An Account of the Late Improvements in Galvanism With a Series of Curious and Interesting Experiments Performed Before the Commissioners of the French National Institute, and Repeated Lately in the Anatomical Theatres of London

Produced by Sonya Schermann, Carol Brown and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)

AN ACCOUNT OF _THE LATE IMPROVEMENTS_ IN GALVANISM, WITH A SERIES OF CURIOUS AND INTERESTING _EXPERIMENTS_ PERFORMED BEFORE THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE FRENCH NATIONAL INSTITUTE, AND REPEATED LATELY IN THE ANATOMICAL THEATRES OF LONDON.

BY JOHN ALDINI, PROFESSOR OF EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA, MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL AND GALVANIC SOCIETIES OF PARIS, OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, ETC.

TO WHICH IS ADDED, AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING THE AUTHOR’S EXPERIMENTS ON THE BODY OF A MALEFACTOR EXECUTED AT NEWGATE. _&c. &c._

_Illustrated With Engravings._

[Illustration: Medallions]

_LONDON_: PRINTED FOR CUTHELL AND MARTIN, MIDDLE-ROW, HOLBORN, AND J. MURRAY, NO. 32, FLEET-STREET, BY WILKS AND TAYLOR, CHANCERY-LANE. 1803.

Editor’S Preface.

Few discoveries in modern times have excited so much curiosity as that of Galvanism. Ever since it was first made known by its celebrated Author, it has engaged the attention of the most eminent philosophers in Europe; and various researches have been undertaken to ascertain the principles on which it depends; and the laws to which it is subject.

Though some of its singular properties are fully established, it must be allowed that the discovery is still in its infancy; but enough of it is known to prove its importance, and to induce philosophers to continue their researches, which there is every reason to suppose may lead to some very curious results.

The experiments, indeed, which have already been made, seem to indicate that it may open a new field in the healing art; and it appears by a late report presented to the Class of the Exact Sciences of the Academy of Turin, that the medical application of it has been attended with the most beneficial effects in a case of confirmed hydrophobia.

While Galvanism, independently of other advantages, holds out such hopes of utility in regard to objects so interesting to mankind; a work containing a full account of the late improvements which have been made in it, illustrated by a complete course of experiments, cannot fail of being acceptable to the public in general, and in particular to medical men, to whose department, in one point of view, it more essentially belongs.

When Professor Aldini left this country, the manuscript, written in French, together with two printed Latin Dissertations, was put into the Editor’s hands, in order that they might be prepared for the press. A translation of these forms the principal part of the work: and an Appendix has been added, containing the author’s experiments on the body of a malefactor executed at Newgate; experiments of a similar kind on the bodies of three criminals decapitated at Bologna; and an experiment lately made at Calais, which seems to show that Galvanism is susceptible of being conveyed to a very considerable distance through the water of the sea.

The Editor thinks it necessary to observe, that the principal experiments, of which an account is given in this work, are illustrated by proper engravings, and that the title page is embellished with a representation of the gold medal presented to the Author, as a mark of their respect, by the medical professors and pupils of Guy’s and St. Thomas’s Hospitals.

LONDON, _May 12th, 1803_.

Contents.

Part I.

Page

Of The Nature And General Properties Of Galvanism.

PROPOSITION I. _Muscular contractions are excited by the development of a fluid in the animal machine, which is conducted from the nerves to the muscles without the concurrence or action of metals_ 3

PROP. II. _The Galvanism excited, in the preceding experiments, is not owing to the communication nor to the transfusion of the general electricity, but to an electricity peculiar to animals, which acts a very distinguished part in the animal economy_ 6

PROP. III. _Galvanism develops itself in a powerful manner, independently of metals, by means of the human animal machine_ 8

PROP. IV. _Muscular contractions can be excited, under certain conditions, without establishing a continued arc from the nerves to the muscles_ 11

PROP. V. _The effects of Galvanism, in the preceding experiments, do not depend on the action of any stimulant, which occurs in performing the experiments, and ought not to be confounded with the effects of that action_ 12

PROP. VI. _Galvanism is excited in the animal machine without any intermediate body, and merely by the application of the nerves to the muscles_ 14

PROP. VII. _The heterogeneity of metals contributes, in a great degree, to excite muscular contractions with more facility, but is not absolutely necessary to their production_ 19

PROP. VIII. _The Leyden flask, the Voltaic pile, and animal substances, have the faculty of absorbing principles from the atmospheric air in an insulated plenum_ 21

PROP. IX. Flame _prevents the action of the Leyden flask, as well as that of the pile, and also muscular contractions_ 27

PROP. X. _Certain fluids, applied to the whole surface of the pile, or of animal parts, do not prevent the action of Galvanism_ 29

PROP. XI. _Mere electrization, by means of the common kinds of apparatus, does not increase the action of Galvanism_ 32

PROP. XII. _The Galvanic action is increased by employing as part of the arc the apparatus of Volta, or the electrified Leyden flask_ 34

PROP. XIII. _Galvanism, in animals and in the pile, traverses large spaces with the same rapidity as the electric fluid_ 36

PROP. XIV. _The muscular contractions, which, according to the observations of Galvani, are produced by an electric atmosphere whether natural or artificial, correspond entirely with those produced by the pile, or by similar kinds of apparatus_ 37

PROP. XV. _Opium, cinchona, and other stimulants of a similar kind, which exercise a powerful action on the animal machine, contribute also to excite the action of the pile_ 41

PROP. XVI. _If the general relation between Galvanism and electricity be examined, such a correspondence will be found between them, as tends to confirm the analogy already stated_ 44

PROP. XVII. _The hypothesis of an animal pile, analogous to that formed artificially, seems well calculated to explain the sensations and contractions in the animal machine_ 47

Part The Second.

On The Influence Which Galvanism Has On The Vital Powers 53

SECTION I. _Galvanism applied to various quadrupeds, birds, and other warm-blooded animals_ 54

SECTION II. _Experiments made on human bodies after death_ 67

Part The Third.

On The Power Of Galvanism As Applied To Medicine 97

SECT. I. _Advantages which the medical administration of Galvanism has over that of common electricity_ 99

SECT. II. _Application of Galvanism to the organs of hearing and of sight_ 101

SECT. III. _Application of Galvanism in cases of asphyxia and drowning_ 110

SECT. IV. _Galvanism applied to the cure of melancholy madness_ 113

SECT. V. _General reflections on the action and influence which Galvanism, considered in a medical point of view, exercises on the animal œconomy_ 123

DISSERTATION _on animal electricity, read in the Institute of Bologna in the year 1793_ 133

SECOND DISSERTATION _on animal electricity, read in the Institute of Bologna in the year 1794_ 155

_Conclusion_ 186

Appendix 189

No. I. _An account of the experiments performed, by J. Aldini, on the body of a malefactor executed at Newgate Jan. 17, 1803_ ib.

No. II. _Report presented to the Class of the Exact Sciences of the Academy of Turin, 15th August 1802, in regard to the Galvanic experiments made by_ C. VASSALI-EANDI, GIULIO, _and_ ROSSI, _on the 10th and 14th of the same month, on the bodies of three men a short time after their decapitation_. _By_ C. GIULIO 204

No. III. _Account of an experiment made at Calais, on the transmission of Galvanism through an arm of the sea_ 217

An Account

Of The Late

Improvements In Galvanism.

A just tribute of applause has been bestowed on the celebrated Professor Volta for his late discovery; and I have no desire to deprive him of any part of that honour to which he is so justly entitled; but I am far from entertaining an idea that we ought, on this account, to neglect the first labours of Galvani. Though these two philosophers pursued different routes, they concurred to throw considerable light on the same points of science; and the question now is, to determine which of them deduced the most just consequences from the facts he observed; and then to ascertain whether the facts established by Galvani lead to the theory of Volta, or whether those discovered by Volta are connected with the theory of Galvani. For my part, I am of opinion that these two theories may serve in an eminent degree to illustrate each other.

Last year Professor Volta announced to the public the action of the metallic pile. I here propose to exhibit, according to the principles of Professor Galvani, the action of the animal pile.

Such is the plan I have conceived in order to reconcile the systems of these two illustrious philosophers: it forms the object of the present work, which is divided into three parts. In the first I shall exhibit the action of Galvanism independently of metals, and explain some of its general properties. The second will contain experiments on the power of Galvanism to excite the vital forces. In the third I shall propose some useful applications of it to medicine, and explain the principles on which the new medical administration of Galvanism is founded. To render the work as methodical as possible, I have endeavoured to arrange the experiments in such a manner that they may serve as proofs to a series of general propositions, which, it is hoped, will be of use to physiology and to the doctrine of the animal economy.

Part The First.

Of The Nature And General Properties Of Galvanism.

Proposition I.

_Muscular contractions are excited by the development of a fluid in the animal machine, which is conducted from the nerves to the muscles without the concurrence or action of metals._

Experiment I.

Having provided the head of an ox, recently killed, I thrust a finger of one of my hands, moistened with salt water, into one of the ears (Plate I. fig. 1.), at the same time that I held a prepared frog in the other hand, in such a manner that its spinal marrow touched the upper part of the tongue. When this arrangement was made, strong convulsions were observed in the frog; but on separating the arc all the contractions ceased.

This experiment will succeed still better if the arc be conveyed from the tongue of the ox to the spinal marrow of the frog. This method was found to be exceedingly convenient for trying the effect of Galvanism on several calves.

Experiment II.

Having provided the trunk of a calf, I conveyed the arc from the muscles of the abdomen to the spinal marrow of a frog, prepared and arranged in the usual manner. The frog seemed much affected, and the contractions were exceedingly violent when the arc was composed of a chain of different persons, united together by the hands moistened with salt water.

Experiment III.

I connected, by means of one chain of moisture, the heads of two or three calves, and observed that by this combination the force of the Galvanism was exerted with more energy: a frog, which was not affected by touching one head, experienced violent contractions when applied to a series of several heads connected together.

Experiment IV.

I think it proper here to mention a very curious observation which I made lately at Paris, in company with professor Huzzard, and in the presence of the Commissioners of the National Institute. On applying the spinal marrow of a prepared frog to the cervical muscles of a horse’s head, separated from the body, no muscular convulsions took place; but if, at the same time, another person touched with his hand, moistened by a solution of muriate of soda, the spinal marrow of the horse, convulsions were always produced in the frog, though there was no communication between the persons, except that formed by a floor on which they stood.

Proposition II.

_The Galvanism excited, in the preceding experiments, is not owing to the communication nor to the transfusion of the general electricity, but to an electricity peculiar to animals, which acts a very distinguished part in the animal economy._

Experiment I.

Having placed the trunk of a calf (Plate I. fig. 2.) on an insulated table, I made a longitudinal incision in the breast, in order to obtain a long series of muscles uncovered. I then arranged two insulated persons in such a manner that the one with a finger, moistened by salt water, touched the spinal marrow of the calf, while the other applied the spinal marrow of a frog to the muscles of the trunk. Every time this arc was formed, muscular contractions were produced in the frog. When the two persons let go each other’s hands, the contractions ceased. I repeated this experiment, with the same success, on the insulated head of an ox, conveying the arc from the spinal marrow of the frog to the tongue. Frogs were as violently affected when the experiment was made with the insulated trunks of different kinds of birds.

This experiment, in my opinion, affords a decisive proof that the Galvanic fluid is peculiar to the animal machine, independently of the influence of metals, or of any other foreign cause. In these experiments, indeed, we have some animal machines, so combined that the result is strong contractions in the frog. All the bodies were insulated; and, therefore, it cannot be supposed that the contractions were occasioned by the direct influence of that general principle, which pervades every body in nature. Hence it is evident, whether it be ascribed to the action of the animal chain, formed by the arms of the persons, or to the animal pile, formed by the trunk of the calf, that we shall still be obliged to acknowledge the action of a principle which belongs to the organization of the animal machine, without having any dependence on metals.

* * * * *

To prove in the animal body the existence of a principle which philosophers can by certain means excite and direct at pleasure in their experiments, is a matter of the greatest importance; though the manner in which it is put in action by nature, however wonderful, is unknown to us. Here then we have developed a very energetic fluid, capable of transmission, and deriving its origin from the action of the animal forces; since the parts of bodies separated from the common reservoir of general electricity have still of themselves the faculty of reproducing it, and of causing it to circulate in a manner proper for exciting muscular contractions.

Proposition III.

_Galvanism develops itself in a powerful manner, independently of metals, by means of the human animal machine._

Experiment I.

If you hold in your hand, moistened with salt water, the muscles of a prepared frog, and apply the crural nerves to the tip of your tongue, you will immediately see violent contractions produced in the frog. All suspicion of any stimulant exerting an action in this case, may be removed by repeating the experiment with the frog held in the dry hand: the muscular contractions will then cease, unless the action of Galvanism in the frog, or in the animal machine, be uncommonly powerful; in which case contractions may be produced without establishing an arc from the nerves to the muscles.

Experiment II.

I held the muscles of a prepared frog in one of my hands, moistened by salt water, and brought a finger of the other hand, well moistened, near to the crural nerves. When the frog possessed a great deal of vitality the crural nerves gradually approached my hand, and strong contractions took place at the point of contact. This experiment proves the existence of a very remarkable kind of attraction, observed not only by myself, but also by those whom I requested to repeat the experiment.

Experiment III.

The above experiment requires great precision in the preparation, and a considerable degree of vital power in the frog. I have been informed by Professor Fontana, in a letter lately received from him, that this phænomenon depends on very delicate circumstances, which he proposes to explain. He assures me, at the same time, that he has twice seen the nerve attracted, in this manner, by the muscle. Being desirous to render this phænomenon more evident, I formed the arc, by applying one of my hands to the spinal marrow of a warm-blooded animal, while I held a frog in the other, in such a manner that the crural nerves were brought very near to the abdominal muscles. By this arrangement the attraction of the nerves of the frog became very sensible. I performed this experiment for the first time, at Oxford, before Sir Christopher Pegge and Dr. Bancroft, and repeated it in the anatomical theatres of St. Thomas’s and Guy’s hospitals.

