Topic
Galvanism
About: Galvanism is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 78 publications have been published within this topic receiving 529 citations.
Papers published on a yearly basis
1 / 2
Papers
TL;DR: Giovanni Aldini's work laid the ground for the development of various forms of electrotherapy that were heavily used later in the 19th century, and deep brain stimulation, a procedure currently employed to relieve patients with motor or behavioral disorders, owes much to Aldini and galvanism.
Abstract: Two hundred years ago, Giovanni Aldini published a highly influential book that reported experiments in which the principles of Luigi Galvani (animal electricity) and Alessandro Volta (bimetallic electricity) were used together for the first time. Aldini was born in Bologna in 1762 and graduated in physics at the University of his native town in 1782. As nephew and assistant of Galvani, he actively participated in a series of crucial experiments with frog's muscles that led to the idea that electricity was the long-sought vital force coursing from brain to muscles. Aldini became professor of experimental physics at the University of Bologna in 1798. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, spending much time defending the concept of his discreet uncle against the incessant attacks of Volta, who did not believe in animal electricity. Aldini used Volta's bimetallic pile to apply electric current to dismembered bodies of animals and humans; these spectacular galvanic reanimation experiments made a strong and enduring impression on his contemporaries. Aldini also treated patients with personality disorders and reported complete rehabilitation following transcranial administration of electric current. Aldini's work laid the ground for the development of various forms of electrotherapy that were heavily used later in the 19th century. Even today, deep brain stimulation, a procedure currently employed to relieve patients with motor or behavioral disorders, owes much to Aldini and galvanism. In recognition of his merits, Aldini was made a knight of the Iron Crown and a councillor of state at Milan, where he died in 1834.
145 citations
TL;DR: One remarkable observation was that the metallic restorations often consisted of different electrically isolated areas with different electrochemical properties, which indicates that factors influencing oral galvanism are discussed.
Abstract: — Galvanic currents within the oral cavity may have harmful effects on biological tissues. In the present work 16 patients with different kinds of oral and other discomfort and pain which they attributed to oral galvanism were investigated. The potential and polarization of each metal restoration within reach of a platinum probe were measured versus a reference electrode. A recording of these measured values permits a calculation of the currents which may pass between the teeth. A control group of patients with no subjective symptoms of galvanism in the oral cavity was also investigated. The results of the electrochemical measurements showed that conditions for oral galvanism existed within the individuals of the patient group as well as within the control group. One remarkable observation was that the metallic restorations often consisted of different electrically isolated areas with different electrochemical properties. This and other factors influencing oral galvanism are discussed.
55 citations
1 Jan 1803
53 citations
TL;DR: A translation of Aldini's An Account of the Late Improvements of Galvanism with a series of Curious and Interesting Experiments performed before the Commissioners of the French National Institute and Repeated Lately in the Anatomical Theatres of London (London: Cuthell and Martin, J.i. Murray, 1803) is given in this article.
Abstract: i. The editor of this preface is not specified; the text is a translation of Giovanni (John) Aldini's An Account of the Late Improvements of Galvanism with a series of Curious and Interesting Experiments Performed Before the Commissioners of the French National Institute and Repeated Lately in the Anatomical Theatres of London (London: Cuthell and Martin, J. Murray, 1803). 2. The literature on Frankenstein is extensive. Several studies are worth noting here to give a sense of the breadth of the work that has been done. Ann Mellor has contributed significandy to feminist readings of the novel; her study is strongly grounded in textual analysis as well as close attention to contemporary events in science. Ellen Moers's early essay is a cornerstone of feminist thinking with respect to the novel. See also Mary Poovey's The Proper Lady and the Woman Writer (Chicago: U of Chicago P, 1984) and Margaret Homans' Bearing the Word (Chicago: U of Chicago P, 1986) for analyses of Shelley and of the novel. For psychoanalytic readings of the text see William Veeder's Mary Shelley & Frankenstein:
33 citations
Related Topics (5)
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |