Accession No

2244

Brief Description

magneto-electric machine, Davis and Kidder's patent, for nervous diseases, made by W. H. Burnap, U.S.A., circa 1865

Origin

U.S.A.; Massachussetts; Lowell

Maker

Burnap, W. H.

Class

medical

Earliest Date

1865

Latest Date

1865

Inscription Date

Material

wood (pine, hardwood); metal (steel, brass); ivory; rope (cord, string); cloth (velvet); paper

Dimensions

length 260mm; breadth 160mm; height 115mm

Special Collection

Provenance

Purchased from M. Phelps, 24/3/1976.

Inscription

‘DAVIS & KIDDER’S
PATENT MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINE
FOR NERVOUS DISEASES.
PATENTED AUG. 1, 1854.’ (beginning of label in box)
‘MANUFACTURED BY W.H. BURNAP. LOWELL. MASS.’ (instrument)
‘PATENTED AUG 1, 1854.’ (instrument)

Description Notes

Pine box containing blue-painted steel horseshoe magnet, with keeper which can be disconnected by a handle outside box. Brass framework for two arbors: one, rotated by a crank and turned ivory handle, carries a cog wheel, the other a pinion and pulley wheel with a string drive to an axle carrying two velvet-covered coils, which rotate close to the poles of the magnet. Two cord-covered wires lead to turned hardwood handles and cylindrical brass terminals. Printed label inside lid carries instructions, illustrations of the machine in use, and letters of recommendation from Prof. Silliman of Yale College and Prof. Page of Washington.

Complete.

References

Events