Experiment IV.

I made the same observations on the body of a man as I had before made on the head and trunk of an ox. Having obtained the body of an executed criminal, I formed an arc from the spinal marrow to the muscles, a prepared frog being placed between, and always obtained strong contractions without the aid of the pile, and without the least influence from metals. I obtained the same result, in a certain degree, from the bodies of men who had died a natural death.

Experiment V.

Let four or more persons hold each other by the hands, moistened by a solution of muriate of soda, so as to form a long animal chain. If the first hold in his hand the muscles of a prepared frog; and if the last, at the other end of the chain, touch the spinal marrow or the crural nerves, contractions will be produced: if the animal chain be broken, the contractions will immediately cease. I performed this experiment, making the animal chain to consist of two persons, before the Galvanic Society at Paris, and in Mr. Wilson’s anatomical theatre, Windmill-street.

Proposition IV.

_Muscular contractions can be excited, under certain conditions, without establishing a continued arc from the nerves to the muscles._

Experiment.

Having obtained the body of an executed criminal, I caused the biceps muscle to be laid bare, and brought near to it the spinal marrow of a prepared frog. By these means contractions were produced in it much stronger than I had ever obtained in warm-blooded animals. I repeated the experiment, being myself insulated, and observed no signs of contraction. The same phænomena were exhibited with the head of an ox, which possessed an extraordinary degree of vitality.

Proposition V.

_The effects of Galvanism, in the preceding experiments, do not depend on the action of any stimulant, which occurs in performing the experiments, and ought not to be confounded with the effects of that action._

Experiment I.

In the experiment of the frog applied to the uncovered biceps muscle of the body of the malefactor, if any other body be made to touch the frog it will remain motionless. This proves that the contractions produced in the frog do not arise from the impulse of the mere contact of the spinal marrow with the muscle of the human animal machine.

Experiment II.

To remove still further all suspicion of the action of stimulants, in the preceding experiments, I prepared two frogs, and connected the extremities of one with the spinal marrow of the other. I then held in my hand the extremities of one of the frogs, and applied the spinal marrow of the other to the uncovered muscles of the head of an ox, which possessed a great degree of vitality. By these means contractions were produced in both the frogs. It is evident, in this experiment, that the force of the stimulant, if there were any, might act on the second frog, but not on the first.

Proposition VI.

_Galvanism is excited in the animal machine without any intermediate body, and merely by the application of the nerves to the muscles._

Several philosophers have endeavoured to obtain this interesting result. Professor Volta, in a letter which he addressed to me, in Brugnatelli’s Journal, observed, “that various parts of animals can excite Galvanism, independently of metals.” Galvani, a short time before his death, proposed two ingenious methods of obtaining this result, and gave me a description of them. This, however, has not been able to destroy the incredulity of some philosophers, who hitherto have confounded Galvanism with metallic electricity, under an idea that all contractions proceed from irritation, produced by the action of metals. For this reason I have, with confidence, announced my method, which enables any one to observe this important result.

Experiment I.

Having prepared a frog in the usual manner, I hold the spinal marrow in one hand (Plate I. fig. 3.), and with the other form an angle with the leg and foot, in such a manner that the muscles of the leg touch the crural nerves. On this contact strong contractions, forming a real electrico-animal alarum (_carillon_), which continue longer or shorter according to the degree of vitality, are produced in the extremity left to itself. In this experiment, as well as in the following, it is necessary that the frogs should be strong and full of vitality, and that the muscles should not be overcharged with blood.

Experiment II.

By observing the directions already given, very strong convulsions will be obtained; but they must not be ascribed to the impulse produced by bringing the nerve into contact with the muscle. If the experiment be repeated, covering the muscle, at the place of contact, with a non-conducting substance, the contractions will entirely cease; but they will be re-produced as soon as the nerve is made to touch the muscular substance. In performing this experiment, in public, I obtained several times more than two hundred successive contractions; but this was never the case when I formed the same contact with the muscle by means of a conducting substance, and even with a plate of metal.

To ensure the success of this interesting experiment, the nerves must be prepared as speedily as possible, by disengaging them from every foreign substance. It will be proper also to apply the nerves not to one but to several points of the muscle, throughout its whole length. It is observed, that the contact of the nerves with the tendinous parts which communicate with the muscles, often serves to increase the muscular contractions. I performed the above experiment before several able professors, among whom were the celebrated Brugnatelli and Carcano, who, with that modesty peculiar to them, made several ingenious observations on the precision which might be given to it. Professor Brugnatelli was apprehensive that, as I had accidentally touched some metals before I performed the experiment, metallic particles might have adhered to my fingers, and thus have served, in some measure, as invisible arming, sufficient of itself to excite muscular contractions. This suspicion, however, I removed, by immersing my hands in water, to detach every foreign substance. He then observed that animal moisture, independently of the circulation of the Galvanic fluid from the nerves to the muscles, might also excite muscular contractions; and he requested that the crural nerves might be washed in common water. This was accordingly done; and the humidity of the nerves being thus externally removed, very strong contractions were still produced, as the professor found, to his full conviction, on repeating the experiment himself several times[1].

[1] It may not be improper here to observe, that my method of exciting muscular contractions, without metals, is very different from that proposed by others. I do not know that convulsions have ever been obtained in cold-blooded animals by means of warm-blooded. From observations I have made, I flatter myself with the hope of being able to obtain contractions without metals, even in the muscles of warm-blooded-animals. But to ensure the certainty of this method would require long practice, and a preparation attended with considerable difficulty. I however propose to attempt it on my return to Italy. Some philosophers, indeed, had conceived the idea of producing contractions in a frog without metals; and ingenious methods proposed by my uncle Galvani induced me to pay attention to the subject, in order that I might attain to greater simplicity. He made me sensible of the importance of the experiment, and therefore I was long ago inspired with a desire of discovering that interesting process. It will be seen in the _Opuscoli of Milan_, that I shewed publicly, to the Institute of Bologna, contractions in a frog without the aid of metals, so far back as the year 1794. The experiment, as described in a memoir addressed to M. Amorotti, is as follows: “I immersed a prepared frog in a strong solution of muriate of soda. I then took it from the solution, and, holding one extremity of it in my hand, I suffered the other to hang freely down. While in this situation, I raised up the nerves with a small glass rod, in such a manner that they did not touch the muscles. I then suddenly removed the glass rod, and every time that the spinal marrow and nerves touched the muscular parts, contractions were excited. Any idea of a stimulus arising either from the action of the salt, or from the impulse produced by the fall of the nerves, may be easily removed. Nothing will be necessary but to apply the same nerves to the muscles of another prepared frog, not in a Galvanic circle; for, in this case, neither the salt, nor the impulse even if more violent, will produce muscular motion.

Experiment III.

The Commissioners of the French National Institute remarked, that, in order to give the greatest precision possible to these experiments, it would be necessary to insulate entirely the nervous and muscular systems. For this purpose, I applied these parts to each other by means of glass rods, and each time they were brought into contact I obtained muscular contractions. The case was the same when an animal arc was applied to two insulated frogs: contractions were produced in them both. The apparatus employed for this purpose may be seen in Plate I. fig. 5 and 6.

Experiment IV.

Having prepared a frog according to the usual method, I cut one of its crural nerves in such a manner that the trunk was united to the spinal marrow by means of the other nerve, which remained uncut, and also by a blood-vessel contiguous and parallel to the cut nerve. I then repeated the above experiment; and, though only one nerve was in contact with the muscles, I obtained the same results.

Experiment V.

A ligature was placed loosely around the middle of the crural nerves, and one of these nerves at the ligature applied to the corresponding muscles: strong contractions ensued; which, however, did not take place, when the ligature was drawn tight, at the insertion of the nerves into the muscles of the thigh.

Proposition VII.

_The heterogeneity of metals contributes, in a great degree, to excite muscular contractions with more facility, but is not absolutely necessary to their production._

This proposition I could demonstrate in a direct manner, by means of experiments, which I published formerly, on the contractions excited by very pure mercury, and which were repeated, in different ways, by the celebrated Humboldt. I am, however, happy to have an opportunity of examining the influence of arming with heterogeneous substances; and I shall endeavour to prove that it cannot, of itself, produce the effect of muscular contractions.

Experiment I.

If several prepared frogs, ten or more for example, be placed on a table (Plate I. fig. 7.), and arranged parallel to each other, in such a manner that the whole system of the nerves shall be at one end, and that of the muscles at the other,—on applying two armatures and a metallic arc to the first of these frogs, muscular convulsions will be immediately excited, not only in the first frog, but in all the rest.

Experiment II.

If the experiment be repeated with the frogs arranged in such a manner that the spinal marrow and muscles are not each at one end (Plate I. fig. 8.), but disposed alternately so that the spinal marrow of one touches sometimes the muscles of another, or vice versa, convulsions will then be produced only in some of the frogs, and not in the whole series. This experiment proves that the effect does not, in any manner, depend on the action of metals; because metallic electricity in the first experiment ought to exercise an action only on the first frog, and not on the rest; and, in the second, ought to cause them all to move together, or to leave them motionless.

I shall now proceed to those experiments which appear to be best calculated to support the opinion of the great analogy between electricity and Galvanism.

Proposition VIII.

_The Leyden flask, the Voltaic pile, and animal substances, have the faculty of absorbing principles from the atmospheric air in an insulated plenum._

Experiment I.

By means of a metallic point, I electrified the interior side of a glass jar, which I inverted and placed on a plate of metal, so as to form an insulated plenum. In a little time, I saw the water rise in the glass several lines; and I then flattered myself with the hopes of obtaining some remarkable effects by another method.

Experiment II.

I provided for this experiment a Leyden flask, seven inches in height and about three in diameter, coated in the usual manner with tin foil: the exterior end of the wire terminated in a sharp point, so that the electric fluid which escaped from it could easily combine with the principles of the atmospheric air, with which it had a greater affinity. I then electrified the jar, and covered it with a glass receiver of such a size that its electricity could not be weakened by the sides of the latter. I thus formed an insulated plenum, and at the end of half an hour I saw the water ascend in the receiver in a very sensible manner.

Experiment III.

Having made the wire to terminate, not in a point, but in a metallic knob, as usual, I again charged the jar, and having placed it under a common receiver, at the end of about half an hour I found that the elevation of the water was much greater. To remove every suspicion that this might arise from the water employed in the preceding experiment, to insulate the plenum, I substituted mercury in its stead; and though the elevations were less, they were, however, analogous to those which had been observed a little before with water. By repeating this experiment with a similar jar, not electrified, one may be easily convinced, that the elevation of the water in the bell ought not to be ascribed to a difference in the temperature of the air within it.

Experiment IV.

I placed under a bell-glass, forming an insulated plenum, a pile consisting of fifty plates of silver and zinc. Next morning I observed that the water had risen some inches, indicating that a great absorption of air had taken place. Having then introduced a taper into the receiver, it was immediately extinguished. The pile, without being arranged anew, was placed under the same receiver; and on forming an insulated plenum, I observed, after twenty-four hours had elapsed, a sensible absorption of air. A taper was then introduced, and I obtained the same result. I replaced the pile under the receiver, and found, on the third and following days, that the pile retained its moisture, so that till the tenth day it gave analogous results. I repeated the same experiment with oxygen gas, and found, six days after, that the water in the bell had risen a foot.

Experiment V.

The same results may be obtained without employing large piles and large receivers. In general, it will be sufficient to arrange, in alternate strata, some plates of heterogeneous metals. If two plates of copper and zinc be placed under a bell an inch and a half in diameter, and three inches in height, and if an insulated plenum be then formed, two days after the water will have risen about half an inch. Having repeated the experiment with different metals, I found that a greater or less absorption of air had taken place, according to the difference of their nature and combination. This inspired me with the idea of making a series of experiments with different metals; and I hope to be able, at some future period, to form a table of the different heights of the fluid, which may serve to determine how far they are respectively susceptible of oxidation. However, to ascertain the oxidation of metals with precision, pieces of coin mixed with alloy ought not to be employed. Pure metals, formed into small piles, must be subjected to observation, and ought to be placed under equal bells, at the same temperature as that of the atmosphere. Until it be proved that the absorption of oxygen in the above experiments is merely a chemical effect, altogether unconnected with the action of Galvanism, I think I may be allowed to avail myself of it to prove the proposed analogy.

Experiment VI.

The ingenious theory of Girtanner, who ascribes the cause of muscular contractions to oxygen, the curious experiments by which Professor Humboldt revives the muscular force, by means of oxygenated muriatic acid, and those made by the celebrated Fourcroy on the same subject, induced me to examine the effect resulting from a combination of oxygen with muscular fibres, in a state of the greatest vitality. For this purpose, I adapted to a bell-glass a bent metallic wire, from which were suspended fourteen frogs, prepared with the utmost dispatch, and almost at the same instant, by myself and several of my pupils; and having formed an insulated plenum, I found, at the end of twenty-four hours, that the water had risen in the bell to the height of about half an inch.

Experiment VII.

I repeated this experiment, with the same success, on warm-blooded animals. I provided, for that purpose, the extremities of different pullets from which the crural nerves had been previously separated, and found that the elevations of the water, in the insulated plenum, were much less when I employed the fibres of these animals after their vitality had been weakened.

Experiment VIII.

Having obtained the bodies of some executed criminals, I exposed to the action of an insulated plenum the nervous and muscular fibres, and the substance of the brain. The elevations of the water were remarkable, in consequence of the different substances subjected to experiment, which, according to their different characters, exercised a different action on the oxygen. This fact ought to induce physiologists to undertake experiments of a similar kind with other gases, to enable them to determine the strength of the affinity exerted by animal substances to combine with oxygen.

Experiment IX.

