Boyd’s Battery- Fredericksburg, VA
Institution: George Washington's Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore
State: Virginia
Object: Battery
Era: 19th Century
Boyd’s Miniature Galvanic Battery was a personal wellness device that eliminated ailments using gentle, electrical currents. During the late 1870s and 80s, electricity was briefly hailed as a universal life-force with claims to purify the body and the blood. These health claims may have also influenced Jane and John Corson, the late 19th century owners of George Washington's Ferry Farm. According to historical records, John suffered from symptoms of paralysis before his untimely death in 1887.
Boyd’s design consisted of an inner copper rosette, a brass plug and an outer ring of brass, copper, silver and nickel segments. The device generated electrical currents when in contact with skin, using sweat as an electrolyte.
Baubles like this were distributed under many fanciful names like “generator”, “battery”, “magno-galvanic amulet” and “electro-polarizer”, but were ultimately just cosmetic variations of the same concept. In some cases, other metals were added like zinc, lead or iron. Brands also distinguished themselves by shaping medallions into crosses, hearts and lightning bolts to underscore the connection between health and spirituality.
