In the late 19th century, Dr. Macaura’s Blood Circulator could produce two thousand vibrations per minute by cranking the handle of this massager, which was applied to the body. It is not a proven remedy for any condition, but part of a fashionable movement to “be your own Physician.” The hand-operated mechanical machine is in fact a simple rotary mechanism that delivers a low-level punching, vibrational surface massage.
Advertised as a blood circulator, the massager was claimed to cure pain, deafness, anaemia, heart disease, cramp, polio and “women’s problems.” It was invented by Gerald Joseph Macaura, who freely admitted his device was useless against cancer, tuberculosis and baldness. He did, however, recommended a good diet, breathing deeply and avoiding alcohol.[1]
