every operator know the quantity contained in his receiver: This is easily done, by observing the
distension of the electrometer, in different degrees of it, and then experiencing the shock in
his own body. Although your patients must be consulted, as before mentioned; nevertheless, you will
find some of them that will complain before they are hurt. A light shock will give a disagreeable
sensation in the joints, and some other parts, especially where the chains are applied. Thus the
operator will be obliged to use his own judgment sometimes, as well as to consult his patient's feelings, &c.
These operations - this number of shocks, may possibly promote an universal diaphoresis, in a degree;
but, after a few hours, it may be, and generally is necessary to administer as many more. of this you must
judge by the habit, by the state of the pulse, by the ease and quietness of the patient.
if the perspiration is rapid, in full flow, you may desist the shock, and expect the symptoms of
disturbance to subside more and more. But, at all events, if the patient can bear it, these operations
must be persisted in, and repeated once in two or three hours, till the tension is taken off, and
perspiration is in full flow; and the shock must be assisted by all the means before directed,
or some others that will answer the purpose.
The time of keeping up this full flow of perspiration must be longer or shorter, according to the fullness of the habit,
or till all pain, resistlessness, &c. are totally extinguished, and the pulsation calm and easy.
If there should be any difficulty in removing pain from the head, a few light shocks,
brought on to the forehead, or back part of the head, as the seat of the pain may be, and
passed to the feet, will commonly give relief when the other directions will fail.
There will not always be the same immediate relief gained; and there will be much variation as to the number
of shocks, as well as their strength, required in various constitutions and degrees of the fever.
There are some happy consequences attending the treatment of a fever by electricity, which are not always sure to
attend a different treatment; some of which are, there can be no kind of swelling generate where the electric
shocks have been lately passing; there can be no tumifactions, ulcers or abcesses, nor cause of them, remaining
in the system, or they are certainly discussed by the shock repeated upon them, unless previously
maturated; in which case it is difficult, or utterly impossible. The most that can be done in such a case,
is to restrain the inflammation, and shorten the crisis of supporation, &c.
Many are the disasters which happen to people in the progress of a fever, under any other treatment; all of
which we may, with the greatest certainty, expect to avoid, in treating
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