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Hokitika Guardian, 27 October 1933, Page 4

Vaiuous sections of the electro-mag-netic series of waves, of which those causing visible light represent hut a small pari?, are being found to bo ol value in medicine, writes the medical correspondent of the Morning Post. About the ultra-violet end of the spectrum and <nt beyond into the regions

of the radiations from X-rays and radium a great deal of useful knowledge is now available. On the other side of the visible spectrum there is still a great deal of unexplored territory. It is now reported in the current issue of the British Journal of Physical Medicine that electric waves intermediate between the visible rays and the much longer wave-lengths used in “wireless” radiation are of great value in the treatment of certain diseases. While recorded as a new development in “diathermy,” a. form of electrical treatment depending mainly upon the generation of heat in the part of the body affected, Dr E. Schliepliake, of Giessen, in Germany, makes it clear that the new method is in reality quite different from diathermy. The primary wave is generated by an emitter designed like a modern broadcasting set. The electric oscillations are insulated from the body so that no nerve irritation or electric shock can possibly take place. Beginning with treatment of boils and carbuncles, Dr Schliepliake has passed on to the treatment of deep-seated abscesses of all -varieties. He reports especially satisfactory results in cases of abscesses of the lung. He reports that all cases of this condition treated bv him have recovered, after a period of treatment lasting from three to six weeks. The wave-length utilised • has Varied with the typ e °f case. Those used by Dr Scbliephake varied from 4 to 6 metres for certain abscesses {n the region of the nose to 15 metres for the treatment of migraine.