DR. JEROME KIDDER’S 
HIGHEST PREMIUM 
VITALIZING, 
GENUINE SIX AND NINE CURRENT 
ELECTRO-MEDICAL APPARATUSES, 
North-East Corner of 17th Street and 4th Avenue, New York. 
“Your method of varying the Primary as well as 
the induced currents, surpasses all other devices I 
have studied, as tested by scientific instruments 
and by physiological effects.” 
R. Ogden Douemus, M.D., Prof. Chemistry and Physics in the N. Y. City Col- 
lege, and Prof. Chemistry and Toxicology Bellevue Hospital Medical College. 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the years 1806 and 1867, by 
JEROME KIDDER, M. D„ 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District 
of New York. 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871,by 
JEROME KIDDER, M. D., 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 
Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year 1874, by 
JEROME KIDDER, M. D., 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 
SILVER ItIKDAX 
Awarded Dr. Jerome Kidder by 
the American Institute, New 
York, Nov. 15th, 1873, for the 
best Electro-Medical Apparatus 
yet invented. For illustrated 
catalogue, address 
Dr. JEROME KIDDER, 
50 Union Place, New York. SUMMARY OF THE PRECEDING TREATISE, 
AS EXEMPLIFIED BY DR. JEROME KIDDER’S IMPROVED 
ELECTRO-MEDICAL APPARATUSES. 
Current** of different qualities Lave not only different characters of sensa- 
tion, and different effects on muscular irritability, as recognized by all who 
have carefully scrutinized in regard to these varied electrical phenomena, but 
also one quality even when so weak in power as not to produce any pain, 
but rather a pleasant sensation, will show flashes of light when properly ap- 
plied, as with large surface of wet sponge over the closed eye. 
Secondary currents produce light to the eye, that is, they exercise the func- 
tion of the optic nerve without producing pain, only when the tension of the 
current is increased to a certain degree in ratio with the diminished quantity. 
This effect is shown best by using the negative sponge at the eye, and having 
not very slow, hut moderately slow interruptions by the vibrating armature, as 
produced by Dr. Kidder’s apparatus, yet the proper quality as regards tension 
or pitch is requisite. 
Another quality of current, even when the current is made strong 
enough to produce pain, will show no light to the eye—will not exercise the 
vital function of the optic nerve. 
The preceding facts show conclusively that electricity can he varied in qual- 
ity so as to produce different effects on different vital functions. 
It. iiiufct not seem strange to find electricity produced in many differ- 
ent qualities to have varied effects. There are, indeed, other facts recognized 
as true, and which might seem stranger still—for it is well-known to all chem- 
ists, that the same proportion and kind of atoms may form substances so dif- 
ferent in their nature as to be recognized as entirely different substances. For 
example, spirits of turpentine and oil of bergamot are identical in composition, 
being composed often atoms carbon, and eight of hydrogen, and the difference 
is recognized as merely that of the allotropic conditions and arrangement of the 
atoms. Also, light is recognized as the effect of vibrations or wave motions 
in the ether, which is everywhere; and the different colors result from the dif- 
ferent length of these waves. (See Prof. Draper’s Chemistry, and other scien- 
tific text-books.) And yet, even the difference in the character of the vibrations 
or wave lengths of the ether gives a difference in their chemical effects; for, in- 
deed, it is known to be chiefly the yellow ray which causes the absorption of 
the carbon from the carbonic acid gas in the atmosphere into the solid form of 
a tree, by the influence of the sunlight falling upon its leaves. And it is the in- 
digo ray which is chiefly concerned in causing hydrogen and chlorine to unite 
by passing light through a glass vessel containing a mixture of the two gases. 
AIko, kouiuI results from vibrations in the atmosphere or other media. 
Yet sounds may have differences in pitch, and also differences in qualities of 
tones, having the same pitch. Its effects are what the spirit of man receives as 
jarring discords or sweet harmonies, and successions and qualities of tones, 
that inspire the emotions of courage and hope, or produce solemn and mournful 
feelings 
Considering the fact that mere variations or modifications in vibratory or 
wave motions produce differences in effects, we should not think it strange, but 
should rather expect, that the magnetic influence which excites the electricity 
in metallic helices would produce currents modified in qualities, by varying the 
physical condition of those helices; for, by varying the helices, we vary the 
medium of vibratory or wave motions resulting from polarizations, whose 
phenomenon is electricity. 
