The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-12-28
From the New.York Times.

From the New-York Times,
account IF The Galvanic Erheyim,,..
on UHiiam Hill, gyho mas ,sm.s e..
eated al EHis's Island, Dec. Ism. 1905 $.
These experiments were performed a Il,
College of Physicians and Surgeons Of he
University of the State of New-York IN ~
presence of the students of the COLLEGE, and
a number of professional and other pen,ls.
men. The battery under the direction os
Professor Dana, consisted of two hundred
pair Of eight inch plates. The disseetons
were made by DR.. J. Augustine Smith. Pm.
lessor of Anatomy, and Doctor Stevens
Professor Of Surgery. The subject was Il
tinc stature and proportions, and was about
twenty-three years Of age He was suspend.
ed hfty minutes, and was brought to the
College of Physicians and Surgeons in twen
ty minutes after he was cut down. The
temperature Of the body was 80 deg. Fab
renheit when he was laid on the table.
Eaferiment 1sf.--A wire was placed Il
the mouth and another in the urethra, and
the poles Of the battery applied. The laws
were violently closed, and the countenance
exhibited strong play Of muscles, VARYING
from the change OF one passion to another
The expressions were generally Of such
character as indicated great pain and SUI.
ierins, and the effect produced on the spec
talors was very apparent. Many shudder.
ed. AS the e2citability passed away, dif
iercnt attitudes were assumed by the mus
cles, from the strong cmoticn.of fear soften
ing to playful smile.
E>leftmcait 23--sln incision was made
under the tendon Achilis, and pole of the
battery placed there, the other continuing in
tic mouth. F'lexion and extension of the
leg was very strong, and the limb was
thrown repeatedly off the table. The whole
body was very sensibly agitated, the face
showing the same contortions and express.
ions as at first.
EtHeriment 3d-The radial nerve was
now exposed, and the wires which were
placed ior the preceding experiments were
sucCessvcly held in communication with the
arm. Here the flexon of the fingers was
SO strong that the hand could with difficulty
DC opened, the arm remains in strong agita
t.on.
E1drrimem 4th.-Thc sup. orbit. nerve
was laid bare and touched by the wire.
The brow was thrown down and the eyelil
gave what is vulgariy called the knowing
wink.
Grkcrinent 5h.-Thc mfr. orbit. nerve
was placed on the wire, and communication
established between the sup. orbit. nerve
The corner oithc mouth was drawn up, and
the alr of the nose played up and down
Here both lida opened and shut, and the
eye rolled, which gave more appearance Of
living action than any proceeding cxpefi-
ment. This was very interesting. as it eslnc'
cd t'ic power Of the eye in making up the
whole expression of the countenance. IL
the other experiments the effect was solely
on the muscles. and wanted the effect Whlcn
was here conformity displayed.
Experiment 6th.-rhe phrenic nerve, as
it passed over the scalenus muscle was held
in conuexion with its inferior expansion on
the diaphragm. All the muscles employed
in respiration were thrown into motion. nc
chest heaved and fell, and breathing in all
appearance was going on naturally
The experiments were now varied. M
Detiasrator was now used for the first time
This battery which has but small power on
the living body was listle inferior to t.e
plates in its effect.
The lacteals were seen carrying the chNls
80 the thoracid duct, and their absoroeh..
power did not appear to have lost mueh Q.
its vigor.
These experiments were more sncces'ii,
than those performed at former periods, ana
whether to satisfy physiological enquiry "
crafty curiosity, they fulfilled the expec'a
tions, of those who witnessed them.