As fishes, and in particular the torpedo, furnish a large quantity of animal or Galvanic electricity, I was inclined to think they would exhibit the before-mentioned effects in a very striking manner in an insulated plenum. I mentioned to Professor Mojon of Genoa the experiment I proposed to make; and, in a letter which I lately received from him, he informed me of the result, as follows:

“I took a strong torpedo, and, as soon as it was dead, armed its nerves with the usual armature. Having then placed it on an insulating stool, a little elevated above water, I covered it with a bell-glass the content of which was equal to 432 cubic inches. At the end of some hours I observed, with great surprise, that the water under the insulated plenum began to rise progressively during about ten hours; and at the end of forty-eight I found that it had risen an inch; so that it occupied a ninth part of the capacity of the bell, that is to say, forty-eight cubic inches. I analysed the remaining air, and found that the bell contained no more than 80 cubic inches of oxygen gas, and 324 of azotic gas; and that, during the above period, more than two-fifths of the oxygen gas contained in the bell had been absorbed.”

I propose going to the sea-coast, in order that I may repeat the experiment on the torpedo without any armature; and I shall embrace that opportunity of making various researches in regard to the new theory of Galvanism. I think it necessary, in general, to submit to new experiments the different animal parts immersed in the different aëriform fluids, fixing their various combinations according to the degrees of Galvanic force which they may possess.

Proposition IX.

_Flame prevents the action of the Leyden flask, as well as that of the pile, and also muscular contractions._

Experiment I.

I placed a lighted taper on an insulating stool; and having made the wire, proceeding from the interior coating of a charged Leyden flask, to pass through the flame, I found that, without forming an arc, it lost a portion of its electricity. If the experiment be repeated in such a manner that the flame makes a part of the arc between the two coatings, the flask is entirely discharged, without the arms of the person who forms part of the arc experiencing the least shock.

Experiment II.

I adapted to the summit of the pile a circular brass vessel, containing spirit of wine. By these means the pile was made to terminate in a strong flame, to which I applied a metallic conductor, while with the other hand I touched the bottom of the pile. The Galvanic fluid still withstood my efforts; and the case was the same when I substituted for the spirit of wine the flame of a common candle. It is proper here to remark, that the flame did not lessen the action of the Galvanism when the conductor, instead of being applied to the flame, was applied to the plate at the summit of the pile.

Experiment III.

I have already proved by a series of experiments, addressed to C. Lacepede, that flame made to form part of the arc applied to the nerves and muscles of a frog, prevents muscular contractions. I repeated the experiment, with the same result, on several warm-blooded animals. I observed that the flame interposed in the arc, which touched the back and belly of the torpedo, prevented the electric shocks.

Proposition X.

_Certain fluids, applied to the whole surface of the pile, or of animal parts, do not prevent the action of Galvanism._

Experiment I.

Two years ago, I made various experiments on this subject at Florence, with the celebrated Fontana; and we found that a pile, composed of a hundred plates of zinc and silver, after being immersed some time in common water, still exercised a very strong action. Professor Fontana informs me, in a letter, that he has performed the same experiment several ways, and always with the same success.

Experiment II.

Being desirous to examine the nature of the element inhabited by the numerous family of fishes, which are also subject to the influence of the Galvanic processes, I filled with sea-water thirty earthen vessels; and having formed a communication between them, by means of heterogeneous arcs, composed of brass and zinc, I obtained a shock, which appeared to me stronger than that obtained with artificial salt water. By establishing an arc with only five of these vessels, the action was very sensible. A pile composed of pieces of pasteboard, moistened with sea-water, and entirely immersed in the same water, gave, when tried, very strong shocks.

Experiment III.

I was able to prove the action of the Galvanic pile and of metals under water, by the following simple experiment: I placed a plate of zinc at the bottom of a vessel filled with salt water, (Plate II. fig. 6.). A person then brought the spinal marrow of a frog into contact with the surface of the salt water; and another person, absolutely insulated, touched with a silvered copper wire the plate of zinc. Every time that the wire was brought into contact with the zinc, muscular contractions took place. I am well aware, that the advocates for metallic electricity will deduce from the plain statement of this fact, an induction contrary to Galvanism; but my candour, on this occasion, will show how much I am attached to the cause of truth.

Experiment IV.

Among animal bodies, the torpedo is one of those which produce the most powerful Galvanic action. In the autumn of 1801, I made some experiments on this animal at Genoa, in conjunction with Professor Mojon and his brother, who gave me every assistance in their power. When I touched the torpedo, under water, at the moment when it gave the shock, it contracted itself, and two jets of water proceeded from the two holes in its head. To obtain the shock, it was not necessary to touch two distinct parts of its body: in many cases, the application of the hand to the electric organ was sufficient.

Proposition XI.

_Mere electrization, by means of the common kinds of apparatus, does not increase the action of Galvanism._

Experiment I.

Artificial electricity was communicated to an apparatus, composed of a hundred cups, care being first taken to insulate the table and the persons who were afterwards to receive the action of it. If we suppose that the heterogeneous arcs were charged with different kinds of electricity, it would seem that, by communicating to them any electricity, the electricity of the whole apparatus ought to have been reduced to the same kind; consequently that no shock ought to have been produced. The contrary, however, was the case. We experienced very strong shocks, very little different from those which would have been obtained without artificial electricity. I observed the same result with the pile.

Experiment II.

An insulated torpedo being electrified, the shocks it gave were not increased. The torpedo was killed, and then armed, according to the method of Galvani, for the purpose of trying whether metallic electricity, in this case, would have any influence over it. After this arrangement was made, every time that the conducting arc was applied to it strong contractions were produced; but very little different from those remarked in other animals. This observation is agreeable to those made at Naples by the celebrated Abilgaard, who, having subjected the torpedo to the Galvanic processes, found no extraordinary contractions.

Proposition XII.

_The Galvanic action is increased by employing as part of the arc the apparatus of Volta, or the electrified Leyden flask._

Experiment I.

In the hall of the Institute, I placed on a large table a hundred glass cups, and arranged them in such a manner as to form two rectangles, each composed of fifty. I established a communication between the first of these cups and the apparatus of Volta, by means of a metallic wire, which proceeded from one of the interior chambers of the _Cabinet de Physique_, and terminated at the place where the experiment was performed. I then tried this arrangement several times; and, however different opinions might be in regard to the precise increase of the action of the Galvanism, all constantly agreed in considering the shock as stronger. Some even went so far as to assert that it was increased a third.

It gave me great satisfaction to be able, on this occasion, to confirm the last discovery of Professor Volta, as well as one of those which he had made before. One observation, well attested, which tends to establish the truth of this proposition, is, that if a person touch the summit and base of the pile with two large metallic conductors, the shocks he receives will be much stronger.

Experiment II.

Electricity, concentrated in the Leyden flask, contributes also to increase the action of Galvanism. Having prepared a pile, composed of fifty plates of copper and zinc, I formed an arc by interposing a charged jar, and obtained an explosion much stronger than that obtained by the Leyden flask charged with an equal quantity of the electric fluid, and discharged independently of the pile.

Experiment III.

I took the same flask, after it was discharged, and having formed a portion of an arc, applied to the two extremities of the pile, I observed that the Galvanism refused to pass the obstacle presented to it by the stratum of glass interposed between the two coatings; consequently I received no shock.

Experiment IV.

I repeated the second experiment, insulating the pile, and at the same time the person who touched the pile with the charged flask. By these means I obtained a much stronger explosion than could have been produced separately by the Leyden flask or the pile. In this experiment I observed that the repeated passage of the electricity of the flask throughout the whole extent of the pile, did not deprive it of the property of exciting Galvanism.

Proposition XIII.

_Galvanism, in animals and in the pile, traverses large spaces with the same rapidity as the electric fluid._

Experiment.

I extended an iron wire, two hundred and fifty feet in length, around my chamber, taking great care that it should not any where touch itself, and made its extremities to terminate at a table which I had prepared for the experiment. One of these extremities being brought into communication with a pile composed of fifty plates of copper and zinc, I held the other in my left hand, and with my right touched the summit of the pile. The Galvanism then proceeded from the bottom of the pile to the summit, traversing a portion of the arc formed by the animal machine. By the effect of this passage, we may therefore form some opinion of the celerity of the Galvanic current. Its rapidity was such, that neither I nor any of those who repeated the experiment publicly, were able to determine the degree. The truth of this proposition is confirmed by experiments lately made by the celebrated Van Marum, who charged large batteries by means of Galvanism.

Proposition XIV.

_The muscular contractions, which, according to the observations of Galvani, are produced by an electric atmosphere whether natural or artificial, correspond entirely with those produced by the pile, or by similar kinds of apparatus._

When a change of equilibrium takes place in those systems of bodies which communicate with the nerves and the muscles of the animal machine, it is always sensible of this change, and muscular contractions are produced.

Experiment I.

It is curious to see an animal, placed at the extremity of an apartment, experience a shock, when the electric spark is extracted at a considerable distance. I performed this experiment several times in the _Cabinet de Physique_ of the Institute of Bologna, by means of a metal wire, not insulated, which was at the distance of four feet from the conductor of a common electrical machine. I repeated the experiment with crural nerves, having a ligature in the middle; and on extracting the spark, I observed violent contractions, which ceased when the ligature was formed at the place of their insertion into the muscles. I then performed with the new apparatus of Volta the experiments which Galvani had made with artificial electricity alone. At first I employed several glass cups and piles of from one to two hundred plates of metal; which proved to me that similar results might be obtained with the following simple apparatus.

Experiment II.

Having placed upon a table two glass vessels filled with salt water, (Plate II. fig. 5.) which I connected by means of an arc composed of brass and zinc, I applied to the surface of the water, in one of the vessels, the spinal marrow of a prepared frog, the corresponding muscles of which I held in one of my hands. Another person with his hand, or a plate of metal, then touched the water contained in the other vessel, and, at each contact, the muscles experienced violent contractions. To remove all idea of the contractions being produced by the action of the salt water, I connected with the spinal marrow a part of the muscles of another animal, which, instead of the spinal marrow, was made to touch the salt water, and obtained the same result.

Experiment III.

The same apparatus being retained, if either the person who touches the surface of the water in the first glass vessel, or the part of the frog immersed in the second, be insulated, no muscular contractions are produced; but they again take place when the insulation is removed. The violence of the contractions is increased by increasing the number of the glass vessels. If these vessels are made to communicate by means of arcs, formed of one homogeneous metal, the results are not different from those observed when heterogeneous metals are employed.

Experiment IV.

Being desirous to confirm the theory of the Galvanic atmosphere, I placed in it the body of an executed criminal. I removed the pile to the distance of a foot from the trunk, without the usual communication of metallic arcs; and having made an incision in each ancle, two persons held two frogs prepared in the usual manner, in such a position that the spinal marrow rested on the incisions. When matters were thus arranged, every time that a third person touched the summit of the pile, both the frogs experienced violent contractions, and to such a degree, that, leaving free one of the extremities, a real electrico-animal alarum was obtained, perfectly similar in its effect and identity to that described by Galvani in his Commentary. When the metallic apparatus is employed, if one of the persons who holds a frog be insulated, the frog will remain motionless, while the other will experience the usual effect. I had an opportunity of confirming the truth of this observation, on the trunk of a dog, during a course of experiments made in the _Hôpital de la Charité_, at Paris, and at St. Thomas’s Hospital, London.

Proposition XV.

_Opium, cinchona, and other stimulants of a similar kind, which exercise a powerful action on the animal machine, contribute also to excite the action of the pile._

Experiment I.

In the last sitting of the Institute of Bologna, at which I was present, I constructed two piles, each composed of fifteen pieces of silver and zinc, employing for the one an extract of opium, and for the other an infusion of cinchona in alcohol. I covered the piles with two equal receivers; formed an insulated plenum, by pouring mercury around the bottoms of them; and placed weights on the receivers sufficient to prevent the mercury from raising them. At the end of some hours, I found a remarkable elevation of the surface of the mercury, so that the receivers remained fixed without requiring any weight to keep them down. In the bell which covered the pile where extract of opium had been employed, the mercury rose more than an inch; but in that covering the other, where cinchona had been used, the elevation of the mercury was scarcely three lines.

Experiment II.

Having successively introduced a taper into each of the two receivers before mentioned, it was immediately extinguished in that containing the pile with the extract of opium; but in the other containing the pile with the infusion of cinchona, it continued burning for some time. I found also that four of the plates, at the bottom of the pile where I employed opium, had suffered from the action of the mercury; and that some others, to the height of about three inches and a half, exhibited a few globules of that metal. The pile in which I employed infusion of cinchona showed scarcely any signs of the action of the mercury.

Experiment III.

As I concluded that the pile in which I had employed the alcoholic extract of opium possessed more activity than the other, I examined it for four or five days successively. I tried the flame of a taper with the same result as before, and assured myself that this pile retained the Galvanic power, though a little weakened, even till the eighth day. On the other hand, twenty-four hours had scarcely elapsed, when the pile in which alcohol and cinchona had been employed exhibited no signs of activity.

Experiment IV.

I constructed two piles, in the same manner, with pieces of pasteboard interposed, which had been previously moistened with strong solutions of camphor and of castor oil, in pure alcohol. In these two piles the Galvanic effects were much weaker in every respect than those observed in the preceding experiment; for, besides the explosion being less, the elevation of water in the insulated plenum was very small, and the alteration of the flame was scarcely sensible.

Experiment V.

I was able to convince myself that the effects of the two piles, before mentioned, were the immediate result of the substances dissolved, and not of the alcohol; for, having constructed a pile of thirty plates of silver and zinc, with pieces of pasteboard interposed, moistened with pure alcohol, I observed no signs of Galvanism; and the case was the same when I employed a pile of zinc combined with copper and other metals.

Proposition XVI.

_If the general relation between Galvanism and electricity be examined, such a correspondence will be found between them, as tends to confirm the analogy already stated._

To illustrate this proposition, I shall here take a view of the particular properties of electricity and Galvanism, which, if considered separately, would not be sufficient for my object. I am, however, of opinion, that when combined together they will serve to prove it in a satisfactory manner.

