CASE XXXI.* Mr. W., aet. 48, came to consult me January 12th, 1874. He had then felt the symptoms of locomotor ataxia for about six years. Had been unable for several years to walk without the aid of a cane. When walking he dragged his right leg along in a semicircle, and was able to accomplish very short distances only. There were almost complete anæsthesia and great paresis of the bladder. The same conditions were observable in regard to the bowels. Anæsthesia of both lower extremities existed, complete in every respect in the right leg, almost so in the left. Dyspepsia and general debility and emaciation accompanied the disease. Treatment was begun on January 15th. I prescribed phosphorus and cod-liver oil, and passed a strong galvanic current through the spine for probably ten minutes. January 16th, a galvanic bath was administered. Towards the close of the bath (which occupied twenty minutes), patient thought he felt some sensation in his legs. The baths were taken every two or three days, alternating with strong galvanizations of the spine. While taking his second bath, patient remarked that “his right leg felt warm for the first time in six years.” The treatment as described was continued for about six weeks, during the latter part of which the local applications were gradually diminished in frequency, the baths being continued regularly. Medication was discontinued about this time. About the middle of March. Mr. W. was enabled to resume his occupation (paymaster’s assistant on the Erie Railway). His improvement had been rapid and steady. All the symptoms gradually disappeared, and in the beginning of April the patient was, with the exception of some feebleness, consequent on his protracted illness, as well as ever. He continues so to the present day.[17] He still takes two or three baths a month, but has had no other treatment since May (1874). He walks freely without a cane, and talks jocosely of running footraces. All functions are performed normally. Although in this case the baths were not employed exclusively, yet they predominated in the treatment; and if the judgment of the patient, a very intelligent gentleman, is to be relied on, a large share of the success is due to the baths. CACHEXIÆ. After what has been said in a preceding chapter of the tonic effects of electric baths, it would scarcely appear necessary to introduce the subject of cachexiæ. If I do so nevertheless, it is only to be afforded the opportunity of relating the following case, which possesses sufficient interest to render its introduction here desirable. The first portion of it has already been published (Med. Record, No 216), but to this I have to add what occurred subsequently.