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LOCAL AN^STHESL\. 267
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When a current of the volatile liquid, either atomized ether
or rhigolene, comes in contact with the skin by the use of the
sprav apparatus, an intense degree of cold is produced, which
deprives the nerves of the part of their power to transmit im-
pressions to the sensorium. For the extraction of teeth, destruc-
tion of the pulps of teeth, opening abscesses, and other minor
surgical operations, and neuralgia of superficial nerves, success
has attended the use of such local anaesthetics. The greatest ob-
jections to such a method of inducing local anaesthesia, are the
great pain which attends the first application, and the unpleasant
burning sensation of the part when it is recovering from the
freezing process. (See Rhigolene.) (See Aconite, for obtunding
mixture.)
Liquefied chloride of methyl dissolved in ether and carefully
applied by means of a hair pencil, is recommended for the pain-
less extraction of teeth, the opening of alveolar abscesses, etc.,
etc. (See Cocaine, Tropacocaine, Beta-Eucaine, Vapocaine, and
Chloretone, as local anaesthetics.)
A plan of local anaesthesia, known as Voltaic Narcotism^ has
been suggested by Dr. Richardson, of London. It consists in
passing a galvanic current through a narcotic solution held in
contact with the part to be operated upon. This plan appears to
be successful only where the cavity of the tooth to be extracted
is exposed.
Electro-magnetism has also been employed as a local anaes-
thetic, and it is a mooted question whether it relieves pain or
complicates the sensations. It is well, however, to remember
that some persons are so peculiarly constituted as to render them
very susceptible to the influence of electricity. Dr. Scott de-
scribes his method of applying electricity for the extraction of
teeth as follows : " Use a Kidder electro-magnetic machine, or
any other giving very rapid vibrations of armature. Place the
positive electrode on the gum of the tooth to be extracted, and
the negagve in the patient's hand, or at the back of the neck.
Start with a light current and gradually increase the strength as
much as can be borne without producing pain. The electrode
applied to the tooth should embrace each side, the better to con-