Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Improvements in curative voltaic batteries. Source: Wellcome Collection.
![A.D. 1886, 8tk September. N° 10,606. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION. Improvements in Curative Voltaic Batteries. I Robert Munroe Kennedy of 120 Southampton Row in the County of Middlesex Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of my said invention for Improvements in curative voltaic batteries and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the 5 following statement:— My Invention relates to an improved construction of those voltaic piles or batteries which are adapted to be worn or suspended upon the person for remedial purposes. My improved curative battery comprises one or more systems or couples of 10 which each system is composed of two metallic discs of strongly contrasted polarity as, for example of zinc and copper respectively—with customary interposed diaphragm of bibulous paper, felt, or cloth for reception and retention of the acid or other excitant. These couples are contained in a shallow cup whose walls are formed of vulcanite or other electrical non conductor, and whose bottom is com- 15 posed of a disc of copper having peripheral claws which inclasp the walls of the cup and extend slightly over its top. Pivoted to the top of the cup are buttons of zinc. When applied to the person with the top surface of the battery next to the wearer, his skin with its normal saline secretions, completes the circuit and becomes the theatre of the well known galvanic action. 20 In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 represents my battery viewed on its face or top side. Fig. 2. represents the same viewed on its bottom or rear side. Fig. 3 is an axial section on the line x. x. Fig. 4 represents my cup divested of its discs. 25 Fig. 5. shows a series of discs of three voltaic couples. Fig. 6. represents a series of my batteries attached to a belt. A represents an annular disc of vulcanite, gutta-percha glass, or other firm and electrically non conducting material, a, are orifices in the same to enable the insertion of a cord B or a ring or other means of suspension upon the person. 30 G is a copper plate which closes the central orifice of annulus A on its rear side, and whose radially projecting claws cl embrace the said annulus around its periphery and face in the manner shown in Figs. 1. 2. 3 and 4. The said annulus A [Price 4i.]](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b3075933x_0001.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
