenty-five 'Frommhold's cells (lead and platinum) was used for fifteen
minutes; subsequently, it was increased to thirty-two cells and this cur-
rent was employed for two minutes; this treatment was followed by pain,

Rouge, Hull, de la Sui>s(. Rom., Lausanne, 1869, iii. 128. ■ Groh, op. cit.

230 ELECTROLYSIS.

but the tumor began to flatten at either electrode, and it grew smaller
at the end of a few days.

To these cases which are above reported ma}* be added three which are
mentioned in Beard and Rockwell's book on Medical and Surgical Electri-
city, as well as those which are referred to in the table in chapter seventh
of this present treatise, making a total of about sixty cases cured by electri-
city.

In addition to the cases which have been published by others the
author of this treatise has met with six cases in his private practice; two
of these were supposed to be of the fibrous character and four of the
vascular form. One of these was that of an elderly woman who had a
fibrous tumor for several years; it was unilateral (left) and, as it was
before the author had seriously turned his attention to any special treat-
ment of this kind of disease, it never received any particular care; the case
was under his observation for a number of years until the year before the
patient died, and at this time he was absent from the country and conse-
quently there was no post-mortem examination. The patient was a
married woman and had rather a feeble amount of intellectual capacity,
but otherwise than this she did not suffer any particular inconvenience
from the large size of the tumor. Neither this case nor that of the other
case of fibroid enlargement of the thyroid had any symptom of circulatory
disturbance except that of genemia and, possibly, a slight nervous irrita-
bility, one mark of which was a sleeplessness and neuralgia of the face and
head. Of the other cases which were supposed to belong to the vascular
type, stroma hyperplasia of some authors, two occurred so early in his pro-
fessional career that they received only the then classical treatment of
iodide of potassium and electrical treatment by the faradaic, or intermit-
ting rapid changes of the poles from an induction-coil; neither of these
two cases were in the least benefitted by either treatment, so far as could
be determined.

The other four cases have been treated with great care and in the
light of careful observation. Two of these received long-continued medi-
cation from iodide of potassium, but without any special benefit, and each
of these was a case of fibrous hypertrophy and of vascular enlargement
respectively. The first three cases being of no particular value in the
matter of electrolytical application are not presented here.

Case I. A young girl of twenty years of age. In this case ex-

TREATMENT IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. -•»!

ophthalmos was the firsl Bymptom which attracted attention, and about

:i year afterwards the swelling of the thyroid gland with the attending
Bjmptoms of frequentand irregular action of the hear! was noticed and
led the patienl to Beek advice. With these Bymptoma there was a good
deal of hysterical tendency as well as ueuralgia, sleeplessness, lachryma-
tion and a very pronounced anaemia. This latter symptom did not yield
to ferruginous tonics or to iodide of potassium. This patient was jo
anxious for the relief of her symptoms thai it was thought desirable to
t,-v the action of electrolysis. For this purpose the current from a
dynamo-machine, which was arranged for low tension, was passed through
a good sized gilded brass needle, which was insulated nearly to the tip
with hard rubber and which was inserted into the tumor to the depth of
a quarter to half an inch, and the positive electrode was either held in the
hand or placed upon the skin in the cervical region; the weak cur-
rent was continued twice a week during fifteen or twenty minutes
for sixteen sittings. The improvement was not as great as could be
wished, and. therefore, this mode of treatment was discontinued; however,
after its discontinuance the patient was under observation, and at the end
of three or four months, the eyes were very much less prominent, her
color was improved and the tumor was reduced to half of its original size.
It should he remarked that the strength of the current used in this case
was very feeble in its chemical action, and yet, when connected with the
needle, it caused considerable amount of pain. After each sitting the
galvanic, and sometimes the faradaic current, was applied by means of
moistened electrodes in contact with the skin over the region of the
superior cervical ganglion and near the angle of the jaw.

Case II. This was a case of supposed vascular enlargment of the thyroid
body, and was very carefully examined by Dr. J. 0. Warren in the fall of
1884, as also during the progress of the treatment. This was. like the
previous case, that of a young woman of about twenty years of age. The
exophthalmos and the violent action in the arterial circulation were not,
however, noticed until the appearance of the thyroid enlargement. The
patient was anaemic, had inappetence, was emaciated, had fainting turns,
was sleepless, and emotional (crying) on the least exoitment; the catame-
nia were too frequent, but scanty. At the first visit a measurement
around the neck at the upper margin of the goitre was equal to thirty-six
centimeters. She was ordered to take daily doses of iodide of potassium to

2 •' 1 2 ELECTROLYSIS.

the amount of ten to twenty grains well diluted in water, and she went
from Boston to her home in Nova Scotia for a three months visit. This
patient had been a resident of Cambridge for several months before this
consultation, and it was hoped that a change of air would benefit her
general condition. On her return to Boston she reported that she had
faithfully taken the iodide in the largest doses until the local effects of
coryza had compelled her to reduce the daily dose to fifteen grains. The
examination of the neck showed no improvement in the shape or size of
the goitre, which measured thirty-six centimeters in circumference at the
upper margin of the thyroid enlargement, thirty-nine at the middle, and
forty at the lower margin. She then wore a collar of the size of sixteen.
There was by means of palpation no evidence of any cysts, but it seemed
that there was a general parenchymatous growth, which was firm and un-
yielding and incompressible. The two lobes were enlarged, the right
rather more than the left, and the isthmus was quite distinctly marked.
After a pretty thorough digital examination the skin would become red-
dened and the tumor would swell for several hours.

Dr. Warren had advised against an operation for extirpation of the
gland. The treatment pursued was that by electro-puncture, and the
battery selected was that of Gaiffe's modified small Leclanche of twenty-
four cells, which has been described in Chapter III, in which the internal
resistance measured about seven ohms, and the electromotive force of
each cell was about 1. 35 volts. These cells were arranged in twelve groups
of two, so that each pair would give with no appreciable resistance in the
external circuit about one-third of an ampere, and with the twelve double
pairs, counting the particular resistance of this patient, a current strength
equal to about fifteen milliamperes. (It will be remembered that the
milliampere unit is measured by the minute of time the current is
passing. )

The needles used were made of gold wire .022, .015, .011, of an inch
respectively. These electro-negative needles were inserted into the tumor
to the depth of half an inch, and the circuit was closed by a carbon cylinder
electrode (positive), which was moistened and held in the hand. The
current strength was gradually increased until the whole power of the
battery was in action, and was applied for twenty minutes duration. The
pain of the electro-puncture was sharp but not unbearable' and soon gave
way to a sense of numbness. The electro-punctures were repeated on
the fifth, eighth, eleventh, fifteenth, nineteenth, twenty-second, thirty-

TREATMENT IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. _•>•>

sixth, thirty-ninth, forty-first, forty-fifth, fifty-first, fifty-fifth, fifth-ninth
days and for the Bame duration of time and with the currenl strength.

During the continuance of this treatmenl the tumor gradually grew
smaller and the protrusion of the globes disappeared, the circulatory dis-
turbances were improved, but the anasmia and the uervous irritability
still persisted. At the close of the fourteenth sitting the patienl went
hark to her homo in an improved condition, and under the use of iron
tonics gained in health and strength and in color and weight. Six months
after this time she reported herself as being perfectly well, that the tumor
and other symptoms hud entirely disappeared. She had been so much re-
duced in strength and was so anaemic before the treatment that after walk-
ing a very short distance she would become so short-breathed that she was
obliged to rest; this symptom had also disappeared. The annexed illus-

Fio. 29.

trations, which are photo-lithographed from her photograph, present a
good idea of her appearance before, and after, the treatment by electroly-
sis. She was so much impresssed with the results of her cure that she
sent me the next case from her town, which is under treatment at the
present time of writing.

Cask ITT. This patient was born and resides in a town in Nova Scotia.
and is twenty-nine years of age, unmarried. Twelve years ago. Jan.. 1874,
she had a choking sensation and a sense of fullness in the throat, which the
"doctors told her at that time was imaginary." About two years ago | L884)
"when living in Boston she noticed a small swelling in the centre of her
throat; since then, it has grown to the present size (see Figure); at that
same time she noticed a projection of the eyeballs, difficulty in swallowing,
nervous irritability, dyspmea irregular and too frequent catemenia.

I>o4 ELECTROLYSIS.

which were never less often than once in four weeks and during the
last two years as often as once in every two weeks, tumultuous action of
the heart and especially after the slightest exertion; in short, the history
of the symptoms familiarly known to us under the name of exophthalmic
goitre. An aunt, still living, has had a similar swelling in her throat
for thirty years, which is much smaller than that of this patient, hut with
none of the other attending symptoms. She* knows of no other member
of her family who has had a similar tumor.

This patient presented the appearance of a tall and rather thin woman
with a long neck. The goitre is very marked and was about the size and
shape of a large Florida orange. It was quite symmetrical and evidently
involved the isthmus and portions of the two lobes of the thyroid body.

Fig. 30.— This photo-lithograph was reproduced from a photograph taken at this first visit (Jan. 38).

There was no sense of fluctuation or appearance of cysts, and the swelling
was firm and unyielding to compression; the tumor was freely movable on
manipulation. The size of the two alae measured respectively four centi-
metres in transverse diameters, and five centimetres in the vertical axis,
making the combined goitre, including the isthmus, about twelve centi-
metres in its transverse measurement and five in the vertical line. It was
somewhat difficult to take accurate measurements on account of the
blending of the margins of the tissue of the tumor with the adjacent
softer tissues, thus making the boundary ill defined to tactile sensation.
The circumference around the whole neck measured thirty-five centi-
metres.

First sitting (Jan. 28, 1886); the electro-negative needle was inserted
only just through the skin and connected with a weak current, about.

TREATMENT IN' EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. -•'•>

one milliampere,' because the patient was tired with a long railway journey
and was Bomewhal apprehensive of the " electric Bhock."

Second Bitting, torn- days later. The largesl sized electro-needle was
inserted into the right hali of the goitre to the depth of half an inch, and
was connected as negative with a currenl of aboul three milliamperes'
Btrength, the circuh" being closed with a carbon cylinder moistened elec
fcrode (positive) held in the hand; the circuit was kepi closed Eorten
minutes, and then another electro-negative needle (also gold) was inserted
for ten minutes longer, the current thus passing through one needle f or
twenty and through both Eor ten minutes; the total amount of current
used ;it this sitting would be therefore equal to sixty milliamperes, which
would have the electro-chemical power of decomposing the equivalent of
about 620cm.m. of the combined gases which combine to form water.
This half of the goitre became softer and reduced in volume; the circum-
ference of the whole neck measured thirty-four centimetres.

Third sitting (two days later). The same method of treatment as in
the previous sittings, hut three needles were inserted and a weaker current
(only one milliampere) was used for the same length of time. Consequently,
the whole amount of current at this sitting would be equal to twenty mil-
liamperes. The puncture at this sitting was made into the left lobe of the
thyroid. The battery in use was the cylinder cell which is described at
length in the third chapter.

Fourth sitting (two days later). The skin of the neck is somewhat
shrivelled from the shrinking of the thyroid enlargement; the exophthal-
mos is also less pronounced; the patient is less nervous and sleeps more
and can lie lower in bed without the previous sensation of suffocation; the
tumor is much softer to palpation and there is no appearance of cutaneous
inflammation around the needle punctures. Three gold needles were in-
serted as before, to the depth of half an inch below the skin, on the lower
margin of the tumor; a gradually increasing strength of current was
passed through these as negative, the circuit being closed as in the previ-
ous sittings by a moistened electrode. The strongest current used was
equal to fourteen milliamperes, and the whole sitting lasted twenty
minutes; the total amount of current used for this application was equal
to 2S0 milliamperes. The resistance of this patient's body amounted to
2000 ohms, and after the sitting the current from the same number of
cells passing through this same resistance was tested by a water voltameter

1 The current should always be measured with the total resistance m circuit.

236 ELECTROLYSIS.

for twenty minutes' time: this was for the purpose of comparing the mea-
surement with that of the galvanometer used during the time of the opera-
tion; this test showed that any error of current strength, if any, was very
trivial. After the conclusion of the electrolysis the tumor measured eleven
centimetres in the transverse diameter and in the vertical line, on right
lobe four and three-quarters centimetres, and on left lobe four and a half
centimetres.

Fifth sitting (six days later). The three smallest needles of those
which are described on a previous page (page 232) were thrust into the
left lobe of the thyroid to the depth of a quarter, three-quarters, and
seven-eighths of an inch, respectively; a current of a strength equal to
forty milliamperes was passed through these, the positive being a moistened
surface electrode. The tumor at this time had become so soft that the
needles could be inserted with the greatest facility. The duration of this
sitting was twenty minutes.

Sixth sitting (two days later). The tumor before this sitting measured
in transverse diameter ten centimetres and in the vertical line three and
three-quarters centimetres. A photograph taken of the profile of the
tumor at this time was compared with one which had been taken on the
first visit; the comparison showed a diminution in the depth of the enlarge-
ment of at least two millimetres and the size of the width and height
of the tumor had been very much decreased. The strength of current
used at this sitting was equal to two milliamperes and was applied during
fifteen minutes through the electro-negative needles, which were inserted
to the depth of half an inch; afterwards compared with the water volta-
meter with a resistance in the external circuit equal to that of this patient
the total current would be equal to thirty-three milliamperes.

Seventh sitting (four days later). The tumor had now become still
more softened and was easily compressed by palpation. There was so
little depth to the enlargement that the fine needles were inserted at
about a quarter of an inch below the surface of the skin and parallel to
it; the entrance was made on the right margin of the tumor and at the
outer border of the sterno mastoid muscle, and just above the clavicle,
and were pushed nearly to the median line into the isthmus. A current
strength of two milliamperes only was used, and the application was con-
tinued for fifteen minutes. During the continuance of the passage of the
current, the tumor would almost entirely disappear, and at the close of
the sitting what remained of it was very soft and almost diffluent.

TREATMENT l\ EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 237

Eighth Bitting (two days Later). The tumor is still very .-oft and com-
pressible and is smaller ami thinner; the exophthalmos has been reduced
to a very remarkable degree, and the circulatory and emotional symptoms
are scarcely 1 1< > t i* t-:tl »1< • to the patient; the dyspnoea is so much Less that

the patient had almost forgotten that she had complained of it. Tin'

same treatment by the electro-punctures was repeated, hut with very
much stronger strength of current equal to seven milliamperes; the total
amount used at this sitting would be equal to 200 milliamperes.

Ninth Bitting (six days later). The same strength and amount of cur-
rent was employed as at the last Bitting, and the boiling and escape of the
gases resulting from the intense chemical and physical action was very
strong. A photograph, which was taken at this visit and compared with
that taken before the sixth sitting, showed a still further decrease both in
the size of the tumor and in exophthalmos. The tumultuous and irreg-
ular action of the cardiac pulsation was very much diminished.

Tenth, eleventh and twelfth sittings (at intervals of five or six days).
The current strength used at these sittings was much increased by the
use of hot salt water on the moistened positive electrodes; the conse-
quence was an increase in the amount of pain caused by the action; this
Avas followed by signs of local inflammation and by a slight oedematous
infiltration of the skin accompanied with tenderness; these would subside
in four or five days. The eschars produced by the punctures wrere much
larger than when the weaker current had been used. The scars of the
first punctures had all entirely healed, leaving only red marks which were
on a level with the skin, and not pitted. The sittings were then inter-
mitted for two weeks.

Thirteenth sitting (fourteen days later). No treatment since the pre-
vious report. Photographs were taken,, and, on comparison with that
taken on the ninth sitting, showed very little, if any, diminution in the size
and extent of the tumor. This was supposed to have been caused by the use
of currents of too great intensity, which may have irritated and stimulated
the growth by the result of inflammatory action. It is well known that
the use of chemical caustics on warts, or of any similar method of irrita-
tion on growths of this character, which do not completely destroy the
adventitious growth, are apt to be followed by an increase in size. There-
fore it was thought advisable to apply the constant current only by means
of surface electrodes, which were moistened in hot salt water; one of large
surface was placed in contact with the skin in the form of a covered

238 ELECTROLYSIS.

metallic tinplate, which was connected with the carbon element of the bat-
tery (negative) and was applied to the surface over the right lobe, and the
positive electrode was held in the patient's hand. A current strength of
five milliamperes was passed through this circuit for fifteen minutes.
The effect of this current reduced the tumor during its use, but in a few
moments after the conclusion of the sitting it resumed the shape and size
which it showed before.

The next three sittings were occupied with the same system of electro-
puncture as had been previously described.

Nineteenth sitting. The tumor was very much reduced in size, and
a photograph was taken before the operation. The exophthalmos was
also much diminished, but the rapid action of the heart was not changed.
At this sitting, which lasted half an hour, three electro-positive zinc
needles and two electro-negative irido-platinum needles were inserted
into the lower margin of the tumor, the former to the depth of quarter of
an inch, and the latter to the depth of an inch, parallel to the surface
of the skin and about half an inch below. There was some slight swelling
around the zinc electro- punctures, but none around those of the platinum,
the whole skin between the needle punctures was quite red during the
continuance of electrolysis; but the redness around one of these disap-
peared five minutes after the conclusion of the sitting.

Twentieth sitting (seven days later). The tumor is reduced to a flat
shape, is very much softer, its circumference is smaller, and its consis-
tence is so much softer that it can almost be compressed out of sight; the
exophthalmos is very less noticeable to her friends as well as to herself; the
patient sleeps all night without waking, and the palpitation and irregular
action of the heart is slight, but the palpitations occur as often as once a
day (never, as formerly, during the night,) but last only for a few
moments; these palpitations, which before treatment used to occur
several times a day while the patient was sitting and occupied with sew-
ing, now only come after exercise; the patient's appetite has improved
greatly, and the anaemia is also much less; the "bruit de diable" is very
marked when a stethoscope is placed on the tumor; when this was lis-
tened to at the first visit it was scarcely audible, and it would seem now
that the circulation through the vessels of the goitre is of a different char-
acter than before the treat incut.

