Electromedical Equipment, ca.1900

This curious equipment is an electro-medicine or bioelectricity device designed to treat certain illness symptoms by applying electrical currents of low intensity. It is composed of a small solid mahogany case that contains all that is necessary for the treatment to be given. The equipment keeps all the component parts and is in working order. At the right side of the case we can see a small drawer designed to store the battery that supplies the energy to the mechanism. If we open the lid we will find a black-enameled metal plate that supports all the elements and appliances.The medicine field has been using electricity for more than two thousand years ago. In 46 B.C, Scribonius Largus was widely known for treating headaches and gout with electrical currents emitted by a fish. This was a popular practice during hundreds of years but it was used intermittently. To apply the currents electrical fishes such as eels were used. In 1745 fishes were substituted by electrical equipments that let the user control the currents more precisely. In the 19th century the electro-medicine was widely used, mostly to treat nervous disorders.The black metal plate that supports the equipments appliances shows five capital letters in white circles: K-Z-K-Z-P. There are also other elements such as two thongs that supply the current, two coils, a brass lever with black bakelite handle, a dark red knob and two brass terminals. The piece also includes some accessories needed to apply the currents to the organism, all of them made of steel, brass and/or wood. The solid mahogany box, on the other hand, keeps the original hinges, top handle and shutting hooks in perfect condition. The lock and key are also original and can be operated. This amazing electro-medicine device will be the star of a complete collection of rare scientific antiques.Measurements (closed): Width: 19 cm/7.4 in. Height: 12 cm/4.7 in.