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Machine, Electrotherapy

Object number72.27

Manufacturer W.H. Burnhap

Date1854

MediumWood; Metal; Yarn; Velvet

Credit LineHeinz History Center Collection

DescriptionRectangular wood box with paper label on inside of hingde lid. Interior gears, rollers with velvet cover. Wire attached to machine and handles. Crank handle on exterior of box.Dimensions4.5 x 4 x 9.5 in. (11.4 x 10.2 x 24.1 cm)
MarksLid cover: PATENT MAGNETO-Davis & Kidder's ELECTRIC MACHINE/PATENTED FOR NERVOUS DISEASES AUG. 1, 1854

Historical NotesIn 1854, manufacturer W.H. Burnap produced a well-known electrotherapy device that was purchased by the general consumer as well as some physicians and hospitals: 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.

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