The Secrets of Specialists/Chapter 8

When Benjamin Franklin was conducting his experiments with electricity, with a kite and key, the people would ask: "Of what use is it, anyway?" "Never mind," retorted the old philosopher, "It's only a baby now; it might grow to be a man some day." The present generation is living in an age to witness his prediction come true, and electricity has not only grown to be a man, but a giant, in both the commercial world and as a therapeutic measure. Ever since Galvani's experience, related on another page, electricity has been steadily growing in favor as a means of treating diseases and alleviating suffering. Electricity, like many other things introduced in medicine, has in former years been but little understood, and therefore too much has been expected from this influence. As science progresses, however, and we learn more of the nature of this element, we are able to utilize it in therapeutics to a better advantage. It is not what electricity has accomplished, it is what it has not accomplished that has made some practitioners depreciate its value. Like all other things of a physical nature utilized in treating diseases it has its special sphere of operation, and the better we learn to identify its sphere and utilize its application in practical ways, the more competent we are to use this agent in the treatment of disease.

One of the most confusing things regarding the use of electricity is there seems to be no absolute standard or set laws for its use. One operator will accomplish results by one method of application, and another will accomplish the same results by another, so when stereotyped rules are laid down for manipulating the currents, the amateur electrotherapeutist is at once confronted by the perplexity of technique. Differ​ence of opinion, however, is the spice of argument, and if each observer did not air his views, the entire practice of medicine would be a one sided affair. We would have no more idea of reaching the facts than preachers have of piloting sinners to heaven through the different denomination routes.

I fully realize that electrotherapy offers too broad a scope to be completely discussed in a publication of this kind; yet the fundamental principles may be sufficiently outlined to induce the reader to delve more thoroughly into the subject, as no office practitioner could possibly think of successfully conducting an office practice, without including this valuable agent with his armorment against diseases. Perhaps the only word of caution I should give, is not to accept this agent as a panacea for all ills, a mistake made by many over-enthusiastic practitioners.

Electricity, like the other physiologic methods in the preceding chapters, has its circumscribed field of operation, and outside of this it is of little or no value and often does more harm than good, when not properly understood; therefore, to be an electrotherapeutist does not simply mean to be the possessor of an elaborate outfit of electrical machines or apparatus to display for commercial purposes, as does the charlatan with the buzzing from his Faradie battery, but to understand the construction, mechanism and generative forces they possess, to manufacture and to supply this force, known as electricity, and, after this force is harnessed by special apparatus, to dispense it in the different forms or currents, where it can be utilized to the best advantage in the treatment of disease.

The first question a student, contemplating the study of electricity would ask: What is electricity? The word electricity is derived from the Greek word Electron, meaning amber; as the ancient sailors discovered, by the friction of amber and similar substances various attractions, repulsions, sparklings and other phenomena were manifested. Most scientific men hold the view that electricity is ether itself, which is the ​elastic incompressible medium pervading all space; conveying luminous and other vibrations, and that the phenomena of positive and negative electrifications are due to displacement of the ether at the surface of bodies.

The researches of Hertz, who, by direct experiments, verified Maxwell's brilliant theory that electrical action is propagated through space by wave motion of the ether, differing only in respect of wave length and period from the vibrations which constitute light, have been of the utmost value in helping to arrive at a solution of the problem.

Investigations into the phenomena of electric discharges in high vacua, followed by the discovery of the X-Rays, have also thrown much light on the subject. The general conclusion is, that ether is electricity in an invisible or passive state, and the only way to convert it into energy is to destroy its equilibrium, as is demonstrated in various ways, from the simple ruffling of the fur on a cat's back, to the friction of clouds, during a thunder storm.

For therapeutic purposes, this energy is generated by chemical decomposition and other means, and is conducted and controlled by different electrical apparatus and machines, which are known and referred to as batteries.

A complete analysis of electro-physics and technique is too exhaustive to fall within the scope of this publication, and it is generally understood that most physicians are familiar with these subjects; we will therefore devote only a few pages to a brief discussion of electric currents, etc., and give the technique of their use in the diseases as these are specified.