At this treatment four electro-punctures wen; made, two with zinc
(positive electrode) needles, and two (negative electrode) with irido-

TREATMENT IN EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 239

platinum needles. All of these needles were protected from the skiii by
means <>f bard rubber canulas, which fitted Loosely around these aeedles.
A current strength of four milliamperes was employed for twenty minufc

Twentv-tirst sitting, (on bhe following day). There is hardly any mark
of inflammation visible from the punctures of the previous day. and the
tumor ia even softer than on that. day. Chvostek's method of Burface
contacl was em]. loved with a current strength of thirty milliampei
during twenty-five minutes, and the direction of the current was changed
every five minutes. The skin upon which the electrodes were placed in
contact was pretty thoroughly reddened after the close of this sitting.

Twenty-second sitting (four days later). The transverse axis at the
Widest part of the tumor measures nine and a half centimetres, and the
vertical axis of the larger wing (on the left side) is only three and a half
centimetres: the skin over the thyroid body, which at the first visit was
tense, is now very loose and can be picked up in the lingers: the outer
margin of the right lobe, which extended beyond the outer margin of the
sternoid muscle is now fairly within the inner border of this muscle.
Surface electrodes were applied with a current strength of twelve milliam-
peres, a large moistened covered block-tin plate, as negative, covering the
whole thyroid region, and the positive being a covered carbon electrode
(its segment surface measuring four centimetres) overlying the position
of the left superior cervical ganglion; another circuit of ten milliamperes
was formed by two electrodes having the same surface size as the smaller
of the two preceding, the negative of which was in contact with the right
malar process and the positive on the opposite malar process; the applica-
tion of this surface contact of the four electrode.s was continued for six-
teen minutes. A separate battery was used for each pair of electrodes,
and all the points of contact were kept moist with salt and Water. The
patient reports that she had been entirely free from palpitations since the
last visit except that there has been a slightly increased frequency of the
pulse beats after rapid walking.

Twenty-third sitting (three days later). A current from a Volta-
Pavia battery, arranged for surface, of four cells, which furnished a
strength of one milliampcre only, was applied by means of two electro-
positive Deedles inserted at the left outer margin of the thyroid enlarge-
ment and two electro-negative needles inserted at the right outer margin:
each needle was made of iridio -platinum alloy, was inserted about quarter
of an inch deep into the subcutaneous tissue through the sac. and then

240 ELECTROLYSIS.

thrust to the length of three quarters of an inch parallel to the surface
of the skin; each puncture of the skin was first made by means of a small
exploring trochar which was then withdrawn; a small ivory canula
was afterwards inserted into the same opening; the needles were then
introduced within the canula, so that the skin should he protected during
the sitting from the contact of the metal; the action of the electrolysis
was continued for twenty minutes, during which time the direction of
the current was changed twice. No pain accompanied the passage of the
current except when its direction was abruptly changed. A slight rose-
colored efflorescence of the skin spread for about one and a half inches
from each puncture, which disappeared within a few moments after the
sitting was concluded. There was no particular change in the appearance
or size of the tumor to be noticed since the last report. The skin over
the thyroid region was very loose, so that it was difficult to insert the
needles, unless the skin was made tense.

Twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth sittings (at intervals of
two or three days). During these sittings Chvostek's method was re-
peated, but so little change in the size of the tumor ensued that, at the
patient's own request, the method of electro-puncture was resumed ;it
intervals of three and four days. The decrease in the goitre and in the
exophthalmos continued after the resumption of the punctures. Some-
times four needles and sometimes only two or three needles were employed
as the electrodes, and the current was sent through these needles, which
were used both as positive and negative, the circuit being completed by
the electro-punctures and not through surface contact. The metallic
contact with the skin was shielded by the insulating canulas previously
described. When the insulation was complete, no subsequent inflamma-
tion occurred in the skin. The catamenia reappeared on the expiration
of the third month of treatment and lasted but one day.

After five more sittings of twenty minutes duration, the tumor had
almost entirely disappeared, and the palpitations and exophthalmos were
cured. At the last few sittings it was noticed that immediately after the
current began to pass through the circuit, the tumor would entirely
shrink away, leaving the skin shrivelled. During the subsequent day the
skin around the punctures would become slightly cedematous, and at the
next visit the size of the tumor had noticeably decreased. The patient
was then discharged with the expectation that the subsidence of the en-
largement would continue as in the preceding case. The final disappear-

TREATMENT IN EX< MMI II [ A Ml If Tkl.

241

once of the goitre should no1 be expected to occur in adults for three or
four months after the discontinuance of the electrolysis. It is noi neces-
sary to continue thetreatmenl until the lasi vestige of the tumor 1ms gone,
because when once arrested its decrease will g<> on spontaneously. The
treatment was concluded at the time of going to press. The accompany-
ing woodcut taken from a photograph represents (Fig. 31) the appear-
ance of the tumor at the close of treatment by electrolysis.

In.. 31. -After treatment by electrolysis.

It will be noticed that the position of the head in this photograph
was more erect than in the first (Fig. 30, page 234), and that the chin
is depressed; consequently the skin over the tumor is not tense. The
engraver has not presented the details shown in the photograph, so that
the marginal outlines of the lateral portions of the tumor do not appear
in this last figure (Fig. 31). The difference in appearance between
these two photographs is very marked, showing that the goitre had been
very materially reduced in size.

A ease of a supposed goitre, and which afterwards turned out to be a

sarcomatous tumor was not even arrested in its growth. Electrolysis is

not applicable to malignant growths, except when used as thermo-cautery

for a separation of diseased from the adjacent healthy tissues very much in

the same way as can be done by the knife.
16

CHAPTER X.

HYPERTRICHOSIS, AND ITS TREATMENT BY ELECTRO-
LYSIS.

Hypertrichosis, or the excess of a growth of hair, may occur upon
the skin of the face and produce a very serious disfigurement. Hairy
moles may also grow upon the face and produce a repulsive appearance.
We owe to Dr. Hardaway, of St. Louis, the introduction of the successful
and permanent cure of this obnoxious growth. The natural causes which
operate in the gradual decay and loss of the hair have been described in
the fifth chapter. In order to understand the way by which electrolysis
may destroy the life of the hair it will be necessary to present the histology
of the hair and its follicle.

According to Satterthwaite ' the hair proper is a cylindrical structure
which is seated upon the papilla of the hair within its follicle. Its base
is embedded in the subcutaneous connective tissue or in the corium.
That portion of the hair which is within the follicle is called the root of
the hair, and the remaining portion is its shaft. The true hair-follicle
includes all that of the hair-sac below the place where the sebaceous duct
enters the hair-follicle. It is of very variable size, and consists of the
blind extremity and a funnel-shaped orifice (a). A constriction of the
follicle occurs just below this orifice and this is the neck of the hair folli-
cle (b); into this neck the duct from the sebaceous gland enters. Below
this neck the hair-follicle increases in size, and its largest diameter is at
the lowest end, and at this point it rests upon the papilla. The follicle
and the hair-root are below the neck.

The follicle consists of the external, middle and internal sheaths, but
it is hardly important for our purposes to describe these in detail.

The hair-papilla is formed from the stroma of these sheaths, especially
that of the middle sheath. Numerous round cells may be seen in the
connective tissue fibres of this papilla, which latter is separated from the
hair-root by the internal follicle sheath. Within the papilla one or more

1 Manual of Histology, Thomas E. Satterthwaite, New York. William Wood
& Company, 1881.

HYPERTRICHOSIS.

arteries, veins and non-medullated nerve fibres are found. The genera]
appearance of bhe papilla ia delineated in the figure.

The root, of the hair is for our purposes of study the mosl Importanl
portion of these tissues, Bince a hair ceases to be reproduced when no new

Fig. 32.- Hair from beard: a, canal of exit; b, neck- of hair follicle; c, lower part of follicle; d,
external sheath of hair follicle; e, internal sheal h of hair follicle; /, external root sheath of hair; ,;-
internal root-sheath of hair; ft, cortical substance; fc, medulla of hair; I, root of hair: m, fa) cells!
»i,arectorpili; o, papillae of skin; p, papilla of hair; s, rete mucosum; t, sebaceous gland; ep, sua
turn corneum, which is continued into the follicle.

1>44

ELECTROLYSIS.

cells are formed in it. These cells bear a close resemblance to those of
the rete mucosum; those which are seated directly upon the basement
membrane of the papilla are cylindrical and those which are more super-
ficial are polyhedral in shape. In the upper part of the hair-root the ex-
ternal portion of the bulb contains oblong, spindle-shaped cells, and these
are, finally, lengthened out in fibres; in this condition they form the
fibrous portion of the hair shaft.

The shaft of the hair is formed of the medullary substance and a fibrous
portion, which latter is covered by the cuticle of the hair. This medulla
consists of polyhedral cells which contain fat and pigment granules.
Toward the free end of the hair this medulla becomes smaller, and termi-
nates near the point. The fibrous portion is the principal part of its
shaft, and consists of flattened fusiform cells, which latter contain numer-
ous spindle-shaped granules.

Fig. 33. — Transverse section of the hair beneath the neck of the hair follicle, a, external sheat b
of the hair follicle ; 6, transversely cut blood vessels ; c, inner sheath of the hair f oil icle ; d, basement
membrane of hair follicle; e, external root sheath; /, cells of Henle's layer; g, of Huxley's layer;
/(, cuticle; I, hair shaft.

From the foregoing description it will be noticed that the appearance
of a transverse section of the hair will depend upon the portion of the
hair which may furnish this section, the reproduction of the accompany-
ing figure from Biesiadecki will illustrate one of these sections.

A hair increases in length by the formation of new elements in its
root, which elongate and push the shaft of the hair and its cuticle before
these elements.

HYPERTRICHOSIS.

2 I 5

When a hair which is at firs! fine, gives place to a thick growth, the
external root-sheath penetrates downwards, and thus Conns the papilla;
then this papilla becomes atrophied, the hair falls ont, and its place is
ooonpied by the new and thicker growth- IF a hair has reached its natural
growth, it will fall out and will be replaced by a new hair whirl, grows

from the Old papilla. The last cells which are formed and converted into
the hair proper, will appear as a conical or knohhed extremity at the lower
end of the hair-shaft.

The hair follicles and the hairs do not stand at right angles to the
surface of the skin; their direction of growth is oblique from this surface.
After they have been frequently evulsed the direction of their growth
may he quite tortuous, and sometimes the hair-root may lie at right
angles to the shaft of the hair.

When a hair has been forcibly evulsed, withont previous electrolysis,
it will appear like the accompanying illustration (Fig. 3-i, B), a reproduc-
tion of a micro-photograph, which was taken by the author. This hair was

Fig. 34— A, Hair removed after incomplete electrolysis, e, cortical substance of the shaft : ln
medulla of shaft; m, corium. B, Hair pulled from man's beard: I, medulla; s, cortical substance of
the shaft; in, corium.

pulled out of the beard of a man. In the same plate is shown (Fig. 34, A)
a hair which was removed by the forceps after incomplete electrolysis; this
is also from the beard, and viewed side by side with the other, shows that
all of the hair shaft, external and internal root sheaths, have been removed,
but without the hair-root or the sheaths of the follicle, or the papilla.

From what has been previously mentioned in the fifth chapter and
what has been descrihed in the present chapter, in regard t<> the natural
life and the natural decay of the hair, it will be noticed that an operation
for the destruction of a hair must destroy the hair-root, the papilla, the

246 ELECTROLYSIS.

sheaths of the follicle and the adjacent tissue within the corium. Any
operation which will accomplish the destruction of all of these structures
will destroy the life of the hair and prevent its reproduction. Formerly,
the introduction of an instrument and of some chemical substance, which
could set up an inflammatory or suppurative action, would destroy all of
these tissues; but great pain attends this mode of procedure, and an ugly
pitted scar would mark the spot, which will remain through life. The local
effect of an electro-puncture, as has been previously remarked in a pre-
ceding chapter, will produce in the skin a conical mark of destructive
action, with the base of the cone at the external surface and its apex a
little deeper, in the subcutaneous tissue at the point of the needle.

We have seen in a preceding chapter that the segmentation of the cellsj
upon which depends their proliferation, is accomplished by the segmenta-
tion of the nucleolus, and that this is preceded or accompanied by a pro-
longation of certain fibrilla? in karyokinetic figures. We may assume that
an interruption of these processes of nutrition will more or less, according
to the extent of this interruption, interfere with the cell proliferation. It
is also observed by histologists that a lowered state of vitality is usually
accompanied with an increased quantity of water in the tissues, hydrsemia,
in which condition the processes of general nutrition are seriously re-
tarded. We have also seen that the introduction of an electrode within a
fluid conductor, which offers a high resistance to the transmission of an
electrical current, will collect a mass of the fluid around the negative
electrode. Empirical experience teaches that the negative electrode is
the most efficient destroyer of the nutrition and growth of the hair. It
is undoubtedly true that the introduction of the positive electro- needle will
also destroy the tissues, but not without a caustic action, and the charac-
ter of this destructive local effect is that of a dry eschar. It would seem
from these considerations that the destroying action of the negative elec-
tro-puncture into the pilous follicle should be attributed, as much to the
cataphoric, as to the electrolytical action of electricity. The evidence of
this is shown, moreover, in the large amount of water which collects
around the puncture; the amount of this water which is there collected
cannot be entirely accounted for on the supposition that it is the result
of the combination of the oxygen with the hydrogen, which gases are sup-
posed to be the products of decomposition. It is undoubtedly true that
these gases come from changes into the chemical elements of the com-
posite organic structures of the living tissues, and it has been shown from

HYPERTRICHOSIS. lM 7

the experiments of Burgoin in the Becond chapter thai the phenomena of
electrolysis are as simple in the organic as in the inorganic structures.
We cannoi bul admil thai the disruption of the hydrogen elements from
carbo-hydrate combinations, of which the living tissues are largely com
posed on the authority of the besl physiological chemists, would be a
serious blow to their integrity; yet, the conditions which would attend
such a fundamental change as to account [or simple chemical decomposi-
tions of these structures, are nol those which we see in the simple destru(>
tion of life of the hair. In this ease the destruction goes on most fre-
quently without any. or hardly any. inflammatory process or suppuration;
indeed, we mighl with good reason say that if the electrical operation has
been properly done, very little inflammatory, and no suppuratory effeel
should follow. Now. it is well known that the diseases which accom-
pany, or are the cause of, deficient general nutrition of the tissues, are
most commonly attended with inflammatory processes of -these tissues; this
is especially the case with those diseases in which disturbances within the
interstitial tissues are most noticeable. What more common instance
than that of diabetes in elderly people, or in the gouty and rheumatic
constitutional taint, is seen than to have local inflammations of the tissues,
such as inflamed joints, furuncuous or carbuncular affections, and the
like?

It has been stated that, if the operation of electrolysis, so-called, is
properly performed, there should not follow any serious inflammatory
local process. The proper conduct of this operation should depend, in
our opinion, upon this very theory of electrical osmosis, which has re-
ceived the name of the cataphoric action of electricity by medical electri-
cians. The tissues of the human body are especially adapted for the display
of this peculiar physical process. As has been over and over again men-
tioned in these pages, our bodies offer a very high resistance to the transmis-
sion of electrical force through its tissues. This resisting conductor of elec-
tricity is largely composed of fluids, and these fluids are of the very kind
which possess the property of potentials of variable degree; in fact, many
physiologists appear to hold to the opinion t hat t hese tissues have in them-
selves or their chemical constitution, the characteristics of local electrical
batteries. If we bear in mind that the process of nutrition is a matter
which requires a constant dissipation of the natural forces in order to
continue the reproduction of cell proliferation, it will not be difficult to
understand that any disturbance of the liquids, or its motions between

248 ELECTROLYSIS.

the interstitial tissues, will seriously interfere with the functional activity
of the embryonic cells. We should not for a moment lose sight of the
fact of chemical changes in these tissues, but they are of far less impor-
tance than the physiological functions of the cell life.

The cataphoric action being of the first importance, when we desire
to employ electricity for the destruction of a tissue whose nutrition de-
pends upon the rapid performance of cell segmentation, the character of
the current demands our most serious consideration.

It will have been noticed that an electrical current may have what is
called either a low tension or a high tension. In order to produce a cur-
rent of strong chemical action through a conductor which offers a high
resistance to passage of electricity, we should, theoretically, use a current
of high tension; in other words, we should drive the force at high pressure
through the resisting medium. The effect of this would be to intensify
the action in order to overcome the resistance, and the strength of the cur-
rent would be principally exerted upon that part of the conducting medium
which would offer an obstruction to the transmission. We have already
seen that the fine wire, which offers a higher resistance than a wire of
larger diameter of the same composition, will often become heated by a
current of high tension. The result of passing a current of this character
through the dry skin will show the local irritating effect upon this resist-
ing medium. On the other hand, if we attempt to pass a current of large
volume through the resisting tissues its action will be displayed more
slowly, and the chemical action in the same period of time will be much
less. The cataphoric action, however, will be greater with a current
passing through a resisting fluid conductor. This fact has been shown in
a previous chapter.

It will thus be noticed that the current should be one of low tension
and of as much quantity as can be conveniently obtained. The battery
should, therefore, be arranged with its elements of large surface exposed
to a large body of exciting fluid, and this fluid should be so selected as
not to obstruct the electro-chemical action within the galvanic cells. The
battery should, also, be one whose internal resistance should be at the
smallest minimum practicable; in other words, the best battery for epila-
tion should be one that has a high electromotive force. It may seem as
if this conclusion was paradoxical, because it is directly opposed in theory
In Ohm's law, that the electromotive force will be decreased by the in-
equality between the two resistances in the circuit. There is no doubt

BYPEBTBI0H08I8. 2 19

tliat the initial electromotive force of the battery will be reduced by the
additional resistance of the external circuit; bni the conducting medium
in tliis case is a medium of constantly varying resistances, and it is this very
resistance which wean- utilizing Cor our purposes; we should, therefore,
have a battery which should give out an excess <>i' a Low tension of current.
We do not want a stream of high pressure, but we want a large volume.

