Antique 1900s Electrotherapy Box Charles Chardin

An old electrotherapy device invented by the Frenchman Charles Chardin, in its beechwood case, dating from around 1905-1910.
Electrotherapy exploits the effects of using electrical energy for therapeutic purposes and involves passing electric currents through a particular part of the body. The porcelain plate serves as a battery, and the frequency of the voltage is controlled by pressing the iron core more or less deeply into the coil. Chardin believed he could cure all illnesses using electricity, which was supposed to act on blood circulation. He created a table showing 400 disorders and illnesses, including heart disease, scalp disorders, obesity, and insomnia, for example. A fine item for a cabinet of curiosities or a medical collection. It's in the same family as the more recent holo electrons we occasionally sell in the shop.