Thanks for the information on the Muswell Hill case, Jeff. I hadn't heard of it before.
Here's an artifact of George Sexton's pre-Kahn career as a lecturer with a secularist bent:
The Benefits and Beauties of Science (London: 1847), link
by George Sexton
AN EXTRACT FROM AN ADDRESS
DELIVERED IN THE PHOENIX HALL, WHITECHAPEL, LONDON,
0n Wednesday Evening, April 7th, 1847,
Before the East London
MENTAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.
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In the 1870's Sexton became an advocate for Spiritualism.
Alfred Russel Wallace, the naturalist best know for this association with Charles Darwin, cited Sexton's conversion in an effort to justify Wallace's own Spiritualist beliefs.
On Miracles and Modern Spiritualism: Three Essays (London: James Burns, 1875), Pages 170-174
by Alfred Russel Wallace
Our next example is one of the most recent, but at the same time, one of the most useful converts to the truths of Spiritualism. Dr. George Sexton, M.D., M.A., LL.D., was for many years the coadjutor of Mr. Bradlaugh, and one of the most earnest and energetic of the secularist teachers. The celebrated Kobert Owen first called his attention to the subject of Spiritualism about twenty years ago. He read books; he saw a good deal of the ordinary physical manifestations, but he always "suspected that the mediums played tricks, and that the whole affair was nothing but clever conjuring by means of concealed machinery." He gave several lectures against Spiritualism in the usual style of non-believers, dwelling much on the absurdity and triviality of the phenomena, and ridiculing the idea that they were the work of spirits. Then came another old friend and fellow-secularist, Mr. Turley, who, after investigating the subject for the purpose of exposing it, became a firm believer. Dr. Sexton laughed at this conversion, yet it made a deep impression on his mind. Ten years passed away, and his next important investigation was with the Davenport brothers; and it will be well for those who sneer at these much-abused young men to take note of the following account of Dr. Sexton's proceedings with them, and especially of the fact that they cheerfully submitted to every test the doctor suggested. He tells us (in his lecture, "How I became a Spiritualist,") that he visited them again and again, trying in vain to find out the trick. Then, he says,—--
"My partner—-Dr. Barker—-and I invited the Brothers to our houses, and, in order to guard against anything like trickery, we requested them not to bring any ropes, instruments, or other apparatus; all these we ourselves had determined to supply. Moreover, as there were four of them, viz., the two Brothers Davenport, Mr. Fay, and Dr. Ferguson, we suspected that the two who were not tied might really do all that was done. We therefore requested only two to come. They unhesitatingly complied with all these requests. We formed a circle, consisting entirely of members of our own families and a few private friends, with the one bare exception of Mrs. Fay. In the circle we all joined hands, and as Mrs. Fay sat at one end she had one of her hands free, while I had hold of the other. Thinking that she might be able to assist with the hand that was thus free, I asked as a favour that I might be allowed to hold both her hands—-a proposition which she at once agreed to. Now, without entering here at all into what took place, suffice it to say that we bound the mediums with our own ropes, placed their feet upon sheets of writing paper and drew lines around their boots, so that if they moved their feet it should be impossible for them to place them again in the same position; we laid pence on their toes, sealed the ropes, and in every way took precautions against their moving. On the occasion to which I now refer, Mr. Bradlaugh and Mr. Charles Watts were present; and when Mr. Fay's coat had "been taken off, the ropes still remaining on his hands, Mr. Bradlaugh requested that his coat might be placed on Mr. Fay, which was immediately done, the ropes still remaining fastened. We got on this occasion all the phenomena that usually occurred in the presence of these extraordinary men, particulars of which I shall probably give on another occasion. Dr. Barker became a believer in Spiritualism from the time that the Brothers visited at his house. I did not see that any proof had been given that disembodied spirits had any hand in producing the phenomena; but I was convinced that no tricks had been played, and that therefore these extraordinary physical manifestations were the result of some occult force in nature which I had no means of explaining in the present state of my knowledge. All the physical phenomena that I had seen now became clear to me; they were not accomplished by trickery, as I had formerly supposed, but were the result of some undiscovered law of nature which it was the business of the man of science to use his utmost endeavours to discover."
While he was maintaining this ground, Spiritualists often asked him how he explained the intelligence that was manifested; and he invariably replied that he had not yet seen proofs of any intelligence other than what might be that of the medium or of some other persons present in the circle, adding, that as soon as he did see proofs of such intelligence he should become a Spiritualist. In this position he stood for many years, till he naturally believed he should never see cause to change his opinion. He continued the inquiry, however, and in 1865 began to hold seances at home; but it was years before any mental phenomena occurred which were absolutely conclusive, although they were often of so startling a nature as would have satisfied any one less sceptical. At length, after fifteen years of enlightened scepticism—-a scepticism not founded upon ignorance, but which refused to go one step beyond what the facts so diligently pursued, absolutely demonstrated—the needful evidence came:
"The proofs that I did ultimately receive are, many of them, of a character that I cannot describe minutely to a public audience, nor, indeed, have I time to do so. Suffice it to say, that I got in my own house, in the absence of all mediums other than members of my own family and intimate private friends in whom mediumistic powers became developed, evidence of an irresistible character that the communications came from deceased friends and relatives. Intelligence was again and again displayed which could not possibly have had any other origin than that which it professed to have. Facts were named known to no one in the circle, and left to be verified afterwards. The identity of the spirits communicating was proved in a hundred different ways. Our dear departed ones made themselves palpable both to feeling and to sight; and the doctrine of spirit-communion was proved beyond the shadow of a doubt. I soon found myself in the position of Dr. Fenwick in Lord Lytton's 'Strange Story.' 'Do you believe,' asked the female attendant of Margrave, 'in that which you seek?' 'I have no belief,' was the answer. 'True science has none; true science questions all things, and takes nothing on credit. It knows but three states of mind—-denial, conviction, and the vast interval between the two, which is not belief, but the suspension of judgment.' This describes exactly the phases through which my mind has passed."
Since Dr. Sexton has become a Spiritualist he has been as energetic an advocate for its truths as he had been before for the negations of secularism. His experience and ability as a lecturer, with his long schooling in every form of manifestation render him one of the most valuable promulgators of its teachings. He has also done excellent service in exposing the pretensions of those conjurers who profess to expose Spiritualism. This he does in the most practical way, not only by explaining how the professed imitations of spiritual manifestations are performed, but by actually performing them before his audience; and at the same time pointing out the important differences between what these people do and what occurs at good seances. Any one who wishes to comprehend how Dr. Lynn, Messrs. Maskelyne and Cook, and Herr Dobler perform some of their most curious feats have only to read his lecture, entitled, "Spirit Mediums and Conjurers," before going to witness their entertainments. We can hardly believe that the man who does this, and who during fifteen years of observation and experiment held out against the spiritual theory, is one of those who, as Lord Amberley tells us, "fall a victim to the most patent frauds, and are imposed upon by jugglery of the most vulger order:" or who, as viewed by Professor Tyndall's high scientific standpoint, are in a frame of mind before which science is utterly powerless—" dupes beyond the reach of proof, who like to believe and do not like to be undeceived." These be brave words; but we leave our readers to judge whether they come with a very good grace from men who have the most slender and inadequate knowledge of the subject they are criticising, and no knowledge at all of the long-continued and conscientious investigations of many who are included in their wholesale animadversions.
