Antique Electromedical Apparatus in Very Good Condition. England, Circa 1900

Amazing electro-medicine or bioelectricity device (shock treatment machine) in excellent condition and preserving original component parts and accessories. This singular apparatus was made in Bolton-Le-Sands, England in the early 20th century (circa 1900). It is in very good condition. The gorgeous box is made of rosewood. The same can be said about the striking brass metalwork that stands out on the dark wood. Inside the box we find all the equipments component parts and the electrical wiring too. The apparatus is in working order, but it has no battery.Electro-medicine or bioelectricity treatments consist of applying electrical low-intensity currents to patients in order to palliate certain symptoms. This therapy is more than 2000 yearls old: in 46 B.C., Scribonius Largous would treat his patients headaches and gout by applying electrical currents emitted by a fish. The therapy kept on being used in the following centuries, mainly with electric eels. In 1745 fishes were substituted by shock treatment machines that facilitated the accurate control of the shocks intensity and duration. In the 19th century electro-medicine became quite popular in the treatment of nervous disorders.As stated before, the box containing the equipment is made of dark-brown rosewood. It boasts the lovely black veneer typical of the species, perfectly protected and enhanced by the French-polish finish. Outside it bear a screwed brass plate with the engraved manufacturers name, RAYS. Inside the cover there is a fabric label with the same name and the inscription ELECTRO DYNAMIC MEDICAL APPARATUS PROSPECT HOUSE BOLTON-LE-SANDS NR. CARNFORTH. The box preserves the original lock and key in working order and has a side drawer that contains accessories to apply the electric shocks, wires and other items. Inside the box there is a wooden stand with the electrical connections, wiring and a reel.Beautiful and original, this shock treatment machine is a nostalgic piece that will delight every lover of medical antiques.Measurements (Closed): Width: 12 in / 30 cm. Height: 11.4 in / 29 cm.