Lot 104
Davis & Kidder's Patent Magneto-Electric Machine was available for use during the Civil War. It is an early type of a TENS/EMS unit. The mechanics are housed in a wooden box 10" x 4.5" x 4.5". Two solenoids (fine wires tightly wrapped around a metal core) are rotated by a series of gears at 180 degrees to each other within the field of a very large magnet which measures 8" x 3.75". The spinning and rotating of the solenoids is powered by a manual crank. There are 2 terminals passing external to the box as well as an adjustment knob which slides to change the power of the magnet. The device came with 2 metal electrodes about 4" long which attach with insulated wires (MISSING THESE). Wet sponges are often secured to the electrodes for comfort and improved contact. When cranked the device generates alternating electrical current (AC). it stated that 100 volts and 50-100 mA are possible. Based on the projected electrical output it is most likely that this one was intended for nerve stimulation and muscle contraction (EMS), not for pain relief. The unit includes the original label in the lid and states the patent date as Aug. 1st, 1854! The label also states that it is "for nervous diseases," has 2 testimonies as to its effectiveness, has directions for its use, and an additional distributor's label of H. W. Hunter, Optician, New York. With a patent date of 1854, this device could have been around in the Civil War, but was this technology used? During the Civil War, Turner's Lane Hospital in Philadelphia opened in August 1862 and was one of the first neurological specialty hospitals (Bollet, 2002; Devine, 2014). It followed Christian Street Hospital which was the first for nervous disorders (Devine, 2014). The surgeon in charge was Charles Alden, but it was the team of physicians located there that we often hear about. The very enthusiastic and motivated S. Wier Mitchell, George Read Morehouse, and W. W. Keen conducted research into neuromuscular diseases and injuries and various applications of electricity throughout most of the war. After the war Keen would help develop the field of neurosurgery and perfected many neurosurgical techniques (Bollet, 2002). Few physicians of the time in the US were aware of his research and findings. This field was virtually unknown in pre-war America (Adams, 1952). One with some knowledge of the field was S. Weir Mitchell who would later become a pioneer of neurology in the U. S. Doctors Mitchell, Morehouse, and Keen stated in Gunshot Wounds and Other Injuries of the Nerves (1864) "After a year of great experience in the use of electricity, we are still satisfied of the essential correctness of almost every proposition on the subject which this distinguished physician [Duchenne] has laid down" (p.136). Even so it remained controversial as Mitchell also said "the most efficient, is perhaps the most overrated and underrated of all the medical armament. Need we add that we refer to electricity?" (p.136). Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request
- Dimensions: 10" wide x 4.5" tall x 6.5" with handle
- Condition: Very Good Condition.. It is missing the 2 metal electrodes
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $49 | $5 |
| $50 | $99 | $5 |
| $100 | $199 | $10 |
| $200 | $499 | $25 |
| $500 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 + | $250 |