The effects of the two characters of the electrical current is -ecu in
practice: the high tension current will redden the skin during the process
of epilation, and in order to prevent a confluent inflammatory effect upon
the skin, we should be obliged to select the hairs for epilation which are
far apart; on the other hand, if we use a current of large quantity ' the
reddening local action is very much less, and the amount of water which
will collect around the electro-negative needle puncture will be more
voluminous. The time which will be required to destroy the hair may
be probably a trifle longer, but this difference is inappreciable and may.
even, lie imaginary, because it is not easy to state exactly how long a time
is required for a destruction of a particular hair; from thirty to forty
hairs can be destroyed within an hour by either current. With either
kind of current the same primary effect is produced on the cutaneous
tissue: — a central depressed point surrounded by a circular cedematous
swelling whose diameter is about half a centimetre; if a current of high
tension has been employed, forty eight hours later a soft eschar will have
formed of the same size as the original " bee sting," which will dry up
and form a small scab; if left to come off by a natural process, and if it is
not picked off by the finger nail, this will be replaced by a red spot, which
is smaller than the original mark, and which usually disappears by the
tenth day. If, on the other hand, a current of lowr tension has been em-
ployed, usually on the second day only a small dry scab will form, which
is about one-third of the size of that which followed the use of the other
kind of current, and when this scab falls off naturally, only a slight mark
is left, which will have the same color as the surrounding skin; in the
latter case, the scab most generally falls off within six days. If a current
of high tension is used, that is, wdiere one or more cells are connected to-
gether in series or groups of two in series, the current strength should
not exceed five or six milliainperes, because a stronger current than this

1 Though the word "quantity'* is a misnoma, Ave are obliged to use it because
it probably will be better understood in this case than another term which may

be more exact. .

250 ELECTROLYSIS.

will cause too much local inflammatory action; if a current of low tension
is used three milliamperes will he sufficiently strong, and hardly any pain
will follow the latter kind; the former current causes so much pain
that usually patients will prefer to have cocaine pricked into the skin
punctures for the numbing sensation it will usually occasion.

Many operators use for the puncture into the hair follicle a watch-
maker's (steel) broche, from which the temper has been drawn to prevent
oxidation and consequent insulation of the steel. Gold or the alloy of
irido-platinum furnishes a very much better material for this needle, be-
cause these needles are much better conductors of the current, and the
collection of water around these latter electrodes is more voluminous.
The needle should have as fine a point as possible, and can be readily
sharpened on very fine emery paper or on a piece of Arkansas stone. In
order to clean them after use with a patient, the gold or irido-platinum
needles may be heated in an alcohol flame.

It should be remembered that the hair root and its follicle do not lie
at right angle to the surface of the skin, but that these are at an oblique
angle; consequently the electro-puncture should follow the opening at the
root of the hair through the duet of the skin and the needle may often be
bent to suit the inclination of this opening; it should not be thrust in
deeper than the bottom of the follicle, which can usually be felt after a
little practice. Where a hair has been frequently removed by the forceps,
its root is often at right angles to the apparent growth of the shaft, and
in these cases, it is better to bend the point of the needle to suit the un-
natural position of the hair; again, in these cases, the bottom of the folli-
cle will be found at a deeper point than in those which have not been
forcibly evulsed.

The positive electrode should be applied by being firmly held in the
hand of the patient. The best form of this electrode is that which is
furnished by a cylinder of gas-carbon, through the centre of which a brass
tube is fitted, and into which latter the metallic point of the rheophore
may be tightly adjusted. This cylinder should be thoroughly soaked in
hot water and surrounded with a wad of absorbent cotton, in order to
make a more perfect conductor for the current; the skin should be as
thoroughly soaked as possible, but not dripping wet. The cylinder of
carbon may have a diameter of about three-quarters of an inch and a
length of four inches. Salt dissolved in the water makes the skin a better
conductor, but it has the disadvantage of corroding the brass connections.

II \ PERTRU HOSIS.

The accompanying illustration will Bhow the relative parte of the
Btrnoture of the akin and the openings of the various ducts. It veil] be
observed thai there is a depression in the skin, which surrounds the hair
Bhaft. The electro- puncture should follow the direction of this Bhafl and
penetrate as far as the hair-root, and a little below this point; tli
tance will be found to have a depth of one-tenth to one-fifth of an inch.
Some physicians recommend that the currenl should not be connected in

»t«F«='

Fig. 35.— Section of normal skin, a, stratum corneum of the epidermis; b, stratum mueosum;
c, corium, with papilla?; fc, papilla with vascular loop; I, sebaceous gland; h, sweat gland: e, sub-
cutaneous connective tissue; t% shaft of hair protruding from the skin.

the circuit until after the puncture has been made; in practice, however,
it will be found more convenient to keep the electrical circuit closed
except when the needle is withdrawn, and to close the circuit only bj
means of the puncture; the pain which attends the passage of a currenl
of low tension is not commensurate with the momentary prick of the
needle, and the time lost in removing the positive electrode, as well as the
cooling of the surface of the skin and electrode, makes this practice in-
convenient and useless.

When the electro-puncture has been made, and the circuit closed be-
tween the two electrodes, bubbles of pas and drops of water will collect

252

ELECTROLYSIS.

around the needle electrode if this is the negative terminal, but not if it
is the positive, and in a period of time varying from half a minute to a
minute the hair will be loosened from its lair, and can be easily with-
drawn.

The hair which has been removed will have the appearance which is
presented in the accompanying illustrations (Fig. 36), which are repro-
ductions by photolithography of micro-photographs taken by the author of
hairs which had been destroyed by the action of electrolysis. These hairs
immediately after their removal, were stained with a solution in glycerine
and aniline "fast blue," and afterwards in a glycerine solution of an
aniline orange, "coralline"; by this method of staining the outline of
the various parts are sensitive to the ordinary bromo-iodide plate for
photograpby.

Fig. 36.— A, Hair removed by electrolysis. S, shaft of hair; L, medulla; P, external root-sheath
of hair; P, hair papilla; M, root of hair; B, subcutaneous connective tissue.

B, Another hair, in which is shown at P the opening into which the papilla was supposed to have
fitted: below this point Is represented the subcutaneous tissue; P, hair root.

C, A third hair with the bulb and root bent almost at right angles to the shaft; P, papilla of hair.

D, A hair, similar in appearance to the former, magnified with a No. 7 Hartuack objective, a,
point of intersection shaft with the hair root; 31, fibrous portion of the shaft; P, papilla.

These micro-photographs were obtained by the use of a Hartnack ob-
jective, No. 4, with the exception of D, which was photographed with his
No. 7 ; therefore, as no eye piece was used the magnifying power was not
strong enough to show the cell structure, except in that of D. The
papilla was well recognized with the eye piece, hut too little light would
pass through the latter to allow a distinct image to be taken photographi-
cally with this combined with the objective. A large number of hairs,
which were removed by the use of electrolysis, were repeatedly examined
by the aid of a microscope. The result of these examinations would prove
that any hair will return after the incomplete use of the electrolysis, un-

HYPERTRICHOSIS.

253

less the microscope will show that the adjacent tissue which Burrounds
the papilla of the hair, in which the papilla is often recognized, ••nines
out with the hair and its clubbed end. None of the hairs which arc
figured in the illustration have since (a period of six months) returned.

Extreme care in following the directions which have been above de-
tailed will result in destroying permanently ninety-five per cent, of all the
hairs operated upon. It is claimed by many of the most prominent opera-
tors for epilation by this method, that the usual result of their experience
-will show a permanent destruction of eighty-five to ninety per cent, of ail
the hairs electrolyzed.

The accompanying illustrations of a case of hypertrichosis will serve
to exhibit certain points of interest in the treatment of this disfigurement
by means of electrolysis. These are all photo-lithographs, which were
taken by the author as original photographs from the face of a female
patient. The first illustration (Fig. 37), represents the appearance of
the woman's face after about three hundred hairs had been removed.

Fig. 37.

Treatment was intormitted between the first of June and the first of
October. At the former date 2500 hairs had been removed. On the
fourth of October the second photograph was taken, of which a repre-
sentation is presented in the photo-lithograph of Fig. 38. This photo-
graph was taken immediately after the sitting on that day, and some of
the marks of the electro-punctures can be seen in the figure. The hair
low down on the throat has been cut shorter than at the time of the pre-
vious photograph.

254

ELECTROLYSIS.

The next illustration (Fig. 39) was taken seven days later, and in this
interval four long sittings had been given, during all of which about two
hundred hairs more had been removed. This photograph was taken im-
mediately after the fourth sitting and the marks of the punctures are
plainly visible upon the right side of the chin.

Fig.

The last of this series of illustrations was photographed in the early
part of January, and in this may be seen several scars of the punctures at

Fig. 39.

a sitting three days previous. It will be noticed in this figure (Fig. 40)
that the hair under the chin has been allowed to grow long, and that there
arc but few marks of the punctures to be seen. These details, of course,

HYPERTRICHOSIS.

255

arc not so noticeable in a print as they appear in the original negati
the photograph. It will, also, be noticed thai the hairs od the upper lip
are few and far between. A calculation was kept of the number of hairs
removed up to this time, and the number was nearly 4000; this occupied

about 110 hours, and the work is still in process. It will thus be observed
that a vast amount of patience is required for this method of treatment,
both on the part of operator and patient.

Fig. ii.

A patient who was in great haste to have all of her facial hairs re-
moved, and who devoted six hours a week for five weeks to the operation
had some very ugly scars; she was, also, ambitious to have a current of
strong intensity. The result of this work is shown in the portrait
which is represented in the above figure (Fig. 41). It should be stated
that her skin does not appear as badly marred and pitted as this

1)")<> ELECTROLYSIS.

illustration would seem to show. This engraving should act as a warning
to such severe and hurried operations. This case of hypertrichosis was
especially aggravated, for the hairs were deeply rooted, some to a depth
of over one-third of an inch, and were as stiff as is often seen in a man's
beard. This woman was of a blonde complexion, while the preceding case
was in a dark brunette. It is usually supposed that the pitted marks in
a blonde are not so likely to follow the electro puncture as in a brunette.

A delicate skin should always be favored by the use of a milder strength
of current, and this will require a relatively longer sitting than Avhen a'
stronger current is employed. This consideration is important in fore-
casting the time requisite for the removal of a definite number of hairs;
more allowance should be made for those patients who have tender skins.

No application of a soothing character is needed after treatment by
electrolysis, unless the strength of the current has been great, or unless
the weather is severely cold and high drying winds are prevalent; in these
cases it wdl be advantageous to apply a little vaseline or the petrolatum
of the U. S. P. immediately after the conclusion of the sitting, and before
the patient exposes her face to the outer air.

It should be mentioned that the skin is drier during the dry and cold
weather of winter, and in consequence of this condition, the conductivity
of the skin is much less than in the warm and moist air of the summer;
on this account one will be tempted to the employment of stronger cur-
rents than may be desirable, because intensity of the action will be largely
expended upon the most resisting portion of the electrical circuit, viz.,
the skin. The intense action on the skin is liable to be followed by local
inflammatory effects.

It is always much wiser not to repeat the operation oftener than once
or twice a week, and especially in cases of delicate skin. It is far wiser
to give a sitting of two hours' length in these latter conditions than to
repeat the sittings too closely together.

The operation of electrolysis should always be performed with a gal-
vanometer in the main circuit, by whose deviations the strength of the
employed current can be under the observation of the operator. A gal-
vanometer should be used which will measure proportional strengths of
the current. This question of the measurement of currents is of sufficient
importance to lie discussed in a separate chapter.

Hair moles may very readily be removed by this method of treatment,
and, when properly performed scarcely any disfiguring mark is left. The

HYPERTRICHOSIS. 257

annexed illustration from a photograph shows fche extent of the resulting
space occupied by a slightly whiter portion of the skin, from which a bair
mole of over twice this surface was removed at a single sitting «>f an hour
and a half. (Fig. 4'2).

Fig. 42.— The round spot is simply to show where the mole existed, because in the photographic
print it was even more indistinct than in nature. A very close inspection of the face would be re-
quired to find the scar made by the operation on the skin.

CHAPTER XI.

THE METHODS OF MEASUREMENT OF A CURRENT OF

ELECTRICITY.

The principle by which the strength of a given current is measured
should naturally be based on the amount of work accomplished by the
display of its force. Formerly this unit of measurement was absolute
without the relation of the time in which this definite amount of work
was done.

The International Electrical Congress, held at Paris in September,
1881, agreed upon certain units which are now pretty universally adopted.
In order to understand the significance of these units, we should be first
familiar with certain primary ideas:

(1). Potential, or the condition of electricity contained in a body;

(2). Electromotive force, or the power which a galvanic cell exerts of
transferring electrical force from one point to another in a conducting

body;

(3). Electrical conductivity, or the property possessed by a conduct-
ing medium of allowing the transmission of the electrical force, in contra-
distinction to its resistance;

(4). Resistance, or the relative degree of obstruction which a conduct-
ing medium opposes to the transmission of the electrical force;

(5). Intensity, or the resulting strength of a current in the combined
circuit of a battery and its conducting intermediums; this is directly pro-
portional to the electromotive force and inversely to the resistance of the
conducting mediums;

(6). Quantity, or the resulting strength of the current during the period
in which it is acting;

(?). Cajmcity, or the charge of one kind of electricity which accumu-
lates upon an electricized body as the result of a difference in potential be-
tween the electricizing and electricized bodies, or the quantity of electricity
required to raise the potential from zero to unity.

This Congress adopted the following resolutions: —

(1). In electrical measurements, the three fundamental units shall be
centimetre, gramme and second; these are usually expressed in electrical
works as (C.Gr.S.)

MEASUREMENT OF 0UEBENT8 "1 ELECTRICITY. 259

(■.'). The absolute units, fche ohm and the volt, will preserve bheir actual

value.

(:;). The unit of resistance, the ohm, will be represented by a column
of mercury of our square millimetre section, al 0 centigrade.

(4). Establishes a commissaion to determine the Length of this preced-
ing column.

(5). The current produced by a volt and passing through the res
ance of one ohm shall be called an ampere.

(6). The quantity of an ampere current which is produced per second
of time shall constitute a coulomb.

(7). A farad shall he the capacity which answers to the condition that
a coulomb in a farad will give the resistance of one volt.

It should he noticed that the difference in potential and the electro-
motive force are not synonymous terms, and that the ordinary misconcep-
tion of the term "Quantity current" cannot be applied to the character
of a current in relation to its chemical action or its low tension. The
quantity of a current is the amount of electricity which is produced
from a battery in a given period of time. This will depend upon the
size of the battery elements, of their area of surface; if, however, the
resistance of the external conductor is greater than that within the
o-alvanic cells, it is clearly evident that the amount of the resulting
current in a given period of time (its quantity) will be decreased in
proportion to the amount of resistance which is offered by the conduct-
ing medium. This matter has been sufficiently explained in a preceding
chapter.

The quantity of a current may be measured in various ways; the
method of these should he dependent upon instrumental measurements,
which are based upon the unit of measurement and are a matter of
uniform agreement; that is, an initial electromotive force which may
originate in a galvanic cell may pass through indefinite number of units
of resistance in the external circuit; these latter may be calculated by a
comparison of the same original current strength which may he made to
pass a known number of units of resistance. The amount of work ac-
complished by the current in a unit of time may be measured by the
amount of chemical decomposition of a known chemical compound,
through which the same strength of current may be made to net always
through the same units of resistance. It is known that a coulomb will
decompose from a one per cent, solution of sulphuric acid in distilled

260

ELECTROLYSIS.

water a mixed volume of hydrogen and oxygen, which is equal to .176
cubic centimetre.

Fig. 43.

Upon this known fact Volta devised his voltameter, which is illustrated
in accompanying figure (Fig. 43); the voltameter which is here shown

MEASUREMENT OF 0UBBENT8 OF ELECTRICITY. 261

collects tlir gases separately, the oxygen at the positive terminal (<>). and
the hydrogen at the negative (II) terminal. It should always be remem-
bered thai this total amount of mixed gases as calculated for the coulomb
is evolved in a second of time. A more convenient form of voltameter
for use in measuring the strength of a current for medical uses has been

devised by (Jaill'e. 'This form <>f instrument, of course, is not accurate
in theoretical application for several reasons: — the oxygen gas will have
intermixed with it a certain portion of nascent oxygen, ozone, which is
the form of this gas when first liberated, and this will recombine with
some of the hydrogen to reform water, thus reducing in a slight degree
the primary products of decomposition; it is sufficiently accurate.
however, for practical purposes. The instrument, which is shown in
Figure 44, is composed of an inner tube into the bottom of which the
two platinum electrodes are sealed in a glass stem, b; this inner tube is en-
closed by an outer glass tube, and which is filled with a one per cent, acid
solution of distilled water. In order to fill the inner from the outer tube, a
cork may be withdrawn by means of a wire, A, which passes out of the outer
cork. The current is then transmitted through the two electrodes into
the bottom of the inner tube, and the evolved gases will then bubble up
through the inner solution and be collected at the top of this tube. The
fluid will then be forced out at the bottom of the inner tube by means of
two outlets and will be received back into the outer tube. The time dur-
ing which the gases are being evolved is then noted, and so, also, the
amount of the mixed gases collected in one, two, or three or ten minutes.
The amount of the mixed gases can then be calculated by means of the
graduated scale, in cubic centimetres on the right hand side, or in fifths
of cubic millimetres on the left side. Since one milliampere will liberate
10.3 cubic millimetres of the. mixed gases in a minute of time, we may
approximately determine the strength of any current by dividing the total
number of cubic centimetres of gas set free, in, say, ten minutes by ten;
if the time of the liberation of the gases was one minute, the amount of
cubic millimetres set free should be divided by one. It should be re-
marked here that probably in most of the voltameters in use. the trans-
ference of fluid i'ii masse by cataphoric action has not been taken into ac-
count in the chemical decomposition of the liquid.

