Use: The Improved Electro-Medical apparatus is a portable shock-inducing electrotherapeutic device commonly known as the “medical” or “faradic battery.” It was a form of quackery used by both physicians and patients as a pain reliever and a cure to many different diseases such as: cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes, gangrene, heart disease, retinitis pigmentosa, heterophoria, and tabes dorsalis.
Time of Use: Late 19th-Early 20th Century (1870-1920)
Additional Information:
Manufacturer: N/A
Contains: Zinc and copper plates, sliding iron core, armature hammer, collapsible handles with cords to gauge the strength of electric shock, four connecting posts, and instructions for the device’s use on the lid.
The interesting thing about this device is, unlike with other faradic batteries used at the time, this one doesn’t come with a battery. Instead, it was essentially packaged with a “make your own” battery instructing the user to add granulated blue vitriol (copper sulfate) between copper and zinc plates submerged in water to power the device.
Written Instructions: “Remove zinc, scatter ¼ teaspoon granulated blue vitriol over copper plate, replace zinc and pour water into the cell, enough to cover zinc plate, (warm water preferable) give a touch to the armature hammer to start the machine. Connect the cords with the handles at their connecting posts in front of the box. The current can be graduated by removing the iron core on right side of the machine. After use, clean battery vessel zinc in water and have them dried before replacing the same into the box.”