From the June 2015 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine

Each month, we visit Dr. Blaufox’s Museum of Historical Medical Artifacts to take a look back at the medical equipment that cleared the way for what patients encounter in doctors’ offices and operating rooms of today. Some equipment may be recognizable, while other featured inventions have since become obsolete or have had their usefulness discredited.

The picture and description appear courtesy of Dr. M. Donald Blaufox, M.D., Ph.D, from his website: www.mohma.org.

Category: Electricity

Estimated Date: 1895
Name: Electric Belt, Pulvermachers
Manufacturer: Pulvermachers Medical Hydro Electric Chains
Description: Black case 9“x 5“x 2” contains gold-colored chain which is 18” long (two) each chain contains 51 tubular cells which are copper batteries. Separate compartment contains two wooden handled brass tubes 5” inside of which sponges can be inserted. The sponges and two electric wire connectors are also present for direct application to an affected part. Label in top reads Miss M.A. Boaden. This was acquired with the letter from the company conveying the instrument. The front and back of the transmittal letter are shown in the views that can be selected from the side. The belief in the curative powers of electricity dates back to the 18th century when machines to generate electric currents first became available. The devices deliver a very low voltage current to treat the ailments of the time.

June 2015 Magazine

Read more stories from the June 2015 issue

More Industry Headlines