Evening star., 1896-08-15

An EIectrfcfnn Has Partially succeed
ed in Restoring Eyesight,

An Electrfcinn Has Partially succed-
ed In Restoring Eyesight.
From the New York World.
John F. Martin, the blind druggists q
clerk who, since April %, has served as
subject for alleged sight-restorers to ex-
pertinent on as a substitute for Charles
broadway Rouss. who has offered million
dollars to any one who will cure him Of
his blindness, Is undergoing another ex-
pertinent
The man now treating Mr. Martin Is
Walter w. Felts, an inventor from Call
fornia. He uses a primary battery of his
own invention. In treating Martin he uses
four cells. The electrodes are placed in
the outer corners Of the eyes and the cur
rent. which must pass through the brain to
reach the optic nerve. is turned on. Mr.
Felts claims that his battery excels others
IN that 1t Is not subject to polarization and
ooes not transmit impurities of any kind
The properties of the fluids in the cells he
keeps a close secret, and will do so until he
obtains his letters patent. very high
voltage and amperage can be obtained and
a steady current maintained Mr.. Feits
says that If he could employ an extremely
strong current he might cure Martin in
two weeks. But it would be unsafe as a
blood vessel might be broken and death
ensue.
Martin was able to distinguish flashes of
light on the occasion of his first, visit to
Mr.. Felts. This satisfied the latter that the
nerve YVES not dead, and with each subse-
quent treatment he found evidence that the
nerve was becoming more sensitive. In a
week Mr.. Felts added cell and admins
tered current Of nearly ten volts and
fifteen amperes. This proved too strong
and the added cell was removed.
Mr.. Felts explained how he was induced
to come to New, York to treat Martin
About year ago he began work on a
primary battery, from which he expected
grand results. And he believes he will not
be disappointed. Mrs. Felts about this time
was terrible sufferer from what was sup
posed to be chronic acute neuralgia, but
which In reality was the paralysis of sew
eral nerves in the jaws, the effects Of
which, in some instances, closely resemble
tetanus.
A surgical operation had been decided
upon. when Mr.. Felts happened to tell Dr.
A. A. ONeil of Chicago of the new style
Of primary battery he had invented and
explained its main features DR.. ONel ad-
v.sed him to try it's power on Mrs Felts
He did so. and in a short time she was en-
tirely cured. But he used stronger cur
rent on her jaw than he dare use on Mar
tins eyes.
Mr.. Felts came to the conclusion that II
his battery would cure one nerve 1t would
another He thought that a million dollars
was worth striving for, and he Is here to
get it If he cam.
A reporter was present at one of the
treatments, and the patient frequently ex-
pressed gratitude at his Improvement He
could readily distinguish marks the size Of
pea on light background. He feels con-
fident that Mr.. Felts will succeed in restor-
ing his sight and will also be successful In
the case Of Mr.. Rouss.
Mr.. Felts explained that voltage without
amperage is not dangerous. 1t Is the am
peraGe that kills when person is shocked
by electricity. Voltage is the pressure: am
Derage is the energy.