SECTIONII.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 individualshad 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.EXPERIMENTXXII.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.EXPERIMENTXXIII.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.EXPERIMENTXXIV.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.EXPERIMENTXXV.Having formed an arc from the ears to different parts ofthe 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.EXPERIMENTXXVI.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.EXPERIMENTXXVII.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.EXPERIMENTXXVIII.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 dissectionwas 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.EXPERIMENTXXIX.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.EXPERIMENTXXX.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.EXPERIMENTXXXI.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.EXPERIMENTXXXII.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.EXPERIMENTXXXIII.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.EXPERIMENTXXXIV.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.EXPERIMENTXXXV.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.EXPERIMENTXXXVI.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.EXPERIMENTXXXVII.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.EXPERIMENTXXXVIII.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.EXPERIMENTXXXIX.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.EXPERIMENTXL.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 redcolour. 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.EXPERIMENTXLI.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.EXPERIMENTXLII.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 supportedit 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 leadto 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.EXPERIMENTXLIII.The body of the criminal having been removed from theplace 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.EXPERIMENTXLIV.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.EXPERIMENTXLV.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.EXPERIMENTXLVI.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.EXPERIMENTXLVII.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.EXPERIMENTXLVIII.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.EXPERIMENTXLIX.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 actionwithout 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.EXPERIMENTL.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.EXPERIMENTLI.A small portion of the great pectoral muscle being detachedfrom 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.EXPERIMENTLII.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.EXPERIMENTLIII.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.EXPERIMENTLIV.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 toestablish the action of Galvanism on these parts by the following experiments:EXPERIMENTLV.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.EXPERIMENTLVI.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 tothe 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], whichwere 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 theJournal de Physique, will be found in the Appendix.—Trans.EXPERIMENTLVII.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 syringewith 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, andto 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 theHôpital 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 whohave 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.COROLLARYI.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.COROLLARYII.These convulsions are increased in proportion to the number of the points of contact between the arc and the muscle.COROLLARYIII.In many cases, muscular contractions are obtained by forming an arc from one muscle to another.COROLLARYIV.Muscular contractions are almost always speedily obtained by the pile, even when the means proposed by Haller fail to produce them.COROLLARYV.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.COROLLARYVI.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.COROLLARYVII.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.COROLLARYVIII.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.
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 individualshad 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.
EXPERIMENTXXII.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXIII.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXIV.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXV.
Having formed an arc from the ears to different parts ofthe 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.
EXPERIMENTXXVI.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXVII.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXVIII.
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 dissectionwas 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.
EXPERIMENTXXIX.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXX.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXXI.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXXII.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXXIII.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXXIV.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXXV.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXXVI.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXXVII.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXXVIII.
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.
EXPERIMENTXXXIX.
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.
EXPERIMENTXL.
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 redcolour. 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.
EXPERIMENTXLI.
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.
EXPERIMENTXLII.
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 supportedit 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 leadto 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.
EXPERIMENTXLIII.
The body of the criminal having been removed from theplace 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.
EXPERIMENTXLIV.
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.
EXPERIMENTXLV.
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.
EXPERIMENTXLVI.
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.
EXPERIMENTXLVII.
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.
EXPERIMENTXLVIII.
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.
EXPERIMENTXLIX.
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 actionwithout 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.
EXPERIMENTL.
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.
EXPERIMENTLI.
A small portion of the great pectoral muscle being detachedfrom 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.
EXPERIMENTLII.
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.
EXPERIMENTLIII.
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.
EXPERIMENTLIV.
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 toestablish the action of Galvanism on these parts by the following experiments:
EXPERIMENTLV.
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.
EXPERIMENTLVI.
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 tothe 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], whichwere 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 theJournal de Physique, will be found in the Appendix.—Trans.
EXPERIMENTLVII.
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 syringewith 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, andto 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 theHôpital 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 whohave 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.
COROLLARYI.
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.
COROLLARYII.
These convulsions are increased in proportion to the number of the points of contact between the arc and the muscle.
COROLLARYIII.
In many cases, muscular contractions are obtained by forming an arc from one muscle to another.
COROLLARYIV.
Muscular contractions are almost always speedily obtained by the pile, even when the means proposed by Haller fail to produce them.
COROLLARYV.
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.
COROLLARYVI.
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.
COROLLARYVII.
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.
COROLLARYVIII.
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.