at least equal to 220 cubic inches, according to the experiments of Doctor Irvine; and the celebrated Hales has supposed that the internal surface of these viscera is nineteen times greater than that of the skin of the whole body, and, consequently, equal to 285 square feet, which contain 615 thousand, 600 millions of pores. These circumstances considered, I cannot but believe that we shall be less disposed to reject or condemn the new principles which I wish to introduce: for, however small may be the portion of metal conveyed to the lungs by each inspiration, it must always be considerable if continued during an hour. In order to understand the full extent of the effects which must be produced, it ought to be remembered that, being introduced in a gaseous form, it must become infinitely more active in its operation. Whoever has been accustomed to experiments, particularly with the gases, will be fully able to understand the consequences which must result from it. Every person is acquainted with the risk which is incurred by breathing carbonic acid gas, or the oxygenated muriatic acid, both of which are fatal poisons; whereas, in their solid state, they may be preserved, respired, and kept in the mouth without the smallest danger. The carbonic acid even becomes in liquors so agreeable, that every body looks for it in Champaigne wine, in beer, in cyder, and in all other fermented liquors; but it excites an equally universal dread in its gaseous state. Hence we may be allowed to suppose that the metallic hydrurets, formed of various metals, and introduced into the circulation by means of the lungs, cannot but prove advantageous in a variety of diseases. They may easily be obtained, of any nature that we wish, by having piles constructed with the particular metal which we intend to administer. It is necessary, however, to observe, that the conductors ought to be analogous to, or of the same nature with the metals which are used for forming the pile. The same remark also equally applies to the electrats. What may we not expect from this new method of administering electricity, when even this fluid, in its simple state, has succeeded in effecting cures, where every other remedy has been tried in vain! Certainly this ought to be much more effectual in every case where the use of metals shall be indicated, and we may predict from it the most happy effects, provided our theory and principles be confirmed by experience. So fully persuaded was I that metals were capable of forming metallic atmospheres, that, when consulted by the members of the Galvanic Institution in this city, I strongly opposed the construction of their pile with copper, according to the method which has been so generally practised in Europe, since the origin of this beautiful discovery, from a conviction that it might prove injurious to those who were Galvanized, in consequence of their inspiring small particles of this deleterious and poisonous metal, with which the surrounding at→ mosphere would be continually saturated, as evinced both by the organs of taste and of smell; for it is sufficient, says Fourcroy, that it be rubbed, even for a moment, upon the skin, which no sooner touches it than it imbibes its peculiar odour. This tenacity and communication of odour, by the slightest contact with the skin, proves that copper seizes upon and readily attaches itself to this organ, and that the surrounding air is continually dissolving small portions of it, which are afterwards applied, in a state of vapour, to the nostrils and olfactory nerves: hence it is disgusting to every animal who, from instinct alone, is admonished of the danger attending it. If what I have just quoted from Fourcroy be true, what are we to think of the effects of electricity and of hydrogen gas upon this metal. If atmospheric air is capable of dissolving it, what will not these two agents do, which act so much more powerfully upon metals? I conceive, then, that I was perfectly justifiable in excluding copper from the Galvanic pile, particularly as I was persuaded that any other metal would answer as well. In this respect my opinion has been confirmed by experience. The pile constructed by these gentlemen consisted of zinc and tin, and the Galvanic phenomena produced were very nearly the same. I shall now mention several other circumstances which tend to confirm the idea I have long since entertained as to the existence of a metallic atmosphere. M. Fourcroy (whom I must again quote as one of the best authorities upon the subject) has the following passage in his Systeme des Connoissances Chimiques, vol. v. p. 23, which, for the satisfaction of readers in general, I shall translate. "It must be remarked, with respect to this odour, that the metals which possess it appear to be surrounded by an atmosphere which contains, in reality, a saturated solution of their particles, a portion of which being carried off by the air, is applied to the surfaces of all bodies, and, consequently, to the very sensible membrane of the nostrils, whence the perception of this sensation is excited. It is likewise in this metallic atmosphere which surrounds even those metals considered as destitute of smell, that magnetical,* electrical, Galvanic, and, perhaps, a variety of other phenomena more evidently chemical, are carried on, and which appear to be, with respect to the ordinary operations of chemistry, what those microscopic animals, with which naturalists seem to have composed a new world since the discovery and perfection of the microscope, are to those beings which fall under the cognizance of our senses." I shall mention another fact, which cannot but add new force to a belief in the existence of a metallic atmosphere, and which, at the same time, points out what we may expect from the influence of electrats and metallic hydrurets. Dr. Stringham, Professor of Chemistry in the College of New-York, related to me an anecdote which he had from an apothecary of his acquaintance, who having distilled a considerable quantity of mercury, with the view of purifying it, formed, without doubt, a metallic or mercurial atmosphere in the apart ment where the operation was conducted; since his wife, who present during the greater part of the process, was afterwards attacked with salivation, and a variety