ANTIQUE MEDICAL DEVICE CIRCA 1875

"Improved Patent Magneto Electric Machine for Nervous Diseases" was first developed by Ari Davis (1811-1855) and patented on August 1st, 1854 (#11415); Davis subsequently sold the rights to the patent to Walter Kidder and the device became known as Davis and Kidder's Patent Magneto-Electric Machine upon launching 1856; it was manufactured by William H. Burnap of Lowell, Mass., and thereafter, of New York by 1865

It has been described as an American Civil War medical artifact with some records indicating it was used in the treatment of certain cases of war injuries; this "Improved" model was based upon Davis and Kidder’s original and made by Joseph Gray and Co., of Sheffield, England, around 1875; the original label on the inside of the lid is virtually the same wording and design as the D and K model but contains two different testimonials from the originals of Benjamin Silliman of Yale, and Charles G. Page of Washington D.C. being on the left from English surgeon Edward William Tuson, F.R.C.S. (1801-1865) writing in the London Medical Times, and on the right a quote from world-celebrated English medical lecturer Dr. John Abernethy (1764-1831) of London; presented in generally good condition, previously in demonstrated working condition, now requiring minor repair to crank wheel cord runner, also original brass handle grips use modern connecting wires, and key for box lock not available; dimensions of case when closed 11.4 x 26 x 11.4cm (4 1/2 x 10 1/4 x 4 1/2in)