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Doe And Hope
Tel07729 213013Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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+44 7729 213013
Victorian Electric Shock Therapy Machine
An extraordinary piece of medical apparatus is this nineteenth-century electric shock machine, entitled “Improved Patent Magneto-Electric Machine for Nervous Diseases”. The contraption comprises a brass handle, ornate brass wheel, a large magnet, two coils of wire, and two brass tubes attached to cables through which the current flows, all housed in a polished wooden case. On the underside of the lid is the charming original label for the machine, which carries instructions for use, and also rather amusing illustrations of the machine in use.
The first practical machine of this type was made by M. Hippolyte of Paris in 1832. They were enormously popular in the second half of the nineteenth century, coinciding with the excitement generated by new discoveries in electricity, medicine, and science. In the late nineteenth century it was claimed that electricity could treat almost every conceivable ailment, and one could buy an electric helmet, an electric corset for ladies who wished to shed a few pounds, gents could purchase “Dr Moffats Electropathic Belt for Extra Vigour”, electropathic socks, or even “Dr Scott's Electric hairbrush”.
A bizarre and slightly intimidating machine by today's standards, but in our opinion a superb example of Victorian experimental insanity, without which we wouldn't have half of the machines we have today!
SellerDoe And Hope
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment only
The Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
The first practical machine of this type was made by M. Hippolyte of Paris in 1832. They were enormously popular in the second half of the nineteenth century, coinciding with the excitement generated by new discoveries in electricity, medicine, and science. In the late nineteenth century it was claimed that electricity could treat almost every conceivable ailment, and one could buy an electric helmet, an electric corset for ladies who wished to shed a few pounds, gents could purchase “Dr Moffats Electropathic Belt for Extra Vigour”, electropathic socks, or even “Dr Scott's Electric hairbrush”.
A bizarre and slightly intimidating machine by today's standards, but in our opinion a superb example of Victorian experimental insanity, without which we wouldn't have half of the machines we have today!
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 9/JAN/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy.
DimensionsHeight 4.5 inches
Width 9 inches
Depth 4.5 inches
Category Medical Antiques
Date c.1870
Victorian Antiques Origin British
Condition Excellent.
Item code as155a144
Status Sold
£95.00
$116.88
€113.48
$
€
Conversion rates as of 9/JAN/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy.
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
The Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
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