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Sexton's pamphlet on conjurors mentioned by Wallace:
Spirit-mediums and Conjurors (London: J. Burns, 1973), link
by George Sexton
A Sexton tract on his conversion that is NOT the one mentioned by Wallace:
Seed Corn.--No 6. Dr. Sexton's Conversion to Spiritualism (London: J. Burns, 1872?), link
Sexton was mentioned in the confessions of a man who sold bogus diplomas.
American Journal of Dental Science, Volume 14, April 18, 1881, Page 554
Philadelphia Bogus Diplomas
'Rev. George Sexton, of London, who was prominent in the British Medical Reform Association, to whom I sold diplomas in 1874, is a European agent of Fields'. Sexton commenced his career as a missionary, then became a lecturer for Kahn, and now is the agent for the Anthropological University of St. Louis.'
Anthropological University of St. Louis.—-Fields, Sexton, Alford and Thrasher have an organization as perfect as the Catholic Church. They have penetrated every city of America and Great Briton with their agencies. The Eclectic is not popular and does not sell well, but the University of Anthropology goes off like hot cakes. I have understood I could buy 500 of its diplomas in bulk at any time. They deal largely. Alford and Sturnam have approached me, but I never answered their communications.
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The Spiritual Magazine, March, 1877, Page 137
GEORGE SEXTON, D.D.
The American Anthropological University, St. Louis, has just conferred upon Dr. George Sexton the degree of "Doctor of Sacred Theology," honoris causa. This honour was quite unexpected by Dr. Sexton, and the arrival of the diploma, accompanied with a letter from the President, the Kev. Dr. Alford, full of the warmest praise of the Doctor's talents and learning, and the mode in which he is now employing them, was the first intimation that he received of this addition to his titles.
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Somehow, Sexton seems to have ended up as a Presbyterian minister in Canada.
Ministerial Directory of the Ministers in the Presbyterian Church in the United States (Oxford, Ohio: Ministerial Directory Company, 1898), Page 474
by Edgar Sutton Robinson
Sexton, George, St. catharines, Ont.,
Can.--Born Hainford, England; U. C., London,
Eng.; Wm. and Charing Cross Med. C.,
London, Giessen, Ger. M. A. and Ph. D.,
1857; Giessen, M. D., '58; Phil. Med. C.,
L.L.D., '77; Giessen T. S., Ger., '54; Ord. '55,
Episcopal Ch., Eng.; Rec. by Pby. of Buffalo,
'89; P. Ch. of the Lord, London, Eng.,
'75-76; P. St. Augustines Ch., London, Eng.,
'82-; P. 1st Pbn. Ch., Dunkirk, N. Y., '89-
90; Author, "Baseless fabric of Scientific
Scepticism" (Smart, London, Eng, 5s), '79;
"Theistic Problems" (Hodder & Stoughton,
London, 3s, 6d.), '82; "Fallacies of Secularism"
(Smart, London, 2s, 6d.), '81;
"Biblical Difficulties Dispelled, Briggs" ($1), '96'
Elected F. R. G. S., Eng., '53, F. E. S., Eng.,
'54, F. Z. Z., Eng., '63, F. A. S., Eng., '75
F. S. Sc., Eng., '79, Gold Medalist, '85,
Memb. Acd. dei Quiviti, Rome; '82, F. R. S.,
Italy, '82.
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On of the books listed in the bio above:
Theistic Problems, Essays on the Existence of God and His Relationship to Man (Lodnon: Hodder and Stoughton, 1880), link
by George Sexton
A magazine edited by Sexton:
The Shield of Faith (1881), link
by George Sexton, M.A., LL.D
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Hi Trade,
It's a little beyond the date of 1888, but there was a famous burglary murder case in 1896, the "Muswell Hill Murder" that involved the discovery of an important clue in finding the two murderers, Milsom and Fowler. When the police looked over the residence of Henry Smyth, the retired engineer who was killed during the burglary, they found a small lamp - actually a child's toy lamp - that turned out to belong to the brother-in-law (a boy) of one of the two perpetrators. It had been converted into a kind of flashlight like device. I believe the item still exists at the "Black Museum" of Scotland Yard.
JeffLeave a comment:
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I was curious if there was any sort of portable electric light available circa 1888 and found the following items:
The Telegraphist, November 1, 1886, Page 164
A Portable Electric Lamp.—-By W. H. Preece, F.R.S.—-The demand for a new safety lamp in mines has directed many minds to the application of electricity to this purpose. Some have proposed to use primary batteries; others utilise secondary batteries or accumulators. One of the most portable, compact, and convenient forms is that of Mr. Pitkin. It occupies a cubical space of 59 cubic inches for two cells, and 86 1/2 cubic inches for three cells, weighing 5 lb. 8 oz. and 7 lb. 3 oz. respectively. The three-cell battery gives a light equal to 2.5 candles immediately after removal from the charging source, and lasts for nine or ten hours. I have also used it for other purposes. It is a most convenient portable lamp for going into a wine-cellar or visiting our greenhouses, and it makes a very convenient reading-lamp for railway travelling. I carry such a battery in my dressing-bag, and by means of a flexible cord carrying two copper conductors I suspend by a hook to my waistcoat front a small candle-power Edison-Swan lamp that concentrates upon my book or my paper all the light I want. The lamp is fixed in the focus of a reflector whose surface is enamelled dead white, instead of being bright polished. The light is thus much more equable and uniformly distributed. It is, moreover, soft, absolutely steady, and free from smell or annoyance to my fellow passengers. It is lighted instantly without any match, and it can be rapidly replaced by a small coil of fine platinum wire, which, being raised to incandescence, enables me to light my cigarette.
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Cassell's Family Magazine, 1886, Page 576
The Gatherer: An Illustrated Record of Invention and Discovery
An Electric Railway Reading Lamp.
The Lancet, December 29, 1888, Page 1313
London Volunteer Medical Staff Corps.—
On the 15th instant, a parade of some interest took place on Hampstead Heath. The night was dark, and a dense fog hung over the heath. The corps mustered sufficient men to form a complete bearer company and dressing station party, the whole being under the command of the surgeon commandant. The general idea was that an action had been fought, ending with the daylight, and that it was necessary to go out in the darkness to search for, attend, and bring into safety the wounded lying on the field. The dressing and collecting stations being formed and ambulances posted, the bearer company advanced to the field and searched for the wounded. These were represented by the band sent out in advance and hidden. Electric lamps were used, and rendered the search far easier than it usually is (in the army oil lamps are used for this purpose), lighting up the field and enabling the bearer to see quite thirty yards ahead in a dense fog. The light was visible for over a quarter of a mile. The electric lamps were kindly lent to the adjutant by Messrs. Watson, of the Haymarket.