It is because the terms quantity and tenson, as applied to electricity, do not 
express the real distinction in its qualities, that the terms are so generally mis- 
understood when tints used. The term intensity is often misused for power, but 
the difference is as plain as the difference between loudness and pitch in regard 
to sounds A musical string conditioned for a given pitch does not change that 
pitch by a greater or less force of the blow causing it to vibrate; it simply 
changes its loudness. And in regard to electricity, the magnetic force upon the 
helix determines the power or strength of the induced current; hut the inten- 
sity or tension, that is quality, is determined, not by the amount of magnetic 
force upon the helix, but by the physical construction of the helix itself...{See 
other pages of this manual.) The common electrical machines are made on the principle of simply producing 
power. Those have only two helices and two currents, the inner helix being 
always a necessity for producing the current on the outer helix, which has too 
often been considered valuable in proportion only as it was good to hurt. 
How would such a rule apply in buying a musical instrument ? What would you 
think of a person who would select a piano solely from the amount of pain its noise 
oould give the ear, or of the finish of the case ? Do not all persons carefully 
regard the quality of music it is capable of offering to the human ear ? Also, 
what would the most costly piano be worth if its strings were not tuned in 
accordance with the philosophy of the octaves, diapason, and diapente, within 
the degrees recognized by the human ear ? How important it is, then, that an 
electrical machine for remedial uses should have the pitch of its currents not 
only sufficiently definite and varied, but also harmonized to meet the wants of 
the vital nervous system when used for the treatment of disease ? 
No. 1. 
Largo Double Battery Physician’s Office Electro-Medical Apparatus, having 
ten currents, by varying the combinations of four differently conditioned coils, 
with current-changer to reverse the direction of all the currents. This machine 
lias five posts, and arrangement to throw the second coil also into the primary 
circuit, but these are not shown iu this engraving. Polished mahogany case, 
with brass-bound corners, and drawer underneath the helix. Size of case, 104 
inches long, 9 wide, and 7-J deep. The brass works are nickel Price, 
including Handles and Sponge-holder, $50. _ No. 2. 
No. 2, Physician’s Office Machine, with three coils of pure copper wire, each 
succeeding coil from the first being of longer and finer wire, and arranged so as 
to produce six qualities of electricity. Patented in the United States, England 
and France. Price, with two small rubber stopper batteries, $25.00. 
No. 3 is superseded by No. 4, which is in much greater demand. 
No. 4 has the coils the same as those in No. 2, but it is operated by one open 
battery, instead of two small rubber stopper batteries; and a bottle accom- 
panies, into which the fluid can be poured whenever desired. Price, $20.00. 
There is sometimes demand for a still larger range of effect; and to meet this 
demand a four-coil helix is furnished, developing ten currents from the dif- 
ferent combinations produced by varying the two posts selected for the positive 
and negative. The added coil is conditioned to produce electricity in such 
a ratio of quantity and intensity, when used in combination with all the other 
coils, as will go beyond the range of the greatest effect on the muscles, and far- 
ther, into the range of soothing electricity, and, with mild power, to exercise the 
function of vision without producing pain. The power of these currents is in- 
creased or diminished at pleasure. This is apparatus No. 5,—see diagram of 
Tip Battery Apparatus. 
All the advanced scientific practitioners use and recommend Dr. Kidder’s im- 
proved apparatuses, because of the genuine modifications of electricity devel- 
oped on the differently conditioned coils, and the means which command their 
perfect operation. 
The only authorized testimonial from Prof. Doremus, shows the decided 
superiority of these apparatuses. 
J3P Be careful to examine the date and to whom addressed of all pretended 
testimonials from Prof. Doremus. Dr. Jerome Kidder’s Electro-Medical Apparatus (Xo. 5) has four differently 
•conditioned coils, each arranged to use them in various combinations, produc* 
ing ten different qualities of electricity. 
Patented in the United States, England and France. 
Price, with Hydrostat Tip Battery, $37.00. Price, with open battery, $34.00* Family and Traveller’s Six-Current Electro-Medical Apparatus, a very finely 
operating machine, of compact form, for the use of travellers who require the 
nse of electricity. Three differently conditioned coils, used separately or in 
combinations, (single primary coil). Polished mahogany case, 93- inches long, 
4i wide, and *2£ deep. Price, including Handles and Sponge-holder, $18. 
