Acupuncture (Lat. acus, a needle, and pun-gere, to prick), an operation introduced by the Chinese, who imagine that it gives vent to acrid vapors. The needles employed by them are of gold or silver, manufactured under special license from the emperor, and their use forms a distinct branch of medical practice. Introduced into Europe in the early part of this century, the operation is now but seldom performed except to give issue to fluids in dropsy, etc. It is advocated by some in the treatment of neuralgia, especially sciatic, and in muscular rheumatism, acting in these cases as a counter-irritant. The needles used are of steel, 2 to 4 inches long. Usually but one is inserted, though sometimes as many as 20 or 30. They are introduced to a depth of one to two inches by simple pressure, by pressure with rotation, or by percussion. The length of time during which they are allowed to remain varies from a minute to several days. Instances are known where they have been passed with impunity through vital organs.

Infanticide by acupuncture of the brain or spinal cord is a well recognized crime.