"Improvements in electrodes particularly for use in the therapeutic application of electricity under the water."

  • Rubiner, Wilhelm
Date:
1908
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: "Improvements in electrodes particularly for use in the therapeutic application of electricity under the water.". Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    A0 27,796 A.D.3908 Data of Application, 21st Dec., 1908 Complete Specification Left, 21st July, 1909—Accepted, 21st Dec., 1909 PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION. “ Improvements in Electrodes particularly for use in the Therapeutic Application of Electricity under Water.” I, Wilhelm Br biker, of Nurenberger Strasse, 35, Berlin, S.W., Germany, Editor, do lierebv declare the nature of this invention to be as follows: — This invention relates to the therapeutic use of electricity especially under water, for instance, in baths and the like. 5 The object of this invention is to enable the electric current to be localised upon the body of the patient so that the sensation or discomfort common to the . application of electricity by methods usually adopted is completely eliminated and a very strong current can be applied to the most sensitive parts of the body without danger or the least discomfort and on the contrary 10 in a most pleasant and beneficial manner. The invention consists in using two or more electrodes both under water and both insulated except at determined portions as hereinafter particularly described. In carrying out the invention according to one mode each electrode is 15 covered with rubber, or similar insulating covering, adapted to insulate the whole of the back and preferably overlapping the front edges. The electrode is provided with a suitable terminal. The electrodes are preferably made of silver plated sheet copper, a convenient size being about 3 x 4/;. Any suitable insulating material may be employed 20 instead of rubber for instance celluloid. The connecting wires are also encased in rubber or otherwise insulated. One electrode is. suspended and submerged in the bath and faces the bather, who moves the other electrode over his body under water only. As he grasps only the insulated portion of the electrode he feels no shock or sensation of 25 current through his hand, but only feels the electrical sensation on the part of the body actually in contact with or adjacent to the exposed face of the electrode. By this method a current which would be unbearable if applied in the usual manner, not only becomes bearable but is very pleasant and refreshing. 30 The invention is applicable for the treatment of nervous debility and many other affections, the most important feature being the absolute localisation of the current, no sensation being felt anywhere in the body except at the point desired. It can be made as light or strong as desired by moving the exposed face of the electrode towards or away from the body. All the usual discomfort 35 of electric shock is avoided. It is to be understood that the shape or configuration of the electrode may be varied to suit the particular portion of the body or limbs to which the invention is to be applied, and that the electrode may be provided with any convenient form of handle. 40 In one form the handle may be centrally disposed at the back of the electrode, the connection for the terminal being made through the handle, but obviouslv in an insulated planner as regards the handle. [Price 8</.]