Dr Scott's Electric Flesh Brush
The Electric Flesh Brush cured internal ailments as well as those of the skin. One simply rubbed the surface of the body nearest the affected part. In an 1882 ad in Harper's Weekly, Scott even claimed it would cure tooth aches, malaria, and lameness. The flat rectangular brush is 5" x 2 1/2". The arched back has the typical Scott highly detailed design, including the circular belt with the words "The Germ of all Life is Electricity". The curative power of the brush is actually due to magnetism (a couple slightly magnetized iron rods embedded in the handle), not electricity. For simplicity of manufacture, Scott seemed to prefer to work with magnetism, but for dramatic advertising copy, he preferred "electric". The brush is in fine condition.
Also included is a "Dr. Scott's" compass for testing this device. The needle still moves as the compass is passed over the brush, proving that the curative powers are still present. This variation of the Scott compass face is marked in degrees from either side of N and S by 10's. Perhaps this allowed quantitative testing of the brush. When the needle deflection reached a certain minimum, it may have been time to buy a new brush? The good Dr. Scott would, no doubt, take great pleasure in knowing that after a century, we are still using his little compasses to test his magic brushes.
the brush back
the compass
George A. Scott and his quackery
Price: SOLD
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Contact: Richard Van Vleck - Email: richard@americanartifacts.com
© 2006, American Artifacts, Taneytown, Maryland.
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