The language of electricity, the same as any other science, is the first to become familiar in investigating the science. The nomenclature of electrotherapeutics, like any other science, undergoes certain changes from time to time, as the science progresses, and in order to comprehend the meaning of these terms, we must learn what they incorporate. Many of the terms used in electricity were named after the men who established their principles.

Was founded by Galvani, the Italian anatomist, about 132 years ago. This form of electricity is also referred to as the direct, or continuous current, and is one of the most simple means of converting chemical decomposition into electrical energy.

A galvanic cell consists of a plate of carbon, and a plate of zine, immersed in an exciting fluid. There are several chemicals or combinations of chemicals used for this purpose, of which the following is one:

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By connecting two or more of these cells together, we obtain sufficient electro-motive force for all therapeutic purposes, and this forms the type of battery most suitable for the physician living in the country, where he does not have access to the public lighting systems of the city. The most convenient way, however, is to utilize the 110-volt direct current from the city lighting system, providing this current is furnished; most cities, however, have only the alternating current, and in such circumstances, a small rectifier (see cut) is used to transfer the current from an alternating to a direct current. This form of electricity is one of the most valuable in electrotherapeutics, as it has the greatest field of usefulness in electrolysis and cataphoresis.

The galvanic current is generated by chemical decomposition in the galvanic cells which takes place at the surface of the zinc plate, and is therefore, the positive element within the cell, as the current flows towards the carbon plate, which makes this the negative element, outside of the cell. It is just the opposite, the carbon terminal is called the positive pole, and the zine terminal the negative pole. These two poles, used for therapeutic purposes, are decidedly different in their effects.

The positive pole is often spoken of as the acid pole, and has a caustic effect which hardens tissues with unyielding cicatricial tissue; is a vaso-constructor and will stop bleeding and is sedative in its effects.

The negative pole is often referred to as the alkaline pole, and acts as an alkaline caustic. It softens, disintegrates and liquefies tissues, with very little resultant cicatricial tissue, which is more soft and pliable. It is a vaso-dilator and like​wise increases bleeding and produces bypersensitiveness. Their polar effects, which are decidedly opposite, are among the first things to be understood in handling electric currents, and we can readily see why the old doctors, who would advise "If one current don't do the business, try the other," were so erroneous in their methods and disappointed in their efforts; nowadays the physician's reputation is at stake in selecting the right pole for the condition in which it is indicated.

Both these functions are derived from the galvanic current, and constitute two of the most important methods of utilizing this form of electricity.

Electrolysis is the process of separating or decomposing elements by electricity, and we have at our disposal an alkaline or acid radical, which may be used as the case demands, by using the different poles of the currents. For electrolytic ​work, however, the negative pole is always used, because it acts as an alkaline caustic, and leaves the tissues soft and pliable while the positive pole hardens the tissues and may result in unsightly sears; therefore, the negative pole is preferable in the removal of superfluous hair, warts, moles, navi, etc.

Cataphoresis is the process of conveying medicines into the tissues of the body by means of the continuous current; thus, thiosinamine is used to dissolve scar tissue. Potassium iodide is used to excellent advantage to reduce glandular enlargements, particularly in goiter; local anesthesia may be induced by the use of cocaine, etc. These solutions are always used on the negative pole and will be referred to later.

Was first devised by Michael Farady, of England, in the year 1831, from whom it takes it name; but at the present time is more frequently referred to as the induced or interrupted current. There are three ways of supplying this electric force. The first is the lodestone or natural magnet and the second by means of wrapping a coil or coils of insulated wire around a cone of very soft iron and charging the wire with an electric current. The third, or static induced current, is taken from the outside coating of Leyden jars, attached to a static machine.

This form of electricity is used for its general tonic effect upon tissues, by causing the muscles to contract, the blood to circulate more freely, and as a general stimulant to metabolism.

