Improvements in Electrodes for Medical Applications of Electricity.
Year: 1899

page_text: Improvements in Electrodes for Medical Applications of Electricity.
I, ROWLAND HOUGHTON, of Stuart House, Edwards Terrace, Cardiff, Electro-
hydropathist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
This invention relates to improvements in the method and means of appli-
cation of electric currents for therapeutic purposes, and has for its object the
improved stimulation of the receptive skin surfaces of the patient by a new con-
struction of electrodes. I have discovered that the application of electric currents
in the treatment of disease, whether by continuous or voltaic currents, or by
intermittent or Faradaic currents, is rendered more efficacious by the use of warm
or hot electrodes, to lead the current into and out of the body, and my invention
consists in the combination of such electrodes with the usual galvanic generating
apparatus, and in special forms of electrodes to effect this purpose. In order
to carry my invention into effect, I prefer to use hollow electrodes connected by
wires to the source of electric supply, which may be a battery, coil, or other
generator of electricity, and I heat the said electrodes, preferably by the use of
warm or hot water, but as an alternative by means of hot irons, or by electric
resistances. The electrodes are applied to the parts of the body which are being
subjected to treatment, and may be used either dry, or covered by flannel felt
or similar material moistened with a liquid to make a conducting surface.
In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed
to describe my invention in relation to the accompanying drawings, of which
Figures 1, 2 and shew arrangements of electrodes suited for the purpose.
Figure 1 shews a foot plate for the purpose of conducting the current to or
from the feet, and consists of a hollow copper or other metal vessel connecting
through the terminal (a) to the source of supply of electric current, and on which
the feet of the patient are rested.
Figure 2 shews a form of electrode to be held in the hand or applied to the
spine.
Figure 3 shews a form for application to the stomach or hip.
In each of these, a nozzle (6) is provided, to put in hot water, which may be
regulated to the required temperature.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1st. In combination a source of electric supply, connecting wires, and an elec-
trode adapted to be heated and applied to the human body as and for the purposes
described.
2nd. A hollow electrode adapted for application to the human body, arranged

page_text: to contain a liquid or solid or other heating agent, as and for the purpose
described.
3rd. The forms and arrangement of electrodes described and illustrated in
Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 22nd day of November 1899.
•
FELL & JAMES,
1, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C., Agents for the Applicant.