electric therapy machine
Date: circa 1854
Inventory Number: DW0395
Classification: Electro-Medical Apparatus
Subject:
Maker: W. H. Burnap (fl. 1850 - 1880)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
11.5 x 25.5 x 11.5 cm (4 1/2 x 10 1/16 x 4 1/2 in.)
Accessories: brass handle; frayed wires (2)
Description:
A cherry colored box with brass corners and a white shield-shaped keyhole. The lid swings up. Inside are two coils, mounted together on a rotating armature; the armature is turned by a geared belt drive. At the back of the box is a permanent U-shaped magnet. The armature is turned by hand by way of the handle. When not in use, the handle, pictured on the outside of the box, is stored inside it. Also inside the box are two folded cloth-covered wires which are meant to be applied to the patient.
Signedat bottom of newsprint description: Manufactured and sold by W. H. BURNAP, Sole Proprietor, 259 West 27th St., New York, whose / signature is attached to all genuine Machines.
over newsprint description: W. H. Burnap
over newsprint description: W. H. Burnap
Inscribedheadline of description: Davis & Kidders Patent Magneto Electric Machine for Nervous Diseases / Patent August 4, 1854
Excerpt from newsprint description: Directions. - Connect two metallic cords or wires with the Sockets in the ends of the Box, and apply the handles / connected with the other ends of the metallic cords or wires to any part of the person through which it is desirable to / pass the currant of Electricity. Then turn the Crank, regulating the strength of the current by the speed, and by the Knob / at the end of the Box.
Excerpt from newsprint description: Directions. - Connect two metallic cords or wires with the Sockets in the ends of the Box, and apply the handles / connected with the other ends of the metallic cords or wires to any part of the person through which it is desirable to / pass the currant of Electricity. Then turn the Crank, regulating the strength of the current by the speed, and by the Knob / at the end of the Box.
FunctionFor therapeutic use. Applying electric shocks to the patient to cure 'nervous diseases' including toothaches, tic douloureux, poor circulation, headache, neuralgia, neuritis, tonsillitis, catarrh, asthma, goiter, hoarseness, earache, lumbago, backache, dandruff, falling hair, paralysis, nervousness and sexual weakness.
Historical AttributesThe instrument was evidently designed by Dr. Walter Kidder and (Daniel?) Davis. The label inside the box has testimonials by B. Silliman and Charles Grafton Page.