galvanism

noun

Etymology: From French galvanisme, after physiologist Luigi Alyisio Galvani (1737–1798) + -isme. By surface analysis, galvano- + -ism.

1. The chemical generation of electricity.
2. The (therapeutic) use of electricity directly applied to the body.

   “Perhaps a corpse would be re-animated; galvanism had given token of such things: perhaps the component parts of a creature might be manufactured, brought together, and endued with vital warmth.”

   “The sudden application of galvanism to bands of savages may fairly rank as a new sensation, and they, thinking the wire held this strange and mysterious power, wisely left it alone.”