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'Metallic Tractors', print, by James Gillray, London, England, 1801

Courtesy of the Science Museum | CC BY-NC-SA

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Date

1801

Artist

Published by Hannah Humphrey (1742-1814)

Collection

Image Link

https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co66487/metallic-tractors-print-by-james-gillray-london-england-1801-print-caricature

Description

Hand coloured caricature aquatint and etching `Metallic Tractors'. J. Gillray, invt & fect, Published by H Humphrey, London Nov. 1801, 27 St. James St.. 25x32cm.
‘Metallic Tractors’ is a caricature of a treatment better known as Perkins Tractors, named after its inventor, Elisha Perkins (1741-1799), an American physician. Two tapered rods made of different metals – normally brass and silver – were passed over the body and, it was claimed, drew out disease using electricity. The tractors were said to be charged from the natural electricity present in the user’s body. Perkins patented his invention in 1796.
Despite claims that Perkin’s invention cured over five thousand people in England of various complaints, the treatment was widely discredited and was labelled by many as ‘quackery’.
This print was etched by James Gillray (1757-1815), a British caricaturist.
Additional Makers: James Gillray
More details about this record can be found on the collection website

Image Licence

CC BY-NC-SA

Image Credit

Courtesy of the Science Museum

Location

London, England

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© 2024 Watercolour World | Technology by The Museum Platform