ϒ Two Victorian medical electromagnetic shock generators of magnetos One by W. Matthews, London, late 19th century The first with silvered brass frame with hand-crank wheel incorporating decorative dolphin cast crossings for driving the vertically pivoted rotating twin coil assembly lined in green velvet with mother-of-pearl top caps and cam-shaped alternating contacts to lower pivot, over a horseshoe magnet fitted with strength adjustment cancellation lever to underside and raised on four foliate cast ball feet incorporating integral cast electrical contact posts over a white marble platform base, 25cm (10ins) wide; the second of chest type with spring-driven mechanism concealed under a shaped brass top plate applied with pressed oval trade plate relief decorated with the Royal coat of arms and inscribed W. MATTHEWS, LONDON, C. ZANNI. PATENT, No. 160, with visible cocked six-spoke wheel driving similar visible arrangement of coils over the tips of a horseshoe magnet set within the right hand side of the mahogany case applied with instruction sheet and further trade label to inside of lid, the exterior with slightly domed lid fitted with a brass carrying handle, (with faults), 25cm (10ins) wide, (2). The development of electromagnetic generators for the production of alternating current to treat various medical conditions is generally ascribed to the Irish maker of Scientific Instruments Edward Marmaduke Clarke during the 1830's-40's. Such machines were supplied with brass 'wands' (for connection to the output terminals) to be applied to the area requiring treatment. It was believed that such treatment was beneficial to all sorts of ailments including Arthritis, Neuralgia and even tooth ache(!). ϒ indicates that this lot may be subject to CITES regulations when exported. Please see our Terms & Conditions for more information.