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Cassell's Family Magazine, 1889, Pages 319-320
The Gatherer: An Illustrated Record of Invention, Discovery, Literature, and Science
The Electric Light and Ambulances
Some interesting experiments were recently made on Hampstead Heath by the officers and men of the London Division of the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps, an organisation which consists largely of medical students. The corps, under Surgeon-Commandant Norton, accompanied by ambulance waggons, halted on one of the Heath roads at night in a thick mist. and, after establishing a field hospital in a sheltered part of the ground, sent out searching parties, provided with small electric handlamps of the kind manufactured now by a number of makers, such as Swan, Pitkin, and others. The object was to discover wounded men in the darkness, and not only did they succeed in finding those who played this part, but they found that preliminary bandaging could be performed by means of the electric light. An advantage of this light is that it can be held very close to the thing under examination without difficulty. The electric lamp seems well adapted for ambulance purposes. Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate two recent forms of these electric hand-lamps. In the case of Fig. I the lamp itself is detached from the battery, which is contained in the box beside it. two insulated wires twisted together conveying the current to the incandescent lamp. The latter is seen in the face of the box, which has a hook on the back to catch in the buttonhole, if necessary. Fig. 2 shows the incandescent lamp and its filament still better. In the former case the light is started by pressing the button seen on the side of the box, and in the latter case by simply turning the box and battery upside-down.
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The Electrical Journal, Volume 19, November 4, 1887, Page 542
PITKIN'S PORTABLE LAMP.
We have been favoured with the following description of the Pitkin Portable Lamp, which is illustrated in the adjoining figure:—-"These lamps are intended for use in coal mines and other places where explosions may be apprehended. They are the invention and manufacture of Mr. James Pitkin, of 56, Red Lion-street, Clerkenwell, who has spent some years in perfecting the details of their construction. Each lamp is of the form shown in the engraving, and weighs approximately 7 lb.; they are, however, easily carried by means of a strong leather handle passing across the top from front to back. When the cells are fully charged the lamp, which is of four candle-power, will burn from twelve to eighteen hours, according to the degree of incandescence at which the lamp is burned. This can be conveniently regulated by means of a switch (shown upon the front of the box), which not only turns the light on and off, but by sliding over a platenoid wire of small diameter inserts more or less resistance in the circuit. The glow lamps are of the Swan type, and are suspended from above by means of a spiral spring, secured to a metal loop, fused into the glass globe forming the lamp. They are further held in position by means of the screws passing through the case and hooked to the under side, these also form the connection between the lamp and the cells. Each cell has eight small lead plates with a projecting edge forming a trough, and projections or pins of lead at regular distances, which hold the storage material firmly to the surface of the plates. The whole arrangement is well designed and substantially made."
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Bio of Preece who wrote the first piece:
Who's Who, 1897 (London: Adam and Charles Black: 1897), Page 546
PREECE, William Henry C.B., F.R.S.; V.P.Inst.C.E. ; Engineer-in-Chief, G.P.O. ; Consulting Engineer to the Colonies; b. Wales, 15 Feb. 1834; e. s. of R. M. Preece, Bryn Helen, Carnarvon. Educ.: King’s College, London. Entered office late Mr. Edwin Clark, M. Inst. C.E., 1852; appointed to Electric and International Telegraph Co., 1853; Superintendent of that Company’s Southern District, 1856; L. and S.W.R., 1860; was Engineer to Channel Islands Telegraph Co.; transferred to the Post Office as Divisional Engineer, 1870; appointed Electrician 1877; Engineer-in-Chief and Electrician, 1892. Publications: joint-author with Mr. (now Sir James) Sivewright of a Text-book of Telegraphy; with Dr. Maier of The Telephone; with Mr. Stubbs of a Manual of Telephony. Recreations: yachting, cycling. Address: Gothic Lodge, Wimbledon; Peurhos, Carnarvon. Clubs : Whitehall, Arts, Savage.
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You're probably right, Jeff.
Here's a bit on the military applications of the Ruhmkorff coil:
Papers on Subjects Connected with the Duties of the Corps of Royal Engineers, Volume 7 (Woolwich: 1858), Pages 139-148
by Great Britain. Army. Royal Engineers
PAPER XXI.
Remarks On The Application Of Electricity To The Explosion Of Mines
By Dr. LOUIS FIGUIER,
Translated By CAPT. AKERS, Royal Engineers,
Accompanied By Notes On The Subject
By M. Du Moncel And Major Von Ebner,
Translated By Lieut.-Col. Bainbrigge, R.E.
Page 144
In 1853, M.Verdu [a Colonel of the Spanish Enigneers] and M. Buhmkorff made, for the first time, some very interesting experiments on the practical applications of the phenomena of induced electricity, which had hitherto been confined to the laboratory. These experiments, made at La Villette, in the workshops of M. Jules Erckman, a telegraphic wire maker, were extremely satisfactory, especially as to the distance to which the electric fluid could travel. Powder was ignited at a distance of 27,000 yards by Ruhmkorfs's ordinary coll, an easily inflammable substance being placed between the ends of the conducting wires; and it appears certain that the Russians made use of one of Ruhmkorff's machines, arranged as described, for the explosion of their mines at Sebastopol.
Page 148
If we appear to have dwelt too long on the subject of the last-named electrical machines, it is because we are convinced that they will one day be extensively applied. Their employment indeed for the explosion of mines is only one of many applications of Ruhmkorff's coil. This instrument might be employed, for instance, with perfect certainty by the Artillery, under various circumstances. A battery of several gnns might he simultaneously discharged by it; fire-ships may be ignited at a distance; sunken ships destroyed, such as the Russian fleet in the harbour of Sebastopol, and sub-marine mines exploded. Under all circumstances the employment of the machine we have just described would be of inestimable advantage, from the security it affords to those employed on any of these various duties.
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The above article refers readers to the chapter on Galvanism in the following work, a sort of encyclopedia edited by the Royal Engineers :
Aide-mémoire to the Military Sciences, Volume 2 (London: Lockwood & Co., 1860), Pages 88-89, link to front
The other two volumes:
Aide-mémoire to the Military Sciences, Volume 1 (London: John Weale, 1853), link
Aide-mémoire to the Military Sciences, Volume 3 (London: Lockwood & Co., 1862), linkLeave a comment:
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A book about induction coils included a discussion of producing light using variously shaped vacuum tubes. The frontispiece shows the gear needed to do this. Conveniently, the book also includes a catalog which offers many of the items discussed in the book.
The Inductorium, Or, Induction Coil: Being a Popular Explanation (London: John Churchill, 1868, 3rd edition), link
by Henry Minchin Noad
Pages 96-97
[Neither the atmosphere nor the appearance of your room would have been improved by this patriotic lighting display.]
Page 121
Catalogue of Optical, Mathematical and Philosophical Instruments
Manufactured and Sold by William Ladd
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Mr. Ladd's obit:
The Electrician, Volume 14, April 25, 1885, Page 495
THE LATE MR. WILLIAM LADD, F.R.A.S.
We regret to announce the death of Mr. William Ladd, F.R.A.S., at his residence, Burnt Ash Hill, on Thursday, the 16th inst., at the age of 70. Mr. Ladd was well known in scientific and commercial circles for his efforts in the field of electrical research, for during the decade extending from 1860 to 1870 he took a very prominent part in introducing into practical utility the then comparatively obscure science of electricity, which is now deservedly receiving marked attention as the leading science of the day. Nor was his interest in this line confined merely to any particular branch of the science, for we find him at one time in correspondence with Prof. Reis, who may be said to have made the earliest efforts towards recording the sound of the human voice transmitted over long distances. A letter is still extant in which Prof. Reis explains to Mr. Ladd his views upon this question, and the partial success that attended his efforts. Mr. Ladd was well known as the inventor and constructor of some of the largest induction coils and electrical apparatus, manufactured under his supervision at his premises in Beak-street, Regent-street.