Six-Current Electro-Medical Apparatus in more compact form, for Family 
use. Single primary coil. Three differently conditioned coils, used either 
separately or in combinations. Polished walnut case, 7-J- inches long, 6 wide, 
and 6± deep. Price, with Handles and Sponge-holder, $18. EQUAL ALTERNATING CURRENT APPARATUS^—It is well known, or should be, that the initial current of the so-called alternating In. 
duced current, which has in some instances been called “to and fro,” is very weak—not perceptible to the 
sensation under ordinary circumstances—while the terminal current produces muscular contractions, 
etc. These two may be represented by the large and small arrows, pointing in different directions, thus : 
The fact that the initial induced current is comparatively so weak, has been noticed by various writers ; and it can be proved bv controlling the vibrating 
armature with the thumb and finger, so that we may know when the circuit is closed and when it is broken, the electrodes being in the hands' 
'file cause of this .s that the initial current is produced when the vibrating spring touches the point, and that the primary coil thus metallically closed receives 
the induced influence within itself instead of the human body receiving it, which is. compared to the metals, a very poor conductor. But when the primary coil is opened 
by the vibrating spring, there is then no metallically-closed coil to receive the terminal induced current, which is in the other direction, and the human body receives it; 
and it is varied in quality (as noticed in other pages of this work) according to the physical condition of the helix in which it is received. 
Dr. Kidder patented in 1866 an extra apparatus, entirely unique, by which equal alternating currents 
arc produced. It is accomplished by means of two gystems of helices, their circuits alternately be- 
ing closed and opened by means ot a double-armed vibrating arrangement; and the currents are properly 
represented thus: 
Currents of equal power succeed each other in opposite directions; also, the power of each may be varied 
at pleasure. This apparatus has also many different qualities of currents. The same quality of current showing light to the eye, shows more light when equal alternating 
than even the negative does when the terminal eurrents are all turned in one direction, which may be done simply by moving a small knob. 
SECURED by PATENT IN 1866. Price of Helices, with Mekle Plated metallic Works, from §55.00 to §100.00, Smee’s elements suspended from 
rubber stopper in square jar, 
inches in diameter, $4.00. 
Smee’s elements suspended front 
rubber stopper in round jar, 3£ 
inches in diameter, $5.00. 
Improved Sponge Holder. 
To fix the sponge on 
this holder, unscrew the 
handle B by turning the 
handle itself. Place the 
sponge on the under sur- 
face of the lower plate D, 
and bring the edges of 
the sponge over the edges of the 
plate; clasp it with the plate C, 
and hold all together by screwing 
on the handle B. Price, $1.50. 
Side Sponge Holder 
with Interrupter. 
Price, $3.00. 
A LARGE VARIETY OP OTHER EXTRA APPLIANCES FOB SPECIAL CASES ALWAYS* 
ON HAND. Primary Cell Battery, 12 cells, each cell 2£ inches long, horizontal measure, 
1} wide, 4£ deep. Polished walnut case, 10| inches long, 7 wide, and 11| deep. 
Price, $20. 
Primary Cell Battery, 18 cells, carbon and zinc elements, size of cells, 2\ 
inches long, horizontal measure, 1$ wide, deep. Polished walnut case, 15 
inches long, 7 wide, 11$ deep. Price, $30. 
Primary Cell Battery, 18 cells, carbon and zinc elements, size of cells, 2% 
inches long, horizontal length, 1.} wide, 4f deep. Polished mahogany case, 17 
inches long, 7 wide, 12f deep. Price, $40. Twenty-four cells, $48. 
The above prices include, with the battery, two conducting cords, one ordi- 
nary sponge-holder, and one sponge-holder with two discs accompanying to hold 
the sponge, one disc smaller than the other, either of which can be used. These 
sponge-holders are patented. 
A patented improvement is added to the above batteries, which increases the 
number of elements, without interrupting the circuit when the slide is moved; 
a very essential arrangement for many cases; and by pressing on the levers 
the current is interrupted when the slide is moved ; also, when properly located, 
the current is alternately closed and interrupted by moving one of the levers. 
Also the current can be thrown rapidly and alternately in opposite directions. 
This arrangement adds a value to these batteries not possessed by any other 
manufacture. Price, with all these improvements, is $0 extra. 
Batteries consisting of 24 and 32 or more coils of the larger size, more 
especially for hospital uses, varying in their prices according to finish, kept 
on hand and also made to order. Primary Cell Battery, 86 cells, of the larger size, with double switch current 
reverser, wheel interrupter, and the great circle with wheel-armed compound 
switch to elect any consecutive number of cells, and also to increase or diminish , 
the number either with or without breaking the circuit, having also a new 
patented arrangement added to change the condition from great intensity to 
great quantity for galvano-cautery. This battery has crank and pulleys to 
raise the cells to the elements, is in a polished mahogany case. This a splendid 
office battery. Price, $175. 
