title: The "torpedo" effect in medicine.
abstract: The natural electrical phenomena fascinated humans since antiquity. The electrical discharges produced by the torpedo fish were highly appreciated among ancient physicians as Hippocrates, Scribonius Largus and Galen and were prescribed for headache, gout and prolapsed anus. In the medieval period, torpedo's electrical properties were attributed to occult powers, while Renaissance physicians' and scientists' studied the anatomy and mechanical nature of the provoked shock paving the way for the discovery of the electrical nature of torpedo's activity and the evolution of electrotherapy.
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tsoucalas
authors.affiliation: Department of History of Medicine, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece. mkaramanou@med.uoa.gr.
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karamanou
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lymperi
authors.forename: Vassiliki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gennimata
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Androutsos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000266:history*; D005060:Europe; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D014101:Torpedo / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*