Today we view the use of electro-shock therapy for curing medical conditions with understandable scepticism, but back in the 19th Century as the power of electricity was being discovered it was an emerging and vocal field. W.M. Halse (who called himself a Professor of Medical Galvanism) was an early and tireless public advocate for electro-therapy and began his work in London around 1830. He produced this design of electro-magnetic device in 1845 and together with the increasing amount of associated literature he produced on the subject, he would strongly influence many others to join the field both as makers, practitioners and users. Slowly even public figures such as Charles Dickens became advocates for shock therapy and Halse saw a course of treatment as needing a few weeks to several months of use.

This machine dates to around the 1850s-60s and is offered in very good original untouched condition. It has a rosewood frame gilt brass features and leather clad magnet. The retains its original paper dial which does bear some corrosion stains…. 7″ x 4.5″ x 6″… $850