

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.
On display
Science Museum: Making the Modern World Gallery
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Details
- Category:
- Therapeutics
- Object Number:
- 1985-110
- Materials:
- chrome plating, copper alloy, glass, iron, paper, plastic, red paint, textile, unidentified metal and wood
- taxonomy:
-
- furnishing and equipment
- recreational artefact
- credit:
- Sotheby's (Chester)
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