1st, Galvanism, like artificial electricity, emits sparks, fuses metals, and can even be employed to charge armed non-conducting bodies. I have proved the last-mentioned property, discovered by the celebrated Van Marum, with a new apparatus, composed of a pile with a hole in the middle, in which I place the flask I intend to charge.

2dly, The influence of artificial electricity tends to accelerate the putrefaction of animal parts; and the same phænomenon may be produced by communication with the Voltaic pile, or by the first processes of Galvani.

3dly, The electricity of the Leyden jar is renewed in part immediately after its discharge. A similar phænomenon is exhibited by the pile; and it is observed, if the common Galvanic armatures be employed, that the vital force in animals is almost revived, when the arcs are applied different times.

4thly, As the action of common electricity and of the pile is suspended, when the combination of the metallic pieces is changed; in like manner, in a system of several animal machines, if their combination be changed, muscular contractions entirely cease.

5thly, Water may be decomposed by common electricity, as well as by the Galvanic pile, according to the ingenious method proposed by Dr. Wollaston. I lately saw, with the greatest pleasure, experiments on this subject performed by himself with the utmost neatness and precision. It is much to be wished, that the same result could be obtained by animal Galvanism alone; as it might tend to throw great light on some important points in physiology. For my part, I entertain no doubt that, after repeated trials, it may one day be effected, by means of large animals possessing a great abundance of animal electricity.

To conclude: I think I may venture to assert, that the correspondence between the properties of Galvanism and common electricity might be carried to a much greater extent, in confirmation of the analogy which I proposed to prove in this proposition.

Proposition XVII.

_The hypothesis of an animal pile, analogous to that formed artificially, seems well calculated to explain the sensations and contractions in the animal machine._

It seems to be proved by the observations of Mr. Davy, Professor in the Royal Institution of Great Britain, and those of M. Gautherot at Paris, that a pile may be composed without any metallic substances whatever. We are therefore naturally led to suppose, that one may be composed also of animal substances alone. Though this has never yet been obtained by art, we behold it with admiration constructed by nature in various animals. If we examine, indeed, the structure of the regular bodies which succeed each other in the torpedo, the electrical eel of Surinam, and in the silurus, we shall find them to be real animal piles, differently arranged: and if an animal pile, exceedingly strong, be capable of communicating a shock, why should not one of a more moderate nature excite that activity which is necessary to produce muscular convulsions? I have already proved, that the system of the nerves and that of the muscles possess different Galvanic powers, or, as it were, different kinds of electricity, to which the animal moisture serves as a conductor. In this point of view, the discovery of the pile of the celebrated Volta, instead of destroying the principle of Galvanism, tends rather in a powerful manner to support it. The object of Galvani’s system is to prove the existence of an animal electricity, and then to explain how its action operates in producing muscular sensations and contractions. The first part of his system rests upon facts, the truth of which neither time, nor the different experiments made by philosophers, have been able to weaken. The second presents an hypothesis which, perhaps, may be further illustrated when the physiology of the human body is better known. Galvani, to explain the activity of animal electricity, supposes the nerves and muscles to be like the Leyden jar; and this idea I confidently adopted. But by the expression ‘Leyden flask’ he meant nothing else than that in the animal machine there are two opposite kinds of electricity, resulting from the nervous and the muscular systems, to which animal moisture continually serves as a vehicle. It was in this sense that he announced his theory of the Leyden flask, in his public lectures, and in his last works. No better comparison was then known, in the language of philosophy, to express this action. It however affords me great pleasure, that I can now substitute for it the pile discovered by Volta, which is perfectly consistent with the system of Galvani; and since I am ready to allow that the invention of the metallic pile gives Volta a title to the discovery of metallic electricity, I hope the discovery of animal electricity, properly so called, will be allowed to Galvani, as similar phænomena are exhibited by the nervous and muscular systems, independently of common electricity.

But some important questions in regard to Galvanism still remain to be answered, such as the following: whether the action of chemical combinations be the cause of Galvanism, or whether Galvanism be the cause of chemical combinations. In my opinion, we have not yet a sufficient number of data to determine this point. It may also be asked, whether Galvanism be of the same nature as electricity, but differently modified by the animal organization. For my part, until their identity be proved by further researches, I shall be contented with admitting that there is a great analogy between them.

But leaving these questions, the discussion of which might be premature, it will be better to deduce general corollaries from the series of experiments already detailed.

Corollary I.

It is found that there is a real attraction between certain parts of animals; and this tends to confirm the idea of a sort of atmosphere peculiar to parts of animals, as has been suggested by Humboldt. By these means it will perhaps be one day possible to explain, with less difficulty, the correspondence of some sensations in the animal machine.

Corollary II.

The action of Galvanism on the aëriform fluids may serve to explain its influence over the animal fluids by the oxidation of the humours, and other phænomena which hitherto have been explained only in a hypothetical manner.

Corollary III.

Fishes, and several amphibious animals which live under water, sometimes approach the surface on certain changes of the atmosphere. When the before-mentioned experiments on the Galvanic atmosphere are considered, we may easily explain, why those changes which take place in distant parts of the atmosphere are communicated to the element in which these animals reside.

Corollary IV.

It has been ascertained, that water saturated with salts, and in particular with muriate of soda, contributes a great deal to increase the effects of Galvanism. It is well known also, that fishes, as compared with other animals, possess a very high degree of vitality; and hence we have reason to admire the wisdom of nature in making the sea, which is destined for the abode of fishes, to be abundantly saturated with muriate of soda.

Corollary V.

As Galvanism possesses great activity in chemical decompositions, it cannot remain in a state of inaction; but must necessarily produce great changes in the animal fluids and functions.

Corollary VI.

This principle, to which some of the grand operations of nature have been entrusted, is not hypothetical; since it has been proved, that as there is a metallic arc and a metallic pile in the mineral kingdom, there is also an animal arc and an animal circle in the animal kingdom; which may one day throw great light on the progress of medicine, and be productive of considerable benefit to the human race.

Part The Second.

On The Influence Which Galvanism Has On The Vital Powers.

To conduct an energetic fluid to the general seat of all impressions; to distribute its influence to the different parts of the nervous and muscular systems; to continue, revive, and, if I may be allowed the expression, to command the vital powers; such are the objects of my researches, and such the advantages which I purpose to derive from the action of Galvanism.

The discovery of the Galvanic pile by the celebrated Volta has served as a guide to enable me to obtain the most interesting results; and to these I have been conducted by numerous researches and a long series of experiments. I have examined the whole range of nature, and the grand family of animals has afforded me the means of making observations, highly interesting to physiology, on the whole œconomy of the vital powers. My experiments on this subject I shall divide into two Sections.

Section I.

_Galvanism applied to various quadrupeds, birds, and other warm-blooded animals._

Experiment I.

The head of an ox, recently killed, was subjected to the action of a pile (Plate II. fig. 1.) composed of fifty plates of copper and zinc, separated, as usual, by small pieces of pasteboard moistened with a solution of muriate of soda. Having moistened one of the ears with the same solution, by means of a syringe, I introduced into it one extremity of a metallic wire. I then formed an arc with this wire to the summit of the pile, and by means of another wire made a communication between the bottom of the pile and the nostrils. When this apparatus was applied, the eyes were seen to open, the ears to shake, the tongue to be agitated, and the nostrils to swell, in the same manner as those of the living animal, when irritated and desirous of combating another of the same species.

I then moistened both the ears with salt water, by the same method as before, and inserted into each an extremity of one of the arcs. When the Galvanism was communicated, the movements already described were reproduced; but they appeared to be much more violent.

Experiment II.

A pile composed of a hundred pieces of silver and zinc (Plate II. fig. 2.) being employed, the tongue issued from the mouth four inches, and re-entered it an inch, on each application of the arc; notwithstanding the resistance opposed by the teeth which pressed against it: so that after four or five applications of the arc it was entirely restored to its usual situation.

I repeated this curious experiment several times at Bologna and Turin, and lately at London before their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Duke of Clarence, and the Duke of Cumberland, who seemed to be much interested in my researches. I showed them that the tongue returned without being touched, merely by forming an arc between distant parts, such as the spinal marrow and the cervical or nasal muscles. A person who held the extremity of the tongue with a pair of pincers felt the effort it made to return every time that the Galvanism was applied.

Experiment III.

With the same apparatus I suspended from the extremity of the conducting arc the posterior half of a frog, by bending the iron wire at right angles into a small elbow; and then, instead of making the tongue touch the extremity of the arc, I brought it into contact with one of the paws of the frog, while the other extremity of the wire rested on the summit of the pile.

When this arrangement was made, I not only obtained the same contractions in the head of the ox, but I observed also that when the paw of the frog ceased to be in contact with the tongue, it was attracted by the latter, which produced in it oscillations, so that it formed a kind of Galvanometer; for the thighs of the small animal diverged more or less according to the intensity of the fluid which passed through them, and were restored to their former position when the paw of the frog and the tongue of the ox were again brought into contact. These oscillations continued about six minutes.

Suspecting, however, that the crural nerves might have some share in these phænomena, independently of the pile, I cut these nerves, and under similar conditions I obtained the same results.

Experiment IV.

Being desirous to repeat the above experiments on the heads of other oxen, and on those of sheep and lambs, varying the pile, both in regard to its nature and the number of pieces, I constructed three piles of twenty-five, fifty, and a hundred and twenty pieces of silver and zinc. The results, however, differed from the preceding only in the greater or less intensity of the contractions, according as one or the other apparatus was applied to the same animals. I remarked in particular, that the combination most favourable to muscular contractions is obtained, when the arc is established from the ears to the spinal marrow. In this case the eye is so much affected, that the eye-lids open entirely while the eye-ball turns round, and projects somewhat from its socket, as sometimes happens in the most violent madness.

Experiment V.

Having provided an ox recently killed, the head of which was not cut off, I formed an arc from one ear to the other, interposing the pile. The immediate result was a commotion so violent in all the extremities of the animal, that several of the spectators were much alarmed, and thought it prudent to retire to some distance. I then cut off the head, and formed an arc from the spinal marrow, first to the diaphragm, and then to the sphincter ani. In the first case, the diaphragm experienced violent contractions; in the other I obtained a very strong action on the rectum, which even produced an expulsion of the fæces.

Experiment VI.

To give more extent to my experiments, I thought proper to repeat them on lambs, chickens, and other warm-blooded animals; and without enumerating such phænomena as are common, I shall only observe, that the tongue, which was projected beyond the lips, again returned into the cavity of the mouth, after several applications of the arc, as was the case in the second experiment. The movements of the ears and eye-lids were stronger than in the other parts. Comparative anatomy must explain why this phænomenon, so striking in animals of this kind, is not observed in man.

Experiment VII.

The observations which I had made on the Galvanism of the pile excited my curiosity so much, that I was induced to try some comparative experiments by means of common electricity. With this view I placed an iron wire in each ear of a lamb, and discharged through it twice in succession a Leyden flask, the two coatings of which were in communication with the wires applied to the ears. By these means I obtained contractions, but weaker than those produced by the pile; and I always observed the same result in other warm-blooded animals.

Experiment VIII.

Having repeated the same experiments on live chickens, I found, to my great surprise, notwithstanding the weakness of their organization, that they sustained with firmness the strongest shocks, communicated several times, with a pile composed of fifty plates of silver and zinc. Though apparently dejected, and almost on the point of expiring,—as soon as I interrupted the action of the pile, they fluttered their wings, and seemed to congratulate themselves on their escape from danger.

The curiosity natural to a philosopher induced me to subject these birds to anatomical dissection, that I might examine what effects had been produced on the animal machine by these convulsions. The principal phænomena which I observed were extravasated blood in the muscles; a derangement of the humours in different parts; the intestines removed from their usual seat, and thrown towards the pelvis. At some future period, I purpose to examine how long these animals are capable of living under the continued action of Galvanism, applied to them in different ways.

Experiment IX.

I applied the Galvanic action to a pullet just killed, forming an arc from one of the ears to the other. When this arrangement was made, I observed contractions not only in the feet, but also in the wings and the whole animal machine. The same phænomena were produced by the same means in two other pullets. I then combined the different parts of these three pullets in such a manner, that the head of the second was joined to the foot of the first, and the head of the third to the head of the second. An arc being then formed to the two extremities of this chain of animal parts, I was much pleased to see the three pullets move their wings and their feet at the same time.

Experiment X.

The results of the preceding experiments led me to examine the power of an arc formed by animal moisture. For this purpose, having connected the heads of two oxen, (Plate II. fig. 3.) by bringing near each other the sections of the neck, I established an arc from the summit of the pile to one of the ears of one head, and another from the base of the pile to one of the ears of the other. When this arrangement was made, I observed that both the heads exhibited evident signs of muscular contractions.

Experiment XI.

The trunks of two calves being united by the sections of the neck, and an arc being established by the interposition of the pile from the anus of the one to that of the other, both the trunks received, at the same time, a commotion, but not very violent. I repeated this experiment on the trunks of two lambs, but with a more striking result, as all the extremities and muscles experienced violent convulsions. A glass vessel, employed for the experiments, which stood on the table, was overturned by one of the extremities, and thrown to the distance of about two feet. I tried other combinations, but the contractions were weaker.

Experiment XII.

Having sawn open the skull, I directed the action of the pile to different parts of the brain, in the same order as they occurred in the course of anatomical dissection. All these parts appeared to be affected by the Galvanic force; but its action was stronger on the corpus callosum and the cerebellum. The same result nearly was obtained, when I repeated the experiment on the heads of different calves and lambs.

Experiment XIII.

The heart of an ox, removed from the body, being exposed to the action of Galvanism, though the pile was very powerful, exhibited no signs of muscular contraction. I repeated the same experiment on the heart of an ox, without removing it from the body, and on the hearts of several dogs, one arc being applied to the spinal marrow, while the other touched sometimes the surface of the heart, and sometimes penetrated into its substance; but with the same result: no muscular convulsions were produced.

