ROGERS 'VITALATOR' MEDICAL COIL, 1930's

Also known as a Violet Ray machine as the tools glow violet in colour when in use. This equipment was used for a variety of medical cures.The Induction Coil principal was discovered by Michael Faraday (1791-1867) in 1831, followed by Nicolas Callan who made a coil that produced very high voltages in1836. Heinrich Ruhmkorff perfected his version of this machine, which could efficiently produce high voltages, complete with an interrupter contact to create the alternating current necessary for it to work. These machines are now called 'Tens' machines. This machine operates on that principal. They were used for medical complaints such as skin disorders, and to power X ray machines. Marconi used one for his transmitter system at Poldhu in Cornwall for the first transatlantic transmission.in the early 20th Century Nicola Tesla experimented on many machines that could produce high voltages, he found that his machines could invigorate all parts of the body with surprising results. Later it was proved medically that applying electric charges could produce improvements to certain ailments. As a result these machines were made in there thousand and sold to the general public, they were also used by doctors and also people Masquerading as such and charging for the treatment, these persons were known as 'Quacks' as they claimed that this treatment would cure anything.

Bruce Hammond collection

A1741