'Electric tonic' amusement machine, Europe, 1915-1925

Electric tonic amusement machine c.1920 Electric tonic amusement machine c.1920. Detail view

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Electric tonic amusement machine c.1920
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Electric tonic amusement machine c.1920. Detail view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Electric tonic amusement machine c.1920

For one old British penny (1d), this amusement machine at a fairground gave out a harmless electric shock. At the top the inscription reads “Electric tonic – keep fit use often”. Electrotherapy or the use of electric shocks was a popular treatment for aches and pains in the body, especially those caused by the nerves – although many of the techniques involved were little more than quackery.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Object Number:
1985-110
Materials:
wood, copper alloy, chrome plating, iron, plastic, glass, unidentified metal, textile, paper and red paint
type:
amuseument arcade machine
credit:
Sotheby's (Chester)