Experiment XIV.

I prepared some frogs; and having waited till the motion of the ventricles of the heart had become very slow, and almost imperceptible, I communicated to them the Galvanic influence, and it appeared to me that some movements were produced in the ventricles. I repeated this experiment lately on the heart of a rabbit, and with the same success. Having tried the hearts of several calves and dogs, I could not observe any decided motion in the ventricles; but I remarked that the Galvanic power exercised a strong action on the auricles.

Experiment XV.

Without taking into consideration the differences in the action of Galvanism on the heart, according to the different applications and the different kinds of animals subjected to experiment, I observed, that after this muscle has lost its susceptibility to the action of Galvanism, the other muscles still retain it in a very high degree. This effect is very striking in regard to the heart and the muscles of oxen and dogs; and this corresponds with what has been stated by the Commissioners of the French National Institute in their Report. Speaking of the anomalies found in this respect in the heart, they conclude _that it is at any rate certain that this organ loses, in a very short time, and much sooner than the other muscles, the faculty of being agitated by Galvanism_.

Experiment XVI.

All the observations I was able to make on the involuntary muscles will be found in the same Report, from which the following is an extract: “Dr. Grapengiesser says, that he saw the vermicular motion of the intestines increased by the action of Galvanism in a living subject, whose large intestines protruded beyond the abdomen, in consequence of a scrotal hernia. Professor Aldini made us observe the same effect on the intestinal canal of a dog. We perceived also very evident contractions in a portion of the stomach, separated from the animal. We saw the auricles of the heart contract; but never found this to be the case with the ventricles.”

Experiment XVII.

As I found it difficult, in the course of my travels, to obtain large animals for my experiments, a desire of prosecuting my researches induced me to be satisfied with such small animals as were easiest to be procured. I therefore declared war against the dogs, which exhibited the same phænomena as oxen, and with the greatest energy, as may be seen by the following extract from the before-mentioned Report of the Commissioners of the French National Institute: “The head of a dog being cut off, Aldini subjected it to the action of a strong pile, by which means the most frightful convulsions were produced. The mouth opened, the teeth gnashed, the eyes rolled in their orbits; and, if the imagination had not been restrained by reason and reflection, one might have almost believed that the animal was restored to life, and in a state of agony.”

Experiment XVIII.

The head and trunk of a dog, separated from each other, and placed in such a manner as to leave an interval of about a foot between them (Plate II. fig. 4.), were made to move simultaneously by applying the Galvanic action to one of the ears, and to a small incision made in one of the extremities of the trunk. I saw the same effect produced in a public sitting held at the _Hôpital de la Charité_ at Paris. In this case, the distance between the head and trunk was a foot and a half.

Experiment XIX.

In the preceding experiments, it is always necessary that the part of the table which forms the interval between the head and trunk should be moistened with salt water, or some other _conducting fluid_. Considered in this point of view, the head and trunk mutually form an arc which conducts the Galvanic action; so that the contractions excited at the same time do not depend on the particular organization of the animals subjected to experiment. This I confirmed by producing simultaneous contractions in the trunk of a dog combined with the head of a rabbit, and vice versa.

Experiment XX.

At the School of Medicine at Paris, in presence of the Commissioners of the French National Institute, and of Professor Huzzard, I tried the action of Galvanism on a horse which had been killed by the insufflation of air into the jugular veins. The trunk exhibited no extraordinary motion; but the head was violently agitated. A very sensible gnashing of the teeth was produced, and all the muscles performed, in a surprising manner, the same motion as is exerted during the time of mastication. There was even a visible excretion of the saliva. Of all the heads hitherto tried, that of the horse exhibited the most violent motion by the action of Galvanism.

Experiment XXI.

Having performed this series of experiments, it was necessary that a comparison should be made, cæteris paribus, between the action of those stimulants proposed by the celebrated Haller, and the means here used to excite the action of Galvanism. For this purpose I employed a head weakened to such a degree that it was no longer sensible to the action of the Hallerian stimulants applied to the muscles and nerves, and then to different parts of the brain laid bare, and separated one from the other. I tried the action of the sulphuric and nitric acids, and the effect of the bistouri, but without ever producing the smallest contraction in warm-blooded animals: on the other hand, the action of Galvanism, on these parts, in the above state, occasioned very powerful muscular contractions.

Section II.

_Experiments made on human bodies after death._

From the experiments already described, one might by analogy conjecture what effect the action of Galvanism would produce on that noble being man, the sole object of my researches. But to enable philosophers to judge with more certainty respecting the effects of this wonderful agent, it was necessary to adhere to certain conditions, and to apply it immediately after death. The bodies of persons who had died of disease were not proper for my purpose; because it is to be presumed, that the development of the principle which occasions death destroys the elasticity of the fibres, and that the humours are changed from their natural to a corrupted state. It was therefore necessary to obtain the human body while it still retained, after death, the vital powers in the highest degree of preservation; and hence I was obliged, if I may be allowed the expression, to place myself under the scaffold, near the axe of justice, to receive the yet bleeding bodies of unfortunate criminals, the only subjects proper for my experiments. In consequence of an application made for that purpose, I obtained from Government the bodies of two brigands, who were decapitated at Bologna in the month of January 1802. As both these individuals had been very young, and of a robust constitution, and as the parts exhibited the utmost soundness, I entertained strong hopes of obtaining the happiest results from my proposed researches. Though accustomed to a more tranquil kind of operations in my closet, and little acquainted with anatomical dissections, the love of truth, and a desire to throw some light on the system of Galvanism, overcame all my repugnance, and I proceeded to the following experiments.

Experiment XXII.

The first of these decapitated criminals being conveyed to the apartment provided for my experiments, in the neighbourhood of the place of execution, the head was first subjected to the Galvanic action. For this purpose I had constructed a pile consisting of a hundred pieces of silver and zinc. Having moistened the inside of the ears with salt water, I formed an arc with two metallic wires, which, proceeding from the two ears, were applied, one to the summit and the other to the bottom of the pile. When this communication was established, I observed strong contractions in all the muscles of the face, which were contorted in so irregular a manner that they exhibited the appearance of the most horrid grimaces. The action of the eye-lids was exceedingly striking, though less sensible in the human head than in that of the ox.

Experiment XXIII.

Having established an arc from the top of the left ear, and then from the bottom of that ear to the tongue, drawn about an inch without the mouth, contractions were observed in the face, and the tongue sensibly returned into the mouth. I then touched the upper or lower lips, and obtained contractions, which were remarkable chiefly in all the muscles of the left part of the face; so that the mouth appeared as if distorted by a partial kind of palsy. On the first application of the arc, a small quantity of saliva was discharged from the mouth.

Experiment XXIV.

I caused the head to be shaved exactly above the parietal protuberance on the right side; and having moistened the integuments, armed with silver and zinc, I established a communication by means of the pile between the parietal bone and one of the ears. I obtained contractions, but weaker than those observed when the arcs were formed according to the different methods already described.

Experiment XXV.

Having formed an arc from the ears to different parts of the face, moistened with a solution of muriate of soda, such for example as the nose and forehead, I always observed violent contractions. But the contractions were stronger when, instead of the first-mentioned pile, I employed another consisting of fifty plates of copper and zinc. I even still decreased the number of plates, in order that I might try, in the course of these experiments, the different degrees of activity which the pile would exhibit.

Experiment XXVI.

The head of the other criminal being brought to me after I had employed about half an hour in these experiments, I repeated them on this second head, and found the results to be analogous to those before obtained. But the contractions produced in the second head were stronger in consequence of its greater vitality: the vitality of the first seemed to have been nearly exhausted.

Experiment XXVII.

Being desirous to examine, according to the principles of Galvani, the power of an arc of animal moisture in warm-blooded animals, I recollected that I had several times observed simultaneous convulsions produced by these means in two frogs, and recently in the heads of two oxen, the arc being conveyed from the one to the other in different ways.

I placed the two heads in a straight line on a table, in such a manner that the sections of the neck were brought into communication merely by the animal fluids. When thus arranged, I formed an arc from the pile to the right ear of one head, and to the left ear of the other, and saw with astonishment the two heads make horrid grimaces; so that the spectators, who had no suspicion of such a result, were actually frightened. It was however observed, that the convulsions excited in the heads disposed in this manner, were not so strong as those produced when I performed the experiment on each head separately. It is certain that, in this experiment, the arc of animal moisture supplies the place of a continuation of the nervous and muscular fibres.

Experiment XXVIII.

Having tried the effect of Galvanism on the exterior part of the head, I proceeded to examine the phænomena exhibited by the interior organs when treated in the same manner. I therefore removed the upper part of the cranium by a section parallel to its base, uncovered the pia mater, and established an arc from one of the ears to the medullary substance. On the application of the arc strong convulsions were observed in the face. While preparing the brain for my experiments, I remarked that, in dividing the muscles of the forehead, at each stroke of the dissecting knife, very strong contractions, which continued after the dissection was finished, were excited in the muscles of the face. I was informed that this is an uncommon phænomenon in anatomical dissections; and therefore I shall leave it to anatomists to determine whether it was occasioned, either in whole or in part, by the preceding action of the pile.

Experiment XXIX.

Having then separated the lobes of the brain, I applied the arc to the corpus callosum, to the ears or to the lips, and found that the whole osseous box and the muscles of the face were violently agitated. Some of the spectators even imagined that the corpus callosum itself was affected by a peculiar convulsion; but it is possible that this emotion was owing to a mechanical impulse which shook the whole head. New experiments will, therefore, be necessary before any thing further can be said in regard to this observation.

Experiment XXX.

Having carried the dissection to the olfactory nerves, and even to the crossing of the optic nerves, I formed an arc from these parts to the lips and the eyes, and obtained contractions, but very weak in comparison of the preceding. I observed that on touching the optic nerves with one of the arcs no sensible convulsions were produced in the eye-lids.

Experiment XXXI.

This mutilated head, which had been so long the subject of observation, was united by the plane of the section to that of the other criminal, which had not been subjected to anatomical dissection. I then applied two arcs, making one of them to communicate with the summit of the pile and the right ear of one head, and the other with the bottom of the pile and the left ear of the second head. Both heads experienced contractions similar to those described in the 27th experiment; but in the head which had already been employed they appeared to be weaker.

Experiment XXXII.

After these experiments on the head, I proceeded to the trunk of the second criminal, which I conceived to be most proper for my purpose.

I think it necessary here to observe, that the body had been exposed for about an hour, in an open court, where the temperature was two degrees below zero. The muscles of the fore-arm and the tendinous parts of the metacarpus being laid bare, an arc was established from those muscles to the spinal marrow. In consequence of this arrangement, the fore-arm was raised, to the great astonishment of those who were present.

Experiment XXXIII.

Having established an arc between the biceps muscle of each arm, which I had laid perfectly bare, I obtained similar contractions, but somewhat weaker than in the preceding case.

Experiment XXXIV.

Having laid bare the tendons of the fingers, on the back of the hand, I established an arc between that region and the spinal marrow, and obtained strong contractions in the fingers and in the whole hand.

Experiment XXXV.

Proceeding to the lower extremities, I formed an arc from the spinal marrow to the vastus internus, vastus externus, sartorius, and other muscles, and obtained strong contractions in all these muscles. Having removed the arcs and the pile, the muscles retained a small oscillatory motion, which continued for ten minutes. I observed the same phænomenon in the muscles of the neck, when I established an arc between the spinal marrow and various other parts of the trunk.

Experiment XXXVI.

Having applied the arc to the spinal marrow and the uncovered muscles of the under part of the tarsus of the right foot, the extensor muscles of all the toes, and particularly of the great toe, experienced very sensible contractions. I repeated the experiment with the arc applied, not to the spinal marrow, but to the uncovered muscles of the thigh, employed in the preceding experiment, and found the contractions excited to be much stronger. In like manner, the muscles of the soles of the feet, when I established an arc between them and the muscles of the thigh, manifested much stronger contractions than when the arc extended to any other distant part.

Experiment XXXVII.

Having examined the force of the contractions, when the arcs were applied to the surface of the muscles of the extremities, I tried what effect would be produced by introducing them into their substance. In this case, the energy of the contractions was much increased.

Experiment XXXVIII.

After trying the action of Galvanism on the extremities, I resolved to examine the trunk. With this view, having established an arc from the spinal marrow to the muscles of the diaphragm, I obtained very sensible contractions every time the arc was applied.

Experiment XXXIX.

I then caused the thorax to be opened, that I might try the effects of Galvanism on the most important of all the muscles, the heart. The pericardium having been detached, I applied the conductor to the principal organ of life, and I even caused it to be opened, to examine whether there existed in any of its folds some fibre susceptible of oscillation; but my researches were fruitless. This insensibility ought, perhaps, to be ascribed to the want of a certain degree of heat and of animal moisture, not to be found in a body two hours after death. It will, therefore, be proper to repeat this experiment, taking care to observe all those conditions which may be necessary to ensure its success.

Experiment XL.

In the preceding experiment I observed that the diaphragm contracted, and that the blood, which after this phænomenon I supposed to be coagulated, flowed on the contrary from the vena cava inferior, and the jugular veins, the moment the arc was applied, and appeared of a bright red colour. Is there reason to conjecture that, though great contractions cannot be produced, it is possible to excite in the interior parts of the heart some oscillations analogous to those which I observed in the muscles of the thigh and neck? This question can be determined only by new experiments.

Experiment XLI.

I observed in these experiments, that the more the points of contact of the arc with the biceps muscle were multiplied, the more the motion of the arm was extended; especially when care was taken to insulate the muscle by removing the integuments, and surrounding it with the wire bent in the form of a ring. Having applied arcs to the biceps muscle of each arm, I was much surprised to see the fore-arm and hand of the extremity, where the before-mentioned ring was placed, rise quickly to the height of about six inches.

Experiment XLII.