Dr. Homer E. Bennett, briefly states the physics, physiology and therapy of the induced current as follows:

The primary faradic current is really an interrupted galvanic current with the added magnetic properties imparted to it, from its immersion in the electro-magnetic field of the core, which gives it more potential. The primary has but little power of penetration and, therefore, the effects are ​superficial and its usefulness limited, but, when a paralyzed nerve is superficial, it may be stimulated by the primary current.

On account of the amperage or current strength of the primary, it will cause powerful contractions of the superficial muscles. This current is more stimulating and irritating than is the secondary, hence it will increase the capillary circulation in the skin and is used to good advantage in this way as a tonic stimulant in conjunction with the electro-vapor bath. The primary current is uni-directional, but is interrupted with the frequency corresponding to the "make" and "break" of the vibrator. Coming from the primary cells, it has feeble galvanic properties, being both electrolytic and phoric to a slight degree, but its chief action upon the living organism is as an excitant to contractile tissue and a stimulant to sensory nerves, by reason of the interruptions, which cause sudden variations of the potential. The very suddenness of this change in the electro-motive force makes this current a powerful stimulant for exciting muscular contractions and arousing the action of the sensory nerves and the promotion of tissue metabolism.

The secondary induced current differs radically from the primary in every way, both in production and effects. The secondary coil current is the purely induced current and has no available amperage or current strength, and, therefore, no electrolytic (chemical) or any phoric effects. Through the process of induction the voltage is enormously increased, so that it has great power of penetration, and will influence deep-seated conditions.

On account of the rapid hysteresis in the primary field, there is produced a fluctuation in the secondary potential, which imparts to the secondary coil current to-and-fro or alternating character. Therefore, the secondary current has no fixed polarity, but there is a difference in the rise and fall of this potential, which gives to it a slight polar effect, but which is entirely mechanical.

The current induced by the "make" is slower than the reverse current induced by the "break," in the primary. ​The electro-motive force is varied by the rapidity of the interruptions and by the size and length of the wire on the secondary coil. If the interruptions are very rapid and the coil composed of many turns of fine wire, the resulting current, though interrupted, begin to resemble, in physical properties, the sinusoidal modality. The approach to and departure from the highest and lowest potential, in each period, is, by this construction, made more gradual, and the physiological effects are as stimulants and not irritants, therefore it is a tonic and sedative to both motor and sensory nerves.

This current is what constitutes the so-called "high tension current, which has a decided analgesic or anæsthetic effect, and will relieve pain.

The secondary current will contract muscles, the interruptions being so rapid that the muscles do not have time to relax between the interruptions, therefore, the muscles will remain in a state of clonic spasm as long as the current flows. There being no chemical effect to the secondary current on account of the absence of amperage, the pain is relieved in an irritated nerve through a process of tetanization of the nerve.

The current from a short, coarse secondary coil is rough, harsh, and irritating, and, therefore, painful, and when ignorantly or carelessly applied is often injurious. The cheap batteries, commonly found in the stores and sold to the laity for self-treatment, are usually of this character, and by them many have been "shocked" till they are fearful of all kinds.

In some cases of paralysis, where it is desired to get powerful stimulation, this current is indicated. Likewise in cases of narcosis, drowning, asphyxia. poisoning, etc., this current may be used to advantage to induce and keep up artificial respiration.

The best induction coil for the general practitioner or electro-therapeutist is one in which the strength of the primary can be changed and in which the number of the primary interruptions may be regulated, by means of both slow and rapid vibrators, and in which the secondary contains at least ​3,000 feet of No. 36 wire and with another thousand or fifteen hundred feet more, which may be added when desired, for the sedative effect. The primary coil should have about 200 feet of No. 20 wire.

The primary currents are useful in producing superficial stimulation, equalizing capillary circulation, and in giving general tonic treatments.

The coarse secondary coil currents are indicated for powerful stimulation, such as for massage effects in atrophy, paralysis, perversion of cutaneous sensibility, and in relaxed and sluggish states of the bowels, and glandular systems, narcosis, etc.

The high tension or long, fine wire coil currents are indicated in deep-seated nervous and painful conditions, as ovaritis, neuralgia, and sub-acute and chronic engorgements, due to vaso-motor paralysis, and in depraved states where there is need of stimulation of tissue metabolism and retrograde metamorphosis.

