The Columbian fountain., 1846-01-22
For the Columbian Fountain,
MISUNDERSTANDING.

almost constant attention Of the philosopher
to keep pace with the daily advances that
are made in the sciences, much less can it
be expected that the mass of men will be
able to do it. On the contrary, it is ex-
pected, naturally enough, that their ideas re-
specting philosophical theories, and the
principles on which those theories are
founded, will be but vague and imperfect
With the mass Of men, at the present day,
it can scarcely be otherwise. To the de-
signing and avaricious, this affords an op-
portunity Of making men dupes to their
avarice, passion, or wit A Herschel con-
structs telescope, and thousands immedi-
ately receive, and for time credit the de-
monstrably impracticable circumstance. Of a
telescopes powers being SO immensely aug
mented as to bring the moon within mile
Of the earth, and reveal the lunar inhabit-
ants and habitations to sublunary mortals.
An Espy, after close investigation, learns
and proelaims to the world that, under GER
tain circumstances, desired rain may be
produced; and forthwith A., in New Y ork,
wishes his friend B., in Washington, to lay
the dust in Broadway, OH given hour Of a
given day. At length a Morse demon
strates, against all opposition, that the elcc-
trio fluid may be compelled to convey
thought, with thoughts rapidly, from place
to place; and nothing seems too improbable
or absurd to be accomplished by this truly
wonderful agent.
For years past many scientific writers
have given credit to the supposilion of ga
mysterious connection between Galvanism
and the immediate principle of Life" In
the present state of the science this is mere
matter Of opinion. All more or less have
observed, at different times, the bracing and
the debilitating effects of different electrical
states Of the atmosphere. The passing of
the galvanic fluid through certain parts Of
the body, too, has often produced, some
times real, sometimes imaginary, yet equally
salutary consequences. Hence the concln-
sion, too hastily deduced it may be, that
vital action, both animal and vegetable, is
dependant upon free action of electricity.
AT length, in order to frighten away all ner-
vous affections, ring is made to be worn
by the afflicted. Patent galvanic boots, bands,
bracelets, and plasters, are then offered to
the public, for the purpose Of accelerating
the growth and calming the nerves. We
dare not, in the present state of knowledge,
affirm that electricity, when made to pass
through person, produces no benefit; far
from it: but we do unhesitatingly affirm,
and with willingness and readiness at any
time to demonstrate the truth of our asser-
tion, that the "patent galvanic rings"
9belts,n &c., are neither more nor less el-
fect,lal in the cure of nervous or any other
diseases than the most ordinary golden ring,
or common leathern belt; and simply, be-
cause, in either case, with all the g magnetic
fluid y that can be used, no current of cleo
tricity is produced. The veriest tyro in the
science of Voltaism must see, from an ex
animation of these rings, plasters, Sc, that
no possible current can, by these, or any
similar means, be made to traverse either a
finger or larger portion Of the human
frame. And yet, in our Metropolis and
other places, hundreds are made dupes to
this palpable humbug. No one acquainted
with the requisites for the production of
galvanic current can be induced to purchase
these contrivances, in the expectation that
they will or possibly may be Of any adj
vantage. We have nothing 10 offer as sub
stitute for these "patent plasters, rings"
sc. Our only wish is, that those who feel
an inclination to purchase them, under the
hope of deriving some benefit from the use
of them, may first satisfy themselves that
they are not abont to be imposed upon
And this may be done simply by recalling
to mind under what circumstances voltaic
current can be nstitutcd--circumstance
which do not exist in the "patent galvanic