d by means of which we reach all the
affected parts at once, thus effecting in, say ten minutes, that which
where, for example, six joints are involved, would by the ordinary
method require sixty minutes, are readily realized. There is, however,
another reason why the baths are preferable in rheumatism to local
applications. Rheumatism is a constitutional disease with local
manifestations. The metastatic character of muscular rheumatism
especially appears to indicate the greater importance of general as
compared to local treatment. Pre-supposing, then, that electricity
exercises the favorable influence on rheumatism which clinical results
would appear to demonstrate, it follows that the electric bath, while it
furnishes symptomatic (local) treatment equally well with local
applications, does something more; it meets the _indicatio morbi_
likewise. The warm bath no doubt contributes its due share in bringing
about the favorable results obtained.--Where the disease then does not
confine the patient to bed, the electric bath will be found a most
valuable remedy.

The following directions will be found to answer best in the great
majority of cases: The temperature of the water should range from 90 deg.
to 98 deg. F; a mild constant current, descending, should be applied for
ten minutes; this to be followed by a faradic current of as great an
intensity as the patient can bear _without the slightest degree of
discomfort_. In the application of the faradic current, the surface
board (see p. 12) may advantageously be had recourse to for the purpose
of more concentrated influence on affected parts, to each of which it
may be applied for a few minutes; the entire faradization may last from
ten to fifteen minutes. When coming from the bath, the patient should be
received in a warm blanket, anything like a chill being carefully
guarded against. In cases where the cutaneous secretion is of an
abnormally acid character (which is often so marked as to become
apparent through the sense of smell), bicarbonate of soda or potassa may
be added to the bath. As appears from the foregoing, the entire duration
of the bath is from twenty to twenty-five minutes. The baths should be
taken daily until all urgent symptoms have disappeared; after this,
every two or three days as required, until an entire cure is wrought.

As the results of this or similar treatment, conjoined with the
requisite medicinal or other measures, I may state:

_a_) Cons