A few illustrations will exemplify this method of calculation: — suppose
we have employed a strength of current which, working through all the
resistance in the circuit, would liberate during twenty minutes a volume

262 ELECTROLYSIS.

of mixed gases equal to the amount of twelve subdivisions of the left hand
scale, or sixty cubic millimetres, the calculation would then be 60 : 20=3
milliamperes.

A more convenient method of measuring the strength of the employed
current may be obtained by the use of a galvanometer, which may be
placed in the same circuit with the patient's body; the advantage of this
method consists of a constant comparison of the strength of current while
in operation.

The principle of all galvanometers is the same, and is based on the fact
that a magnetized piece of steel, when freely suspended or hung on a pivot,
will have one of its free points directed to the north pole and the other
towards the south pole. It will be evident that this needle should be
equally balanced in order to be freely movable, and that it may hang on
a pivot, be suspended from a silk fibre, or be hung on a knife edge which
is supported on a bearing of a smooth bar or hardened piece of steel.

If an electrical current be made to traverse a piece of a conducting
wire, which passes above the magnetized needle, in a direction from south
to north, the north point of this magnet will be deflected towards the west.

If the current traverse this wire, passing in a plane below that of the
needle and in the same direction as in the preceding case, the north point
of the magnet will be deflected towards the east.

If, instead of passing in the above-named direction, the current trav-
erses in an opposite direction, the magnet will also reverse its direction.

Ampere's rule of this deflection was: — if we suppose a man to be swim-
ming in the electrical circuit, so that the current shall enter by his head
and leave by his feet, when he faces towards the needle its north point
will turn to his right hand; under the same circumstances, when the cur-
rent enters by his feet, the north point will be deflected to his left.

In order to increase the momentum of the galvanometric needle, a
coil of wire is protected by an insulation of silk thread wound around the
wire to prevent its contact with the surface of the metal in its various
parts; this coil then is itself wound in such wise that each one of its turns
shall lie in a plane as nearly as possible perpendicular to the axis of the
undeflected needle. The transmission of an electrical force, traversing
this coiled and insulated wire, will induce in the magnetic field of the mag-
netized needle lines of force, the direction of whose action will depend upon
that of the transmitted current. Now, it should be remembered that the
earth is itself a magnet and exerts its magnetizing effect upon the needle,

MEASUREMENT <>F CURRENTS OF ELECTRICITY. 263

bo thai this latter will point in the same direction as the magnetic influ-
ence of the earth. The magnetic influence of the earth resulta in linee of
force which are very nearly north and south, of course varying with the
position <mi the globe in which the magnet may be situated. The south
pole of the magnel is what we call the negative pole. The neighbor-
hood of a magnet is called a magnetic field, because any other magnel
brought into that region experiences a peculiar force.

In a certain class of galvanometers, in which the magnetic needle is
suspended in a horizontal plane, the resulting lines of force from the
magnetism of the earth will act upon the magnet equally, and no increase
in the momentum will increase its sensibility; hut the smaller the wire and
the shorter its coiled length, within a certain relation, in proportion to
the light weight of the suspended needle, the less will be its inertia; con-
sequently, the quicker will the needle find its maximum deviation, and
the more rapidly it will come to rest, than if it were a heavy magnet
wound with larger wire; its inertia being, also, more easily overcome, it
will indicate lighter and more transient currents. This class of gal-
vanometers will evidently not be so useful in medical applications on ac-
count of the great resistance which the current meets in the human body.

-? p

Fig. 45.

The direction of the lines of force is represented in the foregoing
illustration (Fig. 45); a b represents the magnet suspended from a thread
c; the current enters at m and passes in the direction n o and returns by
the path p q; the arrows show the resulting line of force by the parallelo-
gram n o p q.

A still more sensitive galvanometer, known as astatic, may be formed
by suspending from one system two magnetized needles, arranged in such
a manner that the north pole of one overlies the south pole of another.
This is represented in Figure 40; in this illustration a b represents one
needle and a' b' represents the other, with its poles in a reversed position.

264

ELECTROLYSIS.

If, instead of placing the wire through which the current traverses a
straight line in a direction either above, or below, the needle, it should
be carried both above and below this needle so that the current shall be

Fig. 46.

made to pass around the needle in a vertical line, the direction of the force
will traverse the wire in opposite directions (Fig. 47). The deflecting

Fig. 47.

action will then be doubled. If, again, the wire be made to take one or
more turns this action will be still more increased, and in proportion to
the number of these turns (Fig. 48).

If, again, the upper needle of an astatic pair be placed above the coil,
and the other lower one be placed within the coil, its deflection will be
increased more than that of a single needle, on account of the needle being
retained in its position by a smaller power, and because the force of the
current is exerted upon two needles instead of upon only one.

MEASUREMENT OF CURRENTS OF ELECTRICITY. 265

The angle of deviation of these forms of galvanometer is not, however,
proportional to the strength of the electrical currenl which traverses the
coils surrounding the needles. 'This tact can be easily understood by re-
membering that the lines of foroe exerted by the earth's magnetism, which
tend to bring the magnetized needles back to their proper position, are
proportional to the sines of the angles of deviation, and not to these angles

themselves; therefore, the farther outside of the COils these needles are

moved the difference between the are of their motion and its sine becomes

greater. The sine and tangent-galvanometer were devised to overcome
these errors, but their use in medical electricity are not of sufficient im-
portance to require a detailed description of the principles upon which
these instruments are based.

The use of some form of galvanometer, or galvanoscope, which will
measure proportional strengths of current has been urged so strongly by
medical electricians, and so ably presented by De Watteville in the work
to which we have so often referred, that no apology is offered for repro-
ducing the excellent description of an instrument from his book:

" The milliampere is the most practical unit of measurement, for its
multiples correspond to the strength of the currents used in medical ap-
plications. With the resistance of the human body included between elec-
trodes of medium size and applied to the spots commonly selected, a
current of one milliampere (about two to four Daniel's cells) is about
the weakest ever used therapeutically or diagnostically. Likewise its
multiples 5, 10, 20 express currents yielded by 10 to 30 or 80 cells under
similar conditions. It is apparent that in the milliampere we have a con-
venient unit by which to express the electrical doses, as it were, adminis-
tered to patients; or, the current strengths necessary to obtain muscular
contractions in electro-diagnosis. And this in terms enabling us to not
only compare the results obtained by ourselves on the same galvanometer,
with one another, but also with those obtained by other observers on
galvanometers of any construction, but graduated in absolute units. An
idea of the peculiarities of the absolute galvanometer,1 contrasted with
the galvanoscope,''' will be obtained by a glance at the diagram. It

1 We object to the use of this term, absolute galvanometer, because the meas-
urements obtained by the use of galvanometers of any description are simply com-
parative and not absolute.

'-' The galvanoscope is strictly speaking a galvanometer which does not. neces-
sarily, show variations in the strength of the current, but simply its direction.

260 ELECTROLYSIS.

(Fig. 49) represents the dial of an instrument divided in its upper half
into degrees, in its lower half into milliamperes. The principle that the
angle of deflection does not increase proportionally to the current strength,
is ilhistrated by the fact that, whilst for instance a current of 30 milliam-
peres deflects the needle to about 45°, a current of 150 milliamperes is
required to deflect it to 70°.

Fig. 49.

The simplest method of graduating a dial of a galvanoscope into sub-
divisions of an ampere, is to place the instrument in the same circuit as
a tangent galvanometer of which the reduction factor is known (or of a
galvanoscope already so graduated) along with a constant cell and a box
of resistance coils. By means of the latter the current is modified so as
to produce a deviation of 1, 2, 3, etc., to 20 or more milliamperes as
measured on the standard galvanometer. The corresponding deviations
of the galvanoscope are indicated on the dial, and their value in milliam-
peres written down.

In the absence of a standard galvanometer, a large standard cell is
taken of known electromotive force. The most convenient for this pur-
pose is the Daniel, in which the sulphate of copper is replaced by nitrate
of copper. The electromotive force of such a cell is as near as possible
one volt.1 Placing the cell in a circuit with our galvanoscope the resist-

1 The cell with dilute sulphuric mid (1: 4) has an electromotive force of 1.79
volts; with dilute sulphuric acid (1:13) .978 volt; with dilute sodium chloride,

MEASUREMENT OF CURRENTS OF ELECTRICITY. 267

ance of which musl be known (call it 50 ohms) and a rheostat. The eel]
being large its internal resistance may be neglected.

We then introduce 950, 450, 200, and 50 ohms in the circuit. The
enrrent in each ease will be (Ohm's law):

950T50=-001' 4:>oU> = -°0-' 200T50=-004' 5bT50=*0ia

In other words, 1. 2, 4, L0, milliamperes. The cell acting through the
galvanometer will give ^=.020 milliamperes. The intermediate sub-
divisions are obtained in the same manner.

The operation should he repeated with the current flowing in the
opposite direction through the galvanoscope, but, owing to irregularities of
construction, such instruments give different deviations on either side of
the zero with the same current.

The reduction factor of every galvanometer (horizontal) contains a
variable element, viz., the magnetic force at the particular point of the
earth's surface, which enters into account in the graduation of galvano-
scopes. Hence this graduation is absolute only for such places where
the magnetic force is the same as that of the locality where the graduation
has been performed. For medical purposes, however, this source of error
would be felt only if a graduated galvanometer were to be used in a place
far distant from that where it had been graduated.

The intensity of the terrestrial magnetism varies also at the same place,
from year to year, but in an amount altogether negligible when approxi-
mate measurements only are required. This amount is about. 004 yearly.
To give an idea of the variations of the earth's magnetism, I subjoin
the following table of the approximate magnetic intensities in various
European cities.

Intheyear 1870 1875 1880

In Pans 1.04 L.96 1.98

"London 1.78 L80 1.82

"Leipzig 1.86 1.88 1.90

"Darmstadt 1.91 1.!':! 1.95

"Edinburgh 1.62 1.64 1.66

(1:4) of 1.06 volts. Either of the latter might be taken, allowance being made for
the slight difference between its electromotive force and the volt, (adding 5 ohms
to every 100 in the first instance; subtracting 2 ohms in the second.)

268 ELECTROLYSIS.

In the year 1870 1875 1880

In Zurich 2.00 2.02 2.04

"Dublin 1.67 1.69 1.79

"Turin 2.07 2.09 2.11

" Vienna 2.05 2.07 2.09

" Koenigsberg 1.79 1.80 1.83

The angle produced by a given current on a given galvanometer being
inversely proportional to the directive influence of the magnetic force act-
ing on the needle, it is obvious that the indication of a galvanometer
graduated in London, for instance, would be excessive when used in
Turin or Vienna, (in the proportion of 182 to 211 and 209 respectively),
deficient when used in Edinburg or Dublin, (in the proportion of 182 to
166 and 171 respectively). It will be noticed that the magnetic intensity
goes on increasing as one goes eastwards and southwards from London."

This "absolute" galvanometer referred to by De Watteville is devised
by Gaiffe of Paris.

Fig. 50.— B, box containing the apparatus; D,D, metallic circle which connects the galvano-
meter with the battery, and which can be circled on its axis so that the needle will be outside of the
coil and point at the O0 when at rest; H, multiplied coil which is placed underneath in the smaller
size of the instrument which is attached to the portable battery.

Instead of placing the magnetic needle on a horizontal plane, it is often
placed in a vertical line, and the coils correspondingly in the same axis;
but, in this form of arrangement the needle should always be magnetized
with the same intensity, and which it is obviously impossible to do, as

MEASUREMENT <»F CURRENTS OF ELECTRICITY.

2G9

magnets lose their maximum intensity From constanl use or from their
proximity to other magnetio influences. These vertical needles are doI
liable to the variations which are due to their geographical positions.

In another class of galvanometers, the directive influence is not due
to magnetism, but to weight. The magnet may be pivoted like the balan-
cing beam of a balance. This short and heavy magnet rests on pivoted knife
edges and a weight is hung under its centre of gravity, bo that a vertical
pointing needle., made of light aluminum, may be deflected from a central
0 on a scale from left to right, or to the opposite according to the direct-
ing influence from the current. The magnet beam is surrounded by a
multiplied coil above its steel bearings, and another coil of the same length
below these bearings; its movements are so restrained that the oscillations
never permit the beam to pass outside of these coils. This instrument
was devised by Lorenzoni and (Fig. 51) is constructed upon the principle

Fig. 51.— Galvanometer for proportional currents. A, heavy magnet pivoted on knife edges like
the beam of a balance; E, weighted ball hung to the magnet to carry the weight below its pivots;
B, B', two coils wound around the magnetic field of the pivoted magnet; C, C, wires connecting tin-
two coils, to allow the upper one to be removed and to disclose the magnet; Dy needle fixed to the
magnetic beam to allow proper reading of the oscillation.

that any increase in the magnetic movement of the magnet increases its
sensibility, assuming the counterbalance or directing weight to remain
constant. As the vertical component of the earth's magnetism exerts a
certain directive force upon the magnet, this should be magnetized to
saturation, but its effect is usually not in comparison to the weight of
the magnet. These instruments are not intended for the indication of

2 70 ELECTROLYSIS.

yery small currents, but are very convenient in measurements of propor-
tional strengths of currents when the interpolar region, like that of the
human body, offers high resistance. That one which has been used by
the author for the last two years gives a deviation of five degrees to each
milliampere strength, while the graduations of Gaiffe's instrument will
give only one degree. The subdivisions of the scale are also uniform and
so far apart that these can be easily read at a distance.

Whatever form of galvanometer may be selected for use, the conveni-
ence of introducing a resistance box in the circuit will add material assist-
unci- to the graduation of the strength of the current.

(MIA PT E R X I 1.

APPARATUS AND INSTRUMENTS USED IX TREATMENT
FOR ELECTROLYSIS OF THE LIVING TISSUES.

The various forms of battery have already been described. It will
add much to the convenience of the operator if some form of switch-
board be adopted by which the strength of the electrical current can be
increased, or diminished, at will; it is naturally inconvenient to change
connections by the simple process of attachment of wires to the pole- of n
series of galvanic cells.

Various mechanical contrivances have been devised by which a larger
or a smaller number of these cells can be introduced into the circuit with-
out removal of the electrodes from the patient.

The Sledge Collector, — One of these devices, the sledge collector,
is familiarly known in its attachment to the Stoehrer's zinc-carl ><>n bat-
tery. In this arrangement a sledge runs in a groove, carrying with it
a spring on its under surface, which makes contact with metallic
pieces arranged in two rows. Wires from the cells are attached to these
metallic buttons. On its upper surface two screw-cups are connected with
the springs, into which the rheophores, or flexible conducting wires, may
be inserted. The cells can thus be taken in twos.

Fir;. 62.

A simple sledge collector (Fig. 52) consists of a stiff metallic bar and
is arranged to allow a slide, C, to make connection with brass studs, which
latter are numbered for convenience. A binding post for one of the
rheophores is connected at the negative, o, with the first zinc. A second
binding post is connected by means of the bar and slide with any one of

272

ELECTROLYSIS.

the studs; these latter are severally connected with the copper or carbon
element with the cells, which compose the battery. Thus, the slide being
in connection with a selected number on the bar will indicate how many
cells are in use.

The Dial Collector is an apparatus devised by Gaiffe for selecting
any particular pair of cells of a battery. The advantage of this arrange-
ment is obvious, because if the same pair of cells are always selected for
use when only a very small current is required, this pair would be worn
out long before the remainder of the cells. The contact springs are so
constructed that they make contacts without causing a break in the cir-
cuit; before leaving their first metallic button the spring touches the next

Fig. 53.— The double collector is formed by two dials. The studs on each dial are num-
bered alike, and these numbers correspond with the pairs of cells, as shown in the figure. The
zinc of the first pair is connected with the stud numbered 0. The carbon of the last group, marked
48 on the dial, is connected with that stud on the left-hand dial, and also, with number 48 on the
right-hand dial. This last connection forms the positive terminal of the battery for either dial.
The first connection, attached to 0 of the left-hand dial and also to 0 of the right-hand dial, forms
with either dial the positive terminal. Both of these twofold connections are made by a transverse
wire which runs across from the same number of stud to each dial. In this manner the various
couples, or groups used as couples, are connected throughout the whole system, each numbered
stud of one dial being short connected on to the same number of stud in the other dial. M M1 are
circular handles which may be swung on to any desired stud and thus form a connection with any
number of the cells. M of the left hand dial is connected with the pole cup R for the insertion of a
rheophore. M1 of the right hand dial is connected with R' of the same side for the insertion of the
other rheophore. Provided the current reverser C C is placed in the position which is shown in the
figure, that dial on which the switch indicates the smaller numbered stud will render the pole cup of
the same side the negative terminal; but, if the current reverser be turned to the left, the polarity
of the rheophores will be correspondingly reversed. Again, the number of cells included between
the studs on which the switches are in contact will indicate the number of cells in use; for instance
as shown in the figure, the switch of the right hand dial indicates the connection of the second pair,
and that on the left indicates twelfth pair; therefore ten pairs are in use.

button, and so the strength of the current may be gradually increased
without interruption of the connection with any pair. This system

AIT\i: VH s AND INSTRUMENTS.

