These objects offer a hugely varied and rich source of material culture with a focus on physical therapies, from 18th century quackery and once orthodox practices like bloodletting to massage and other current treatments.
Therapeutics
1750-1850
Six lancets, steel blade, in tortoiseshell sheath, various makers, in silver case, English, 1750-1850
1871-1900
Metal ammoniaphone, for voice cultivation, in box, invented, by Dr. Carter Moffat, by Medical Battery Co., London, 1871-1900
1880-1920
Galvanic necklace with 2 charms, made by N. Bertrand, Paris, French, 1880-1920
1701-1800
Large ivory enema syringe, piston action, French, 1701-1800
1970-1980
Defibrillator, battery operated type 180c with type 182 rechargeable power pack and paddles, by Cardiac Recorders Ltd., London, 1970-1980
1901-1905
Exercise chair for patients with poliomyelitis, made by Rossel, Schwarz and Co., Wiesbaden, Germany, 1901 to 1905
1795-1805
Set of two Perkins tractors, one grayish and one brownish, made of unknown metal alloys, in decorated red leather case, 1795-1805. These appear to be genuine, as each was stamped 'PERKINS | PATENT | TRACTORS' at the round end.
1984-1992
Explanted Ventak™ AICD™ implantable cardioverter defibrillator, model 1520, serial no. 612210, one of the first commercial models available, by Cardiac Pacemakers Inc™, St. Paul's, Minnesota, USA, from St George's Hospital, Tooting, 1984-1992
1881-1900
Richardson's galvanic amulet against diseases, copper, brass, steel, zinc and nickel(?), possibly USA, 1881-1900. PAT in US Feb 3 1880. R.D in Canda Feb 3 1881
1878
Scarificator, brass, part of cupping set made by Arnold of London, 1878
1890-1910
Galvanic brooch of black vulcanite, with cherub holding fistfuls of lightning on one side and on the reverse, inset copper plate with eight electric bolts radiating from a central object (fist? lightbulb?). Two holes drilled in the copper plate, probably for mounting. Probably London, English, 1890-1910
1701-1900
Lancet case, empty, mother-of-pearl, engraved with scenes of people, 18th or 19th century
Lancet, one lancet, part of a set of four in mother-of-pearl case by Evans, London, 1700-1900
Wick, tow, for brass lamp, part of cupping set by Arnold and Sons.
1831-1870
Tortoiseshell lancet case, 1831-1870, inlaid with multi-coloured floral design.
1833
Empty lancet case, silver, made in Birmingham, 1833
1917-1918
Protective mask, leather and chain mail, worn by tank crews, probably British, 1917-1918
Lancet case, empty, mother-of-pearl, engraved floral decoration, 18th or 19th century
1970-1990
Armolet sterile disposable lancet by Armour Pharmacetical Co Ltd, Eastbourne, East Sussex, 1970-1990
1999
One Touch Basic (TM) Blood Glucose Meter, size J battery.
1910-1918
Field medical pannier, for use of aviators: canvas, reinfored, with leather and metal fittings, contents are burn dressings, by Friedrich Gunther and Co., Hamburg, 1910 - 1918
1939-1941
The "Home" first aid case, with contents, prepared by Boots Pure Drug Co. Ltd., Nottingham, 1939-1941
1906-1917
Medical vibrator, 'Outfit No. 7' from the 1917 Shelton physicians' catalogue. Motor head with mains plug and 12 vibratory attachments in wooden plush-lined cloth-covered carrying case. Made by Shelton Vibrator, Shelton Electric Co., Chicago, U.S.A., 1906-1917. The mains plug is made by General Electric Co.
Scarificator, brass, 12-bladed
1771-1820
Mahogany case for incomplete cupping set, used by Edward Jenner, late 18th century.
Three cupping glasses from Edward Jenner's cupping set.
1760-1820
Pharmacy leech jar, neoclassical creamware, possibly Leeds Pottery, English, 1760-1820
1980
Glucochek blood glucose meter for use with Ames Dextrostix
1860-1916
Galvanic brooch, various metals, perforated disc, made by Ferdinand de Boyeres, French, 1860-1916. Inscribed on one side 'B S.G.D.G & Depose Ferd de Boyeres'
1801-1850
Ivory and brass nozzle
Flat edged ivory nozzle
Ivory cylinder with leather tubing
1801
Advertising leaflet for a work entitled 'Cases of successful practice with Perkin's Patent Metallic Tractors', published by George Cooke, London, England, 1801 (see note).
1801-1900
2 lancets by Durroch of London in mother-of-pearl case with decoration of trees, river and a dwelling, 19th century
Two nested cupping glasses, part of cupping set made by Arnold of London, 1878
2 lancets by W.P. in mother-or-pearl case engraved with scenes, possibly Asian influenced design, 18th or 19th century
Lancet case, shagreen, empty, 18th or 19th century
Pewter bleeding bowl, graduated, 19th century
1970-1985
Cardiac pacemaker, by Vitatron Medical Dieren, Holland, 1970-1985
Injecting gun for insulin syringe
1993
Main part of explanted Relay dual chamber demand pacemaker, with two leads, ends missing, senses and delivers pulses to both the atrium and ventricle, with sensor enabling response to variations in activity by wearer, by Intermedics SA, Switzerland, from St George's Hospital, Tooting, 1993.
Oil lamp, brass, with long spout and protruding wick, from Edward Jenner's cupping set.
Large wood and metal nozzle
Glass bottle with stopper, square base, from Edward Jenner's cupping set.
1700-1900
One lancet, part of a set of four in mother-of-pearl case, by W. Smith, London, England, 1700-1900
1751-1900
4 lancets, steel and shell, made in Paris, 1751 to 1900, in shagreen case
Galvanic brooch, in shape of Greek cross, made by B. Lecuir, Paris, French, 1880-1920
1860-1900
Duchenne's late C19 magneto electric therapy machine, cased, expensively manufactured by Deleuil of Paris, French, 1860-1900
Lancet case, empty, mother-of-pearl, engraved with a scene possibly Asian influenced design, 18th or 19th century
