du Bois-Reymond-type inductorium
Date: 1890-1910
Inventory Number: WJ0139
Classification: Induction Coil
Subject:
Maker: French
Inventor: Emil du Bois-Reymond (1818 - 1896)
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
6.5 × 30.3 × 12.4 cm (2 9/16 × 11 15/16 × 4 7/8 in.)
DescriptionThis instrument is made of two separate circuits, consisting of green covered wires wound into coils. The smaller coil, known as the primary circuit, was fed by a battery linked to the two binding posts. Two solenoids (missing) would have been arranged in series and used to put in vibration the metal plate attached to the screw device on a post on the other side of the wooden wall. The vibration of the plate can be adjusted to a specific frequency, producing a pulsating current into the primary circuit. On that wooden wall, there is also a contact key linked to the vibrating plate, used for a manual control of the current going into the apparatus.
This current going through creates an electromagnetic field in the primary coil, which is transmitted by induction to the secondary coil. That coil generates a higher voltage than the current generated by the simple battery. The voltage amplitude is adjusted by sliding the secondary coil over the primary circuit.
Contrary to most inductoriums of this type, the base is not equipped with a scale so the same current can be reproduced again with the same intensity. The current thus generated is transmitted to electrodes for tissue stimulation.
This current going through creates an electromagnetic field in the primary coil, which is transmitted by induction to the secondary coil. That coil generates a higher voltage than the current generated by the simple battery. The voltage amplitude is adjusted by sliding the secondary coil over the primary circuit.
Contrary to most inductoriums of this type, the base is not equipped with a scale so the same current can be reproduced again with the same intensity. The current thus generated is transmitted to electrodes for tissue stimulation.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis type of instrument was developed by Emil Dubois-Reymond for electrophysiology studies. This is basically an electromagnetic device used for nerve and muscle stimulation.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Psychology, William James Hall, Harvard University.