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Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 454, 10 December 1868, Page 2

In France a rifle has been invented to be fired by electricity. The stock of the gun encloses a batteiy, from whence wires pass to the breech, and into connection with a platinum wire passing through the cartridges. The pull of the trigger closes the electric circuit, and in an instant the platinum wire becomes red-hot, and ignites the powder. The cartridge carries no fulminate, so it is a very safe one. Thus, we find ingenuity exercised to kill by electricity; and, strange to remark, we have, at the very same time, an invention to cure, by electricity, the wound inflicted by the rifle referred to. A new probe invented is made with two points, from each of which a wire passes ; and in the circuit is placed a battery and a signal bell. So long as the two points are not metallically connected no current passes, and the bell is silent ; but when they are joined by any piece of metal it rings. When, then, the surgeon thrusts the probe against the bone or muscles there is no effect ; hut when the points come against the metal bullet the bell announces the fact ; the forceps, in extracting the lead, behave in the same manner. Thus, we find electricity an active agent in throwing bullets into the human body, and taking them out again.