273

is quite simply arranged and may be easily understood by the illustrations
(Figs. •"' I and 55),

Fig. 54.— This diagram shows the. disposition of twenty-four cells arranged in groups of two and
their arrangement in series. The N-o forms the negative terminal of the battery, and is attached to
the first zinc. The wire 24 P forms the positive terminal of the batter}', and is attached to the last
carbon element.

Fig. 55.— Twelve cells are supposed to be connected in
simple series to twelve metallic buttons, and air also Bhorl
connected by transverse wire 0, 1, 2, to 11, 12. The zinc of
the first couple is attached to the last carbon in the battery.
Two metallic slides A, B, by sliding along the rods a o, b b,
will make contact with the buttons which are numbered in
succession. The electrodes A and B form the negative ter-
minals N and P respectively. This diagram clearly shows
thai the number of cells in the selected circuit will always
be those which are included between the two slides, or from
3 to 9, making a battery of six cells. As the cells are con
nected, as it were, in a circle, the polarity of the terminals
will depend on the relative position of the slides: it' the rel-
ative position of these latter is transposed from that shown
in the diagram, the polarity of the terminals N' and P'
would be likewise reversed. Thus the electrode which is
ci innected with the smaller number on a button would form
the negative pole. If this same scheme were compared

with the arrangement as described in regard to the double

collector its meaning would be made clear.

274

ELECTROLYSIS.

It is always convenient to reduce the number of metallic studs, so that
groups rather than single cells shall be connected, and then used as pairs;
for in this way a smaller box may be used, and the extra size of the sur-
face of the"elements may be increased by the arrangement in groups of
two or more cells.

In a preceding diagram (Fig. 54) the arrangement of groups of two
cells, which are afterwards arranged in series, shows the manner in which
Gaiffe disposes his batteries for medical use.

Gaiffe's battery with the dial collector and graduated, or " absolute,"
galvanometer is represented in the figure (Fig. 56).

It is often convenient, especially for electrolysis, to have some system
by which the operator may quickly arrange his battery for coupling the cells

^^z^

Fig. 56.

either for series or groups or for mixed arrangements. This may be done
readily by a switch board like that shown in the annexed illustration
(Fig. 57).

The first desideratum of apparatus should be that of simplicity and
easy application. As most of the operations for electrolysis are of such a
nature that they will naturally be performed in a physician's office or at a
hospital, it is not essential that the battery should be in a portable form.
Portable batteries are expensive, and when some of the auxiliary appara-

APPARATUS AND INSTRUMENTS.

!'<•)

tus which baa been described in the preoeding pages are combined in a
portable form, they increase the expense very materially.

A battery of twelve cells should Dot cosi a greal many dollars, and the
Bwitch board previously mentioned can be easily made for five dollars.

A voltameter Cor measuring the current strength is a cheap matter, and
a galvanometer with a roughly made resistance box or a water rheostal
can be obtained for a few dollars more.

Fia. 5".— This diagram is intended t<» represeDl a combinationswitcb board. A A are two strips
of brass, each of which is connected with a pole cup, P C, to which the rheophores may be attached.
B Bis the battery: the zinc of the first cell Zu 1, isconnected with the brass knob, 1; the copper ele-
ment, c 8, is connected with the brass strip, A; the copper element of the last cell, c8,is connected
with the brass knob c8, and the zinc of the same couple, Zu 7, is connected with the last knob c7;
the intermediate battery elements are connected as marked in the diagram. It will be evident that
brass plugs introduced in the various holes between the metallic strips and the numbered knobs will
make a connection in any desired combination; for instance, plugs inserted in a a a and 4 will con-
nect the four cells in simple series; and plugs inserted in b b. bb, b b, and 4, will connect the cells for
surface, that is, all the zincs will be connected directly together for the negative electrode, and all
the coppers will be connected together for the positive electrode.

It is often convenient to apply two or more needles for electro-puncture
which are connected with the same pole of the battery. Hard rubber
cylinders may be fitted with brass inner tubes into which the ends of the
rheophores may be inserted, and there held by means of set-screws; at
the other open end of these cylinders a copper wire may be also held by
.set-screws; these copper uninsulated wires from two or more of these
cylinders may be carefully twisted .together to form a single rheophore to
be connected with the battery pole cups. It will add to the convenience
of their manipulation, if the wires should be first coiled by winding around
a pencil, and then withdrawing the pencil. In this way a flexible rheo-
phore is converted out of a comparatively inflexible wire.

276 ELECTROLYSIS.

The needles used in electro-puncture can be made from a wire of the
irido-platinum alloy by filing the point of a coarse wire into a bayonet
tip, or like a glover's needle. This needle can then be fastened by a set-
screw into a piece of thin brass tube, which is covered with a hard rubber
hollow cylinder; the rheophore can be fastened by the same method in
the other end.

Needles for hypertrichosis should be as fine as possible, and these may
be filed on a piece of emery paper from the finest purchasable irido-platinum
wire, and afterwards can be sharpened on a piece of Arkansas stone.

The positive electrode may be easily manufactured from a piece of gas-
carbon, and fitted with a small piece of metallic tube for the reception of
the rheophore; a wad of wet absorbent cotton should be interposed be-
tween the carbon and the skin, preferably moistened with hot water.

In operating for hypertrichosis it is desirable to have a magnifying
glass fitted to the operating chair. This will make the hairs and the
opening into the skin along the hair shaft more readily seen. The mag-
nifying glass can be fitted into a ball and socket joint, which latter may
be attached to a rod which is itself movable in a collar; in this way the
glass may be moved up and down in a vertical plane and, also, may be ad-
justed nearer to, or farther from, the patient's face.

OHAPTEB XIII.

GENERAL SUMMARY. A DIS< issiox OF SOME OF THE
CAUSES OF THE RESOLUTIVE ACTION FROM GALVAN-
1S.M OF THE TISSUES BY SURFACE APPLICATION OF
THE ELECTRODES, OB FROM THEIB ELECTRO-PUNCT-
URE.

Tn B effects of what is called electrolysis upon the ahsorption of certain
hypertrophied growths of the structures of the animal organism have been
presented in the preceding chapters. It should have been observed that,
the theory of true electrolysis — viz., electro-chemical changes of the consti-
tuents of the organic structures — is not appropriately applied to explain
the resolution of certain hypertrophied structures of living tissues.

It cannot be denied that the animal organism should be considered as
a solution of certain chemical compounds. It is not improbable that the
transmission of an electrical current through these dissolved substances
may he attended with the same phenomena which are observed in the
chemical laboratory. The tissues of the animal organism are constantly
undergoing chemical transformations, the extent of which is not known
to science.

The therapeutical applications of electrolysis, or, as we should rather
prefer to consider it, electricity locally applied to the tissues, cannot be
intelligently understood without having first a clearer knowledge of the
natural processes in operation in these structures, than is usually pre-
sented in the treatment of diseases by the ordinary medicinal agents. It
should not he supposed that we intend to cover the whole ground of this
discussion, but it should be remembered that in the application of this
agent, called electricity, we are principally concerned with. the growth of
normal tissues. The treatment of pathological formations in them is a
more complicated affair. It is undoubtedly true that the use of medi-
cinal agents for the relief of diseased tissue, and its restoration to a normal
condition, lias occupied the attention of careful students from time im-
memorial. Even at this later date observers of disease have accused the
practitioner of medicine of attributing the results of his cure to art.

278 ELECTROLYSIS.

when in reality the restoration of the unhealthy tissue should be ex-
plained upon the grounds of the natural resources, the vis medicatrix
natures, which are inherent in the organism.

In our opinion the subject before us should be discussed upon those
natural facts which are revealed to us in histological formations, and
should not be viewed in the same light as that of medicinal agents which
are used to combat pathological formations. We should seek, if possible,
to grasp the simple truths of natural formation before we attempt to
understand the more complex phenomena of anomalous changes. The
former are sufficiently intricate and of doubtful character to occupy the
whole of our attention. It would indeed be bold to forecast a permanent
settlement of these doubts from the small amount of evidence now in the
hands of our physiologists. Yet we may be pardoned for our presump-
tion in the attempt to occupy the ground which is recognized at present
as a state of probable truth, provided that we confine ourselves to these
as problematical hypotheses, rather than to accepted facts.

We will first consider the application of electricity, simply upon some
of the chemical problems at work in the tissues. The knowledge of these
chemical processes is necessarily limited to a very small circle of informa-
tion. Most of the study of these chemical phenomena has been directed
to the analysis of dead organic matter, from the very fact of the difficulty
of observing these effects in constantly changing living matter.

The vague use of the term ELECTROLYSIS has been by common
consent transferred from its known effects upon chemical compounds in
solution within the chemical laboratory to the structures of living tissue.
This incorrect use of the term has grown out of the empirical application
of electricity to the tissues of the human body. The inconsistencies of
the results of its empirical use have puzzled the operator, and he has
sought from the mass of chemical research to obtain what would recon-
cile these conflicting effects.

We frequently hear the explanation of the action of "electrolysis" to
a destruction of the normal hair growth as being ascribed to the decom-
position of the structure into its elementary chemical gases. This ex-
planation is based upon the teachings of chemists, whose experiments
have been performed upon tissues which have ceased to be functionally
active. It cannot be denied that the application of the electro-puncture
to the hair follicles is attended with the evolution of bubbles of gas. and
that these accumulate around the needle electrodes; yet no published

GENERAL BUMM \i;v. 279

report has 1 nprodu I to show the exact proportions of bhese decom-
positions into elementary gases, <n- their relation to the organic ohemical
compounds which belong to the organized structures. In the absence of
such information it is impossible to draw correct conclusions of the modus
operandi ot the eleotrolytical action upon direct chemical changes in the
living tissues.

It should constantly be borne in mind that in the consideration of this
question we arc merely discussing the action of electricity as modifying
the results of hypertrophy of normal tissues; it cannot be denied that
many of these hypertrophies are easily reduced by a very feeble current
of electricity, when the electrodes are brought in direct contact with
these growths.

It would seem as if many writers who treat of the application of elec-
tricity to the arrest of growths had attached far too great importance to
the chemical decompositions of organic compounds. We find the same
peculiarity in treating of the physiological relations of the histological
formations of tissues. Among one class of writers it may be observed
that the chemical formations are considered of higher importance than
the biological formations. On the other hand, it will be observed that
the functions of the cells are more highly exaggerated than the behavior
of organic chemical structures in the nutrition, repair and dis-assimilation
of the elementary formation of these composite tissues. It is extremely
difficult in the midst of this uncertain knowledge which we possess of the
causes which are at work in forming and destroying the effects of met-
abolisms of the human tissues, to separate the causes from effects in these
processes. If this be the case in the general subject of histology and the
physiology of the living tissues, it will be evident that the problem of
therapeutics, which is even more complicated than the normal processes
of repair and waste, is far more difficult of solution.

Electrolysis of the inorganic and organic chemical structures has
occupied our attention in the second chapter, and the details of labora-
tory experiments have been carefully described in that portion of this
treatise. The electro-chemical reactions in the galvanic cell are well
known to us, and the interference which is offered by polarization of the
elements and the solutions in these cells, is an important factor, which
enters in the resulting current of electrical action.

The electro-chemical effects which are produced by this electrical
current in the intimate structure of the tissues of the human body, com-

280 ELECTROLYSIS.

prised in the interpolar zone, are even of a more complicated character
than those which are observed in the galvanic cells themselves. We have
seen that the chemical effects in this interpolar zone must be equal to the
chemical effects in the galvanic battery; because this is the very basis
upon which scientific facts rely. We measure the strength of the current
of electricity by the amount of decomposition of the chemical compounds
in all the cells which form our galvanic battery: — as well by the deposition
of the metallic elements of copper, and the reformations of zinc salts, as
by the evolution of the gaseous elements which are set free.

When this electrical force is transmitted through a conducting medium
comprised between the two terminals of the galvanic battery, and whose
chemical structure is well known to the physicist, it is an easy matter to
trace the transmission by the amount of destruction of the composite
material of the known conductor; provided that the latter is susceptible
of chemical analysis, and provided that this conducting medium is formed
of inorganic chemical compounds. In this case the energy of these com-
pound bodies, stored up in a latent form, is computable from a knowledge
of the units of combining equivalence (see page 18) of the elements whose
union forms the compound inorganic structures.

We may compare the effects of this combination with the regular forms
of bricks which are used by the artisan to make a definite simple struc-
ture. A repetition of their orderly arrangement according to a definite
plan will always reproduce a simple structure, and one Avhose shape is
recognizable. On the other hand, if we can imagine that the materials
of a formed structure (though in their elementary composition Ave may
separate the simple bodies entering into the combination and count the
number of each of these elements) are formed into a mass of uniform
similar shape to that of the bricks, and yet of some compressible material
like soft peat or mud, the resulting structure may not be reproduced a
second time by the artisan; because the materials are constantly liable to
alteration.

Though this illustration is crude and perhaps not exactly applicable
to the case before us, yet its suggestive relations may not be inapplicable
to a study of the effects of electricity upon organic chemical compounds
whose composition has been determined by the chemical expert He has
not only found the elements which compose organic compound, but he
has also determined in what way the introduction of an electrical force of
measured amount will change the form of the combination of these ele-

GENERAL BUMMARY.

281

ments; bo thai the same elements will produce an organic structure which
has a , different shape from thai combination which is formed withoul this

added force.

Now, the action <>f electricity, or electrolysis as it is called, upon a
simple inorganic chemical compound like thai of hydrochloric acid can
the separation of hydrogen al the kathode and chlorine at the anode.
The chemist knows m advance of his experiment that he will obtain
thirty-five times by weight as many parts of chlorine at the anodal
terminal, as he will obtain in hydrogen at the kathodal terminal. He
knows, moreover, that this will always happen on a repetition of the same
experiment.

When the chemical compound is an organic body the chemist knows
in advance of his experiment that the substance, camphoric acid for
instance, will split up by the action of electrolysis into a camphor-
anhydride at the positive pole, and potassium at the negative pole; hut
he also knows that camphor-anhydride has by this decomposition two
uncombined elements of oxygen which are not satisfied; in other words he
lias some nascent oxygen which is seeking for a combination with some
other element and may combine with both carbon and hydrogen. When
the chemical operation is restricted in the laboratory to a reaction with
the organizations which the chemist may bring into their neighborhood,
the resulting decomposition may be definite and calculated; but where the
reaction is in living tissues, the complex materials which compose the
latter may change the resulting decompositions and reformations. Thus
the more complicated the structure the more complicated are the resulting
decompositions and reformations.

Notwithstanding all these facts, the statement is true that the same
law governs both inorganic and organic chemical structures. The appar-
ent difference between the reactions is due to the difference of the com-
pounds themselves, and is explicable on the ground that secondary
decompositions occur subsequently to those which are first observed.

The gases which collect at the two opposite electrodes in the living
tissues are in a free state, and may combine to form other secondary com-
pounds with the gases or elements which are in solution within the tissues
■comprised within the interpolar zone.

Again, the decompositions which occur in the organic chemical com-
pounds are not finished at the first moment of electrolysis, but may go on

282 ELECTROLYSIS.

after the original cause of disturbance has been removed. The exact
limit of reaction has not yet been determined.

Another complication of electrolysis of organic compounds should be
pointed out in contradistinction to that of the inorganic compounds: —
The variable concentration of an inorganic substance in solution will not
vary the result of its decomposition by electrolysis, while this is not true
of the organic compounds. Concentrated acetic acid is more rebellious
to electrolysis than a weak dilution of this acid.

It should be remarked that we have been discussing the behavior of
organic substances apart from the living organism. It can readily be
supposed that in the latter instance the complications are even more
complex, because we are dealing with force employed against other forces.
We can thus suppose that much of the introduced force has been expended
in overcoming the forces which are constantly at work in the living tissues.
We have seen (page 55) that the dissipation of energy in overcoming the
potential energy at work in a given case is enormous as compared with
those cases in which it meets with no opposing force. We cannot esti-
mate the loss thus occasioned by the use of an electrical current in the
living tissues, because we are unable to calculate the amount of force at
work in the tissues, when no electrical disturbance is transmitted through
them. When a muscle lifts a ten-pound weight it is known that this
force must be expended in the tissues which accomplish this power. The
amount of force required for the lifting of this weight by means of elec-
tricity is of course calculable; but it would be absurd to suppose that the
transmission of an equivalent amount of electricity would be required to
neutralize the power necessary to lift this weight. It would be found that
the application of a rapidly interrupted current of a feeble strength would
paralyze the muscular contraction so that the lifting of the weight would
be impossible.

It is not necessary to assume that the effects of electrolysis must be
displayed to such an extent as completely to destroy the chemical in-
tegrity of the living tissue. A feeble chemical action in these struc-
tures, when of a character to oppose the processes usually displayed
in the organism, may so disarrange these normal actions as to interfere
with the organic combinations which are essential to the repair of these
tissues. If, then, we are to assume that the whole effects of electro-
lysis as presented in these foregoing pages relates only to the chemi-
cal basis of life, we cannot suppose that an amount of chemical action

GENERAL BUMMABT. 283

is required equal to thai which decomposes dead structures in the
laboratory.

This mode of reasoning would naturally lead to th osideration of

other efiEects of electricity than simply those of a chemical nature. The
teachings of physiology show us that living structures are endowed with
functions, whose action may result in very opposite effects. Chemistry is
a science which rests upon data, which arc sufficient to allow the chemist
to formulate its teachings upon certain mathematical rules, the applica-
tion of which will most generally produce similar results. Physiology, on
the contrary, is not a science and probably never will rest upon mathe-
matical formulas; its teachings are constantly attesting the error of pre-
viously established theories. Therapeutics, again, rests upon the two
preceding and other classes of natural observations; consequently its
foundation is never secure, and never stable, and shifts on the sands of

time.

