Marshall's Improved Compound Magneto-Electric Machine, circa 1860

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Artifact Overview

In the 19th century electricity was increasingly seen as a revolutionary medical technology. Magneto-electric machines of this type were popular in American medical and dental offices in the 1850s and 60s. This electromagnetic apparatus delivered a shock meant to cure pain and promote health. In a dental office, the machine would have been used to assuage the pain of tooth extraction.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Magneto-electric machine

Date Made

circa 1860

Location

at Legacy Locations in MS

Object ID

55.48.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Dorothy Guimaraes.

Material

Wood (Plant material)
Metal
Brass (Alloy)

Dimensions

Height: 4.75 in
Length: 11 in

Inscriptions

Label: MARSHALL'S IMPROVED COMPOUND / MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINE, FOR MEDICAL & DENTAL PURPOSES. / THIS MACHINE WILL GALVANIZE WITH THE DIRECT CURRENT: AND IS USED FOR EXTRACTING TEETH WITH PAIN.