electronic buoys
Date: 1930-1940
Inventory Number: 1997-1-1171
Classification: Electromagnetic Apparatus
Subject:
Maker: Scalebuoy Company (fl. 1930 - 1940)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
box: 20 x 59.5 x 32 cm (7 7/8 x 23 7/16 x 12 5/8 in.)
Accessories: storage box
Description:
A wooden box filled with 17 glass bulbs of the same shape but varying size, all containing a small amount of mercury inside. One of the buoys is inside a metallic cage at the end of a metallic rod.
Signedstenciled on each bulb: THE SCALEBUOY CO
Inscribedon each bulb on seal: TESTED AND / GUARANTEED / Patent Applied for / U.S.A.
FunctionThis is likely a hoax from the 1930s. It was claimed that these bulbs ("scalebuoys") with mercury inside somehow produced electric charges and radiation that was beneficial for all sorts of medical, sanitary, industrial and other purposes, mostly related to water purification.
It is unknown what the particular "magic wand" rod with the buoy cage included in this package was intended for.
To see other uses of this hoax, look at the other Scalebuoys in the collection.
It is unknown what the particular "magic wand" rod with the buoy cage included in this package was intended for.
To see other uses of this hoax, look at the other Scalebuoys in the collection.