Galvanic brooch in shape of Greek cross

Galvanic brooch, in shape of cross with arms of equal length, made by B. Lecuir, Paris, France, 1880-1920, part of the de Mortillet collection

Worn against the skin and in contact with sweat, amulets made up of a combination of metal alloys were believed to create a weak electrical charge, recharging the body's electrical supply. It was based on an ideal that electricity was responsible for healthy nerves and blood flow.