c. 1890
The Genuine German Electro Galvanic Belt
Artist/maker unknownElectric belts were a popular device for the treatment of various ailments, as were electric insoles, electric combs, and other types of electric apparel offering similar relief. The belts usually contained copper and zinc disks connected to strips of flannel by wires, an arrangement suggestive of a wet battery. A blistering agent such as capsicum (cayenne pepper) might also be present. The apparatus would thus produce a mild burning sensation, indicating to the gullible wearer that something was indeed happening.
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