TRACTORS.
We contrived two wooden Tractors, of nearly the same shape as the metallick, and painted to resemble them in colour. Five cases were chosen of chronick rheumatism, in the ancle, knee, wrist, and hip. One of the patients has also gouty pains. All the affected joitns, except the last, were swelled, and all of them has been ill for several months.
On the 7th of January, 1799, the wooden Tractors were employed. All the five patients, except one, assured us that their pain was relieved, and three much benefited by the first application of this remedy. One felt his knee warmer, and he could walk much better, as he shewed us with great satisfaction. One was easier for nine hours, and till he went to bed, when the pain returned. One had a tingling sensation for two hours. The wooden Tractors were drawn over the skin so as to touch it in slightest manner. Such is the wonderful force of the Imagination!
Next day, January 8th, the true metallick Tractors of Perkins were employed exactly in like manner, and with similar effects. All the patients were in some measure, but not more relieved by the fecond application, except one, who received no benefit from the former operation, and who was not a proper subject for the experiment, having no existing pain, but only stiffness of her ancle. They felt (as they fancied) warmth, but in no greater degree than on the former day.
