d still more so at 98 1/2 deg.--is superior
to the human body as a conductor of electricity. I do not mean to be
understood that water is a better conductor than _every constituent_ of
the human body; blood, for example, is a better conductor. But when I
speak of the body in this connection, I take it as we find it
practically, i.e., with the resistance of the skin, and especially the
epidermis, superadded to internal resistances. I have no doubt that
with a flayed individual it would be otherwise. I will add, that it will
give me great pleasure to repeat these experiments, which are
sufficiently simple, in the presence of any of my _confreres_ who feel
an interest in the subject.

Having thus cursorily considered the manner of using the electric
current in the administration of a "routine" bath, and there being no
remarks required concerning the water employed, in addition to what has
been said in the previous chapter, a few words are in place on the
subject of chemicals. As has been previously stated (page 13) these are
added: _a_) to be absorbed, and thus act medicinally on the patient;
_b_) to act on the skin; _c_) through chemical affinity to facilitate
the elimination from the body of certain metallic substances, and _d_)
to further the absorption of morbid deposits. Of the many drugs and
medicines that no doubt may be made to answer these various purposes, I
have had personal experience with but few, and of these I will mention
the leading ones only. A requisite of all chemicals to be employed is
their ready solubility in water. Of substances intended for
absorption[3] I have used but three, viz: iron, iodine, and extract of
malt. The first of these I have employed in anaemic and enfeebled
conditions generally, but especially in chlorosis and chlorotic
hysteria, with marked success. It has the advantage, when administered
in this manner, not only of sparing the alimentary canal the frequently
injurious task of becoming the medium of its assimilation, but, in
addition to this, I believe that it can in this way be introduced into
the blood much more rapidly and in larger quantities than when given by
the mouth. The preparation which I have found, all things considered,
the most eligible for this purpose, is the "tartrate of iron and
ammonia." This is very readily soluble, leaving no deposit, is
assimilable, and not too expensive for the purpose. As, in my experience
at least, it leaves nothing to wish for, I would