The Sinusoidal current is one of the three forms of induced currents used in medicine, and differs from the faradic and static induced, inasmuch as the alternations produced are smooth and even, instead of rough and irregular in character. Of the three alternating currents the Faradic is the most unsatisfactory, as it produces muscular contraction with such force as to be painful with many delicate subjects. The static induced current will produce muscular contraction, with less pain, but is more difficult to control. The Sinusoidal current will accomplish the same results as the two former currents, and produce powerful muscular contractions, with but little or no discomfort to the patient, and when compared with the other interrupted currents, is like the calm rolling tide of the ocean, after a storm, and is particularly indicated in atonic ​visceral conditions. We have no more effectual agent than the Sinusoidal current. Its peculiar properties of exciting con traction, both of striated and nonstriated muscular tissue painlessly, makes it invaluable in the treatment of Chronic Gastro-Intestinal disorders. It will relieve the most obstinate cases of constipation which have repeatedly failed to be more than temporarily benefited by other methods.

In Chronic Cystitis, especially those cases associated with enlarged Prostate, the results are particularly gratifying, and when used alternately with the constant current, the final result will be more than satisfactory, to both physician and patient.

Seminal Vesiculitis, Prostatitis, Varicocele, Atrophied Testicles, in fact any condition where there is loss of tone, or nutrition is impaired, the Sinusoidal is the current par excellence.

All forms of Neuritis, whether acute or chronic, and many Neuralgias, are cured, where the use of other currents has proven unavailing.

The remarkable properties, tonic, stimulant, and sedative, produced by this current, together with its profound effect on nutrition, make it an almost indispensable addition to the armamentarium of the physician.

With static electricity we have a form of electric energy which consists of nearly all voltage, and very little or no amperage, and while the body of the patient is required to come in contact with both poles of the continuous or induced currents in this form of electric procedure, the electric charge may be forced in local areas with one pole, and conducted through the body to the other pole, through the ground or air, at a long distance; therefore, we may administer the local

effects of electric currents to circumscribed areas, by the use of special constructed electrodes, while the entire body is being charged with a high potential current, which is extensively used for its tonic effect, and a process of increasing cell metabolism, in the treatment of many organic and functional discases.

One of the most popular forms of treatment with static electricity, is called the breeze treatment, or the static bath, which is given to the patient on an isolated platform, connected with one of the static jars, while the other jar is con​nected with a crown electrode above the head. The influence of this current is very soothing to many patients, as it gives the sensation of a gentle breeze to the head, and acts as a sedative, and often relieves headache and induces sleep; in brief, it tranquilizes and equalizes the nerve forces, dilates the cutaneous vessels and hastens the elimination of waste products, carbon dioxide, urea, etc.

It was in the year 1895, W. C. Roentgen announced to the world the discovery of invisible, nonrefractible rays, eminating from the surface of an electrically excited vacuum tube, opposite the cathode electrode, having the power of permeating objects impervious to light or heat rays, and affecting photographic plates in a manner similar to light rays. Not ​being certain as to the nature of these rays, he provisionally termed them "X-Rays," and although seventeen years have elapsed since their discovery, we are still ignorant of their true nature. The X-Ray has not only served the surgeon as a valuable means of locating foreign bodies, dislocations and fractures, but is one of the most valuable means we have for the treatment of certain cutaneous conditions and cancer; recent investigations have proven such remarkable results that the most radical claims may not be impossible of realization.

This form of electric currents was introduced by Nikola Tesla, in the year 1900, and is referred to, synonymously, as the "high frequency" or "Tesla currents" which is an oscillating current, in which the frequency is beyond the point of producing muscular contractions. Muscular contractions cease with 10,000 oscillations, which has been taken as the dividing line between medium and high frequency currents. Many of the high frequency apparatus are estimated to develop over a million oscillations. This current may be developed from a static machine with the addition of an Oudin resonator, or by securing a special high frequency coil, of which there are many elaborate outfits on the market.