In 1867 Mr. Ladd brought forward a dynamo machine, which in many respects showed a marked improvement on the previous dynainos of Siemens, Varley, and Wilde, and whereby many of the then existing difficulties in the way of constructing dynamos for practical and commercial use were removed. Somewhat later, in the year 1878, Mr. Ladd was instrumental in introducing into this country the Wallace-Farmer system of electric lighting from America, where it had met with considerable success. The dynamos and arc lamps employed on this system underwent considerable improvement at Mr. Ladd's hands ; and one of the earliest installations of electric lighting afforded to the public was made under Mr. Ladd’s supervision on the above system at the Liverpool-street Terminus of the Great Eastern Railway.
Mr. Ladd was from the time of its formation a director of the Anglo-American Brush Electric Light Corporation (Limited), and also of the Electrical Power Storage Company, and he took an active interest in the administration of these companies until almost the day of his death.
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From the Ladd catalog I learned that the name rendered as "Dubosque" in a Kahn museum ad and as "Dubosc" i some references should be spelled "Duboscq." Here's a bio:
Biography: Or, Third Division of "The English Encyclopedia" (London: Bradbury, Evans, Co., 1872), Pages 482-483
edited by Charles Knight
DUBOSCQ, JULES, bom in 1817, served on apprenticeship to a relative, M. Soleil, an optical instrument maker, to whom he went in 1830. Under him he studied the planning and construction of apparatus for the diffraction and polarisation of light. In 1849 he succeeded Soleil in his business, and afterwards invented many new kinds of photogenic apparatus. One was an electric lamp, especially adapted for use in mines. He was among the first to apply the stereoscope successfully to pairs of photographs. His various instruments won for him the Council Medal of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the first-class medals of the New York Exhibition of 1853 and the Paris Exhibition of 1855, and the Gold Medal of the Society d' Encouragement in 1866. After the International Exhibition of 1862, he was decorated with the legion of honour. At the Paris Exhibition in 1867, Duboscq displayed apparatus for the study of optics. He has contributed to the 'Comptes Rendus' a 'Note sur une regulateur electrique,' 1850; 'Note sur le Collodion sec,' 1850; 'Note sur un Nouveau Compensateur pour la Saccharimfetre' (with Soleil), 1850.
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An article about the system used by Duboscq to create lighting effects for the then new Paris Opera House:
Nature, March 11, 1875, Pages 369-371
Science at the New Paris Opera, Part II
All branches of Physics are represented in the New Opera; Heat, Light, Optics, Electricity, Acoustics play their different parts. So far as acoustic instruments are concerned, we may refer to an organ constructed by M. Cavaillé-Coll, and formed of eighteen registers, distributed over two key-boards, and a complete foot-board. This organ is worked by four pedals, vibrating the air contained in 1,032 pipes, of which some are more than five metres in height, and above 30 metre in diameter, But it is the electric light which has most interest for us.
After giving a brief account of the invention and history of the voltaic pile, M. Tissandier proceeds to describe the battery connected with the New Opera, which has been organised by M. Duboscq.
The electric light may be thrown upon the magnificent stage by means of a Bunsen battery of 360 elements, which is established in a room on the ground floor, the length of which is not less than seven metres. M. Duboscq has here arranged six tables of 2.75 metres long by .75 metre broad, which each support a Bunsen battery of sixty elements (Fig. 5). This battery is placed upon the table which is made of very thick unpolished glass that cannot be injured by the acids. The elements are arranged in four rows of fifteen each. The table is provided underneath with a board which supports a large rectangular basin, in which plates are placed after they have been used. The jars of the battery, filled with nitric acid, are, after being used, placed in a tub containing the acid and closed with a wooden lid.
In order to work a battery of such power under favourable comditions, M. Dubosq has had to make special arrangemnets for the preparation of the sulphuric acid liquid as well as for the zinc amalgams ncessary to put the system of batteries in action.
At the right corner of the electric room is a large reservoir, of the capacity of about one cubic metre, where water mixed with one-tenth of sulphuric acid can be stored. A spigot permits this liquid to run into a vertical siphon formed of a large tube, into which an areometer is plunged to ascertain its quality, and make sure that the preparation has been made in the proper proportions. The reservoir is furnished at its lower part with an earthenware pipe which is conducted along the walls of the room, opposite the six battery tables. Beside each table an earthenware spigot enables the operators to run the liquid into earthenware jugs, from which they fill the battery jars with the liquid.
By an excellent precaution M. Duboscq has obviated the dangerous action of the nitrous vapours, by placing here and there upon the piles saucers containing ammonia, which condenses them.
Each table, as we have said, forms a battery of sixty elements. The electric wires are conducted along the wall at the bottom of the room, where they traverse six galvanometers (Fig. 6). Each of these galvanometers indicates, by means of the needle with which it is provided, the condition of the battery to which it corresponds. The six isolating wires, after leaving the six galvanometers, pass along the walls to the stage, where the currents which they carry may be utilised either singly or by twos or threes, according to the degree of intensity which it is wished to give to the light. The distance which the current runs from the electric room to the most distant point of the stage is about 122 metres;; the total length of all the wires is about 1,200 metres.
M. Duboscq, imitating the systems of telegraphic wires, makes use of the earth as a return current; one of the poles of each battery is in communication with the iron of the building. Without this arrangement it would have been necessary to double the length of the wires.
In most instances M. Duboscq places his electric lamp on one of the wooden galleries which run along the higher regions of the scenery above the stage. It is from this artificial sky that he, a new Phoebus, darts upon the nymphs of the ballet the rays of his electric sun. It is from here, decomposing the light by means of the vapour of water, he throws upon the stage a veritable rainbow, as in Moses; again, it is thus that he causes the light from the painted windows to fall upon the flags of the church where Margaret is in the clutches of remorse. Sometimes the electric apparatus is placed on a level with the stage, when it is sought to produce certain special effects, such as that of the fountain of wine in Gounod's opera. The lime-light is also used to produce certain brilliant effects in the New Opera.
It will thus be seen that the electrical arrangements in the New Opera leave little to be desired. There is an electric battery of extraordinary power, which might be profitably used for certain experiments of high interest, requiring an electric power of great intensity. , M. Tissandier makes the very happy suggestion that this powerful battery might be utilised for the purpose of scientific research, and we hope that those who have the management of the Opera will take his hint; they ought to remember how much their art owes to the researches of science. He also very appropriately suggests that the Government which has made such a lavish expenditure, forty million francs, on a place of amusement, might also benefit the country even more by doing something to restore to efficiency the buildings in which the work of science is carried on. At all events it will be seen that in this magnificent building Science occupies a place of no mean importance.
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Thanks, Jeff. Here's the description from Twenty Thousand Leagues:
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (New York: Butler Brothers, 1887), Pages 492-493
by Jules Verne
"I have no further objections to make,"I answered; "I will only ask you one thing. Captain—-how can you light your road at the bottom of the sea?"
""With the Ruhmkorff apparatus, M. Aronnax; one is carried on the back, the other is fastened to the waist. It is composed of a Bunsen pile, which I do not work with bichromate of potash, but with sodium. A wire is introduced which collects the electricity produced, and directs it towards a particularly made lantern. In this lantern is a spiral glass which contains a small quantity of carbonic gas. When the apparatus is at work, this gas becomes luminous, giving out a white and continuous light. Thus provided, I can breathe and I can see."
