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3. Metallic threads.-A wire brush (fig. 35). This may be moved over the skin (electric cauterization), held in contact with it (electric moxa), or used to strike it lightly (electric fustigation). In cutaneous electrization the skin must be carefully dried, and in addition sprinkled with some absorbent powder, such as starch or violet powder.

ELECTRIZATION OF INTERNAL ORGANS.

1. Electrization of the rectum and muscles of the anus.-A metallic olive mounted on a stem of metal, and insulated by gum elastic is introduced into the rectum and connected with one of the conductors. A moist rheophore connected with the second conductor is moved over the circumference of the anus, while the olive is brought in contact with the levator and spincter ani. To excite the muscular coat of the rectum the olive must be moved over all its internal FIG. 36.

Rectal rheophore.

surface. The rectum must always be first freed from fæcal matter.

FIG. 37.

Urethral rheophore.

2. Electrization of the bladder.-The bladder must first be emptied. To electrize the muscular fibres

FIG. 38.

FIG. 39.

of its neck, the rectal rheophore must be introduced into the rectum as above described. A curved metallic sound (fig. 37), insulated by being covered with an elastic catheter to within an inch of its vesical extremity, is introduced into the bladder, and drawn back in such a manner that its extremity is brought in contact successively with all points of the neck of the bladder. To avoid the necessity of using the rectal rheophore, Duchenne has contrived what he terms a double vesical rheophore. This instrument is formed of two flexible metallic stems, enclosed in an elastic catheter with a double channel separating them from each other. The two stems have the terminations shown in fig. 39, so that when approximated, as in fig. 38, they resemble an ordinary sound. The instrument is closed by pushing the elastic catheter forwards, and is thus

introduced into the bladder. Fig. 38. Double vesical rheoThe stems being then pushed phore, closed.

forward, the ends separate.

[graphic]

Fig. 39. The same, open.

3. Electrization of the uterus.-The uterine rheophore differs from the double vesical only in

the curvature of the stems, and in the larger size of the terminal plates. It is introduced closed, as in fig. 40, into the vagina, and then the two plates

FIG. 41.

FIG. 40.

are made to separate, as in fig. 41. The operator guides each of the plates by the index finger of his free hand, and places them on the sides of the cervix.

4. Electrization of the larynx. This may be direct or indirect. The more usual method is to apply a moist rheophore to the nape of

Fig. 40. Uterine rheophore, the neck, and a second

closed.

rheophore, or a wire brush,

Fig. 41. The same, open. as the case may be, to the exterior of the larynx, and in the majority of cases this will fulfil every therapeutic indication. In direct electrization the intervention of the laryngoscope is necessary. In this procedure, chiefly practised by Dr. Morell Mackenzie, a curved metallic stem, terminating in a small bit of sponge, and protected by a gum-elastic tube, is introduced by the aid of the laryngoscope. This laryngeal rheophore (fig. 42) is provided with a spring and stop, by which the operator is enabled to withhold the current unless he sees by the laryngeal mirror that the sponge is in the desired position. A

second moist rheophore is applied externally. The muscles of the pharynx may be electrized with a similar director, but this is a proceding requiring

FIG. 42.

Dr. Morell Mackenzie's laryngeal rheophore.

great care, on account of the contiguity of the glosso-pharnygeal, pneumogastric, and recurrent

nerves.

5. Electrization of the male genital organs.-Moist rheophores are placed upon the scrotum over the testicle or the epididymis. If it be desired to excite the vesiculæ seminales, the bowel is first emptied, the rectal rheophore is then introduced and so directed that its olive-shaped termination may be brought into relation with the vesiculæ. For this purpose it is sufficient to move the rheophore from right to left and vice versa. A powerful current will penetrate the intestine and reach the vesiculæ, exciting them energetically. The circuit is completed by a second rheophore placed on an unsensitive part of the body.

ELECTRIZATION OF THE ORGANS OF THE SENSES. Electric excitation of the senses of sight, hearing, smell, and taste should be performed with extreme care, from its liability to re-act acutely upon the

brain. It should never be had recourse to in cases in which central excitement must be avoided, and in all cases the minimum dose should be commenced These cautions are especially important with the

with.
voltaic current.

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Rheophore introduced into the auditory meatus.

Electrization of the retina.-Voltaism has the distinctive property of re-acting acutely upon the retina, producing sensations of flashes of light when

A. The concha. B. Meatus auditorius externus, in which the rheophore, insulated by a tube of ivory, E, is inserted. The lower half of the meatus is filled with tepid water. F. The tympanum. G. Eustachian tube. H. Labyrinth and auditory nerve. 1. Membrana tympani attached to the malleus. J. Laxator tympani externus. K. Tensor tympani. L. Laxator tympani.

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