Enlarged view of the great circle, wheel-armed compound switch, elector of 
consecutive numbers of batteries, and to increase or diminish the number of 
cells included either with or without interrupting the circuit. Patented. DR KIDDER’S CELL BATTERIES, ARRANGED TO BE USED 
EITHER SEPARATELY OR TOGETHER 
Patented Nov. 7, 1871, 
These are made with twelve cells, and also eighteen cells in each battery; and 
•o arranged that they can be conveniently used separately or together, for greater 
oenvenience of portability. Prices of these batteries are found on page 10. 
DR. KIDDER’S TWENTY-CELL TIP BATTERY, CHARGED WHEM 
LYING DOWN, AND UNCHARGED WHEN STANDING. 
Patented Oct. 10, and Nov. 7, 1871. 
The cut shows the inside lid removed to bring to view the cells with 
their elements. The metallic pihs F F F, communicate with metallic springs 
underneath, which close on the poles of the cells when the inside lid is re- 
placed. The two rows of cells are in separate trays, which can he lifted out 
©f the case by the straps C C. Price, $40. 
In a few weeks will be ready a battery of 18 elements on this principle, with 
rubber cells. It will be most simple in construction and convenient in 
management. DR. KIDDER’S PRACTICAL HOSPITAL PRIMARY CELL BATTERY 
(see preceding page) consists of <32 cells of the larger form (24 x 14 x 4£), con- 
tained in a fine rosewood veneered and polish* d case, 27 inches long, 
ifachCawide, and inches deeji. The metallic parts aie finely nickel plated. 
It contains the superior arrangt meins lor manipulating 1 he currents, and the 
cells are raised by means ok a crank to immerse the elements. Conducting 
cords and two sponge-holders accompany the battery. Price, $80.00. 
With patent arrangement to throw into quantity for Cautery, $120,00. 
DR. KIDDER’S IMPROVEMENTS IN CELL BATTERIES. 
SIMPLE, CONVENIENT AND PRACTICAL. PAT. NOV. 7th, 1871. PRICE, £10.00.. 
See description next page. The illustration on the previous page shows the 18 cell battery •with tlio 
convenient manipulators of the current. D aud E are metallic slides, each 
having two springs to connect with the poles of the cells. There is a key 
to lock one ot the springs, so as to hold it away from contact with the poles ; 
and when so withdrawn, the current is interrupted as the slide is moved to add 
or diminish the number of cells in the circuit. But when it is desired to in- 
crease or diminish the intensity without interruptions, as when using needles to 
discuss tumors, etc., both springs are allowed to touch the poles as the slide is 
moved. The current passes when the springs of the slide touch a pole. The 
levers L touch, one the middle and one an outside pin of the three in a row 
where the levers swing. When the levers are brought forward to bear against 
the middle and front pin, then the screw-cup P is positive and N negative. 
But if the levers are placed to rest—the front lever against the middle pin and 
the back lever against the back pin, then the direction of the current is the re- 
verse. In either case, touching either one of the levers so as to break contact 
with the pin, interrupts the current. Placing the levers between the pins and 
swinging them backward and forward so that they synchronously touch alter- 
nately an outside pin and the middle one, throws the current rapidly and al- 
ternately in opposite directions. 
The spring wire C is placed so as to connect the front row of elements with 
the back row This wire can be placed across at any opposite poles, thus leav- 
ing out of the circui* all the cells at the right of it: and the current is received 
from all the cells between them and this crossing wire; thus it will be seea 
that any consecutive number of the cells desired can be brought into the circuit. 
This battery is now made so that the wires A and B are not needed, and are 
therefore omitted.. 
The arms projecting at the ends of the box are to raise the tray of cells to 
immerse the elements for use, which are to be loweied when not in use. 
DR KIDDER’S IMPROVED GALVANO-CAUSTIC BATTERY, 
PATENTED JUNE 27, 1871. 
The most perfect, convenient and practical Caustic Battery. 
The elements, consisting of zinc and carbon, have 672 square inches of sur- 
face. By means of placing a wooden bar, having metallic springs attached, 
the eight cells are virtually thrown into four, using all the surface. They can 
also he thrown into two, or one, by springs suitably attached to a bar for 
the purpose. Arranging them for the higher quantity, they will heat a short- 
er and thicker wire, and for the higher intensity will heat a longer and finer 
wire. The box is 14| inches long, 6 inches wide, and Ilf inches deep. Price, 
$65.00. 
Large size for office, having upwards of 4000 square inches surface. Price. 
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