At present, the very essence of the teachings of physiology, apart from
the study of chemistry, is founded upon the functions of living cells.
"Our information in reference to the chemistry of the connective tissue
cell is, necessarily, of the most limited character and is almost confined
to a knowledge that the protoplasm is proteid in nature and that the
nucleus shares the characters of nuclei elsewhere and has probably the
same composition." '

"Speaking broadly we may, however, say that the epithelium cover-
ing the external surface of the body is composed of cells which are, even
in their most active stages, the seat of but slow and unimportant chemi-
cal changes, whilst a large number of them cease to be the seat of any
material exchanges whatever, or to manifest any phenomena which
characterize them as living, long before they cease to form part of the
living body."3

Speaking in a general sense in regard to the nutrition and formation
of healthy tissue of the body we may classify these under two principal
heads:— that of metabolism, which comprises the whole range of trans-
formations under the influence of chemical processes, and by means of
which the proteid substance undergoes its many changes; and that of
CELL PROLIFERATION, by means of which the cells are multiplied.

1 ( ramgee, op. cit. p. 25L.
- Idem, p. 294.

284 ELECTROLYSIS.

In regard to the first of these, we must undoubtedly admit that lower
forms of organic structure are raised by some process of synthesis into
higher forms of organic structure.

In regard to the second, it is difficult to believe that one form of cell
can be changed into a second form of cell which is endowed with a higher
kind of function.

The first-named class partakes of the chemical characteristics, while
the last named is purely biological. We can thus suppose that the former
passes down the steps, as it were, by successive chemical stages in its
destructive career, whilst the latter dies and is immediately carried off as
detritus. Moreover, when the second loses its existence it ordinarily
carries along with it an unborn child, the nucleus, upon whose separate
existence depends the perpetuation of the tissue; the former, on the con-
trary, can again receive new energy in its arrested path, by which it can
be built up again into a similar structure.

When the current of electricity, even though its strength is equal to
eight or ten milliamperes, is brought into action for a few moments
within the hypertrophied connective tissue growth with papillary forma-
tions of the skin, as for instance a wart, the vitality of this tissue is
arrested, and within a few days it will fall off from the neighboring liv-
ing tissue as a dry eschar. The underlying tissue is healthy and no cica-
trix results which is commensurate with the original extent of the hyper-
trophy. In this case it is extremely difficult to suppose that the Avhole
effect of the destruction is explainable upon a simple chemical decomposi-
tion of the living structure. There must be some more remote cause than
this.

Again, the electro- puncture into a hypertrophied vascular tumor,
which is composed simply of an increased amount of connective tissue
growth or embryonic cell formation, like that of a simple goitrous enlarge-
ment, is followed by a diminution in its size, but not immediately after
the puncture. The first effect to follow the application of electricity, is
an infiltration with water of the subcutaneous tissue which overlies the
hypertrophied growth, so that the flesh looks swollen. Secondarily a slow
retrogression of the enlargement ensues with a shrivelled condition of the
cutaneous covering. Repetition of the treatment is succeeded by a con-
tinued shrinking of the growth, which may be prolonged for several days
after the enlargement has begun to retrograde'. This effect follows the
introduction of the electro-negative needle, but not that of the electro-

GKNERAI simm \i:v. 285

positive needle; but it also follows the application Of the positive electrode

to the surface of the skin, the negative only being inserted into the
growth. A reference to the cases reported by Chvostek, where both elec-
trodes were applied simply to the surface of the skin, and where neither
polo was inserted into the growth, shows that by his method the retro-
gression of the tumor will also result.

We are (piite aware that many writers are led to believe that the can-'
of the cure of goitre by Chvostek's method of application is to be attributed
to the improvement through stimulation of the ganglionic nerve centres,
including also that of the nerve filaments which pass through the resti-
form bodies or the medulla oblongata. The cases of cure which have
been reported as following the electro-puncture, where the positive elec-
trode has been held in the palm of the hand, as well as those which fol-
lowed treatment by the introduction of carbolic acid into the growth, and
those which followed the irritating applications of strong tincture of iodine
to the surface of the skin on exposure to the hot sun or to a hot fire: — none
of these cures can be explained on the supposition that the goitrous affec-
tion is caused by some peculiar enervation of ganglionic or other nerve
centres; nor can it be reasonably inferred that these cures were caused by
some stimulating effect upon these nerve centres.

Let us turn for a moment back again to the chemical explanation of
electrolysis as applied to living tissues.

It has been shown in detail that the action of electricity produces
similar changes in organic chemical compounds which have been observed
in the inorganic kingdom. The human body however, is not simply an
aggregation of organic chemical compounds in solution; other processes
than those of chemical transformations are going on in the living tissues.
These latter processes are of a biological character and are more intricate
than those of chemical changes. These metabolisms, whether of the con-
structive or destructive character, are chiefly performed by functionally
active cells. These cells are multiplied by functions inherent in them-
selves, and their food or nutrition may be received (we do not say posi-
tively that they are received) from the chemical substances which arc-
dissolved in the fluids in which these tissues are bathed. It may indeed
be doubtful whether the cell multiplication can be performed except in
the presence of these dissolved chemical substances.

It may be reasonable to suppose that any interference with the stability
of these chemical compounds, from which the cells might receive their

286 ELECTROLYSIS.

food, may arrest the process of cell multiplication. It may even be sup-
posed that the presence of a force in opposition to that evolved in the
healthy tissues, may cause a degraded condition of- this food supply, in
consequence of which a degraded cell formation may ensue. These hy-
potheses may be reasonable, but yet they rest upon too slender a founda-
tion at present to receive much credit.

The explanation of the reduction in the extent of hypertrophied nor-
mal tissue by means of the display of an electrical force, transmitted from
without through these tissues, does not seem to rest simply upon chemical
grounds. The amount of chemical action caused by the presence of elec-
tricity in the living tissue is too insignificant to have the whole weight of
evidence in its favor. We have seen that these chemical changes, as shown
in the third chapter, are as positive with the organic compounds in solu-
tion as with the inorganic compounds in solution; but we have also seen
that the amount of these chemical changes is in proportion to the strength
of the electrical action; we have also seen that to produce these chemical
decompositions in sohation to any great extent, the conducting medium
for electrical action must offer a ready transmission of electricity and that
the resistance in a conductor will reduce the strength of the electrical
current in proportion to its resistance.

There is another view of the question which is of serious importance
in this discussion. If the effects of so-called electrolysis are simply of a
chemical nature, why does it happen that a certain class of hypertrophied
tissue is amenable to the action of electricity, while another class is not
only rebellious to this form of treatment, but even seems to be favored by
electrical display in these degraded forms of tissue growths ? We have
seen that those tissues whose nutrition or growth are concerned by
multiplication of the embryonic cell are ordinarily dissolved by electricity,
while those growths which seem to be increased by multiplication of a
degraded cell-formation, and are neoformations, are stimulated by elec-
tricity.

It must be distinctly understood that we are not speaking of the use
of the heat of thermo-cautery by means of strong currents, by wbich the
diseased growths can be marked off and separated, as by a knife, from the
adjacent healthy tissue. This effect is not that of electrolysis in any
sense of the word. We are discussing the property which electricity pos-
sesses of causing an arrest of growth of the cell formation, from the
hypertrophy of which the normal tissue may form a benign tumor. The

GENERAL SUMMARY. 28 i

cases reported from clinical record bring this question most prominently
before as.

It would seem, therefore, that the cause of the arrest of hypertrophied
or normal growths of the animal tissues should be attributed to Bome ol her
causes than those of a chemical nature, and that electrolysis is a misnoma
when applied to this treatment.

If the chemical explanation of the action of electrolysis in living tissue
is applicable to those cases of hypertrophy of tissue growth, it would be
reasonable to suppose that all forms of tumor should be amenable to the
action of electrolysis; because the same rules of chemical decomposition

would apply in malignant as in benignant growths. In both of these
classes the organic living structures ought to be destroyed by the chemical
decomposition of the compound elementary organization. Again, if this
mode of explanation is applicable we might even suppose that a degrade. 1
form of organic structure of the simple hypertrophy of normal tissue would
follow treatment of a benign tumor by electrolysis; in this case the growth
would be changed into a neoformation from an alteration in the elementary
structure, a benign tumor might be secondarily a malignant growth. It
is generally admitted that neoformations of cancerous character are simply
a degraded-form of tissue. If electrolysis causes a decomposition of the
organic compounds in healthy tissue, we would have good reason for the
supposition that its display in normal tissues would change the latter into a
degraded cell formation; or if the latent energy set free by these chemical
decompositions is free to act upon their living structures, it would stimu-
late cell proliferation.

We have also seen in the preceding chapters that electrolysis, so-called,
induces coagulation of blood in the vessels, and that this effect has been
applied to the cure of erectile vascular tumors, to varicose enlargement of
veins and to arterial enlargements or aneurisms. In the two former in-
stances the therapeutical applications are most generally followed by suc-
cessful cures, provided that the application has been properly conducted.
Many clinical observers have been led to explain the process of cure on
the supposition that an acid reaction of positive electricity causes a coagu-
lation by the presence of the acid evolved from this electrode. Reference
to chapter second (p. 23) will demonstrate that the amount of acid set
free at the positive electrode is very inconsiderable. Moreover, it is
shown in the same chapter that the liberated acid is only immediately
in the vicinity of the electrode, and cannot penetrate deeply into the

988 ELECTROLYSIS.

blood; while, on the other hand, the coagulation extends beyond the pos-
sible point of acid penetration.

These and other considerations presented in the preceding portions of
this treatise would appear to show that the action of electrolysis in living
tissue does not rest upon the simple basis of decomposition of the organic
chemical compounds of animal structure. How can the absorption of the
fluid contents of a cyst, as in hydrocele,' sebaceous wens, and ovarian
dropsy be explained simply upon the decomposition of these fluids?
There is no doubt reason for believing that these cystic tumors have been
cured, not only by the electro-puncture, but also by the surface applica-
tions of the electrodes in these abnormal growths.2

The cure of these effusions is not entirely to be credited to the simple
action of electricity acting in living tissues any further than in supposing
that a pleuritic effusion can be absorbed simply by a rubefacient. In
fact, we find that, besides the electrical treatment, the combined medica-
tion of hydragogue cathartics and diuretic adjuvants are required to
assist the emunctories in getting rid of these fluids from the cavities of
the body.

Von Ehrenstein apparently considers that the draining effects of
hydragogue medicinal agents are of importance in causing the absorption
and elimination of watery tumors from the abdominal cavity. We see,
therefore, that the successful operators by electrolysis are not content to
admit that the employment of electricity alone can effect the cure of
effusions. We find, also, that some of those operators who employ this
method in the treatment of goitrous affections, prescribe the advantage
of its combination with the medicinal use of iodide of potassium. The
theory of the action of this last-named drug is supposed to favor the
chemical decompositions within the tissues, but the grounds for this
hypothesis evidently are not established, and it would be more reasonable
to attribute any beneficent effects to the interstitial action of this drug.

That iodide of potassium acts as a diuretic is well shown by Dr. Kinger s
Avho reports the increase of a scanty uresis from 30 to 50, to 60 and even
to 120 ounces in twenty-four hours; at the same time the dropsy of the

1 Rodolfi, in Virehow und Hirsch, Jahresbericht, 1872; Erhardt, Ibid.; Frank,
Archives of Electrology, vol. i., p. 17".

- Von Ehrenstein Allg. Med. Central Ltn., 1876; Semeleder, Am. Jour. Obs.,

July, 1882.

3 HandbooK of Therapeutics, lltli edition, Wm, Wood & Co., 18S6.

'■I \l.i: W. -I MM \K\. 289

patient who bad Brightfs disease disappeared in a fortnight, "every
vestige of it." He was lcil to suppose that in these cases there was a
Byphilitic taint, but in some of them "there was no reason to conclude

that the patients were syphilitic." In one of his cases he gave 200 grains
daily before the dropsical effusion had been eliminated.

The coincidence in the effects of iodide of potassium treatment I'm- the
cure of bronchocele (goitre), aneurism and dropsical effusions or cystic

tumors, with relief following the use of electrolysis is somewhat striking;
yet it may not be so very remarkable in view of the action of both
remedies being attributed to the influence of interstitial osmosis. While
avc may he accused of anticipating a novel explanation of the action of
iodide of potassium, the same accusation in respect to the action of elec-
tricity cannot lie in the face of the opinion advanced on the authority
offered by Tripier, Frommhold, Yon Ehrenstein and others, which has
been referred to in a preceding chapter.

The action of osmosis within the tissues of the body has not received
the attention of physiological students which the matter demands. The
observations and suggestions of Dr. Headland many years ago have ap-
parently not attracted the attention of therapeutists of more modern
times. He has shown how large a quantity of water is thrown into the
intestinal canal after the administration of certain brisk saline cathartics,
like sulphate of magnesia, and thus draining off the fluids of the bodv.
More recently the use of Carlsbad salts, phosphate of soda, etc., are used
to relieve the pressure within the tissues, caused by a passive hyperemia
or stasis. This treatment pursued now so generally in oxaluria, in
uraemia, and in the gouty diathesis, has produced some very brilliant
cures, or a temporary relief to symptoms of oppression and malaise so
commonly met with in modern days. It is highly improbable that the
great improvement in these symptoms should be attributed to the in-
creased metamorphosis of tissue, because the quantity of urea eliminated
by this form of treatment is not commensurate with the improvement and
oftentimes with the loss of flesh in the cases of concomitant obesity. On
the other hand, it is highly probable that the mode of action is due to the
increase of the osmotic currents within the interstitial tissues. It is also
probable that the elimination of poisonous materials within these tissues,
such as that of lead and of syphilis, is materially influenced by the pro-
motion of osmosis by means of the medical use of iodide of potassium.

The reputation of an ''alterative" possessed bv this drug is certainly not

1«>

290 ELECTROLYSIS.

ill-founded; and, with this explanation of its mode of action, is certainly
rational.

It would be idle to assume that the action of electricity conveyed by
the electrodes directly to the subcutaneous tissues is entirely free from
the production of chemical changes. The purpose of the author would
be entirely misconstrued, if such deduction be gathered from these re-
marks. It is, however, wrong to attribute the whole action of electrolysis
upon living tissues to the chemical decompositions of their organic com-
pounds.

We cannot explain the destruction of the foetus in extra-uterine foeta-
tion on the supposition that electrolyisis induces a chemical decomposition
of the organic structures which compose this living tissue.

We cannot explain the destruction of the hair root, its papilla and sac,
on a chemical decomposition of the structures composing these tissues.
For in both of these instances a total quantity of electricity equal to 100
or 300 milliamperes' strength is too inappreciable to account for the per-
manent death of the tissues.

So far as the physical properties of electricity which are displayed in
living tissue are concerned, we must be content for the present in assuming
that the destructive action by this agent is in the main limited by the
power of electrical osmosis, or the cataphoric action of electricity. By
means of this physical property, which is recognized in fluid substances
confined in porous septums, and which may be endowed with great pow-
ers of resisting the transmission of electrical force, we may explain many
of the interferences with the nutrition as well us the proliferation of cell
formation. It is not only that electricity may transport fluid particles en
masse from the positive to the negative electrode; but this transportation
of fluids may induce organic changes, by the rapid removal of the pabu-
lum upon which these cells depend for their maintenance and propaga-
tion.

The character of the proliferation of cells by the movements of the
nucleolus and the karyokinetic formations of the fibrillae has been care-
fully detailed in a preceding chapter (p. 118). The effects of interference
in these processes must be followed by an interruption in the biological
formations. If this hypothesis rest upon a permanent basis, we have
grounds for an explanation of the so-called action of living tissue as arrest-
ing the hypertrophy of normal tissue. We may assume that any healthy
tissue, which depends for its nutrition upon the proliferation of cells, will

GENERAL 81 RIMAR1 . 291

always be restricted by the presence of too little or too large ;i quantity of
fluid in the intimate structure of these tissues.

The pathological relations upon which depend the growth of aeofor-
mations, which we must admit are a degraded form of cell multiplication,
have not yet been formulated upon the hypothesis of the karyokinetic
movements. We cannot therefore anticipate their application, aor can
we explain why the so-called electrolysis should stimulate their cell-multi-
plication. It may be possible to assume, as in other biological procee
that the presence of too much fluid within their cell structure may accel-
erate the peculiar cell-growth which makes the distinction between a
malignant and benignant hypertrophied mass.

Histology teaches us that a, functionally active cell of embryonic type
may become by a retrograde process a cell ■without power of reproduction,
and that in these instances it may be changed into a fatty cell, or may
form with other retrograde cell-formations, a fluid substance, as for in-
stance that of a secretion. Upon this hypothesis and with a better know-
ledge of the physical laws of electrical osmosis, we may, at some future
period, be enabled to apply in the living tissues the laws of electrical dis-
play in such a manner as either to increase, or to diminish, the amount
of the fluid within the cell structure.

It must be certainly admitted by careful students of the literature of
medical electricity that the application of the theory of true electrolysis,
either for the nutrition or destruction of living tissue, has not made much
progress, though its chemical relations have been studied by expert phys-
icists and chemists. It would seem advisable to turn our attention to the
display of electrical force as effecting the fluids of the body, which is shown
in its modification of the physical laws of osmosis, rather than in those of
chemical reactions.

The action of electrical osmosis in a porous medium can be shown by
a very simple experiment, which can readily be repeated.

If two platinum electrodes should be connected with a constant gal-
vanic current from ten or twelve cells, and then be immersed in pure
water, the negative or zinc terminal within a porous vessel, and the posi-
tive or carbon terminal outside of this porous medium, the water in the
inner vessel will accumulate in two hours to a level about one-sixth higher
than that in the outside. If instead of using two platinum electrodes, the
negative should be formed of zinc, and the positive of platinum, electrical
osmosis will be more than twice as rapidly performed as in the first
instance.

