As a theory of this effect of the currents I would offer the following, viz: That the galvanic current acts by stimulating the vasomotor centres and peripheral nerves, by giving tone to the mucular coats of blood vessels, and by counter-irritation. That the _faradic_ current stimulates the vasomotor centres little, if at all, does not influence the coats of vessels, except such as are close to the skin, but tonicizes these latter more effectually than the galvanic current; that it stimulates the peripheral nerves to some extent, though far inferior in this respect to the galvanic current; but that when employed of sufficient intensity it superadds to those mentioned a strictly mechanical action, which consists in forcing static blood from the capillary into the general circulation through the medium of muscular contractions. As a GENERAL COUNTER-IRRITANT the _galvanic_ bath has few if any superiors. The degree of counter-irritation can be very nicely determined by regulating the intensity of the current. The characteristic tingling sensation of the galvanic current is felt over the entire surface, corresponding in degree of course to the intensity of the current; while the redness of the skin, bearing a like relation to the intensity of the current, is observable more especially near the electrodes, being particularly conspicuous over the entire back. Concentrated local counter-irritation can be obtained by the use of the surface board. The counter-irritant effects of the galvanic bath, differ from those of ordinary counter-irritants in their freedom from pain, even the slight burning sensation accompanying strong currents ceasing with the application. The redness remains quite a while and the stimulus to the peripheral circulation causes the persistence for some time of a “glowing” sensation all over the body. In the chapter on physiological effects enough has been stated to make it apparent that as a GENERAL INVIGORANT AND TONIC