light applicator
Date: circa 1930
Inventory Number: 1997-1-0071b
Classification: Medical Instrument
Subject:
Maker: Macalaster Bicknell Company (1920-present)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
11.1 × 27.5 × 26.4 cm (4 3/8 × 10 13/16 × 10 3/8 in.)
DescriptionA black leather box with a metal latch and a metal carrying handle. A black bake-lite 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 (b)'s ammeter (signed "CURAY / LIGHT APPLICATOR" and also "HOYT METER TYPE 536") says "OPERATE AT RED LINE" and has no calibration marks except a single red line inked about 2/3 of the way across. Unit (b)'s applicator handle is intact, and the applicator cord can be detached from the power regulator. The end of the rod in unit (b) is bent slightly, and there is a small black extension on the applicator where the rod attaches. Unit (b) is also missing its lightbulb, and it has one loose thumbscrew.
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 (b)'s ammeter (signed "CURAY / LIGHT APPLICATOR" and also "HOYT METER TYPE 536") says "OPERATE AT RED LINE" and has no calibration marks except a single red line inked about 2/3 of the way across. Unit (b)'s applicator handle is intact, and the applicator cord can be detached from the power regulator. The end of the rod in unit (b) is bent slightly, and there is a small black extension on the applicator where the rod attaches. Unit (b) is also missing its lightbulb, and it has one loose thumbscrew.
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: 1078
painted in red by hand on top of power regulator: MAZDA 1133 / 32 CP / 6-8 V
tag reads: Curay light applicator / Curay Co, Cambridge, Mass. Model / by Macalaster Bicknell Co. / c. 1950 (?) / gift of Andrew Macalester / July 1989.
molded into head of applicator: PAT'S PENDING IN THE / UNITED STATES / AND OTHER COUNTRIES
stamped on side of light shield: 1078
painted in red by hand on top of power regulator: MAZDA 1133 / 32 CP / 6-8 V
tag reads: Curay light applicator / Curay Co, Cambridge, Mass. Model / by Macalaster Bicknell Co. / c. 1950 (?) / gift of Andrew Macalester / July 1989.
FunctionThis ultraviolet-light-emitting device was used therapeutically. The makers claimed it could cure colds and bacterial infections.