292 ELECTROLYSIS.

By referring to chapter second (p. 18) it will be observed that
the chemical combining equivalents of platinum or iridium, as com-
pared with that of zinc, is in the proportion of 197: 65; therefore
Ave might expect that the energetic action between the oppositely
charged conductors of platinum and zinc would be three times greater
than with the electrodes made of the same kind of metal, provided the
diameters and lengths of the conducting mediums be the same. Another
factor, that of resistance of the conductivity of the metals should also
enter into the problem; the comparative resistance of the platinum and
zinc for the same dimensions bears the ratio of 116:72, the conductivity of
zinc being the greater. It has been shown that the higher the resistance
of the conductors, within certain limits, the greater will be the cataphoric
action of the transmitted electricity.

The subject of electrical action on electrolytes in solution has recently *
received renewed attention from E. Semmola, and is of interest in show-
ing that an increase of electrolytical action may take place in a fluid con-
ductor where different metals are used for the introduction of electricity
into the solution. In his experiments a third metallic conductor was ar-
ranged within the fluid, neither end of which was connected with the
terminals from the battery. His voltameter was composed of a vessel
partially filled with water acidulated by sulphuric acid, and into the glass
sides of which two platinum ribbons were sealed and immersed in the
solution; an arc of metallic ribbon in length about two-thirds of the
diameter of the vessel was immersed also in the solution, the ends of
which were not in contact with the platinum electrodes. Semmola ob-
served that the passage of an electrical force through the solution between
the platinum electrodes induced a secondary electrolysis at the poles of
the third metallic conductor, the arc above described, but that more
hydrogen will collect at the kathodal end of the third conductor, viz., that
end which is nearest to the kathode from the battery; while if the third
conductor be formed of zinc, the oxygen, which ought to be liberated at
the anode in equivalent proportion to the hydrogen at its opposite pole,
combines with the zinc, and does not therefore appear as a free gas. It
is not necessary to immerse the whole arc, but only its terminals, within
the solution.

In some of his experiments with this form of apparatus, where the

1 La Lumiere Electrique.

«. in i-.i: \l. BUMMARY.

galvanic currenl was thai which was generated from a battery of six or
Beyen Bunsen cells coupled for tension, he obtained ~>.»i<s cubic met<
hydrogen with the third conductor, and 5.65 cubic meters withoul it: 13
cubic meters with this conductor, and L3.2 without it; in.;,; cubic meters
with, ami 10.73 cubic meters without this third conductor, 'rinse ex-
periments were performed, however, on a solution whose acidulation was
variable. Eis conclusions from experimentation lead him to assert that,
when the third conductor is employed and in the same strength of solu-
tion, the total amount of hydrogen liberated is more than without this
conductor; therefore electrolytical decomposition of a solution is increased
under these circumstances.

The intensity of " secondary electrolysis/' according to Semmola. varies
with the chemical nature of the third conductor, with its dimensions and
the position it occupies in relation to the primary electrodes; and also with
tin' proportion of acidity of the solution, the strength of the current, and
the section of the containing vessel.

If the secondary electrodal arc be made of platinum, a feeble disen-
gagement of oxygen gas appears at its anode, and when a current from
ten Bunsen cells is transmitted. If this electrode be made of gold or
silver a feeble gaseous decomposition of hydrogen Mill collect around the
negative, but no oxygen appears at the positive pole, when a current from
six Bunsen cells is transmitted.

If, on the other hand, an easily oxidizable metal like copper, iron,
brass or zinc, be used for the secondary electrode, the hydrogen only will
be disengaged, and that at the negative pole of the arc, and this after
making due allowance for the action of the acidulated water upon the oxi-
dizable metal. On the latter account, Professor Semmola preferred to
use amalgated zinc for the electrode'; in this case, the amount of gas
liberated increases from the centre, or node of the arc, to the kathodal
terminal, where it was abundantly disengaged.

The amount of electrolytical action was determined when a battery of
seven Bunsen cells was coupled for tension: a solution of sulphuric acid
and water (1:20) in the voltameter, arranged with a zinc arc for secondary
electrolysis, decomposed in one minute of time 6.2 cubic centimeters of
hydrogen at the primary electrode and 1 cubic centimeter at the secondary
electrode. The same apparatus with copper for the arc developed 0.6
cubic centimeters of hydrogen at the secondary electrode, and with silver,
0.1 cubic centimeter. If the secondary electrode be formed of several

204

ELECTROLYSIS.

arcs, arranged in line one with another, a secondary electrolysis will occur
at each kathodal end, but the amount of electrolytical action decreases
with the decreased length of these electrodes. The best effects of this
secondary decomposition is observed when the secondary electrode is in
the axial line between the two primary electrodes, and the maximum
action decreases in relation to the angle of deviation from this axial line
and at a right angle entirely disappears. This effect is similar to that ob-
served in the polarization of magnets.

Another interesting result of his experiments appears to be the most
important to our present discussion.

The annexed table shows that in non-acidulated water the proportion
of decomposition of gas at the secondary electrode is greater than in the
stronger acid solution, and that this increased ratio is due to the increased
amount of gas liberated at the primary electrode in the case of the stronger
acidulated water.

Strength of acid solution.

Quantity of Hydro-
gen gas liberated at
kathode of primary
electrode.

Quantity of Hydro-
gen gas liberated at
kathode of second-
ary electrode.

Ratio of amounts
liberated between
the two electrodes.

One part in fifty parts

One part in twenty parts. . .

1.7

9.5

12.

0.6
1.4
1.8
1.0

0.35
0.23
0.19
0.08

Semmola remarks, however, that there is a certain limit in which the
primary electrolysis alone increases, while the secondary electrolysis de-
creases.

The explanation of this induced action in the secondary electrode is
an illustration of polarization, and the tension of the current in the elec-
trolyte is shown by means of a sine-galvanometer to vary in proportion to
the nature and dimensions of the third electrode.

This author presents these experiments as proof of the principle ad-
vocated by Becquerel that

STRONG CHEMICAL AFFINITIES MAY BE OVERCOME BY THE SIMULTANEOUS
USE OF VERY FEEBLE ELECTRICAL FORCE AND APPROPRIATE SELEC-
TION' OF THE GIVEN CHEMICAL AFFINITIES.

We submit that the above case will explain some of the peculiarities in
the selection of zinc electrodes for physiological polarization of the tissues,
and that probably the cataphoric action of electricity is another name for
induced electrical action within soluble electrolytes, and that the increased

GENERAL BUMMARY. •_),.».">

electrical action in these men' resisting fluid mediums of conduction will
be displayed under the head of motion of its molecular composition.

We mighl make a rude illustration, winch, though no1 exact, maj be
an apt way of helping us to understand the case; cataphoric action repre-
sents what active agitation or Btirring in a chemical fluid of composite
character will do in assisting molecular action.

An extended investigation of the laws of electrical osmosis in a con-
ducting medium would be an important consideration of this question of
the resolutive action hy electricity upon living tissues. This inquiry
should be directed not only to the conductors of electricity used in the
apparatus, but also to the kind of tissue within the interpolar zone com-
prised between the points of contact of the electrodes. The question of
variations in temperature should also be considered.

It may he found that the lower grades of cell-life are endowed with
different resistances of conductivity as compared with those of healthy
tissue. This question is touched upon here as offering an important field
for investigation, which is certainly within the scope of this treatise, hut
is not within the power of the author to present at the present time.

The elucidation of such an inquiry would probahly bear strongly in
explanation of the so-called electrolysis in living tissue, and afford a more
fruitful field than the true electrolysis based solely upon chemical problems.
A correct explanation of the modus operandi of electricity in living
tissue would lend material aid in showing the true therapeutical applica-
tions of the so-called electrolysis, and lift the latter from the dangerous
and unsatisfactory grounds of empiricism to the more trustworthy domains
of fact. It might, also, assist us in extending these therapeutical appli-
cations to other abnormal growths, which at present seem beyond our
skill.

So far as we know at present, the so-called electrolysis is a satisfactory
means of treatment in every form of hypertrophic normal growth, which
are not amenable to the surgical use of the knife; and the resulting
cicatrices should not be deformities, because the destructive action of the
so-called electrolysis is not attended with secondary inflammations or
healing of tissues by " secondary intention."

If the cataphoric action of electricity is t he agency used for the cure
of certain diseases, we can see the utility in not penetrating deeply into
the tissues from which we wish toabstract water, or into the tissues within
which we wish to convey water; we can also see why the introduction by

29*3 ELECTROLYSIS.

means of electro-puncture need not be requisite for both poles, but why
it is essential that one electrode should be introduced under the subcuta-
neous tissue of an hypertrophied mass, the other being applied to the
cutaneous surface; we can also see why the combined use of medicines
may assist in stimulating the emunctories to absorb and remove accumu-
lation of fluids.

It will have been observed in the discussion concerning the cause of
destruction of living tissues by electrolysis (see Chapter Fifth), that the
proportion of water varies in the different tissues of the human body.
The application of the theory of electrical osmosis to these may suggest
that, as water will collect around the negative electrode, these tissues will
be in a relatively impoverished condition, which is the result of deficient
nutrition. Consequently, we may suppose that the multiplication of the
normal cell growth has been diminished.

The corium of the skin is naturally much drier than the overlying
subcutaneous tissue ; and if too large a quantity of water is poured out
in the former tissue, Ave may readily infer a disturbance of its functions
of nutrition. So, again, in regard to the nerve tissue, which in health
contains only sixty-four to eighty-four per cent, of water; an increase of
the watery character of this tissue may be accompanied with a distur-
bance of its nutrition and active functions.

Thus it will be seen that the explanation of the destroying action of an
electrical current within the normal tissues of the human body, is suscep-
tible to the formation of other theories than that of simple decomposi-
tions of its chemical structure.

It would seem appropriate in this summary of the action of the so-
called electrolysis of living tissues to present a compendium of those kinds
of abnormal tissue growth in which its application is indicated.

Undoubtedly it would add much to the value of this treatise if it was
within our power to lay doAvn precise rules, which would guide us in the
use of this remedial measure. The state of our knowledge has not yet
warranted the presentation of any such rules, though the reader may
gather from the preceding chapters many important facts which will prove
a useful guide in the application of electrolysis.

Though running the risk of repeating much that has been previously
mentioned a certain allowance should be made in order to present this
practical information in concise language

Aneurisms. These are undoubtedly amenable to the action of elec-

GENER \I- BUMHABY. 297

trolysis, but if they have proceeded t<> Bach an extenl as to have eroded
tin' adjacent tissues or bones, it might naturally be Bupposed thai the
aneurism will cover too much extent to receive a permanent cure. Again,
it' the communication between the aneurysmal sac and the artery runs
obliquely in the direction of the arterial flow, or is a very large; opening,
even a firm coagulum will not remain in situ and so occlude the com-
municating opening. The action of electrolysis is only that which causes
the establishment of a clot which in favorable cases may become adherent
to the walls of the blood vessel; consequently, the after treatment should
consist in perfect rest in a horizontal position, and the circulation will
naturally be much benefitted by the use of large doses of iodide of potas-
sium, and further control of the loosening of the clot will be accomplished
by the application, when practicable, of compresses over the region of
the aneurism.

Effusions. These are susceptible of treatment by means of electro-
lysis, provided that we bear in mind that its action is by osmosis. Since
the osmotic current is directed towards the negative electrode, it would
seem advisable to apply this electrode to those tissues which can absorb
the fluid and carry it onwards to the emunctory system. This latter can
then be stimulated by appropriate medicinal remedies, which will favor
the discharge of watery excreta by the eliminating organs. These medica-
ments are hydragogue cathartics and diuretics; iodide of potassium, also,
in large doses appears to assist in eliminating these secretions. This
theory of electrical action and method of application involves the neces-
sity of inserting the positive electrode into the interior of the fluid mass,
and the application of the negative electrode as near as practicable over
the tissues which contain the fluid. There is no record of the application
of electrolysis to the collection of serous fluids between the pleural mem-
branes, but there is every reason to suppose that its use in these cases is
indicated, provided that the explanation of its action by the promotion of
osmosis is correct. The effusion having primarily occurred through the
reversal of the natural laws of osmosis, any method which seeks to restore
the osmotic current to its normal condition would be entirely rational.
Probably the explanation of tapping the chest to relieve the pressure of
fluid from between the pleura surfaces is based on the counteraction of
the tendency to a continuance of the effusion. It is equally plausible that
the beneficial effects of iodide of potassium treatment for effusions is based
on the same principle.

298 ELECTROLYSIS.

Hydroceles. Undoubtedly some of the cases reported as cures were
only temporarily relieved. This is equally true of the palliative treatment
by surgically tapping the sac which contains this serous fluid. The intro-
duction of iodine into the emptied sac completes the cure in many of these
last-named cases. The same benefit could be obtained by the proper use
of the electrolytical method, provided the same object be attempted, viz. ,
to cause an irritation on the fluid side of the serous membrane, Avhich will
reverse the pre-existing condition of exosmosis. The reported cases of
cures by means of electrolysis can rationally be explained on this hypothe-
sis, and the failure of cures are equally susceptible of explanation.

Hematoceles AND A'aricoceles should likewise be amenable to the
same treatment, but in these cases we have a more complex condition of
the contained fluid. The blood should be coagulated, and by the process
of reversing the osmotic current this ought to be accomplished by a
rational use of the electricity.

Orchitis. It would seem plausible to expect the favorable action of
electrolysis in these and all other cases of swollen testicle, where there is
no suppuration, but simply a lymphatic deposit between the healthy
tubular structure of this organ, or an interstitial deposit of lymph.

Hypertrophy or Elephantiasis of the Scrotum ought under the
same theory of action to be susceptible of cure by the so-called electrolysis.

N.evi. The history of the cases which have been reported of the use
of electrolysis in these and other similar vascular tumors unmistakably
proves that they are entirely curable, provided that the strength of the
electrical current shall be correctly guaged.

Varicose Ulcers. In these cases the local action of metallic elec-
trodes removes the vitiated secretions and stimulates the underlying tissues
to a deposit of healthy granulations.

Eczema. It would seem as if this form of a defective nutrition of
the subcutaneous layers of tissue might be subjected to the effects of elec-
trolysis, by restoring the abnormal conditions of osmosis. The selection
of the proper terminal for application would depend upon the condition
of the tissues; where there is an excess of moisture, the positive electrode
should be applied; where there is a deficiency of moisture, the negative
should be applied.

The application to other skin diseases, such as acne punctata, lupus, or
those of a different character, would depend largely upon the causes at
work in tin1 tissues which result in these affections.

GENERAL SIMM KSTi . L".1'.*

\\ rAR*n growths are very readily destroyed by the electro-puncture.
Many needles may be used, connected a- negative, and imserted in various
portions of the growth, lateral to its surface and not below its base. The
positive electrode may be either a zinc needle inserted into the centre of
the wart, or may be held in the palm of the hand as a moistened and
covered piece of carbon.

Wens. Small Bebaceous wens can very readily be destroyed in one
Bitting, when they arc Beated nnder the dry skin, but when they arc situ-
ated in the seal)), several sittings are required, because the moisture of
the hairy scalp dissipates by its more ready conductivity the electrical
current. It would be of advantage in the latter condition to apply to the
surface of these tumors powdered chalk or moulder's clay before transfix-
ing the scalp with the needles, and thus render the scalp surface less
ready of conduetibility.

Fistula: and SlNUS. In these cases the use of electrolysis has been
satisfactorily attempted, but its advantages 'would be largely dependent
upon the object desired. If the surface of the tract is covered with
vitiated secretions due to an increase of the watery fluids from a depraved
surface, the application of a metallic positive electrode would cleanse the
wound, dry up the moisture and stimulate the surface to deposit healthy
granulations. The result should be a dry scab, under which healing
would occur, and a slow separation of the eschar.

Goitre, Hypertrichosis, Urethral Stricture, Cystic Tumors and
a list of diseases on pages 150 and 151 have been sufficiently enumerated
not to require separate mention in this place.

Extra-uterine Fcetation certainly presents one of the most promis-
ing fields for the application of electrolysis, but great caution should be
exercised to use currents of feeble strength, one to three milliamperes,
for three to five minutes at a sitting, and repeated at intervals of seven or
eight days. The use of the faradaic current cannot be relied upon to
destroy the life of the ovum. If the operator desires to use great caution.
he should confine electrical treatment to the surface application of gal
vanism. One electrode, the positive, should be applied over the supposed
habitat of the ovum, and the other, negative electrode should be applied
by a wad of absorbent cotton wound around a carbon cylinder and passed
into the vagina. By this method the cataphoric action of electricity
would set the osmotic current towards the vaginal orifice. This is simply
offered as a suggestion upon pure theoretical grounds, which would also

300 ELECTROLYSIS.

prompt the physician to combine the hydragogue and diuretic action of
drugs, to increase the action of osmosis in the abdominal viscera. It
would seem advisable to repeat this treatment daily, unless some untoward
symptom should contra-indicate its use. It is difficult to imagine that
any injurious effects would accompany such a procedure.

The. applications of this method to other forms of disease are suffi-
ciently indicated by the assumed mode of action of electrolysis which has
been presented in this treatise. A comparison of the many cases reported
under this treatment, especially by a reference to the two tables enumerated
on pages 150 and 151, will enable the reader to judge in advance of the
probable success which would attend its application.

It should be specially remembered that the transmission of electricity
through a conducting medium, partly fluid and of a complex structure
like that of living tissues, must be followed by some changed condition of
this organism. Electricity is not a fluid, nor is the body arranged for
transmission of a force without changing the physical conditions of the
organic composition. As mentioned in the introductory chapter, the
display of force may be transmuted into chemical decomposition, elevation
of temperature, or into a motion of the fluid particles of which an organic
body is composed. The transference of this force into a motion of the
fluid particles of a liquid conductor of high electrical resistance is in an in-
verse ratio to the result of the chemical decomposition.

