Scalebuoy water cleaning units
Date: 1935
Inventory Number: 1998-1-1480
Classification: Electromagnetic Apparatus
Subject:
Maker: Scalebuoy Company (fl. 1930 - 1940)
Maker: Electronic Process Company
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
3.5 x 9.5 x 3 cm (1 3/8 x 3 3/4 x 1 3/16 in.)
storage: 14 x 5.5 x 5.5 cm (5 1/2 x 2 3/16 x 2 3/16 in.)
Accessories: cardboard packaging; instructions and receipt (in file).
Description:
A set of two glass bulbs with some mercury inside, mounted on a metallic frame. The device is inside its original packaging.
Signedon device: ELECTRONIC PROCESS CO.
FunctionThis is most likely a hoax device from the 1930s. Its instruction manual says it should be placed inside a car's water tank to prevent the formation of scaling. From its instruction manual: "When agitated in the water, [the buoys] send out minute charges which counteract the effect of the impurities found in all water". The instructions even claim that after several months not just the water tank but even the car's motor would improve with its installation.
To see other uses of this hoax, look at the other Scalebuoys in the collection.
To see other uses of this hoax, look at the other Scalebuoys in the collection.
Curatorial RemarksThe purchase receipt and the instructions are in the CHSI library file.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased it directly from the company.