Page 37 - My FlipBook

THERAPEUTICS OF ELECTRICITY. 35

removed, and the quantity which subsequently flows will generally
equal that drawn by the leech.
Leeches are often applied to the gum over the root of a tooth
affected with acute periodontitis, to relieve the inflammation and
congestion. To make the leech bite readily, the surface to which
it is to be applied may be smeared with cream or sweet milk, or
a puncture may be made in it, so as to draw blood, and, to isolate
the part of the surface on which it is desired to apply the leech,
a small hole may be made in a piece of bibulous paper, which
will adhere to a dry surface of the gum, and afford an opening
for the mouth of the leech to approach the surface.
To remove a leech if it does not drop off of its own accord
which they will generally do in from fifteen to twenty minutes, it
may be sprinkled with a little cold water or diluted vinegar, or
powdered sugar. To promote bleeding from leech bites, fomen-
tations or warm dry cloths, or a cupping glass, may be used. To
check the hemorrhage from leech bites, which is sometimes ex-
cessive, firm pressure may be made with the finger, or exposure
to cold air, or the application of such styptics as alum or matico.
Cupping is employed when it is desired to draw blood rapidly,
or to ascertain the exact quantity of blood drawn, or when it is
desirable to make an impression on the system. Cupping is per-
formed by means of cupping glasses and a scarificator. The
glasses are applied after being partially exhausted of air, when
the removal of the atmospheric pressure produces a determination
of blood to the capillaries of the part, and it is afterwards easily
drawn by scarification.
Scarifications consist of small incisions made in inflamed and
congested parts, to relieve the engorged condition of the capillary
vessels, and are sometimes employed to relieve acute inflammation
of the gums and mucous membrane of the mouth.

ELECTRICITY AS A THERAPEUTIC MEANS IN THE TREATMENT
OF DISEASE.
Electricity is a powerful agent in many forms of nervous dis-
ease, especially in the treatment of paralysis and neuralgia.
Three forms of electricity are employed, viz : The induced cur-