The Early History of Electrodermal Research

The historical origins and early development of electrodermal research are reviewed in the light of a substantial number of previously unexamined sources. Relevant literature in electrophysiology, neurology, electrodiagnosis, and electrotherapy is examined with regard to the technology and the context of ideas in science and medicine. The first reports of basal skin resistance (BSR) and stimulated skin resistance (GSR) change by Vigouroux and Féré, respectively, are related to their other research and that of other workers. Hermann's early work on the sudomotor system is seen as much more advanced than has been realized, providing a sound basis for theory which the French apparently never noticed. Several additional sources suggest that Tarchanoff's work was performed with awareness of Féré's and was probably not an independent discovery. The growth of the field following “rediscovery” of the GSR by Mueller and Veraguth is seen as a product of interest in indexing “mental events.” The earlier work is seen as conceptually closer to current interest in the phenomena as aspects of the arousal system.