Note 12 — LECTURE II. METHODS OF APPLYING ELECTRICITY.

It is often of imperative importance in the administration of the “constant” current that we should really localize it—not in name only, but in fact—in some special nerve; and this is not always quite so easy in practice as in theory. |Importance of exactitude in administering a constant current.| To secure the result we desire, we must see that the cord or wire from the terminals of the battery to the electrodes is without flaw; that the electrodes are well moistened and placed firmly in the position determined upon; and especially that they are held quite immovable during the entire application, for if not maintained immovable, we shall be using not a “constant” but an “interrupted” current with totally dissimiliar physiological and therapeutical effects! We must satisfy ourselves that the current from our battery is also constant, and that we so apply it to our patients that the affected nerve shall be—as it is called—included in the circuit—that is, between the poles, and that the current circulates through this nerve as perfectly and continuously as it would through a piece of wire connecting the terminals of the battery.