The word "cataphoresis" is derived from two Greek words.** The word "catalysis,"*** is often used synonymously with "cataphoresis," and incorrectly. Cataphoresis is a subdivision of the electrical process called catalysis. Cataphoresis, as now understood, is a process whereby medicinal substances are introduced into the body, through skin or mucous membrane or both, by the help of the galvanic current.
Synonyms.
—Anodal diffusion, electric osmosis, voltaic narcotism, electric transportation, anaphoresis, electric medicamental diffusion, and electric transfer of particles and liquids, are the synonyms in use.
History.
—The process is not a new one, though it is attracting more attention to-day and has been for the last ten years, than ever before. Dr. B. W. Richardson, in 1859, wrote two articles on "Voltaic Narcotism." In October, 1858, after vainly trying to produce anesthesia in a rabbit's ear, by the electric current alone, he used a solution of morphin