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THERAPEUTICS OF ELECTRICITY.
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useful for the mediate, and the faradic current for the immediate
application, the former proving serviceable in all forms of neural-
gia, and especially in facial neuralgia, and the latter in headaches,
especially those of a rheumatic nature.
Galvanism is also employed with advantage in sciatica, spinal
irritation and hysteria, also tumors, such as aneurisms and goitre,
these morbid products being dispersed by connecting the two
poles of a galvanic battery with needles which are thrust into
the morbid growth and generate a process known as
electrolysis. In such operations bubbles of hydrogen gas
are disengaged at the negative pole, which separate mechanic-
ally the adjacent tissues, breaking them up in such a manner
that the disintegrated particles may be taken up by the circula-
tion. Oxygen is disengaged at the positive pole, which forms
an acid with certain elements of the tissue, and the albumen
is coagulated, forming a clot if this occurs in a cavity filled with
blood.
For obtunding sensitive dentine and controlling peridental in-
flammation by electrolysis. Dr. F. McGraw suggests the follow-
ing method: "To a 12 per cent, solution of cocaine add an
equal amount of absolute alcohol. In connection with this use
the galvanic current, varying the power as the needs of each case
may indicate." The method of application is as follows :
"After applying the rubber-dam, wet a pledget of cotton in the
solution ; place it in the cavity of the tooth ; press the point of
the positive pole on to the cotton, and the negative pole, with
sponge attachment, to the cheek, turning on the current. An
application of three minutes, with an interval of like duration,
and then another three-minute application, is sufficient in the
majority of cases, although it is occasionally necessary to make
the third application. Then dry the cavity thoroughly and begin
excavating." In case of peridental inflammation use a stronger
current, which tetanizes the vessels and causes a diminished flow
of blood to the parts and thus lessens congestion. The same
current longer continued will cause electrolytic decomposition.
" The medicinal agents he uses for peridental inflammation and
for blind abscesses are a saturated solution of the chloride of