Currently indexing
light applicator
Date: circa 1930
Inventory Number: 1997-1-0071a
Classification: Medical Instrument
Subject:
Maker: Macalaster Bicknell Company (1920-present)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
10.5 × 27.7 × 26.6 cm (4 1/8 × 10 7/8 × 10 1/2 in.)
DescriptionA black leather box with a metal latch and a metal carrying handle. A black bakelite power regulator and a black hand-held applicator are set into the padded blue-green interior. The power regulator has a long power cord insulated in black fabric, a dial at one end (which can be turned clockwise from "OFF" and is marked "INCREASE SLOWLY") and an ammeter on the top.
Another long insulated cord runs from the power regulator to the handle of the applicator. The head of the applicator is shaped like a 1940s radio microphone, and can be opened with two thumbscrews to reveal a single small light bulb shielded by a dull silver steel cup. There is a glass (or quartz?) rod loose in the case, with a nickel-color collar at one end, which fits into a socket on the side of the applicator to direct the beam.
Differences between the two units: Unit (a)'s ammeter (signed "CURAY CO." and also "HOYT METER TYPE No. 536"), has a range of 0-6 amps, with a red line at about 4.5 amps). Unit (a)'s applicator handle is broken (half of it is lying loose in the case), and the power cord is held in place with tape wound around the handle. And the end of the rod in unit (a) is cut sharply at a 45-degree angle.
Another long insulated cord runs from the power regulator to the handle of the applicator. The head of the applicator is shaped like a 1940s radio microphone, and can be opened with two thumbscrews to reveal a single small light bulb shielded by a dull silver steel cup. There is a glass (or quartz?) rod loose in the case, with a nickel-color collar at one end, which fits into a socket on the side of the applicator to direct the beam.
Differences between the two units: Unit (a)'s ammeter (signed "CURAY CO." and also "HOYT METER TYPE No. 536"), has a range of 0-6 amps, with a red line at about 4.5 amps). Unit (a)'s applicator handle is broken (half of it is lying loose in the case), and the power cord is held in place with tape wound around the handle. And the end of the rod in unit (a) is cut sharply at a 45-degree angle.
Signedmolded into handle, in script: Curay
Inscribedprinted, inside case lid: Curay / LIGHT APPLICATOR / PATENT APPLIED FOR / THE CURAY COMPANY / 28 WENDELL STREET / CAMBRIDGE, MASS.
molded into head of applicator: PAT'S PENDING IN THE / UNITED STATES / AND OTHER COUNTRIES
stamped on side of light shield: 2413
tag reads: Curay light applicator / Curay Co, Cambridge, Mass. Model / by Macalaster Bicknell Co. / c. 1950 (?) / gift of Andrew Macalaster / July 1989.
tag quotes Macalaster letter dated 4/12/1989: Form of therapeutic device which introduced light to some areas via quartz applicators.
molded into head of applicator: PAT'S PENDING IN THE / UNITED STATES / AND OTHER COUNTRIES
stamped on side of light shield: 2413
tag reads: Curay light applicator / Curay Co, Cambridge, Mass. Model / by Macalaster Bicknell Co. / c. 1950 (?) / gift of Andrew Macalaster / July 1989.
tag quotes Macalaster letter dated 4/12/1989: Form of therapeutic device which introduced light to some areas via quartz applicators.
FunctionThis ultraviolet-light-emitting device was used therapeutically. The makers claimed it could cure colds and bacterial infections.