Supportive Technologies

Electricity powered a new age of medicine, in both direct and indirect ways. Various technologies may not have been used directly in treatments but still aided physicians in their work and improved the treatment quality for patients.

Advancements in batteries improved electricity-powered operating gear like drills and saws; communication between patients and doctors was revolutionized with the popularity of the telephone and phonograph; lamps and lights were literally illuminating. Electricity also powered equipment like X-ray machines that could help with diagnosis.

Advancements improved electricity-powered operating gear

A panel mounted on the wall with various dials, light bulbs, and wires protruding from it

Electro-medical wall base for constant electric current

An electric apparatus with levers and nodes, mounted on a horizontal board.

The Du Bois-Raymond induction coil could produce electric energy of varying intensities

Box-like apparatus with nodes and two hinges

"Potash" is a term for minerals that contain potassium. Potassium bicrhomate batteries could be used to power galvanic cauteries

Advertisement for Voltamp Dry Cells. Two of the batteries are shown side by side with accompanying details

A battery in a larger hinged box. The battery is hooked up to various nodes and cylinders with wires attached to medical tools. A background image suggests that the tools are meant to be used similar to a defibrillator.

The McIntosh medical dynamo

A small four-legged bedside table with coils and electric nodes. A plug dangles from the table top.

Bedside galvanic table -- for use with supply wires from an incadescent plant or permanent battery. Connection with the supply wires is made by a doulble plug and socket, or by two binding posts