Cell Electro - Medical Aparatus - what is this?

[valmont09]

My family is cleaning out my grandma's house and found this medical battery box.  I don't have a picture of the outside but it's a wooden box, about 8 inched high.  I have been doing research and haven't found anything exactly like it.  I believe it's from the early 1900s and is referred to as a "quack" box.  Items like it are selling on eBay from anywhere from $50-$400 right now.  Any one have any information?  Thanks in advance!

[mart]

From the way it sounds,, there was something that this would be used with !!  Something to connect to the battery !!    Where did you see those prices ??    There were none exactly like this when I looked but of the others prices were between $50. and $125. and no bids on any of them !!
Early 1900`s they thought electricity could cure everything from baldness to VD !!  I think I will pass on using this one !!  Somehow an electric bath just does not sound appealing knowing what I do about water and electricity !! 

[KC]

These items are desired by collectors.

White made electric transistors, electric vibrators, electric light therapy devices, etc.

Just for grins, this is a great medical collector's site and he entertains questions and buying medical items for his collection.  If anyone is ever bored, he has some really interesting items!
Wouldn't hurt to contact him for more information!
http://collectmedicalantiques.com/

[ssf2]

It says it is for an 'electric bath.' Found this online: http://www.messynessychic.com/2015/10/28/electric-baths-of-yesteryear/

What I first thought of was some type of shock therapy, maybe like this? https://japanbaths.info/electric-baths/  And it does say it can be used in any bathtub!

Some type of quack device, for sure! Don't think I would want to try it.

[KC]

There were many applications for GALVANIC BATHS (electric water baths) - a phase in medical history. In Japan they were called "denkiburo"

Here is an in interesting one midway down the page
http://www.wired.com/2009/07/patent-models/all/1

Electric baths were also home light therapy (not just water related).  A bath could be a compartment as well.  Mr. Kellogg not only made corn flakes!  http://www.wired.com/2009/07/patent-models/all/1

[ghopper1924]

Well done on the research, KC!

I'll pass on the therapy though.