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Electrotherapy equipment. Front three quarter view. Grey background
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Electrotherapeutic machine invented by Nairne, 1780-1809, early 19th century.
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.
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Science Museum: Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries
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Details
- Category:
- Therapeutics
- Object Number:
- A199299 Pt1
- type:
- electrostatic machine
- taxonomy:
-
- furnishing and equipment
- tools & equipment
- generator
- credit:
- Smith, S.A.
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Data in the title, made, maker and details fields are released under Creative Commons Zero
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