Gallery: Strange Antique Medical Devices That Promised to Cure Everything With Electricity

  • Image may contain Machine
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    01

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    Multi-purpose electrotherapy machine (Italy, 1922). This device could be used to treat muscle conditions, alleviate pain, or cauterize wounds.
  • Image may contain Machine Wristwatch Cooktop Indoors Architecture Clock Tower Building Tower Lathe and Electronics
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    02

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    Multi-purpose electrotherapy machine (Italy, 1922). A close-up view of the device from the previous slide.
  • The Doctor Lorenz Body Battery . This electric belt included electrodes to stimulate the male genitals.
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    03

    Electrical belt for men

    The Doctor Lorenz Body Battery (USA, 1870-1930). This electric belt included electrodes to stimulate the male genitals.
  • Image may contain Box
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    04

    Beard's device for electrical restoration

    Magneto (England, 1878 - 1910). A hand-cranked electric generator to restore flagging energy and treat other symptoms of neurasthenia, a poorly-defined affliction of vague pains and discomforts.
  • Image may contain Wood Plywood Workshop Building Hardwood and Housing
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    05

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    The Electrostatic Bath (1770-1900). This cage-like set up was designed to surround a person with a refreshing and rejuvenating field of static electricity. It included a [Ramsden generator](http://oldsite.thebakken.org/Frankenstein/ramsden-generator.htm), which connected to the cage with iron and copper contacts. The silk veil distributed the charge.
  • ElecTreat Mechanical Heart
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    06

    Electreat

    Elec-Treat Mechanical Heart (USA, 1928-1935)
  • Violet Ray RenuLife . Violet Ray devices were marketed as cures for a wide range of ailments. This kit included various...
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    07

    Violet rays

    Violet Ray Renu-Life (USA, 1926). Violet Ray devices were marketed as cures for a wide range of ailments. This kit included various attachments for delivering electric current and ultraviolet light to---and into---the body. The glass or plastic electrodes contain argon gas, which glows purple when the current is on.
  • Magneto . Another electricitygenerating magneto. This one includes a glass dome that fits over the wooden base.
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    08

    Beard's device for electrical restoration

    Magneto (England, 1845 -1900). Another electricity-generating magneto. This one includes a glass dome (not shown) that fits over the wooden base.
  • Image may contain Human Person Art and Painting
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    09

    Medical Electrician's Office

    Photograph of Electrotherapist (USA, 1904-1905). Note the freestanding electrotherapy machine at left.
  • Image may contain Tin Can and Milk Can
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    10

    Leyden Jar

    Leyden jar (France, 1750-1850). Leyden jars were among the first devices capable of storing an electric charge. Their portability enabled all sorts of new experiments with electricity, including Benjamin Franklin's [famous kite experiment](http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/info/kite.htm).
  • Image may contain Mailbox and Letterbox
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    11

    Wall plate

    Victor Electrotherapeutic Wall Cabinet (USA, 1905 - 1920). This multi-purpose unit would have been mounted on a wall---here it is resting upside down on its flat top.
  • Image may contain Gauge and Wristwatch
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    12

    140815-WiredBakken-0189T

    Victor Electrotherapeutic Wall Cabinet (USA, 1905 - 1920). A close-up view of the device from the previous slide, shown right side up.
  • Image may contain Book Text Page and Diary
    Tim Gruber/WIRED
    13

    Resuscitation of the apparently dead

    Reece, Richard. The medical guide, for use of the clergy, heads of families and practitioners in medicine and surgery (England, 1820). Instructions for resuscitating the apparently dead.
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