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Electrical equipment, 18th century
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Electrical equipment, 18th century
Electrical equipment, 18th century. Medical machine for electrifying the teeth, thunder house, torpedo, brush, and connecting frame of the Teylerian battery. Copperplate engraving by Wilson Lowry from Abraham Rees Cyclopedia or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature, Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, London, 1820
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Media ID 23164834
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Abraham Arts Battery Brush Connecting Cyclopedia Dictionary Electrical Engineering Frame Rees Sciences Teeth Thunder Torpedo Universal
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This 18th century electrical equipment illustration, taken from Abraham Rees' Cyclopedia or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature, published in London in 1820, showcases a medical machine designed for electrifying the teeth. The intricate device, engraved by Wilson Lowry, includes various components such as a thunder house, torpedo, brush, and connecting frame, which were all essential parts of the Teylerian battery. The Teylerian battery, named after the Dutch scientist Pieter Teyler van der Hulst, was an early form of electrical accumulator that used a Leyden jar to store electrical charge. The medical application of this technology involved passing an electric current through the teeth to alleviate various ailments, a practice known as electric dentistry. The illustration depicts the thunder house, a large glass container filled with water and metal points, which was used to generate the electric charge. The torpedo, a metal sphere filled with sulfuric acid and a metal rod, was used to create a spark when brought close to the water in the thunder house. The brush, typically made of hog's bristles, was used to apply the electric current to the patient's teeth. The connecting frame ensured a secure and effective connection between the patient and the electrical components. This copperplate engraving is a fascinating glimpse into the history of electrical engineering and medical innovation during the 18th century. The intricate details of the equipment, as illustrated by Wilson Lowry, provide a captivating visual representation of the scientific curiosity and advancements that characterized this era.
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