r fibres to be mainly attributable to the
direct trophic influence of the current traversing the parts
themselves; and I have no doubt that this direct influence has much to
do with the stimulation of the secretions and _peristalsis_ also. At any
rate, I have never obtained from galvanization of the nervous centres,
which I have practiced in a great number of cases, the striking effects
on the alimentary processes which are so uniform a result of the baths.

The influence on the

SEXUAL APPARATUS

of the electric bath does not manifest itself in so striking a manner as
in the case of the organs of digestion. It is true I have seen
individuals whose sexual functions were normal, have _stysis_ in the
bath, but the mere cutaneous irritation of the electric current is here
sufficient to account for a phenomenon which, where sexual irritability
is intact, will follow any other local irritations.

If not as immediately perceptible, the stimulant and permanent tonic and
invigorating influences on the sexual organs are not much less constant
than the corresponding influences on digestion. Careful observation,
however, of a considerable number of cases where the sexual function was
more or less impaired, has convinced me that while there can be no
doubt that _direct_ influence on the innervation, tone and nutrition of
the respective parts as well as the stimulus which the electric current
furnishes to the seminal secretion, bear a share in the improvement that
takes place, permanent beneficial results must be looked upon as chiefly
the expression of improved nutrition and tonization of the system at
large. I do not mean to be understood as wishing to put in negation the
beneficial results that the local influence of electricity is capable of
sometimes accomplishing in the sexual sphere. These results, however,
are not of a physiological, but rather of a purely therapeutic nature,
and are obtained there only where local morbid conditions exist. Now, in
the great majority of the cases that have come under my observation, the
causes of deterioration of the sexual capacity, though frequently
obscure and indefinable, were certainly not local, but to be sought for
in the general--most probably the nervous--system. In none but perhaps
the very mildest and recent cases have I ever seen _rapid_ results
follow electrical treatment of any kind whatsoever. In support of my
assertion however that in the majori