An increase in the strength of the current necessary for conduction in
a resisting medium, would naturally be followed by an increase in the
varying degrees of potentials of its component parts. Electrical conduc-
tivity is from a higher to a lower potential, and consequently where tliis
difference is greatest, the manifestation of the force in the conductor will
be more intense, and the effects of the display more evident. This por-
tion of our study needs very careful investigation at the hands of our
physiologists, for a more perfect knowledge of the physical laws which
govern the increase or diminution of the organic structures of living
tissues. Therapeutical application depends upon the position and cer-
tainty of physiological laws, and it is useless to speculate in advance of the
establishment of these facts. We must be satisfied to test our applica-
tions of electricity to empirical knowledge. It is hoped, however, that
the object of the writer in collecting the results of empiricism and the facts
of physical and chemical science may lead to further researches, because

G I \ BE \l- >! MMAKY. 301

the promise oi cadi of these methods of observation is fruitful ><( advan-
tage in their application to disease.

The pathological conditions which accompany, or ensue as secondary
effects to the action of the local application of electricity called electro-
lysis, have only received a superficial examination. As an example of
this, attention is directed to the conditions nnder which ;i coagulum is
formed within the blood vessels under the local influence of electrolysis;

here it is seen that the clol becomes adherent to tile walls of these y

occasionally also after currents of greater strength, inflammation and
suppuration may supervene which result in a destruction of these limiting
tissues, and hemorrhage occurs through tho broken wall. Again, too,
the use of strong currents of electricity may set up an irritation and in-
flammatory action in the neighboring serous and mucous membranes. In
the latter case the foci of inflammatory action may radiate 1>y extending
beyond the point of contact of the electrodes. In the former case, the
action appears to he limited very cdosely to the position chosen for the
metallic contact with these tissues. These observations are important in
the application of electrolysis to uterine and pelvic surgery. On this
account empiricism has apparently suggested the use of the faradaic or in-
duced current of electricity in these cases. We have seen that the action
of so-called electrolysis is very slight in the presence of this latter form of
current, and that its power in producing chemical decomposition and
physical osmosis within the tissues is very feeble. The promise of harm
is as great as the promise of cure is small. Even with this form of elec-
trical display within the tissues some gynecologists have been tempted,
and with apparent success, to treat uterine fibroid tumors. Probably if
feeble currents of the constant battery were applied in these gynecologi-
cal cases instead of the uncertain and immeasurable currents from the
induction coil, the results of treatment would be more promising, and a
definite advance made in our clinical experience.

The mode of action by which electrolysis facilitates the absorption of
lymphatic engorgement and interstitial deposits of lymph, is susceptible
of an extended use in medicine. The lymphatic enlargement of the
lymph glands in leucocythemia, perhaps also in the more modern disease
called pernicious anosmia, should theoretically be improved under a proper
application of the electrical current through the tissues.

In drawing this work to a close, the author begs an indulgence from
his readers for the discursive way in which the subject of electrolysis has

302 ELECTROLYSIS.

been treated. It will be justly said in extenuation, that no electrical
work to which he has had access has dealt with this subject exclusively
and that the various works on electricity which he has consulted do not
present the matter of electrolysis in a clearly defined manner. It is the
author's hope that the facts of clinical experience, of chemical science and
of physical knowledge, which he has gleaned from the best authorities,
will atone for any shortcomings of his original suggestions.

ERRATA.

Page 37. — "decomposition" should read "evolution."

Page 38. — First line of second paragraph should read "by electrolysis" instead
of " of electrolysis."

Page 108. — Paragraph headed by "5" carbolic dioxide should read carbonic
dioxides.

1 \ I > E X

Abscesses, chronic, electricity in, 19*3.
Absolute galvanometer, 265.
Adenoma of thyroid gland, 196.
malignant, 802.

Alkaline and acid reactions at elec-
trodes, 35.
.Ampere, 94.
Angioma (nsevus), 168.
Aneurysms, 296.

table of cases of cures of by elec-
tricity, 141.
experiments in lower animals to

illustrate, 157.
cases in detail of, 159.
Ciniselli on treatment of by elec-
tricity, 161.
Angle of deviation in a galvanometer,

265.
Anions and kations, 7.
Astatic needle of galvanometer, 263.
Atomic weights of elements, 18.

Battery, coupled for tension or sur-
face, 71.
Frommhold's and other forms of,

see "cells," 63 et seq.
galvanic, form of for electrolysis,

57.
poles of, 80.
single fluid, 60.

various arrangements of cells in,
71, 84, 131.
Blood, coagulation of, 107.

composition of, 107.
Bronchocele, 198.

see Goitre, 196.
Bur^oin, experiments in electrolysis of
organic compounds, 21.

Carcinoma of the Thyroid yland, 197.
Cardiac symptoms in goitre, 207.

( latheterization by elecl rolysis, 42, 1 in.
Catalysis ami electrolysis compared,

' :;»;.

Cataphoric action of electricity, 14, 27,
38, :::5, 40, 126.
in goitre, 222.
Cauterization "tubular," 47.
Cell, animal or living, the seat of oxi-
dation, 107.
(•.institutes living tissue, 114.
destruction of by elect ro-piiucture,

124.
proliferation and segmentation of,

118, 283, 290.
vegetable, segmentation and kary-
okinetic formation of, 116.
Cell, galvanic, bichromate of soda, 63.
bichromate of potassa, 62.
Callaud's, action in, 61.
Daniell's, action in, 61.
Gaiffe and Clamond's, 66.
Holtzer's cylinder, 68.
Leclanche and its modifications,

64.
Siemen's and Halske, 61.
single fluid, 60.

composition of thyroid gland, 221.
Chemical equivalence, 18.
equivalents, table of, 18.
substances, union of, 19.
Chvostek's method of application of

electricity to goitre, 226, 228.
Cicatrization under an eschar produced

by electricity, 44.
Ciniselli on aneurysms, 161.
Coagulation of blood, 17.

as effected by electricity, 35.
as effected by electrolysis, 287.
causes of, 107.
Collector, dial. 272.
sledge, 271.

304

INDEX.

Combination switch board, 275.
Conductivity of mediums, its influence

on electric current, 101.
Conduction of electricity may occur
with or without decomposition,
41.
Conduction of electricity dependent on
difference of potentials, 81.
the human body as a, 88.
Cornea, opacities of, treatment by

electrolysis, 170.
Current electrical, danger of using a
strong, 99.
definition of, 79.
derived, 93.
diffusion of, 95.
direction of internal and external

circuits, 17.
effects of strong, on hypertricho-
sis, 249.
from several cells, 82.
high and low tension, 248.
measurement of, 83.
opposing, 39.

Decomposition of water, 45.

products of from a galvanic cell, 60.
Density of electrical current, 94.

influenced by relative size of elec-
trodes, 103.
Depolarization within batteries, 75.
Derived currents, 93.
Diffusion of electrical current, in one or
more conductors, 93.
definition of, 96.

dependent on law of derived cur-
rent^, 102.
in the human body, 97.
law of, 98.

Eczema, electrolysis in, 298.
Electrical current, its relations to
chemical equivalence, 15.

Faraday's explanation of, 16.

"flow "of, 80.

density of, 94.

illustration of, 126.

in goitre, 222.

in hydrocele, 40.

in ovarian dropsy, 171. [224.

osmosis from, 14, 27, 28, 33, 40, 222,

tension of, Ohm's law of, 72.

Electricity, cataphoric action of, 14.
conduction of without decompos-
ition, 41.

four methods by which it may in-
terfere with interstitial nutri-
tion, 127.

interpolar action of, 26.

in equilibrium, 9.

its "flow," 10. .

its action in deeper tissues, 41.

local effects of, 32.

negative and positive, 9.

transmission of in equipotential
lines, 104.
Electrodes, 10.

for electro-puncture, 132.

non-polarizable, 138.
Electrolysis, a destructive agent, 129.

action upon electrodes, 20.

coagulation of blood, 21.

application of theory of Grotthiis
to, 13.

application of to goitre, 216.

as a rubefacient, 30.

chemical explanation of, in appli-
cation to the human tissues, 278.

dependent on amount of heat, 38.

due to a chemical action at elec-
trodes, 31.

effects on living tissue, 6.

effects upon organic chemical
compounds, 22.

electrical osmosis in its application
to goitre, 222.

favored by use of iodide of potas-
sium, 29.

favors the endermic absorption of
drugs, 28.

for absorption of effusions, 130,
297.

in aneurisms, 157.

in dead the same as in living tis-
sue, 34.

indications for use of, 147.

in living tissues not due to cauter-
ization, 36.

in urethral strictures, 42.

laws governing, 39, 281.

mode of action, 30.

modification of inflammation and
suppuration, 56.

nature of, 6, 37.

INDEX.

305

Electricity aoi due to local chemical
art ion, 40, i,;
of living tissue aa explained on

chemical basis, 1 lit.
physics of, 9.
■• secondary " 298.
theory or, 46, 885.
therapeutical applications of, 277.
urea formed by means of, 2.
Electro-puncture, effects of in vascular

tumors, 28 1.
Electrolyte, 16.

electrical action, «>u recenl views of

Semmola, 292.
need not be a lluid, 1 15.
Electromotive force, a measure of elec-
tro-chemical work, 76.
method of determining amount to

overcome polarization, 78.
of certain batteries, table of, 53.
Energy liberated under forms of brat
and work, 108.
liberation el' Latent, transferred in-
to motion, 122.
Equal quantities of current, 54.
Equipotentials, 103.
Eschars caused by application of elec-

t miles, 36, 43, 44.
Exophthalmos, 205.
Extra-uterine fbetation, treatment by
electrolysis, 138, 299.

Farad, 94.

Fistula in ano, treatment by electroly-
sis, 192, 299.
Follicle, hair, position of in skin, 250,
Force, electricity a, 59.

motion the result of, 2.
repelling or opposing, work con-
sumed by, 55.
Frommhold, battery of, 75.
electrical osmosis, 27.
experiments of, on electrolysis of

living tissue, 26.
his theory that electro-catalysis is
due to electrical osmosis, 27.

Gaiffe's absolute galvanometer, 268.
Galvanic battery, description of, 56.

uniform current from, 60.
Galvanic cells, bichromate of potassa,
62.

Galvanic cells, bichromate of soda, 68.

< 'allauil's. or gravital ion, 52.

chloride of silver,

classification of, 60.

cylinder, Holtzer's, 87.

Daniell's, 61.

explanat ion of, 14,

Frommhold's, 75.

( taiffe and < llamond's, 65.

Leclanche, prism, 68.

Siemen's-1 lalske, 61.
< lalvano-cautery, 7:!, 193.
i lalvanometers, "absolute " < taifl*e's,265.

astatic, 263.

direction of currenl in. 262.

Ampere's rule for, 262,

for proportional currents, 265, 269.

graduations of into milliamperes,
266. [in, 262.

principle which governs influence

Lorenzoni, 269.

reducl ion factor of, 207.
i ralvanoscope, 265.
( iaseous condition of matter. 2.
Goitre, 196.

cases of, treated by electricity, 22 1.

congenital, 199.

exophthalmic, 205.

exophthalmos in, 212

gelatinous, 201.

hemorrhagic forms of, 203.

injections of medicinal substances
in, 219. [219.

ligature of vessels in treatment i if,

malignant forms of, 202.

natural retrogression of, 210.

palpitation in, 205.

pathogenesis of, 204.

pathology of, 196.

surgical ablation of, 211.

symptomatology, 205.

sequence of, 206.

vascular. 198, 223.
Grave's disease, see Goitre.
<; rot thus, hypothesis of, 12.

application of, to electrolysis, 13.

Hematocele, electrolysis in, 'J'.is.
1 [air, histology of, 243.

natural life and death of a. 111.
electrolysis in excessive growth of,
135.

306

INDEX.

Hair, segmentation, effects of treat-
ment by electrolysis on, 245.
Hard rubber holders for several electro-
needles, 275.
Heat, 247.

the result of metabolism, 108.
Hydrocele, electrolysis in, net due to
chemical action, 40.
explanation of electrolytical action

in, 298.
cases of, 153, 155, 156.
Hypertrichosis, cases of electrolysis in,
135, 242, 252.
needles for, 276.

Induction apparatus, currents of

measured strength of, 139.
Interpolar action of electricity, 26.
destructive to living tissue, 27.
Ions, 16, 57.

Rations, 16.

Karyokinesis in plant life, 116.
in animal life, 118.

Laws governing electrolysis in living

tissue, 39.
Leucoma, cases of, 170.
Liquid condition of matter, 2.
Local effects of electrolysis on skin, 32.

MAGNET, influence of the earth on, 263.
direction of the lines of force in,
263.
Magnetic needle, 263.
Magnetism, variations in the intensity

of in different localities. 267.
Matter, conditions of, gaseous, liquid

and solid, 2.
Metabolism, 106, 283.

nervous influence on, 109.
Milliampere, 94.

use of galvanometer in measuring
the, 265.
Molecules and atoms, 20.

N-ffilvus, destruction of by electrolysis,
134.

cases of, 68.
Needles as electrodes, 43.

insulated, 44, 45.

Needles, oxidation of, 44.

for electro-puncture, 132, 145.
for hypertrichosis. 276.
zinc and steel, as used by Groli for
electrolysis, 193.
Nervous system controls metabolism.
109.
influencing pathological phenome-
na, 109.
Nutrition of cells, 213.

(Edema, comparison of chemical irri-
tants with that of electrolysis,
102.
Ohm, the, 95.

Ohm's law, tension of current accord-
ing to, 72.
Organic and inorganic bodies, 1.
chemical changes in, 21.
decomposition of by electrolysis,

22.
effects of electrolysis on, 21.
Orth on forms of goitre, 197.
Osmosis, electrical, 14, 28, 33, 34, 40.
289, 291.
increased by resistance in an elec-
trolyte, 102.
Ovarian cysts, electrolysis in, Munde,
172.
Semeleder, 175.
Von Ehrenstein, 171.

Papilla of .hair, 242.

its destruction by electrolysis, 252,
Pavaglobulin, 215.
Physical laws, phenomena regulating.

2.
Polarization, electro-chemical action
of, in living tissue, 46, 100.
in galvanic cell, 17.
of electrodes, 39.
of human body, 96.
Positive and negative electrodes, dif-
ference in action of. in living tis-
sue, 26.
Potentials, law concerning difference

of, 11.
Proteids, composition and nature of,
106.
form the principal solids of glands,

215.

[NDEX.

:;«•;

Qi imtity of electricity how measured,
92.

Resistance, coil, 85.

externa] or interpolar, s-J.

in an electrolyte iacreasea osmosis,

102.
inversely proportion il to electrical

tension, 82.
Kohlrausch's method of testing in

electrolytes, 90.
of tissues of the human body, table

of, 39.
of water to electrical conduction,

60.
of wire, dependent on material of

which it is composed. 81.
secondary of electrolysis as calcu-
lated by Kohlrausch, 91.
Rheophores, 10.
flexible, 275.
Rheostat, 86.
liquid, 86.

Segmentation of living- cell, 119.

Sledge collector, 271.

Sinus, 299.

Solid condition of matter, 3.

Stricture, urethral, electrolysis in, 140.

Surface application of electricity for

electrolysis, 144.
Switch board, combination, 275.

Table, analytical, of decomposition of

organic chemical compounds,

24.
of atomic weights and combining

equivalents of elements, 18.
of cases of aneurism, treated b\r

electrolysis, 141.
of diseases reported as treated by

electrolysis, 150, 151.
of cases of ovarian cyst, treated by

electrolysis, by Von Ehrenstein

171.
by Semeleder, 172.
of chemical and electro-chemical

equivalents.
of comparative electromotive force

of batteries, 53.
of goitre, frequency in sexes, 209.

Table of ratio of increase >>f electrolyl i
cal act ion in proport ion t..
ductivityof electrolyte, 894
of resistances of the dead human

tissues, B9.
of resistances of Living human tis
Bues, 89.
Taste of electricity, 137.
Tension of current by Ohm's law, 72.
of current in relation to the con
ductor, 82, 148.

low. value of use of ciim-nt a Of, 1 19

Thermic effects produced in a conduc-
Thyreoprotine, 221. [tor, 58.

Thyroid gland, adenoma of, 200.

chemical composition of, 219.

hypertrophy of, 199.

its normal anatomy, 198.
Tumors, cancerous, electrolysis of, 1".

resolut ion of, 136.

treated by electrolysis, 177 el seq.

Ulcers of skin, chronic and indolent,

electrolysis in, 142.
Unit of capacity, 94.
of current, 95.
of density, 103.
of quantity, 94.
of resistance, the ohm. 95.
Urea formed by electrolysis from car-
bonate of ammonia, ','.
synthesis, 214.

Varicoceles, electrolysis in, 298.
Varicose tumors, electrolysis in, 143.
Varicocele, cases of, 155.
Voltaic pile, l".

used in surgery, 45.

strength of current from, 45.
Volta Pavia battery, 63.

Warts, electrolysis in, 133, 299.
Waldeyer's application of karyokinesis

to cell segmentation. 1 19.
Water, strong resistance of, to electric-
ity, 60, L08.
Weber and milliweber, 94.
Wens, electrolysis in, 399.

ZlNC and steel needles employed by

GrSh, 198.

14 DAY USE

RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED

This book is due on the last date stamped below, or

on the date to which renewed.

Renewed books are subject to immediate recall.

SEP 10 '964

8FP 2,964

' ' '

r t-x m rr> A'eo General Library
rnfil?! «i m i-fi University of California
(D64/lsl0)-li6 Berkeley

ll»055033

££5463

RM886

BIOLOGY
UUARY
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY

.:l':\v:*:%?Sft*S?SS

;•;

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "A treatise on electrolysis and its applications to therapeutical and surgical treatment in disease"

See other formats