Antique Victorian Magneto electric machine. The mechanism cranks ok brass gearing a a large horseshoe magnet – small turned wood handle – key to lock. The lock is a little sticky through age but still works. There are no’handles or wiring’ but these are easily constructed with some simple wire and some copper tubing. (see last photograph for an example). No makers name – technical and historic information below. Mahogany box – brass hinges and teminals. As seen and photographed. Not intended for miraculous cures or remedies. Nineteenth-century Americans were fascinated by the promise and mystery of electricity. The Davis & Kidder Patent Magneto-Electric Machine for Nervous Diseases. The operator of this electromagnetic generator would place handles in the patient’s hands or elsewhere on the patient’s body and then turn a crank to deliver a’mild’ alternating current to the patient. The force of the current depended upon the speed with which the crank was turned. The makers claimed that it could relieve pain, as well as cure numerous diseases, including cancer, consumption (tuberculosis), diabetes, gangrene, heart disease, lockjaw (tetanus), and spinal deformities. Fortunately, serious study of electricity for medicine has also taken place. Scientific investigations into the physiological and possibly therapeutic effects of electricity have led to beneficial uses, including devices used by anesthesiologists to ensure that patients receive proper doses of certain muscle relaxants, to accurately locate nerves for the safe administration of nerve blocks, and to treat chronic pain. This item is in the category “Antiques\Science/Medicine\Medical Instruments”. The seller is “fromdecotodisco” and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Antique: Yes
- Type: Medical equipment
- Period: 1800 to 1900
- Material: Mahogany
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