This method consists in cauterization by a platinum wire heated by the galvanic current. The battery used for this purpose furnishes a large quantity of electricity of low tension; hence the elements are few in number but have extensive surface. When a quantity of electricity is made to traverse a platinum wire which offers great resistance, the wire is heated and may be melted. The platinum in the form of wire-loop, or dome cautery, or knife, heated by the electrical current, is the cauterizing agent. If the wire be not so highly heated as to cut through the tissues too rapidly, but little bleeding results, and a clean surface is left which promptly granulates and heals.

Cities of any considerable size are now usually provided with a public electrical supply, by means of which all forms of electrical application can be made by the interpellation of a suitable "controller," or other means of modifying the current; or storage-cells, dry or with liquid elements, may be used as the means of force if suitably charged. A storage system consists of an element or combination of elements which may be charged by another battery. The form of "storage-cell" or "accumulator" now chiefly used consists of plates of lead immersed in dilute sulphuric acid. These are charged by some Daniell or Bunsen cells, communicating with them, and in action for several hours. Bubbles of hydrogen gas form on one lead plate, and of oxygen on the other; whence they are said to be "polarized," and the current produced by the recombination of the gases is called a "current of polarization." By such an arrangement the quantity of electricity furnished by some Bunsen or other cells, acting for many hours or days, can be given out in a short time and in immense quantity. The accumulators of Faure, charged in Paris, have been transported across the ocean to give out their force in New York. Trouvé has utilized this principle in constructing his "polyscope." A storage-cell of Planté is charged by the action of two Bunsen elements, and subsequently the stored-up electricity can be employed in heating a platinum wire or knife for cautery purposes, or for illumination.