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Perhaps Verne was inspired by the work of Gassiot:
Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Volume 10 (London: 1860), Page 432
IV. "On the Application of Electrical Discharges from the Induction Coil to the purposes of Illumination." by J.P. GAssiot, Esq., F.R.S. Received March 29, 1860.
The subjoined figure represents a carbonic acid vacuum-tube of about 1/16 of an inch internal diameter, wound in the form of a flattened spiral. The wider ends of the tube, in which the platinum wires are sealed, are 2 inches in length and about 1/2 an inch in diameter, and are shown by the dotted lines; they are enclosed in a wooden case (indicated by the surrounding entire line), so as to permit only the spiral to be exposed.
When the discharge from a Ruhmkorff's induction apparatus is passed through the vacuum-tube, the spiral becomes intensely luminous, exhibiting a brilliant white light. Mr. Gassiot, who exhibited the experiment at the meeting of the Society, caused the discharge from the induction coil to pass through two miles of copper wire; with the same coil excited so as to give a spark through air of one inch in length, he ascertained that the luminosity in the spiral was not reduced when the discharge passed through 14 miles of No 32 copper wire.
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Could such a device be used to illuminate impromptu surgery performed in a dark alley?Leave a comment:
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The Ruhmkorff Coil "Lamp" is mentioned in Jules Verne's novels like "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" as a device to assist his heroes when exploring.Leave a comment:
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An obituary for the inventor of the Ruhmkorff's coil mentioned in Kahn's ad above. Experimental work with coils of this type contributed to the development of X-Rays and radio.
Nature, Volume 17, December 27, 1877, Page 169
Ruhmkorff
We regret to record the sudden death on December 20, at Paris, of Henry Daniel Ruhmkorff, whose name is so closely connected with the history of magneto-electricity. He was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1803, and but little is known of his early life. In 1819 he wandered to Paris, and obtained a position as porter in the laboratory of Prof. Charles Chevalier, at that time one of the leading French physicists. Here he displayed a remarkable fondness for electrical apparatus, as well as ingenuity in its arrangement, and was enabled shortly after to start a modest manufactory of physical apparatus. Through the efforts of Chevalier and the excellence of the work performed, the business was rapidly extended. In 1844 Ruhmkorff brought out his first invention, a convenient thermo-electric battery. Soon after he turned his attention to magneto-electricity, especially the production of the induced currents, discovered by Faraday in 1832. A long series of experiments resulted in the appearance, in 1851, of the famous “Ruhmkorff coil,” with its later modifications, the most important piece of apparatus in this branch of physics. With this powerful adjunct the electrician was enabled to obtain sparks 18 inches in length, pierce thick plates of glass, and carry out a vast variety of experiments. The invention was rewarded by a decoration and medal at the Exhibition of 1855, while in 1858 it received the first prize of 50,000 francs at the French Exhibition of Electrical Apparatus. Since then the manufacture of the coils and of electrical machines in general has assumed enormous dimensions, and the leading physicists of Europe are well acquainted with the dingy little bureau in the Rue Champollion, near the University. Personally M. Ruhmkorff was of a quiet, dignified appearance, and despite the disadvantages of his early life, he enjoyed the friendship of the leading Parisian savants, and was an honoured member of the French Physical Society. M. Jamin delivered an address over the grave, in which he stated that Ruhmkorff died almost a poor man, because he had spent all his earnings on behalf of science and in works of benevolence.
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Book about Ruhmkorff coils with chapters on Roentgen Rays and Wireless Telegraphy:
Induction Coils: How to Make, Use, and Repair Them (New York: Spon & Chamberlain, 1901), link
by H. S. Norrie (Norman Hugh Schneider)
A dubious-sounding story which mentions Ruhmkorff:
The American Architect and Building News, February 15, 1890, Page 112
A MYSTERIOUS COUNT AND HIS MACHINE.-— The visit of a certain French Count to London has given us much to think of beyond the limits of the disease, both mental and bodily, by which we have been assailed. This Count P.—-who, strange to say, seeks no publicity—-is one of the most learned men of the century. His studies have been followed in participation with the experiments of the great experimentalist, the late Ruhmkorff. The latter was generous enough to own that it was under the direction of Count P. that he accomplished most of his greatest inventions. The wondrous reel invented by the Count is still considered the most marvellous conquest of science. Upon this reel is wound a length of silver wire measuring 75,000 metres. Two magnetic needles crossing each other in a contrary direction are fixed upon the reel, and suspended by a slender thread. The apparatus works under glass like a watch, so that no tampering with the mechanism is possible. It is mounted, moreover, on a high stand. The Count takes hold of the two conductors, to which are attached the two ends of the silver thread rolled upon the reel, and bids you order the machine to move to right or left, according to your will. Under this power alone, hitherto misunderstood or underrated—-this, the mightiest power in the universe, according to Count P., the power of the human will—-the machine will act without the contact of touch. To right or to left will the reel revolve according to the fancy of the visitor. Without speech, without touch, by the mere mental influence alone, will the machine move in obedience to the unexpressed command. But not in all cases does the machine answer unreservedly. It is to the powerful will alone—-the concentrated and fixed determination—-that it can be made to reply. Ruhmkorff used to laugh immoderately at the vacillating movement of Count P’s machine when the savants of the Acadèmie were induced to try the experiment. With some the wire would tremble and vibrate, then start to one side, then move towards the other; while with others it would refuse to move at all, but confine its trembling vibration to one spot. The experiments made by Count P. in London have all been exhibited strictly in private. His object in coming here is merely to obtain wire more finely spun than any he has hitherto been able to get in Paris. They say that, contrary to the general rule, the Count, from having been all his life a confirmed materialist, has been converted to the highest degree of religious faith, to conviction of the lofty destinies of man and his connection with the divinity; man has abused his gifts and delivered himself to evil, but the divine essence is still within him. So fearful has the philosopher been of the pursuit of the fashionable coteries who under pretext of scientific inquiry merely seek to derive amusement from the most serious experiments in science, that he has sought a retreat in a convent near London, and his excuse of being compelled to return thither by eight o'clock is made to reply to all invitations to dinner, or to "select parties,” or to “small-and-earlies” with which the fine ladies of London would seek to overwhelm him.— Birmingham Post’s London Correspondence.
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A description of the electric light mechanism of Dubosc (possibly the "DuBosque" mentioned in the Kahn ad above). It begins with a brief description of the oxy-hydrogen light also known as limelight.
Hand-book of Natural Philosophy: Optics (London: Walton and Maberly, 1856), Pages 388-390
by Dionysius Lardner
In the oxy-hydrogen lanterns, the cylinder of lime is mounted so as to occupy the place of the flame of the lamp in the axis of the lenses. The flame of the blow pipe is projected upon that side of it which is presented towards the lenses, and since the lime, though it does not undergo combustion, is gradually wasted by the action of the flame, it is kept in slow revolution by clockwork, connected with the axis upon which it is supported, so as to present to the flame successively different parts of its surface.
This method of illumination, though still continued, is greatly surpassed in splendour by that of the electric light, which has recently been applied to the magic lantern by M. Dubosc, the successor of M. Soleil, the celebrated Paris optician.
The electric light is produced by bringing two pieces of charcoal, previously put in connection with the poles of a voltaic battery, nearly into contact; the volta current will then pass from one to the other, the ends of the charcoal thus nearly in contact becoming incandescent, and emitting the most brilliant artificial light which has ever yet been produced.
The method of mounting this illuminating apparatus in the lantern is shown in fig. 257.
