Abstract: A highly conductive hydrophilic gel comprising a uniform aqueous solution of a crosslinked water-soluble polymer, an amount of a water-soluble electrolyte effective to reduce the transverse electrical resistance of said aqueous mixture to an impedance at 60 Hz less than about 1,000 ohm, which hydrophilic gel also contains a humectant in an amount effective to retard the drying of the conductive hydrophilic gel when it is exposed to the atmosphere while being used. A physiological electrode adapted for providing electrical contact with a surface of a sentient creature and comprising a sheet of the conductive viscoelastic hydrophilic gel.