I repeated the experiment, forming the arc from the biceps muscle of the fore-arm to the spinal marrow. By these means contractions so violent were excited, that the anterior part of the arm, the whole of which lay extended in a horizontal position, rose seven inches above the plane of the table. Having placed on the palm of the hand a metallic body, such as a piece of money, the hand at first supported it for a little time; but at a certain degree of elevation it projected it to some distance. I then substituted for the piece of money a pair of iron pincers, about half a pound in weight; the hand rose up and seemed to seize them; but at the highest degree of elevation the contraction ceased, and the pincers fell. I observed that the weight with which the hand was loaded, diminished the elevating power of the arm very little. It may be proper to remark, that the last two experiments were performed an hour and a quarter after the execution, and those on the lower extremities almost two hours.

If this experiment were speedily repeated, in order to take advantage of the highest degree of vitality, loading the hand with different weights in succession, till the motion of the hand should be totally impeded, I am of opinion that an estimate might be formed of the elevating force, according to the different degrees of vitality.

In the preceding experiments I have omitted certain observations, which did not agree with those made on other warm-blooded animals. But my silence deranges no theory; and, besides, facts not sufficiently confirmed would have led me into physiological discussions of little utility, as these points can be determined only by new experiments.

It is painful to a philosopher to reflect, that his doubts cannot be cleared up until new victims shall fall under the sword of justice; but the hope that his researches may lead to some new discovery beneficial to mankind, in a physiological point of view, lessens in a certain measure the disagreeable sensations excited by these melancholy scenes.

An assassin decapitated at Bologna, in the month of January 1802, afforded me an opportunity of verifying the truth of my former observations. In my first experiments on the human body, the dura and pia mater had been so little affected, that several of those present concluded that these parts were absolutely insensible to the action of the Galvanic pile; and this opinion was still further strengthened by the authority of several able anatomists. On the other hand, many warm-blooded animals, as will be seen hereafter, afforded contrary results. It is certain that nature, which is always consistent with itself in the action of that general principle which excites the muscular forces, ought to exhibit in the human body the same phænomena as those which constantly occur in other warm-blooded animals. I mentioned this anomaly to several of my colleagues, and particularly to that able anatomist Mondini, who, having made researches on this subject, communicated to me the result of them, and directed all the preparations necessary for the following experiments, modified according to the general views collected in the preceding observations.

Experiment XLIII.

The body of the criminal having been removed from the place of execution to a neighbouring apartment, the trunk was placed on one table, and the head on another. On the latter stood a pile, composed of a hundred plates of zinc and copper, and on the former, a pile of a hundred plates of silver and zinc. This apparatus tended greatly to facilitate the rapid performance of the experiments, which were made at the same time on all the parts of the body, and enabled us to take advantage of its great vitality. I had with me a select company of young physicians and surgeons, who, being much interested in the progress of Galvanism, assisted me with great ardour. They were divided into two parties, each of which was stationed around one of the tables, in order that the operations performed at the one might not interrupt those at the other. To gratify Professor Mondini, who was desirous of seeing the muscular action in the whole head, an arc was established from the spinal marrow to one of the ears, the pile being interposed between them, and strong contractions were produced in the whole face, as had been the case in all the other animals.

Experiment XLIV.

Having sawn through the scull with every possible precaution, and an arc being established from the dura mater to one of the ears, the usual contractions ensued. The pia mater was then uncovered, and, by employing the same means, the same results and the same effects were produced as had been obtained in other animals.

Experiment XLV.

The cortical substance in the left hemisphere was uncovered, and an arc being extended from it to the right ear, the movements of the face were exceedingly sensible in the part opposite to the uncovered hemisphere. I repeated the experiment different ways with the same results, and found, as I suspected, that this process put an end to the anomaly observed in regard to the membranes and cortical substance, which at first seemed to withstand the general action of the Galvanic fluid, though it produced an effect on the other parts of the brain. Dr. Mondini took care to remove the superfluous moisture, both from the membranes and cortical substance, in order to prevent all suspicion that it might facilitate a communication, in any manner, with the medullary substance.

Experiment XLVI.

Dr. Mondini, with his usual ability, having exposed in the brain the medullary substance, the corpora striata, the corpus callosum, the thalami nervorum opticorum, and the cerebellum, and an arc being formed of all these parts, we fully confirmed the results of the experiments which had been before made on the bodies of other criminals.

Experiment XLVII.

Having observed these phænomena in the head, we proceeded to the trunk, which gave us results no less interesting. The body was sound and robust, and indicated a constitution replete with vital energy. By forming an arc from the spinal marrow to the biceps muscle, very strong movements were produced throughout the whole body, and particularly in the arm, which could not be bent without very great exertion.

Experiment XLVIII.

By again applying the arc, according to the method detailed in the 41st experiment, the violence of the contractions was much increased. The trunk was thrown into strong convulsions; the shoulders were elevated in a sensible manner; and the hands were so agitated that they beat against the table which supported the body.

Experiment XLIX.

A silver probe was inserted into the spinal marrow, and one of the hands immersed in a solution of muriate of soda. I then applied one extremity of the arc to the most distant part of the probe, and the other to the surface of the water, by which means the Galvanism was made to exercise its action without any immediate contact of the animal parts. When this arrangement was formed, the arm, which hung over the edge of the table, moved towards the breast, passing over the space of about a foot and a half. By employing, at the same time, the two piles composed of a hundred plates of copper and zinc, the contractions were much increased. But this augmentation of force did not exactly follow the ratio of the combined activity of the two piles united.

Experiment L.

By forming an arc from the feet to the spinal marrow, first applying armatures, and then employing a solution of muriate of soda as in the preceding experiments, I obtained contractions, but weaker than those in the upper extremities. As there was reason to suspect that this diminution arose in part from the position of the trunk, I placed the body in such a manner, that, while the thighs rested on the edge of the table, the legs, which hung over it, were at full liberty to move. This difference in position produced a difference in the results; and I intend to repeat the experiment, according to this arrangement, applying the arc directly to the crural nerves.

Experiment LI.

A small portion of the great pectoral muscle being detached from the ribs, and exposed to the action of the pile, exhibited strong contractions, and the motion of the diaphragm was also very remarkable. The heart alone, though carefully subjected to all the operations detailed in the 47th experiment, remained perfectly motionless.

Experiment LII.

Having brought the separated head near to the neck of the trunk, I established a communication between it and the trunk by means of the animal moisture alone; and an arc being then formed from the head to different parts of the trunk, sensible contractions were produced, and particularly in the latter. This observation seems still further to prove that an arc of moisture has power to excite muscular contractions. In this, as well as in the preceding experiments, if any of the spectators, while an arc was established by means of the pile, brought a frog prepared in the usual manner near to the human body, the frog experienced strong contractions, though at a distance from the place to which the action of the Galvanism was determined.

Experiment LIII.

After three hours had been employed in these experiments, I conceived the idea of trying the action of Galvanism on some parts of the body separated from the trunk. One of the legs, therefore, was amputated six inches above the joint of the knee; and an arc being established from a point in the plane of the section to the knee, I obtained contractions similar to those which had been produced before the limb was separated from the body. I then formed an arc of moisture, by applying the amputated limb to the trunk; and having determined the action of the pile to the spinal marrow and the foot, I obtained very sensible contractions. I observed, on this occasion, that a frog, prepared some time before, and which was accidentally lying on the table, at each application of the metallic arcs moved like an electrometer, and thus confirmed the action of an arc of moisture.

Experiment LIV.

After a considerable time had been employed in the preceding experiment, I endeavoured to revive the action of the Galvanism by moistening the muscles with a solution of opium. By these means the contractions seemed to be increased; and the case was the same in other warm-blooded animals. A series of similar experiments, if carefully made, would no doubt be attended with important results; as they might enable us to ascertain the action of the different stimulants proposed by Dr. Brown. But I must, in the mean time, observe, that the before-mentioned effects of opium fully correspond with those long ago observed by Galvani.

It results, in general, from my experiments, that moisture performs a conspicuous part in producing contractions; and that it is even of more importance than animal heat. I indeed find that muscular contractions may be obtained after the body has thrown out a great deal of its heat, even when it has cooled for several hours, and when it has been exposed to a temperature below zero; for, if Galvanism be communicated to a body in that state, muscular contractions will be immediately excited; but they soon cease by the privation of animal moisture. If a muscle, indeed, which has been laid bare resists the Galvanic influence, its action may be speedily renewed by making an incision into it, or into some of the muscles which surround it. I can assert, that by this process partial contractions were produced in the human body five hours after death, every time that the arcs were applied to the muscular fibres.

Being worn out with this long series of experiments, I found it necessary to abandon them; but, from the force of the contractions, it could easily be seen that they might have been produced much longer.

Having communicated these results to the celebrated Caldani, Professor of Anatomy in the University of Padua, he requested that I would confirm the observations I had made by again applying Galvanism to the membranes and to the cortical substance of the brain. He was unwilling to give up the system of Haller without very positive proofs; and his doubts were to me of great utility, as they induced me to establish the action of Galvanism on these parts by the following experiments:

Experiment LV.

As these doubts related to a delicate point, which would have produced some variation in the theory of a celebrated physiologist, I repeated the experiment on the head of an ox newly killed, in the presence of Professor Mondini, who made the necessary preparations. The dura mater was laid bare; and the action of the Galvanism being conducted to it, strong contractions were immediately produced. The same phænomenon took place when the cortical substance was brought into contact with one of the arcs. I repeated this experiment with the same success on the heads of several oxen and lambs.

Experiment LVI.

When I passed through Turin, Professors Vassalli, Giulio, and Rossi requested me to perform, in their presence, my principal experiments, and those in particular which related to the membranes and the cortical substance of the brain. They observed, at the same time, that in uncovering the brain of an ox with a cleaver, some derangement, in consequence of the agitation, might be effected in that organ, which would perhaps produce an alteration in the results. Professors Giulio and Rossi proposed therefore to uncover the brain by the trepan, which gave a greater degree of precision to the experiment. The dura mater of an ox being uncovered in this manner, it was subjected to the action of Galvanism, and even with this mode of preparation the muscular contractions every time the arc was applied were pretty strong. The arc being determined to the cortical substance, the force of the contractions seemed to be increased; and in general they appeared to be more considerable in proportion as the arc was plunged to a greater depth into the substance of the brain.

These gentlemen, in whose presence I performed my principal experiments, having pursued my method after my departure, made some observations which may be of great use to physiology. They had before entertained strong doubts whether the heart was susceptible of the Galvanic action, by means of simple armatures applied to the different parts of that muscle; and such irregularity had been observed in the results, that it appeared difficult to determine the question. I was therefore exceedingly happy that I had had an opportunity of exciting in others a desire to make new researches in regard to this point, of so much importance. Professors Vassalli, Giulio and Rossi repeated and modified my experiments on the heart in such a manner, that they obtained in man, and warm-blooded animals, contractions similar to those which I had observed only in cold-blooded animals. I wait for a detailed account of these experiments, as well as of others made on decapitated criminals[2], which were subjected to my processes. The bodies were removed to the large hospital; and notwithstanding the long period which had elapsed between the time of the execution and that when the experiments were performed, they observed almost the same phænomena.

The observation made on this criminal, that the vital powers exist so long in the body after death, induces me to hope that I shall be able to obtain similar results by the application of my method, in common cases of suspended animation. But when employed for this laudable purpose it should be modified in such a manner as to render unnecessary those operations which are so painful to humanity. On this account, I have invented a method by which muscular contractions may be produced without the least incision or separation of the muscles. It is so combined, that it cannot be rejected by the most rigorous medical jurisprudence.

[2] Some account of the latter, from the _Journal de Physique_, will be found in the Appendix.—TRANS.

Experiment LVII.

In order to try the vital force existing in the human body after death, I immerse the hand in a solution of muriate of soda, and establish an arc, one of the extremities of which is made to pass round the fore-arm, while the other is brought into contact with the bottom of the pile. I adapt to the extremity of another arc an elastic probe, which is applied to one of the ears, moistened by means of a syringe with the same solution, and connect the other extremity of the arc with the summit of the pile. By this arrangement various contractions, according to the different degrees of vitality in the bodies, are observed, sometimes in the fingers, sometimes in the hand, and sometimes in the whole arm. The fingers bend, and move in a sensible manner; and sometimes the whole of the fore-arm proceeds towards the breast. The importance of this method for determining the duration of the vital powers after death may be readily comprehended. Should means be found hereafter to make further discoveries in regard to this interesting point, physiologists may then be able to determine with certainty those cases when interment ought to be retarded; and those where the good of society requires that every possible means of resuscitation should be employed. In the large hospital of Bologna, I made several observations on this subject; and remarked in particular, how much the nature of the disease contributes, _cæteris paribus_, to produce a difference in the duration of the muscular contractions. I tried the case of death produced by putrid fevers, by pleurisies, by wounds in the pericardium, by the scurvy, and by the consequences of parturition; and I found a great difference in the degrees of vitality, according to the circumstances of the disease, the age and temperament of the individual; which confirms me in the opinion I entertain, that these experiments, if long continued without intermission by able physiologists, might be of the greatest benefit to medicine.