The wires H K, being connected with the poles of the battery, are attached to two pieces of metal, the negative wire H communicating with the upper pencil of charcoal, c, and the positive wire K with the lower charcoal pencil, a. The points of the pencils being nearly in contact, the light will be produced in the manner just explained.
Although the charcoal does not, properly speaking, undergo combustion, it is gradually wasted, and when the points would thus become separated, the current would be suspended, and, therefore, the light would cease. To prevent this, and to maintain the illumination, an apparatus consisting of clockwork is provided in the case p, by which the charcoal pencil, a, is kept nearly in contact with the pencil, c. The clockwork is so constructed that its motion is governed by the current.
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An Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue of Optical, Mathematical, Philosophical, Photographic and Meteorological Instruments (London: Negretti and Zambra, 1859 [per Google books]), linkLeave a comment:
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In late 1857 advertisements for Dr. Kahn's Museum promised demonstrations of scientific marvels that sound more fun (to me) than all the VD stuff.
The Saturday Review, October 31, 1857, Page 404
TO THE PUBLIC.–-DR. KAHN respectfully announces that, having taken the Building formerly known as the SALLE ROBIN, and at an enormous outlay made extensive alterations in its construction; decorated and fitted it up in a most appropriate manner, and erected an Apparatus for illuminating it outside with Du Bosque's magnificent Electric Light; he intends opening it the first Week in December as an institution of an entirely new character; in which the various branches of Natural and Experimental Science will occupy a prominent position. The newest discoveries in Natural Philosophy—-the most startling results of Electricity—-the mighty wonders of Magnetism (all illustrated by brilliant and imposing experiments); Dissolving Views of Physiological phenomena upon a principle never before attempted; Geology, with its pre-Adamite marvels; the Solar System illustrated by Guenal's new Orrery (the greatest perfection yet achieved); Worlds in Miniature, and Life in Death, shown by the large Oxy-Hydrogen Microscope; the great Phenomena of Nature portrayed: form a few of the subjects to be daily brought before the Public. In addition to all which, his present Anatomical and Pathological Preparations (considerably augmented) will form a distinct part of the Institution. Lectures will be delivered on Astronomy, Geology, Mineralogy, Chemistry applied to Agriculture and Manufactures), Electricity and the Electric Telegraph, Galvanism, Magnetism, Meteorology, Optics, Photography, Acoustics, Pneumatics, Hydrostatics, and other important and interesting topics. Further particulars will be shortly announced.
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The Saturday Review, December 5, 1857, Page 520
DR. KAHN'S MUSEUM AND GALLERY OF SCIENCE, 3, TICHBORNE STREET, facing the HAYMARKET. This Institution presents entirely new features, and offers unprecedented attractions. Its object is to combine Natural with Experimental Science, and to show the connexion between the functions of the Human Body and the great Forces of the Universe. Amongst the numerous novelties now added, may be named the large Oxyhydrogen Microscope, Güenal's Appareil Uranographique (now first introduced). The latest improvements in Electric and other Apparatus (including Ruhmkorff's world-renowned Coil), Illustrations of Microscopic Anatomy, Dissolving Views of Physiological Phenomena, upon a principle never before attempted, &c. Lectures are delivered daily on the various branches of Science, and their application to the Human Frame, the Laws of Life, and the Preservation of Health, by Dr.KAHN and Dr. SEXTON. The Institution is illuminated outside with Du Bosque's magnificent Electric Light. Open (for Gentlemen only), from 12 till 5, and from 7 till 10 o'clock. Admission to the whole Building, One Shilling. Illustrated Catalogues, Sixpence. Programmes and Lectures gratis on application, or by post free for Six Stamps.
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An 1859 announcement of an auction of "philosophical instruments" that seem similar to those mentioned in the Kahn's ads.
The Athenaeum, March 26, 1859, Page 407
Very Costly Collection of Philosophical Instruments.
MESSRS. PUTTICK & SIMPSON, Auctioneers of Literary Property, will SELL by AUCTION, at their new and very spacious Premises, 47, Leicester-square, W.C. (formerly the Western Literary Institution), on an Early Day,an Important and very Costly COLLECTION of MODERN PHILOSOPHICAL INSTRUMENTS by the Best Makers, comprising Apparatus for the Demonstration of Electrical, Galvanic, and Chemical Science, including a Magnetic, Optical, Guenal's Orrery, 8-feet diameter; the whole suited for the purposes of a Public Lecturer or first-class Philosophical Institution. Further particulars will be announced.
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A discussion of G. R Sims opinions of the "New Criticism" mentions Dr. Kahn's Museum:[
I]The Mercury[/I] (Hobart, Tas.), October 25, 1892, Page 3
NOTES AND NEWS.
BRITISH AND FOREIGN.
[...]
Mr. George R. Sims has been expatiating on the New Criticism to an interviewer in the Era. "What a dreary lot of twaddle," he says, "is written about the stage nowadays! I know.it is said, by way of excuse, that these yards, and yards of essays show, at any rate, a revival of interest in the drama on the part of cultured and distinguished men. The fact is, your playgoer picks up magazine after magazine. 'More about the theatre. Oh, d--n the theatre!' he says in disgust; and again he goes to the music-hall. Why will not the new critic let us please our audiences according to our lights, and as our audiences choose?" A first night, Mr. Sims goes on, has become a death struggle between author and actors, and two rows of stalls filled with unappreciative, unsympathetic cynics, who treat a play as a doctor treats a corpse at a post mortem seeking the evidence of disease. Do you remember Dr. Kahn's Anatomical Museum where the model of a beautiful woman was taken to pieces before one's eyes, to the point of causing extreme disgust? That is the new criticism!
[...]
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In 1876, an assistant to "Dr. Bell" was fined for passing himself off as a doctor. An Osterfield Wray was called but dismissed as a witness for being too drunk to testify. By this time "Bell" was said to be in the galvanic belt business.
The Law Times, Volume 62, December 30, 1876, Page 153
MARLBOROUGH STREET POLICE COURT.
Thursday, Dec. 21.
(Before Mr. Knox.)
Tlie Medical Act—Unqualified person using the title of Dr. "wilfully and falsely "—Penalty.
Henry Thomas Lewis, of 102, Wardour-street, was summoned by Dr. Robert Carpenter, on behalf of the East London Medical Defence Association, for falsely pretending to be and taking and using the name and title of Doctor of Medicine, contrary to the 40th section of 21 & 22 Vict, c. 90, known as the Medical Act.
Pridham prosecuted.
Henry Kisch, barrister, appeared for the defendant.
Benjamin Fordham, detective of the E division, stated that on the 18th Oct he went to 102, Wardour-Street. The name of Dr. Bell was on a lamp over the front of the shop. He asked a person in the shop if Dr. Bell was in, and in reply was told to walk into the back room. The defendant was there, and witness asked him if he was Dr. Bell. He replied, "I am Dr. Bell," at the same time taking a card from the table and handing it to him. On the card was "Dr. Bell." Witness told the defendant he came for advice. The defendant said he knew what was the matter with him and would make him up a bottle of medicine for 6s. A few bottles would cure him. Witness told the defendant he had no money with him, and would call again.
Replying to Mr. Kisch, witness said he did not see the diploma produced in the defendant's window. He was certain the defendant gave him the card, though he had similar cards previously in his possession. The defendant did not say, "I am not Dr. Bell." He went there in consequence of instructions he received to get up a case against the defendant, and was not suffering at the time from any ailment. He received no pay from the association.
