Northern star, and Warren and Bristol gazette. [volume] (Warren [R.I.]) 1826-1830, 1826-06-17

MEssRs. EbIroRs,

FOA THE STAR.
MEssRs. EbIroRs,
What remains to he said under the general
head Of Asphyxia, constitutes the third vari-
ETY., embracing suspension by electricity and
that from tho application Of intense cold.-
In tho frst, the whole system appears to be
not SO much rendered iuiritablc to stimulants
~ to he suddenly exhausted ofits entire stock
Of pervous power or animal electricity in
consequence of which the limbs are flexible,
the countenancc pale and the blood uncoagu-
liable. The mode in which electricity is CON-
! muncated is Of little importance for if it be
sufficiently powerful, real or apparent death
is in.tantaneousiy produced. Upon plants, a
stroke of lightning of the same intensity, occa-
sons very different effects, in consequence o
tho variety they exhibit Of conducting pow
ers. Upoa some it descends without mis-
chief; upon others to their partial or entire
destruction. 10 the befula alba, or common
birtch, it never descends the trunk but con-
fines its stroke to the top alone, beating off the
! boughs in every direction. In animal life,
there is also difference of effect, but only in
proportion TO tho degree or intensity Of The
! electrick shock and it is curious to observe
| the nature of this effect. Small doses Of cleo
tricity prove powerful stimulus to the nerv-
| GUS function, iucrease the fow Of sensorial flu
id and augment the irritability Of the mus
cIes whilo u violent shock, as we have just
seen, exhausts the nervous system instantly.
carries of the entire stock from the fabrick,
and leave. the muscular ibres flaccid and foS-
ging. This singular result is extended to the
| blood in both cases for its coagulability, or
the hrmness OF its texture, is increased by the
application OF small d"ses Of electricity, while
the stock Of lightning that renders the
muscles lax and uncontrolled, renders the
blood loose and uncoasu!able. The general
principal Of medical treatment has already
been laid down undcr the first variety. Slim
ulants Of the most active kind should be re-
sorted too withsut loss of time but Of all
stimulauts. that Of electricity or voltaism
seems to be especially called for in the pres
ent modfica ton of Asphyxia, which in vul.
gar saying is TO Al ply the hair Of The same dog
This however remains predetermined as re.
spec's the human subject experiments ON an
inals fully warrant the practice.
la frost-bitten Asphyxia, or that produced
by intense cold, the limbs are rigid and tn,
countensnce pale aud shrivelled. This vari
ETY. is always preceded by an insurmountabl
desire 10 sleep, which the utmost exsrtion o
the will is unable TO overpower The sleel
is in most cases the sleep Of death. Captain
2 Cook in his account Of his first voyage room,
a the world, has strkingly exemplifed this re
4 mark in theca of DR.. Solander and Mr. (ai
forwards Sir Joseph) Banks. Dr.. solande
says he, who had more than once crossed tn
mountains which divide Sweden from No,
way, well knew that extreme cold, especiall
II when joined with fatigue, produces a torpe
t. aud sleepiness that are almost irresistible h
3 therefore corjured the company to keep mo,
ing whatever pain it might cost them. VIII,
ever sits down, sale he, will sleep, and VIII,
70 ever sleeps will wake TO more. d., Soand,
'e himself w.s the first who found the incliuati,
6, against which he had warned others, irresis,
ls BILE, and insisted upon being suffered 10 |
of down. He sson fell into profound slee
II from which, however, by the exertions Of Nj
Banks he was awakened. Several others
the party narrowly escaped. while Others /,
g .ually perished from tn. cold. In appIyiu
to the remedial means to this modification Of A