Galvanic Polarization.
The polarization of a voltaic couple. (See Polarization.)
Galvanism.
The science of voltaic or current electricity.
Galvanization.
(a) Electroplating or depositing a metal over the surface of another by
electrolysis.
(b) In medical electricity the effects produced on any part of the
system by the current of voltaic battery. Various descriptive
qualifications are prefixed, such as "general" galvanization, indicating
its application as applied to the whole body, "local" for the reverse
case, and so on.
Galvanization, Labile.
Application of the galvanic current in electro-therapeutics where one
sponge electrode is employed which is rubbed or moved over the body, the
other being in constant contact with the body.
Galvanized Iron.
Iron coated with zinc by cleaning and immersion in melted zinc. The iron
is prevented from rusting by galvanic action. It forms the negative
element in a couple of which the zinc is the positive element. From this
electric protective action the name is derived.
Galvano-cautery, Chemical.
Electro-therapeutic treatment with sharp electrodes, one of which is
inserted in the tissue and a current passed by completing the circuit
through the tissue so as to electrolyze or decompose the fluids of the
tissue. It is applied in the removal of hair or extirpation of the
follicle. The process is not one of heating, and is improperly named
cautery.
Galvano-faradization.
In medical electricity the application of the voltaic and induced or
secondary current simultaneously to any part of the system.
Galvanometer.
An instrument for measuring current strength and sometimes for measuring
inferentially potential difference, depending on the action of a
magnetic field established by the current, such action being exerted on
a magnetic needle or its equivalent.
A current passing through a conductor establishes circular lines of
force. A magnetic needle placed in their field is acted on and tends to
place itself parallel with the lines, in accordance with the principles
of current induction. (See Induction, Electro-magnetic.) A common
compass held near a conductor through which a current is passing tends
to place itself at right angles to such conductor. For a maximum effect
the conductor or the part nearest the needle should lie in the magnetic
meridian. If at right angles thereto its action will only strengthen the
directive force of the earth's induction or magnetic field, as the
needle naturally points north and south. Such combination is virtually a
galvanometer.