|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electricity - the 'elixir of life'
When it was discovered during the 19th century that electricity had an effect on animal muscles and the nervous system, the connection between electricity and the living world was made. Electricity came to be seen as the very 'elixir of life', imparting health and vitality and even (according to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein) life itself. As a consequence, the application of electricity by various methods was promoted as the new, miracle cure for an infinite variety of ailments, with varying degrees of success. Almost as soon as electricity became available at the very end of the nineteenth century, a range of apparatus appeared which played on the myths and optimism surrounding electricity and exploited the closed, scientific world of the medical profession. These appliances used high-frequency heat or electric shock treatment to stimulate and invigorate the body. Diathermy units imparted a high frequency charge which excited the nerves under the skin to produce heat. These were usually operated from a lead-acid battery similar to contemporary wireless sets, rather than mains electricity.
By 1920, however, the public were becoming more educated about the principles of electricity and the idea of 'shocks' and the fearsome appearance of some apparatus ran contrary to the promotion of safety. The development of the small, universal electric motor to a stage where it could be comfortably used in hand-held appliances and the increasing number of homes with mains electricity brought a new generation of health and beauty appliances. These took advantage of the new technology in a more positive way, establishing the appliances that are common today.
The advantage of early electrical health and beauty products was that, for the first time, one could attend to one's own appearance or ailments in the privacy of the home. This concept was promoted heavily in advertising. The cost of the product could be offset against not having to pay a therapist, clinic or salon. Once again, the new electrical appliances were able to do the work previously done by another person, thereby bringing a new freedom and independence to the owner.
