Summary
ECT or electro-convulsive therapy machine used in psychiatric hospital in Victoria Australia, circa 1940. Made: Ectron Ltd Baldock, Hertfordshire, U.K., circa 1940
Physical Description
Electroconvulsant apparatus is a black-coated oblong box with rounded edges on top. It has a plastic rounded handle in centre on top. There are two light bulbs each side, red and white main power switch and metal push-button. An electrical cord is attached to one side, the other side has a power point with two prongs, but has part missing. This is a simple E.C.T. machine where the operator adjusted the current and the time; it could not measure pulse waves, and was bi-lateral. It probably dates from the beginning of the Second World War.
Significance
Example of treatments administered at psychiatric hospitals in Victoria Australia
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services, May 1985
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Manufacturer
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Place & Date Used
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Inscriptions
"ECTRON"/Electroconvulsant Apparatus/A.C.Mains only - Volts 240,210,110. and "Ectron Ltd/Baldock-Herts-England/No.458 printed on card underneath.
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Classification
Medicine & health, Mental health - clinical, Treatment equipment
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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overall dimensions
10 cm (Length), 10.6 cm (Width), 19 cm (Height)
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References
card with exhibit. Oral history, Dr Alan Stoller, 11 May 1992
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Keywords
Hospitals, Psychiatric Services, Making History - Psych Services
