Electro-Convulsive Therapy Machine - circa 1940

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Summary:: An electro-convulsive therapy machine circa 1940 used by Dr. A.Jeffrey in a mental health hospital in Victoria, Australia. In 1949, Dr Jeffrey was practising at Aradale, Ararat. He had moved to Armadale by 1951. See relevant issues of the Register of Medical Practitioners. ECT was used in the treatment of patients in mental health hospitals.
Description:: Electro-convulsive therapy machine, in a square, wooden box covered with a cloth material. Box is resting on two strips of sponge rubber and has an electrical cord attached to back. On top of the box are the following: a timer, 5 sockets, 1 light bulb and main switch. Electrical cord attached to socket has a divided end with two metal holders.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services

Discipline:	History
Dimensions:	14.00 cm (Height), 15.00 cm (Length)

More information

Tagged with:	hospitals, psychiatric services
Themes this item is part of:	Electro-Convulsive Therapy, Psychiatric Services Collection, Medicine in Society Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection
Primary Classification:	MEDICINE & HEALTH
Secondary Classification:	Mental Health - Clinical
Tertiary Classification:	treatment equipment
Inscriptions:	Dr A. JEFFREY printed with 'dymo' machine on front.
Date Made:	circa 1940
Place & Date Used:	Aradale Mental Hospital (Ararat Asylum), Victoria, Australia, circa 1950

Comments

Hannah Ross Posted on 05 Feb 2010 11:33 AM

Were ECT machines in use in the late 1920s? In the late 1920s were patients able to admit themselves to hospitals such as Mayday Hills, or did they have to be committed by a doctor/family member?

Discovery Centre Posted on 08 Feb 2010 12:12 PM

Hi Hannah, thanks for your enquiry. Patients couldn’t admit themselves into hospitals, they needed to speak with their doctors for this, and ECT machines didn’t come into use until the 1930's.