Electrotherapy equipment

Made:
1780-1810 in London
maker:
Thomas Blunt
,
Edward Nairne
and
Blunt and Son
Electrotherapy equipment. Front three quarter view

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Electrotherapy equipment. Front three quarter view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Electrotherapeutic machine invented by Nairne, 1780-1809, early 19th century; Consists of two leyden jars, two insulated applicators, rod and electroscope. The cylinders of this electrotherapy machine are turned against the leather cushion, creating an electrical charge which is then transmitted to a Leyden jar. This holds the charge, which can then be passed to a flexible conductor used to deliver an electric shock to the patient. Electrotherapy was used for a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This type of equipment was invented by Edward Nairne (1749-1806), an optical and mathematical instrument maker and natural philosopher. Electrotherapy came into popular use in England in the second half of the 1700s.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A199299
Materials:
incomplete, box (wood), mahogany (wood), brass (copper, zinc alloy) and glass
Measurements:
overall: 450 mm x 385 mm x 780 mm,
type:
medico-electrical instrument and electrotherapy equipment
credit:
Smith, S.A.

Parts

Electrotherapy equipment

Electrotherapy equipment

Large leather container, for electrotherapeutic machine invented by Nairne, 1780-1809, early 19th century

Object Number:
A199299 Pt2
type:
container