These researches are not an object of mere curiosity; they seem to open an extensive field for promoting the welfare of the human race, and may be of service in cases of apparent death, occasioned by an alteration of the brain, and sometimes in cases of asphyxia. Various learned academies are entitled to great praise for having turned their attention to this subject, and for having already recommended different stimulants as proper for being used on such occasions. But I must take the liberty of requesting that in similar cases the action of Galvanism maybe tried, by employing the new method here proposed. It is of great importance that the means of affording relief to the sufferings of mankind should be multiplied, and especially in cases in which the old system of medicine presents to us so few resources. In the mean time I conceive it may be useful to make some trials on animals thrown into a state of asphyxia different ways. These researches may lead to valuable discoveries, and produce some light to direct us in our attempts to save the lives of men. If the encouragement I have received from the medical and philosophical world, in general, induce others to pursue the same path, it will give me great satisfaction. Galvanism is yet in its infancy; and when we reflect on the slow progress which many other branches of science have made, and how long they remained almost stationary before the full importance of them was known, it would be presumption to set bounds to that which is the subject of the present work. For my part, I spared no pains during my short stay at Paris to exhibit my method, and to make it publicly known. Dr. Pinel assisted at my experiments with the utmost zeal, and was witness to muscular contractions excited in the body of an old woman, who had died of a malignant putrid fever. The interest which he took in my researches induced me to communicate to him several plans I had formed for giving relief to some of those unfortunate beings committed to his skill and beneficent care in the _Hôpital des Foux_. I pointed out to him some particular cases where the individuals, in consequence of a deep rooted melancholy, were reduced almost to a state of idiotism, and in which Galvanism seemed likely to be attended with the greatest benefit. In the last public sitting of the Institute of Bologna, at which I was present, I announced the complete cure of two lunatics performed in the Public Hospital, in the presence of many of the medical pupils, and with the assistance of the professors who superintend that establishment, and who are now employed in confirming my method on other patients. I am well aware that two cures are not sufficient to make operations of this kind be admitted as general remedies; but they ought to encourage physicians to prosecute this subject in order to ascertain how far Galvanism can be considered as of utility in such cases, and to endeavour by their labours to fill up the vacuity which still exists in this part of medicine. I am ready to acknowledge that great caution ought to be employed in performing such experiments; and for this reason I purpose, in the third part of the present work, to lay before the reader the reflections and observations of various ingenious men who have made this department of Galvanism an object of their researches.

But before I proceed further, I think it necessary to deduce from what has been already said a few general corollaries.

Corollary I.

The muscles are affected by the action of the pile in a much more powerful manner when they are laid entirely bare, and when the arc is made to penetrate to a considerable depth in their substance.

Corollary II.

These convulsions are increased in proportion to the number of the points of contact between the arc and the muscle.

Corollary III.

In many cases, muscular contractions are obtained by forming an arc from one muscle to another.

Corollary IV.

Muscular contractions are almost always speedily obtained by the pile, even when the means proposed by Haller fail to produce them.

Corollary V.

The heart, which, according to Haller’s principle, is the first muscle that receives life and the last to lose it, in comparison of the other muscles, can with difficulty be made to feel the influence of the Galvanic action; while the other muscles always retain, a long time after death, that vital force which it has never been found possible to excite but by the impulse of Galvanism.

Corollary VI.

The partisans of Haller, to excite these contractions, often employ stimulants, which alter the texture of the muscular fibre, and destroy its continuity; an inconvenience which may be avoided by applying Galvanism.

Corollary VII.

As the kinds of apparatus before mentioned are not applied to the spinal marrow alone, but to the different nerves of the animal machine, they may afford to the anatomist an experimental myology; by means of which he can render sensible to the eye the fixed and moveable points of the muscles, and the real extent of their action.

Corollary VIII.

The experiments made on the bodies of persons who died a natural death, are of the greatest importance to physiology. I am strongly inclined to think that, by pursuing these researches more in detail, they will one day make us better acquainted with the character of the vital powers, and the difference of their duration, according to diversity of sex, age, temperament and disease, and even according to diversity of climate and to the nature of the atmosphere.

Part The Third.

On The Power Of Galvanism As Applied To Medicine.

If the doctrine of Galvanism have thrown considerable light on various parts of philosophy and chemistry, it gives us reason to hope that it may also be of benefit to medicine. The labours indeed of Galvani, whose most ardent desire was that his discovery might be rendered useful to mankind, were at length directed to this object, and his wishes now begin to be realized; but I must request the reader not to be too sanguine in his expectations, or to imagine that I here mean to entertain him with a long series of wonderful or extraordinary cures performed by means of Galvanism. I have no intention to decorate the discovery of my late uncle with false glory. Though I possess neither the same depth of knowledge, nor the same superiority of talents, I have always endeavoured to imitate his moderation and prudence in the application of his theory. I am fully convinced that much still remains to be done, in order to discover the best methods of employing this new agent; and that the facts respecting it, though numerous, have not been reduced to principles sufficiently certain and satisfactory. There are, nevertheless, some results and observations exceedingly curious, which, if confirmed by new experiments and researches, may enable us to obtain convincing proofs of its utility. New facts, however surprising, are not to be despised merely on account of their being different from any before observed. Those who reject them, as some have done, ought first to show that they are inconsistent with the principles of sound philosophy. Guided by these reflections, and desirous of contributing, as far as possible, towards the illustration of a new and very obscure subject, I shall lay before the reader the result of my researches in the following articles.

Section I.

_Advantages which the medical administration of Galvanism has over that of common electricity._

Several reasons have induced me to prefer the medical administration of Galvanism by means of the pile, to that of artificial electricity. In regard to the action of the common electric machine, the difficulty of calling it forth properly during damp weather; the time required for exciting it; the necessity of charging the jar every time it is applied to the patient, are so many obstacles which render the administration of common electricity inconvenient; and on this account it is now much less used than formerly. On the other hand the pile, according to the observations which I have had an opportunity of making, acts in a uniform manner; is not sensible to the effects of moisture; and forms a sort of Leyden flask, which has a continued action that may be a long time employed. It may be considered as an apparatus, which in itself contains a series of jars charged in succession with different degrees of electricity.

I might here enumerate many differences which are found between the administration of Galvanism and that of electricity. If electricity be administered to a patient directly from the conductor, he receives very little of its action; if a shock be given with the Leyden flask, the action is exceedingly strong, but not permanent. On the other hand, the pile has a strong and continued action, and occasions a powerful circulation of the Galvanic matter, which after some time produces very striking effects on the animal fluids. I might here refer, by way of example, to the experiments made with Galvanism on the blood, the bile, and the urine, which gave results I was never able to obtain by common electricity. I shall mention, in the last place, the great convenience of the pile, and the short space of time in which Galvanism may be administered by it to a great number of persons; and this advantage is sufficient, cæteris paribus, to render it preferable in this respect to common electricity.

Section II.

_Application of Galvanism to the organs of hearing and of sight._

By applying Galvanism to different parts of the face, a flash of light is excited in the eyes, which is stronger or weaker according to the nature of the parts to which it is directed. These organs, though delicate, are always affected in such a manner that the mechanism of the eye sustains no injury from the metallic arcs when they are made to communicate with only two plates of different metals. I received an account of this phænomenon at Milan, several years ago, from the celebrated Volta, who produced it by applying a conductor of zinc in such a manner, that one end of it touched the bulb of the eye, and the other the tip of the tongue armed with a plate of tin. In administering Galvanism for diseases of the eyes, it is much better to employ the pile. To excite the appearance of a flash of light, it is not necessary that the eyes should be open; it takes place even if they are shut, and covered with a bandage in a darkened apartment. Some of the partisans of Euler, perhaps, may here maintain, that this phænomenon of Galvanism is a deception, and that no light can be really excited in such cases, as the production of light depends on the emanation of rays from a luminous body which penetrate into the interior part of the eye. But without entering into the examination of this question, which is foreign to my principal object, I shall only observe, that long before the theory of Galvanism was known, the celebrated Darwin had found that when the eyes are shut, there are certain internal stimulants which are capable of producing the appearance of light and of colours.

In no case is the difference between Galvanism and electricity more apparent than in the application of the former to the sight. Very little benefit had been obtained by means of a metallic point inclosed in a glass tube, which directed the electric charge from a jar to the cornea; and besides, the shock of a Leyden jar applied directly to so delicate an organ as the eye could not but be attended with danger. Galvanism applied to the exterior part of the eye, in the same place where a stream of electricity would have had no influence whatever, has always produced a certain effect on the organ of sight, as is proved by the following experiments.

Experiment I.

If you touch with one hand the bottom of the pile, and at the same time apply to the summit different parts of the face moistened with salt water, a flash of light will be excited in the eyes. The same result will be obtained, if instead of touching the bottom of the pile with the hand you touch it with the sole of your foot. No flash of light is observed when the Leyden flask is employed in the same manner.

Experiment II.

Having observed the preceding phænomenon in myself, and excited it in others, I was desirous of proving it in regard to several persons at the same time during the course of my public lectures, and for that purpose I made use of the following apparatus. I arranged two metallic plates in a horizontal position, at the distance of nine inches from each other, so that six persons with their hands dipped in salt water could touch the lower plate, and the upper one with the tips of their tongue. A charged Leyden flask placed between the two plates being then discharged, the whole of the persons experienced a violent shock, but perceived no flash of light. It is well known however that, when a similar arc is formed with the interposition of a very strong pile, a flash of light is constantly observed; though the force in the second case is much less than that excited by the explosion of the Leyden flask. The same result will be obtained by bringing the upper plate into contact with the nose.

Experiment III.

As my pupils took much interest in this research, some of them suspected that the light of the apartment might perhaps have effaced that excited by the electricity. I therefore made the apartment entirely dark; and one of them taking a Leyden flask applied it to the point of the nose of another person with whom he was in communication, by laying hold of him with the other hand. By these means a very strong shock was given, but no flash of light was observed. This experiment was repeated, making the person who received the shock of the Leyden flask to remain some time before in the dark, that his eyes might be better enabled to perceive any faint light that might be excited: but the result was still the same. To those who refer Galvanism to the common laws of electricity, it will be difficult to comprehend the cause of the different action exercised by the latter on the organ of sight. But as it is not my intention at present to enter into any discussion on this subject, I shall leave it to philosophers to assign a reason for this phænomenon, and only observe, that the properties above indicated will be sufficient to authorize medical practitioners to prefer, in certain cases, the administration of Galvanism by the pile to that of common electricity.

Before I proceed directly to the medical administration of Galvanism to the organ of sight, I think it necessary to distinguish four classes of blind persons whose cases ought to be considered separately.

The first belongs to those who from their birth have been deprived of the valuable blessing of sight.

The second comprehends those become blind in consequence of some great læsion, or some derangement in the solids or in the fluids which constitute the mechanism of the eye.

The third, those who have become blind by some morbid action, though the mechanism of the eye has been little affected, and though no impediment has occurred but in regard to the action of the optic nerve.

The fourth class comprehends those who, though not actually deprived of sight, have it much weakened in consequence of disease, or of some other cause.

The administration of Galvanism does not hold forth much hope of a cure to persons belonging to the first two classes. I however resolved to attempt some experiments on this subject at Bologna; but though there were a great many blind in that city, I found that they had become so by the malignant influence of the small pox. This observation will, I hope, be of service to the pursuits of the celebrated Dr. Jenner, and of all those who exert themselves to promote the beneficial practice of vaccine inoculation.

Being deprived, at Bologna, of any opportunity of trying the effects of Galvanism in cases of persons born blind, I galvanised several who had lost their sight at a very early age. I first applied the Galvanism to the arms of five blind persons, some of whom had lost their sight thirty, and others forty years and even more. By this method they were familiarised with the idea of its mechanical action, and learned to distinguish it from every other sensation. I then applied Galvanism to the lips, and to the tip of the nose, in a darkened apartment; but in three instances only the patients had a real perception of light, to which they had been so long strangers. I then applied it to cases of amaurosis, and at first had confident expectation of effecting a perfect cure. One of my patients was a woman, whom this disorder had deprived of the sight of one eye, while that of the other was much weakened. After administering the Galvanism different ways, I observed that the eye totally blind began to have a perception of light, and that the sight of the one which was weakened became much stronger. I then took a book, which I held at a considerable distance from her; and removing it gradually further as the Galvanism was administered, I observed, in consequence of this method, that the patient’s sight daily improved. But I must freely confess that the success obtained, though at first flattering, was not of long duration; and that when the Galvanism was discontinued a great deal of the benefit which had been obtained was again lost. On this account, I was discouraged from administering Galvanism any more in such cases. I am however of opinion, that by varying the method of administration it may be attended with some utility. I shall here observe, that having once had occasion to administer common electricity in a similar case of amaurosis, I was never able to excite the perception of a flash in the eyes of the patient, though the electricity was applied directly to the eye itself.

I have had few opportunities of applying Galvanism in diseases of the organs of hearing. Besides, I thought it almost needless to try a method which had been already brought to a state of perfection by some of the most celebrated professors of Germany and Berlin. I admired in particular a very ingenious machine, invented for that purpose by a German philosopher, and lately constructed in England by Mr. John Cuthbertson, an eminent philosophical and mathematical instrument maker, and celebrated for having constructed the large electrical machine of Harlem. The apparatus consists of a metal lever, which by means of certain wheels and machinery rises and falls every minute or second, and at each time of falling forms a communication between certain parts of the patient and the pile. In consequence of this arrangement, the interrupted action of the Galvanism is renewed every time that the communication between the patient and the pile is re-established. Before my departure from London, I made several changes and improvements in the usual construction of this apparatus, in order to give it as much simplicity as possible. The following is the manner in which I caused it to be constructed lately for my own use. One extremity of the lever which forms the communication (Plate III. fig. 1.), is fixed to the base or negative end of the pile, and the other terminates in a small hammer, so placed as to strike a bell, which by means of a bason of water is in communication with certain parts of the patient, while an arc extends from the patient to the summit or positive end of the pile. In consequence of this arrangement, every time that the small hammer strikes the bell the Galvanic action of the pile is repeated. In cases of deafness, I cause the patient to hold in one hand an insulated metallic arc, one end of which is brought into contact with the affected ear, and the other with the positive end of the pile; and to immerse the other hand in a bason of salt water placed above the bell. When this disposition has been made, the wheel-work is turned round, which gives motion to the lever; and every time that the hammer strikes the bell, a communication is formed between the positive and negative ends of the pile: consequently there will then be a circulation of the fluid, and the Galvanism will exercise a direct action on the organ of hearing. The apparatus, constructed in this manner, appears to me to be reduced to great simplicity: and therefore I propose to extend the use of it, by employing it to administer medical Galvanism to other diseased parts of the body.

