Tuesday, July 20, 2010

From the Archives : Home Remedy Shock Device : Medical Quackery


 

J.H. Brunnell New No.4 D.D. Home Medical Apparatus Antique
Also known as an Anti-Doc Battery Electric Quack Medical Device
or, more simply, a home remedy shock device, circa 1890s.

This induction coil electropathy quack device was perceived to have healing properties by delivering electric shocks to the afflicted areas of the body. In it's day, it was used to "keep the doctor away."

This particular specimen is missing the huge dry cell battery.




The label is still intact and readable on the top lid. 
Click the image to see a larger version that you can read.

This item was donated to the MMC Archives by Mrs. Lynda Kleinschmidt-Johnson in June 2010. This unit is currently on display in the MMC Library.