Pridham objected to these questions being put.
Kisch said he must press for an answer, as it was evidence of motive.
Mr. Knox ruled that the witness must answer the question, it being an important one. Witness then stated that he had no emolument of any kind from the association. He had nothing beyond his usual pay as a detective constable.
Pridham put in the Medical Register, in which the defendant's name did not appear. This was the case for the prosecution.
Mr. Knox doubted whether he ought to rely upon the unsupported testimony of a. single witness, who, according to his own statement, visited the house to get up a case against the defendant. Eventually, however, he decided to hear the case out.
Kisch then took the objection that nothing had been proved beyond the fact that the defendant called himself a "Dr." and was not registered. According to the judgment of Erie, C.J. (the other judges concurring), in the case of Pedgrift v. Chevalier (29 L. J. 225), this was not sufficient to convict under the statute, and the onus of proof that the defendant held no lawful diploma lay on the prosecution.
Mr. Knox, on referring to the 3rd section of the Act, which enacts that the words "legally qualified practitioner," &c, or any words importing a person recognised by law as a medical practitioner when used in any Act of Parliament shall be construed to mean a person registered under the Act, decided that inasmuch as the defendant's name did not appear in the Medical Register, the onus lay on him to show that he held some qualification. He overruled the objection.
Kisch, for the defendant, stated that his client was only an assistant to Dr. Osterfield Wray, who had undergone the proper examinations. The business passed into that gentleman's hands upon the death of Dr. Bell, who carried it on for nine years, and died about four years ago. Dr. Joseph Kingston, who held an English diploma, and whose name appeared in the Medical Register, attended daily to see patients, and Dr. Wray lived on the premises. The defendant never saw a patient when his principals were in the way, and he had positive instructions always to state that he was not Dr. Bell. He would ask the magistrate not to place too mnch reliance on the uncorroborated evidence of the detective, who might well mistake what actually occurred at a single interview, when the object of the visit was considered. The detective might have misunderstood the defendant to say "I am not Dr. Bell;" not "I am Dr. Bell." He would show that the defendant's principal occupation consisted in making galvanic belts, and that he could have no motive for making the alleged representation.
Dr. Wray was called, but did not give evidence.
A Witness, in the employ of Dr. Wray, proved that the certificate produced—-an American diploma—-was always in a conspicuous part of the shop window, and further stated that the defendant was only an assistant, and that he had invariably heard him tell patients he was not Dr. Bell.
Mr. Knox said he would convict on the facts, but in the case of Andrew v. Stysap (26 L. T. Rep. N.S. 704), it was held that where a person put M.D. after his name, without anything more, it implied that the person was a doctor of medicine with an English diploma. He had some notion, however, that in the course of his law reading he had come across a case in which it had been held that a person putting Dr. before his name did not bring himself within the statute. He would therefore grant an adjournment to give Mr. Kisch an opportunity of seeing if any such case appeared on the books.
Kisch urged that before the defendant could be convicted some overt act must be proved, and as no specific advice or medicine had been given, he contended that the defendant had not pretended to be a doctor within the meaning of the statute.
Mr. Knox considered, under the circumstances, there had been an overt act on the part of the defendant, but would adjourn the case for further consideration.
Upon the case being resumed, a witness named Sears produced an American diploma, framed and glazed, which, he said, was always conspicuously exposed in the window of his shop.
Kisch having addressed the court and referred to cases in support of his views.
Mr. Knox, after dealing with the counsel's arguments, said that in the present case there must be a conviction. The defendant had assumed to be Dr. Bell—-a person who, by the mouth of his own witnesses, was proved to be long since deceased. The detective went into the shop and asked for Dr. Bell. The defendant said he was Dr. Bell, and handed to the detective a card as his, with the title inscribed on it. He then remarked on the detective's sickly appearance, and offered to provide him for 6s. with a bottle of medicine, which would do him good. But the mere assumption of the title of doctor, with nothing more, might mean one of several things, but when a man held himself out as doctor in a doctor's shop and offered to prescribe for you, Surely it was not a violent inference to draw that he held himself out as a doctor of medicine and not doctor of laws, of music, and so forth. Then as to the words in the statute, "wilfully and falsely." Surely in this case the defendant assumed to represent a dead man. There could be no great doubt as to this point. Nor was he at all helped by the fact that he was merely the assistant of Dr. Wray, who was in court the other day in such a disgraceful state of intoxication, and was ordered out of the witness-box; that had simply nothing to do with the matter. He held himself out as Dr. Bell, and practised medicine. This was a clear case of violation of the Act of Parliament. The full penalty of £20 must be paid, with £1 3s. costs.
Kisch hoped the magistrate would express an opinion in favour of having, in cases brought before him by the association, more than one constable as witness.
Mr. Knox would emphatically say he concurred in the suggestion of Mr. Kisch, and hoped in future cases it would be carried out.
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In 1879 Martin Osterfield Wray was fined for acting as "Dr. Du Voy."
The Medical Press and Circular, October 8, 1879, Page 319
A notorious London quack, Martin Osterfield Ray, alias "Dr. Du Voy," of 36 Homer Street, Marylebone, was summoned last week by the Medical Defence Association, on the information of Mr. Reginald Wilson, student of St. Mary's Hospital, for falsely pretending to be, and prescribing as, a medical practitioner. Evidence was given to the effect that Mr. Wilson had one of the customary quack pamphlets placed in his hand in the streets. He communicated with the person named in it (Dr. Du Voy), explaining certain symptoms as to pains in the back, &c, from which he suffered, though, in fact, he had nothing the matter with him. He received a letter signed Dr. Voy, but did not take any notice of it. It contained, a card bearing on it the name " Dr. Du Voy." He received two other letters, and then went to the defendant's house. The defendant said he had written to him, and then proceeded to speak about medicines that he ought to take. Mr. Wilson said he had not enough money with him and left.—-In cross-examination, Mr. Wilson said as a medical student he was interested in putting down illegal practitioners.—-For the defence, Mr. Berkeley said Du Voy was no myth. He was a medical practitioner in France, and the defendant was an assistant in London.—One of the defendant's men was called, and in answer to Mr. De Rutzen, said many people who came there, asked to see "the doctor."—The magistrate observed that this was exactly the case which the Act of Parliament was enacted to deal with, and imposed the full penalty of £20 and costs.
We congratulate the Medical Defence Association, and Mr. Wilson, upon the result of their joint action. The quacks have been getting rather the worst of it lately, and we think that were other gentlemen to come forward at a little personal inconvenience, as Mr. Wilson has done, these pests of Society would migrate to other "fields and pastures new."
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In 1888 a "Dr. Bell" was still selling galvanic belts.
The Electrical Review, June 1, 1888, Page 610
(Copy of letter published in Western Morning News, Plymouth)
Self-restorer Electropathic Belt.
Sir,—-May I be allowed to draw attention to a pamphlet which is being widely circulated in Plymouth and elsewhere respecting the above belt, which is said to be the invention of a Dr. Bell. Volta House, Wardour Street, London. Most of the matter contained in this pamphlet, as you will observe, does not refer to the belt in question, but contains remarks too filthy for publication, and should be suppressed by law. Your readers will do well to commit it to the flames before even reading a page of the disgusting matter. Should any of your readers contemplate purchasing an electropathic belt, which electrical quacks state will cure all diseases incident to humanity, let me ask them to read the report and correspondence which has recently appeared in the columns of the Electrical Review, London, which clearly proves the utter uselessness of these so-called electropathic appliances.
