Schonbein  suggests  that  the  peculiar  smell  experienced  from  the  pas-
sage of  the  electric  current  through  the  olfactory  nerve  is  caused  by  ozone
that  is  generated.
This  peculiar  odor,  observed  in  powerful  galvanization  of  the  nasal
passage,  is  unquestionably  due  to  the  reaction  of  the  nerve  to  the  electric
stimulus,  and  corresponds  to  the  effects  produced  by  the  same  agent  on  the
nerves  of  seeing,  hearing,  and  tasting.
Franklinic  electricity,  electro-magnetism,  magneto-electricity,  are  un-
able, in  any  strength  that  can  be  endured  by  a  person  in  health,  to  excite
the  peculiar  reaction  of  the  olfactory  nerve.
Action  of  Electricity  on  the  Gustatory  Nerve — Action  of  the  Galvanic  Cur-
rent.— In  1754,  long  before  the  discovery  of  galvanism,  it  was  noticed  by
M.  Sulzer  that  lead  and  silver,  when  connected  and  then  brought  in  con-
tact with  the  tongue,  gave  rise  to  a  peculiar  taste  similar  to  that  produced
by  vitriol  of  iron.  If  we  apply  a  piece  of  zinc  to  the  upper,  and  one  of
silver  to  the  lower  part  of  the  tongue,  a  powerful  acid  taste  will  be  expe-
rienced under  the  zinc  plate,  and  a  slight  alkaline  taste  wider  the  silver
plate.  These  sensations  are  perceived  as  long  as  the  circuit  is  closed ;  but
if  the  plate  or  the  tongue  be  warmer  or  colder  than  natural,  or  very  much


benumbed  by  acids  or  other  irritating  substances,  very  little,  if  any,  sensa-
tion  is  produced.  If  the  tension  of  the  current  be  much  increased,  by
using  several  pairs,  the  tongue  becomes  convulsed  and  a  flash  of  light  is
perceived.  When  neither  of  the  electrodes  touches  the  tongue,  a  metallic
instead  of  an  acid  or  alkaline  taste  is  produced.
