Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2021 November 24

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November 24

Electro medical apparatus

This is an antique I saw for sale. It's described as "an early electro medical apparatus circa 1900". The description reads "swithing for Faradic or Galvanic therapy, primary current controlled by linear rheostat, and variable coupling on the induction coil." What was it used for? --Viennese Waltz 21:30, 24 November 2021 (UTC)

'Swithing' is most likely a misspelling of 'switching'. As for 'Faradic or Galvanic therapy', see Electrotherapy (cosmetic). As for whether the apparatus did anything other than generate income for those promoting it, see Placebo effect for its most probable positive effects. AndyTheGrump (talk) 21:45, 24 November 2021 (UTC)

I think snake oil may be an even better link. --Jayron32 22:29, 24 November 2021 (UTC)

It's something designed by a quackpot. Clarityfiend (talk) 22:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC)

Electrotherapy#History links to some historic apparatus including the Oudin coil, which this is perhaps an example of.  Card Zero  (talk) 23:14, 24 November 2021 (UTC)

The same apparatus can be seen here with a lengthy description stating it was designed to facilitate the administration of finely calibrated electric shock treatment including electroconvulsive therapy.  --Lambiam 07:31, 25 November 2021 (UTC)

Great find, thanks Lambiam. Thanks for the other responses as well. No further replies please. --Viennese Waltz 08:26, 25 November 2021 (UTC)

Resolved