Improved means for applying electricity to the human body.

  • Gibbs, John Wilson
Date:
1902
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Improved means for applying electricity to the human body. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    5/8 (page 5)
    Gibbs’ Improved Means for Applying Electricity to the Human Body. approved form or construction. In these appliances, which manifestly may be con¬ structed very inexpensively a gentle current of electricity is generated of sufficient strength to be measured by the proper electrical measuring instruments. It will be observed that where a rheotome is used the action of the same is automatic—i.e., the .5 make and break is made by the ordinary use of the appliance and does not require an independent self-acting or otherwise actuated device. In cases where a very gentle current is desired the induction coil in the handle may be dispensed with, or where a still milder current is desired the coil in the shell A may be omitted. Obviously other devices for generating direct currents or creating or increasing 10 induction currents by means of current conveying means wound in convolutions and constructed and arranged to be rotated by the revolution of the roller,—as, for instance, any well known form of electro-magnetic armature coil may be substituted for the coil F, and battery E, I show; as, for example—in Fig. 5 the roller shell A, is provided with two insulating heads and a^. The bar serves in this instance 15 to support a (J shaped part K, constructed of a material capable of being magnetized, and carrying two coils k, connected together and also with the com¬ mutator L. One end of the holder C supports a horseshoe magnet 0, and the two springs M, N, are respectively connected with the holder C and shell A. The roller A also preferably carries a battery E, the elements e and of which are 20 respectively connected with the holder C and shell A through coil F. A handle and a therein contained induction coil (not shewn) may be used in connection with the holder C, as represented in Figs. 1 and 3. It will be noted that in my device for applying electricity the electricity is o-enerated when the roller shell is moved around its axis by mechanical means— 25 namely as in Fig 1, by the closing and interruption of the circuit by the periodical engagement of the two members of my generating system—namely the projecting portion of the magetized bar B with the battery elements e —and in Fig 5 by the closing and interruption of the circuit by the magnet- 0, electro-magnet K k, and commutator L. 30 It is manifest that various omissions of some particulars could be made without materially affecting the essential features of my invention or the operation of the remaining parts, and I do not therefore, wish to be limited to the specific structural details of the organization herein set forth. Obviously the elements of the structure described may be located at an angle to 35 the plane in which they are shewn. I accordingly use the words “ horizontal ”, vertical ” and the like in a relative sense. The special utility of this system lies in the fact that while electricity is known to be a cure for various ailments it is also possible by a slight faradic current applied morning and evening to the face, neck or shoulders or other parts of the 40 person to nourish the body and greatly improve the complexion, the application of the current for this purpose being natural and based on the simplest laws of electrical and physiological effect. The modification of the muscular tissue pro¬ duced by this means is said to be primarily the result of the influence of the current upon the nerves, both in their movement and in their nourishment, 45 the healthfulness of the skin following an improved condition of the blood, and the increased flow of the latter involving augmented nourishment and capacity to eliminate deleterious matter. . . „ • ^ u u ^ ^ In practical use the handle of my electrical roller is grasped by the hand, and the roller is applied to the particular portion of the body desired to be treated, thecurrent passing from the hand through the body to the part in contact with the roller The electric current administered by my roller, which stimulates the circulation and tones up the muscular structure, does not give a heavy shock nor does it have the pricking, burning disagreeable sensation that follows the use of the ordinarily very powerful medical battery, and the cylinder may be rolled over any r,art of the face or body at the discretion of the user, the application of my roller hpino- not only painless but also effectual for muscle and tissue building. By the use of this application of my invention it will be seen that the combined beneflts ot the