of other symptoms, which were evidently in consequence of the action of mercury upon her system. This phenomenon cannot appear either strange or surprising, when we consider that mercury is very easily oxydated, even by simple agitation in the open air. The Abbé Bertholon (to whom I am indebted for many useful observations) says, in his Treatise upon the Electricity of the Human Body, that Beccaria having volatilized mercury by means of the electric spark, Gardini applied it to scrophulous tumours, by an amal gam composed of lead and mercury: to this he directed the electric fluid by means of a conductor, which drew along with it into the tumours particles of volatilized mercury, which, by this process, were rendered much more active, more efficacious, more powerfully discutient, and, in every respect, much better adapted to the removal of this species of tumour. I have no doubt that venereal patients might often be cured by means of the mercurial electrats, without the necessity of using any other preparation of this metal. In the Medical and Physical Journal, vol. vi. p. 277, we find related two very remarkable * It appears from the experiments of Mr. Coulomb, which have been repeated before the National Institute in France, that every body in nature is influenced by the power of magnetic action. This would induce us to believe that the opinions of Mesmer and of Perkins were to a certain de gree correct. VOL. I 2 H cases of inveterate gonorrhoea, one of which was removed by a violent stroke of lightning, the other by an electrical shock, directed, by means of a conductor, along an iron wire, one extremity of which was inserted into the urethra. This would lead us to suppose that iron, thus volatilized and applied by the electric fluid, might prove beneficial in every case where it can with propriety be recommended. I cannot finish this memoir without venturing to offer one conjecture as to the nature and irritability of the nerves and muscles, some idea of which I think I have acquired during the prosecution of my experiments. Many physiologists suppose that the motion and irritability of the muscles and nerves are owing to a fluid which they have denominated nervous; while others again attribute them to the effects of magnetism, of electricity, and of Galvanism. Whatever confidence may be placed in these opinions, they are certainly too vague and unsatisfactory to suspend the researches of one who is zealously devoted to the acquisition of knowledge. I believe it may be admitted as a principle, that the sensibility of the nerves, as well as muscular motion, are intimately connected with electricity, which we know to be generally diffused throughout every body in nature; that the different species of sensibility are only to be attributed to the sudden passage of this agent through the various saline fluids which serve as conductors to it, and in which the muscles and nerves are continually immersed; and that such of the muscles and nerves as are only surrounded by water will find electricity much more mild in its effects than if they were in contact with a solution of the muriate of soda, of the phosphate of soda, of the muriate of ammonia or of magnesia, of which the urine, the matter of perspiration, &c. are generally composed. If we wish to be convinced of this fact, we may easily satisfy ourselves from analogy. This may be done by constructing a pile in the manner I have already mentioned, and afterwards touching its two extremities, first with the hands wet with pure water, then with the different saline solutions. We shall find that the shocks will be proportionate to the nature and quality of the salt, and not to the electricity alone. All the experiments which have been made unite in proving that pure water produces the most mild and uniform shocks; that the oxydation or combustion of metals is by no means the cause of the violence of the shocks; for a pile constructed simply with water will produce the same electrical phenomena, although it will neither burn or inflame. Hence we may conclude that irrita bility and motion are not to be attributed either to magnetism, to electricity, or to Galvanism alone, and that the only difference between the various degrees of electricity is owing to the different chemical agents by which the muscles and nerves are continually surrounded; that sensation only takes place at the moment when the electric fluid passes through those different saline solutions which serve as its conductors; conse→ quently, that the existence of a particular nervous fluid, such as is generally understood by physiologists, cannot be admitted; and, lastly, that the effects of electricity would be always extremely mild (as it is uniform in its operation), were it never. transmitted by any other conductor than pure water. ARTICLE III. ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE in support of "the UTILITY of occasional BLOOD-LETTING in the PREGNANT STATE of DISEASE." By Dr. VAUGHAN, of Wilmington, (Del.) in a Letter to Dr. MITCHILL, dated Dec. 2, 1803, [See Hex. I. vol. vi. p. 31, 150.] MRS. A CASE I. RS. A, in the last month of her first pregnancy, was attacked with violent pain of the head, confusion of the intellect, and a sensation of general uneasiness. Being absent, another practitioner was called in, who bled her, and obtained relief. In forty-eight hours the same symptoms recurred, with labouring pulse, anxiety of the præcordia, and convulsive agitations of the muscles of the face. I then drew ten ounces of blood, which procured a second respite, and raised her pulse to a free and flowing state. However, in a few hours she was again attacked in a still more formidable manner, and soon became universally convulsed. Opportunely meeting, at this juncture, with the gentleman who first attended in the case, we decided on a third blood-letting, and agreed to be governed exclusively by the state of the pulse, without regard to the quantity of blood drawn. A vein was opened, and feeling the pulses of the wrists respectively, we closed our eyes on the bason, until the pulse, from being violently throbbing and irregular, became soft and slow; and she aroused up, and expressed a sense of relief. Twenty ounces were drawn at this time, and our patient shortly after fell into |