J. Jerritt, S.T.E. & E.
Plymouth, 15ih May, 1888.
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"Dr. Bell" was still around in 1905, now personated by Alfred Wray.
The Lancet, November 4, 1905, Page 1361
"DR. BELL'S" CIRCULARS.
To the Editors of The Lancet. Sirs,—-With reference to previous correspondence regarding circulars of an objectionable character emanating from "Dr. Bell," 175, Wardour-street, London, W., I have to acquaint you that the persons responsible for carrying on this business—-viz., Alfred Wray, medical electrician, manager; Henry Townsend, otherwise 0. Field, shopman; Henry Mostyn, clerk; and Frank Orchard, porter—-were arrested on Oct. 12th and charged with sending a postal packet containing an indecent print or book on July 29th, 1905, contrary to the Post Office Protection Act, 1884, section 4 (b). The prisoners appeared on remand at Marlborough-street police court on Oct. 27th, when they all elected to plead guilty and asked for the case to be dealt with summarily under the above-quoted Act. The learned magistrate accepted the plea and imposed upon Wray, who was acknowledged to be the principal, the full penalty—-a fine of £10, with £5 costs. Townsend was fined £5 and £1 costs. Mostyn and Orchard were each bound over in their own recognisances in the sum of £10 to be of good behaviour for 12 months.—-I am, Sirs, your obedient servant,
F. S. Bullock,
Chief Constable, for Assistant Commissioner. Criminal Investigation Department, New Scotland Yard, London, S.W., Oct. 30th, 1905.Leave a comment:
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jeff, thanks for alerting me to the NYT review of the Eleanor Marx bio. I'll have to keep an eye out for the book.
Here's an account of Abberline's involvement in rounding up some men charged with beating an employee of a venereal quack in 1870:
House of Commons Papers, Volume 28, Pages 60-61
by Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons
Y or Highgate Division.
I beg to submit a Report on the state of this Division during the Year 1870.
Offences against the Person.
Four men apprehended for attempted Murder, and commendation by a Judge of the Police concerned in the apprehension.
Only one case of a serious nature occurred during the year. In the month of August, a man named John George, of 12 1/2 Cecil Court, St. Martin's Lane, was summoned to Marlborough Street Police Court by Dr. Bell, of 102, Wardour Street, for posting the word "Quack" over Dr. Bell's bills, the doctor's bill poster, James Fairweather, supplying the evidence, and on the 2nd September "George" was bound over in the sum of 200l. to keep the peace, &c.; the same day, immediately after the recognizances had been entered into, eight of the friends of "George" induced James Fairweather to accompany them to a public-house in St. Martin's Lane, where a disturbance was "got up" against Fairweather, who consented to fight one of the men; two cabs were engaged and the party were set down near Highgate ponds, when they went into a field adjoining the ponds, where the fight was to take place. Several of the men set upon "Fairweather," whom they kicked about the head and body, and one of them struck him on the head with a riding whip, and commenced rolling him down the hill towards the water from which they were but a short distance, and it is believed they would have drowned him, but for the fortunate appearance of a gentleman named Delancy who called "Shame" on seeing their barbarous treatment of the man, and they then ran away to the cabs which were waiting, and made their escape, "Fairweather," who was blind from kicks in the face and nearly insensible from loss of blood, was assisted to Kentish Town Police Station, by persons who had heard of the outrage, and he was attended by Dr. Rawlins, Highgate Road, and after being sufficiently recovered he was sent home in a cab.
He remained in a dangerous state for a fortnight, and in the interval his depositions were taken by a Magistrate. Directly after the occurrence, Sergeant Frederick Abberline and Constable John Dalton set about tracing the offenders, and they apprehended Edward George (the son of John George the defendant in the first case), on 4th September; and on 7th September, they apprehended Jeremiah Shannon, Bill poster, and Frederick Kingwell, Coach trimmer; and on 8th September apprehended Joseph M'Carthy, Pugilist, all of whom were committed for trial for attempting to murder James Fairweather. Tried at Central Criminal Court on 26th September and sentenced, George and M'Carthy, five years each, Shannon and Kingwell, 18 months each.
The Judge, Mr. Justice Lush, highly commended the conduct of the Constables in bringing the offenders to justice, and upon his recommendation the Commissioner granted them a reward.
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Accounts of the trials of the assailants are available at The Old Bailey Online:
EDWARD GEORGE, JEREMIAH SHANNON, FREDERICK KINGWELL, JOSHUA MCCARTHY, Breaking Peace > wounding, 24th October 1870.
818. EDWARD GEORGE (28), JEREMIAH SHANNON (24), FREDERICK KINGWELL (25), and JOSHUA MCCARTHY (22) , Feloniously wounding James Fairweather, with intent to kill and murder him.
Second Count—With intent to do grievous bodily harm.
[...]
GUILTY on Second Count. GEORGE and McCARTHY**— Five Years' Penal Servitude. SHANNON and KINGWELL— Eighteen Months Imprisonment.
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JAMES BROWN, JAMES FINCH, Breaking Peace > wounding, 3rd April 1871.
325. JAMES BROWN (41), and JAMES FINCH (25) , Feloniously cutting and wounding James Fairweather, with intent to murder him. Second Count—To do him grievous bodily harm.
[...]
GUILTY on the Second Count,
BROWN*— Eighteen Months' Imprisonment.
FINCH**— Two Years' Imprisonment.
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At the first trail, Fairweather testified that he worked as a coachman for "Dr. Bell" and that also "I know Mr. Ray, who is called Dr. Henry."
"Bell" and "Henry" (or "Henery") seem to have been a father and son duo.
British Medical Journal, April 19, 1862, Page 423
PRACTITIONERS of MEDICINE. In a police report, we read as follows:—-“Mr. John Wray, who keeps a chemist's shop at 52, Dorset Street, Manchester Square, and practises in the name of Dr. Henery, appeared to answer to an assault summons taken out against him by his father, Mr. Martin Oster Field Wray, who practises in the vicinity of the London Road, Southwark, as Dr. Bell.”
Fairweather denied knowing of the younger Wray's earlier trail for extortion.
JOHN OSTERFIELD WRAY, WILLIAM ANDERSON, Theft > extortion, 21st November 1864.
52. JOHN OSTERFIELD WRAY (28), and WILLIAM ANDERSON (42), were indicted for Feloniously sending, on 26th September, to Montague Augustus Clarke, a letter demanding money, with menaces, and without any reasonable or probable cause; Second Count, for sending on 5th October a letter to the like effect; Third Count, for demanding money with menaces.
[...]
NOT GUILTY.
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JOHN OSTERFIELD WRAY, WILLIAM ANDERSON, Theft > extortion, 21st November 1864.
53. JOHN OSTERFIELD WRAY (28), and WILLIAM ANDERSON (42), were again indicted for Unlawfully publishing a libel against Montague Augustus Clarke, with intent to extort money. Four other Counts varying the mode of charging. Sixth Count, for a conspiracy to defraud. Seventh Count, for a. conspiracy, by threatening to publish a libel, to extort money.
[...]
GUILTY on the sixth and seventh Counts. — Confined Two Years each.
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