Notes on Some Thermal, Hydro-Thermal, Electric and Hydro-Electric Procedures, and the Indications for Their Use

The empirical use of thermal and allied methods of treatment dates back to almost prehistoric times, but the rationale of their operation has been greatly elucidated by modern researches. In the Prussian Universities and Medical Schools considerable stress is now laid upon the teaching of this branch of therapeutics. Thus the addition was recently announced of a complete hydrotherapeutic and kinetic installation to the equipment of the Charite Hospital. By the systematic and graduated application of definite and appropriate stimuli (thermal, mechanical, electric) to the entire body-surface, or to particular parts of it, we can produce the following results: (i) The increased oxidation, and (2) the elimination of toxic products; (3) the stimulation of anabolic, or (4) of catabolic molecular