Before I conclude this article, I must suggest a hint respecting the application of Galvanism to diseases of the teeth, founded on information communicated to me on this subject by Mr. Fowler, an eminent dentist of London. When the caries is concealed from the sight, Mr. Fowler employs the following method to discover the affected tooth. He first insulates the patient; and having put into his hand the electric chain, he applies a small piece of wire to the _dens sapientiæ_, drawing it gradually over its surface: he then applies it to the next tooth, repeating the operation, and proceeds in like manner with the rest till he comes to the diseased tooth, which discovers itself by a violent pain producing an involuntary commotion in the body. It is always remarked, that when this tooth is extracted it exhibits a carious part not before visible. This method, therefore, is of great importance, as it frequently happens in such cases that the dentist, not being able to distinguish the diseased tooth from the rest, is obliged to draw some that are sound before he can discover it.

Section III.

_Application of Galvanism in cases of asphyxia and drowning._

I mentioned in the second part of this work the great influence which Galvanism has in cases of asphyxia, and the preference which ought to be given to it in comparison of other stimulants. Though the observations offered in that part are sufficient to prove my proposition, I shall add to them the following experiments:

Experiment I.

Some dogs and cats were immersed in a large pond till they gave no external signs of respiration, or of muscular motion; and Galvanism being immediately administered to them, according to the methods already described, they were sometimes restored to life. I make use of the term ‘sometimes,’ because, if animals are immersed in water for a longer period than their organization can bear, and if the vital powers are really destroyed, it is evident that it will be impossible to restore them to life by any physical process whatever. I obtained the same results from to animals thrown into a state of asphyxia in different ways.

Experiment II.

Having applied Galvanism to the trunk of a dog, in the _Hôpital de la Charité_ at Paris, air seemed to escape from the tracheal artery on every application of the arc. Being requested to repeat and confirm this interesting experiment, I found myself under the necessity of sacrificing a new victim to my Galvanic researches. As it was necessary to examine the phænomenon while the body was in that state of vitality most proper for the observation, I exposed the trunk of another dog recently killed to the Galvanic action; and having placed a taper near to the tracheal artery, it was extinguished twice in succession by two applications of Galvanism. By repeating this experiment, in Mr. Wilson’s anatomical theatre, Great Windmill-street, and in the theatres of Guy’s and St. Thomas’s Hospital, London, I found that the taper could be extinguished a greater number of times.

These experiments give me sufficient reason to hope that Galvanism may be administered with some advantage in cases of drowning. But as I never had an opportunity of trying the effects of this stimulant in such cases, I have requested several medical practitioners to pay attention to this application of Galvanism, which may be of the utmost importance to the cause of humanity. I have already mentioned that the method which I propose is exceedingly simple; that no anatomical operation whatever is required; that it is attended with no danger; and that the possibility of saving the life is in every case respected. Nothing is necessary but to immerse in salt water one of the hands of the person subjected to the operation, and then to apply the Galvanic current to one of the ears and to the surface of the salt water.

Dr. Lettsom, a very zealous member of the Humane Society, having been present at some of my experiments, I requested that he would recommend the application of Galvanism in cases of drowning. He assured me that he would use his endeavours to cause my method to be tried, and I had several conferences with him on the subject, that I might communicate to him such information as might tend to facilitate the application of it. As the Galvanism in such cases ought to be administered with great promptitude, we agreed that the apparatus of the trough is preferable to that of the pile; and we contrived the plan of a portable box to contain a trough, two arcs, and a solution of common salt. Such an apparatus will be exceedingly convenient, and may easily be employed in all cases of drowning and of asphyxia.

Section IV.

_Galvanism applied to the cure of melancholy madness._

Hospitals for lunatics present a spectacle which must excite compassion in every breast not void of humanity, as they are in general crowded with unfortunate beings, useless to themselves and dangerous to others; while little hope is left of their being ever restored to society. This is the case in particular with persons subject to melancholy madness; on some of whom I tried last year the effects of Galvanism. In consequence of a long series of painful and disagreeable experiments made on myself, I was induced to entertain great hopes from this remedy. I applied it to my ears and to different parts of the head, in order that I might form a just estimation of its power and influence on the brain. It is well known that the strength and energy of the operations of the mind depend on the state of the functions of the brain. It is well known also, that a violent fall, or strong impression on the head, has often occasioned great variations in the intellectual faculties. By such accidents some have entirely lost the power of imagination; while, on the other hand, some have acquired very great talents, or emerged from a state of complete stupidity. These considerations gave me reason to hope that the power of Galvanism might perhaps be able to produce a salutary change in the brain in cases of melancholy madness. I communicated my thoughts on this subject to the physicians who superintend the hospital for lunatics at Bologna. They approved of my ideas, and gave me every assistance in their power to enable me to prosecute my researches. In their presence, and under their direction, I administered Galvanism to several lunatics, applying it different ways; and the result was the complete cure of two who had laboured under melancholy madness. As the method I followed in both cases was nearly the same, I shall here give a description of it, as it may serve as a general rule for the administration of this remedy under similar circumstances.

Louis Lanzarini, of a phlegmatic temperament, twenty-seven years of age, and a farmer by profession, fell into a state of deep melancholy, which first announced itself by an attack of fever; in consequence of which he was conveyed to the public hospital of St. Ursula on the 17th of May 1801. When he arrived there, he began to complain of the treatment he had received, and to show great uneasiness; by which means his melancholy increased so much, that it at length degenerated into real stupidity. While in this state, Professors Gentilli and Palazzi were so kind as to allow me to administer Galvanism to him; which I did in the presence of these physicians, and of several medical students who attended the hospital.

I had provided for this purpose a pile composed of eighty pieces of silver and zinc, and I at first administered the Galvanism gradually, forming the arc by means of the hands. Lanzarini, in a state of the utmost dejection, viewed the apparatus and the company present with his eyes fixed and motionless. When interrogated by the physicians and myself in regard to the origin of his malady, he gave laconic and confused answers, which seemed to indicate a great degree of stupidity and derangement. I first moistened his hands, and formed an arc with the pile at different heights, to accustom him to endure the action of the apparatus. No change, however, was produced in the patient by this operation. I then repeated the experiment, placing his hands, moistened with salt water, at the bottom of the pile; and conveying an arc from the summit of the pile to different parts of his face, moistened with the same solution. A change was soon observed in the patient’s countenance, and his whole demeanour seemed to indicate that the degree of his melancholy was somewhat lessened. The experiment was repeated several times with the same success; which seems to prove that Galvanism absolutely exercises an action in such diseases. The patient being interrogated next day, asserted that he had felt no inconvenience from the application of the Galvanism; and this account was confirmed by the keepers, who had been desired to give a report of the least change that might take place. Similar results were obtained by gradually administering the action of the pile with greater force for several days successively, and we soon began to observe that it produced a very striking effect. The patient, on touching the apparatus, seemed to acquire new spirits; a smile appeared on his countenance, and a complete change took place in his eyes as well as in every feature of his face. Instead of showing any aversion to the pile, he readily obeyed whenever he was called to undergo the operation; and his whole conduct indicated that he found relief from the influence of the unknown agent which it excited. He began to converse with more readiness, sometimes respecting the machine, and sometimes on the flash of light which appeared in his eyes when the arc was applied; and on that account we conceived the most flattering hopes of a complete cure. The result of this operation induced me to administer the Galvanism even to the substance of the brain; being convinced, as I have already remarked, that the Galvanic fluid by this method of application exercises its action with greater energy. I communicated my design to the Professors of the hospital, and with their approbation began to try the effects of a pile composed of fifteen plates of copper and zinc. I formed an arc from one of the hands to one of the ears, and then from one ear to another, having first moistened them with a solution of muriate of soda. I increased the number of plates of which the pile was composed, and found that the patient was always more or less affected with a momentary impression exceedingly painful, which however seemed in the end to produce a good effect. When Galvanism was administered in this manner, I did not neglect to continue the application of the other method at the same time; and I found that the progress of the cure became more rapid. But as I observed that the action of Galvanism on the ears was sometimes too violent, we thought proper to apply it in a more moderate and less dangerous manner. Several persons having been induced through curiosity to try this action, the result, besides a violent commotion of the whole substance of the brain against the skull, was a state of watchfulness which continued several days running, and which I experienced myself as well as others. We then conceived the idea of shaving the head above the suture of the parietal bone (Plate III. fig. 3.); and having moistened the shaven part with salt water, a piece of gold or silver coin was placed over it. The patient then touched with one of his hands the bottom of the pile, and at the same time an arc was established from the summit of the pile to the metallic armature placed on the head. By this arrangement the action of the Galvanism was rendered more moderate; the patient endured it for a long time, and seemed to be greatly relieved by it. I have always united this method with external application to different parts of the face, and have observed such sudden changes in the looks as seemed to announce a considerable abatement of the disease. Some of the physicians of Bologna, Professors Brugnatelli and Zola of Pavia, and several other foreigners, examined and confirmed the permanency of this effect. The patient, therefore, not only got the better of his melancholy, but began to relish his food, and at length recovered so much strength that the physicians of the hospital thought nothing further was necessary to complete the cure.

No other remedy besides Galvanism was administered to him, lest the effects should be so confounded as to render it impossible to tell to which the cure ought to be ascribed. Two days, however, before he left the hospital a little blood was taken from him; as it was conceived that this operation might contribute to render the cure more certain.

On his leaving the hospital I carried him to my house, that he might be fitted by proper nourishment for resuming his former occupations. He remained with me eight days in the quality of a domestic, during which time he was exceedingly tractable, and performed his duty with great care and attention. I had several conversations with him, in the course of which I learned that his father, Fabian Lanzarini, had been attacked by the same disease, and that he had been admitted into the same hospital, where he died on the 12th of June 1790. By inspecting the registers of the hospital, I found this account to be perfectly correct.

Agreeably to the principles already established, in regard to the treatment of madness, I advised Lanzarini to spend the rest of his life at a distance from his native country, lest, having continually before his eyes those objects which had occasioned his disease, it might recur with double violence. But though he had given me several proofs of his docility, I found it impossible to persuade him to make this sacrifice. A kind of _nostalgia_, perhaps, attached him to his former master, to whom he returned, after paying a visit to the curé of the parish. The latter, when he first saw him, imagined he had run away from the hospital; but by his conversation he was soon convinced of his being completely cured. After this period, I obtained a regular report respecting his behaviour and the state of his health, from the above curé, and from the person who had paid all the expenses of his residence in the hospital; and I learned, with great satisfaction, that he continued to enjoy good health, and to exercise his usual employment.

By the same treatment I cured, of a similar disorder, Charles Bellini, a labourer, who was restored to society in a shorter space of time, because the affection was not so violent as in the preceding case. The phænomena which took place when the patient was subjected to the action of the pile, when the Galvanism was applied to the brain, and during the whole progress of the cure, were nearly the same. I must, however, freely acknowledge, that two cures are not sufficient to establish the application of Galvanism as an universal remedy in such cases. But on this account it ought not to be rejected: at any rate it deserves further examination; for it is well known that all remedies require certain conditions before they can perform their effect. I have therefore several times found it impossible to obtain the same result in other patients afflicted with melancholy madness, to whom I administered Galvanism; and in cases of raving madness I have even found it dangerous. In some instances, melancholy madness derives its origin from a certain general constitution of the animal machine, or from some great alteration in the brain; and it is evident that in such cases the action of Galvanism would be of no avail. But if the derangement of the intellectual functions depend only on some humour intercepted between the membranes and other parts of the brain, there is reason to hope that Galvanism, if prudently administered, may be attended with great benefit. The real cases in which it may be administered with success, can be ascertained only by experience. I must observe also, that the method of administering it is not yet reduced to that state of simplicity, which is necessary before it can be brought into regular use in large hospitals. The physicians, under whose care they are placed, have in general a great deal of private practice, and cannot conveniently attend to operations which require a continued labour for several months. Besides, the novelty of the remedy is sufficient to excite a clamour against it, and to awaken the prejudice of the assistants, who will even wish to proscribe it before it has been tried. For this reason, I think it necessary here to request, that those who preside over establishments destined for the reception of such patients would turn their attention to this subject, and endeavour to reduce the method of applying Galvanism to the utmost simplicity of which it is susceptible, in order that it may be fit for being introduced into large hospitals. As the patient often shows an aversion to this strange remedy, it will be necessary to encourage him by every means possible. Sometimes on observing the flash of light, when the Galvanism is communicated, he cries out and is frightened; imagining that he sees a devouring fire ready to consume him, and on this account refuses to submit again to the operation. It will, therefore, be proper to conceal from him the apparatus, or to make a person show him the pile some time before as an object of amusement, and in this manner to prepare him for receiving its action. It will be of benefit also sometimes to modify the action of the pile, and to render it more moderate by a different method of application. In the case of female patients I have found the result the same, when the Galvanism, instead of being applied directly to the interior part of the ears, was directed externally to the gold pendents (Plate III. fig. 4.).

By considering the course generally pursued in curing melancholy madness, hints may be suggested for an useful application of Galvanism in that disease, and data may be obtained sufficient to establish the different modes of application best fitted to the different cases. These ideas have engaged a good deal of my attention; and when I have finished the observations I have been for some time collecting, I flatter myself that I shall be able to communicate to the public some interesting information on the subject.

In some cases of madness, as I found it impossible to apply Galvanism to the hands, which were confined, I employed the action of an arc directed to the mouth (Plate III. fig. 2.), while another proceeded to one of the ears; or I applied a piece of money to the head, and communicated the Galvanism by the method already described (Plate III. fig. 3.).

It will even be necessary to try the effect of the Galvanic current, sometimes continued, and sometimes interrupted by means of the apparatus employed for diseases of the organs of hearing. It will be proper, in many cases, to combine moral with physical treatment, and not to neglect the other methods already known and practised, which may be used as very convenient auxiliaries.

Section V.

_General reflections on the