Worn Over Time

Answer: Suppository Pill Machine. Patented in 1895, the Whitall Tatum Suppository Machine does away with the old method of melting the ingredients used in making suppositories. After thoroughly mixing the mass and placing it in the cylinder of the machine, a few turns of the wheel delivers solid smooth suppositories formed by cold compression. Learn more ››

Answer: Blood Circulator. 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.” Learn more ››

Answer: Smoke Helmet. The Siebe Gorman & Co. Smoke Helmet was made in 1878. Siebe Gorman was one of the most famous company in diving equipment founded in the 1830’s and at the same time it was the first company that registered the “Smoke Helmet,” a helmet worn in smokey places or with dangerous gas like mines. Learn more ››

Answer: Sight Restorer. The Neu-Vita Oculizer, or Sight Restorer, was used in all cases of vision impairment. This apparatus is a wonderful piece of early 20th century quackery where the patient massages both eyes simultaneously to improve vision and avoid the destructive effects of reading glasses resulting from their continued use thereby weakening the eyes. Learn more ››

Answer: 20th Century Viagra. The 1901 version of Viagra, Dr. McLaughlin’s Electric Belt cure for all masculine ills, from impotence to alcoholism, was widely advertised at the turn of the 20th century as a fountain of youth. Learn more ››