corset is

Dr Scott's Electric Corset
They are constructed on scientific principles, generating an exhilarating, health giving current to the whole system. Their therapeutic value is unquestioned and they quickly cure, in a marvellous manner Nervous Debility, Spinal Complaints, Rheumatism, Paralysis, Numbness, Dyspepsia, Liver and Kidney troubles, Impaired circulation, Constipation and all other diseases peculiar to women...

Nb Each corset is stamped with the English coat-of-arms...

From Dr. Scott's Quack Electric Devices at American Artifacts
Scientific, Medical and Mechanical Antiques (via Plep)

See also DR Scott's Flesh Brush People of sedentary habits and weakened nerve powers will find it a valuable companion (directions)

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Comments: corset is

This post had me thinking that I might have to do a post on "female pills", another popular quack medicine of Dr Scott's era. Through the wonders of Google I found some interesting graphics:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/ephemera/images/women13.gif
(Printed Advertisement)

http://historywired.si.edu/object.cfm?ID=39 (Pill Box)

http://www.bse-online.org/beitrag/040/female_pills.jpg (Another Pill Box).
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at January 26, 2004 01:11 PM

They're Marvellous, Gummo.

Particluarly impressed with Dr John Hooper's Female Pills, with the anti-hysterick ingredients.

Although these particluar symptoms:
"a dejected countenance, a dislike to exercise and conversation" suggest that there may have been a booming market for Male pills as well.
Posted by boynton at January 26, 2004 01:35 PM

Most of the symptoms the pills treated were the result of being unexpectedly up the duff, if you catch my drift (or perhaps you already knew that & I've just whooshed meself).
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at January 26, 2004 03:12 PM

so if a male were to sample some of Dr Hood's wares, he would prevent or even abort a dejected countenance?
I naively thought it was a cure for the melancholick,sluggish and socially taciturn of both genders.
Still can't quite believe that the corset can improve circulation though...
Posted by boynton at January 26, 2004 04:01 PM

Each corset is sent in a handsome box, accompanied by a silver plated compass by which the magnetic influence of the corset can be tested.

But what about the steak knives?

I'm not sure what the effect on a man of taking Dr Hood's wares would be; nothing too pleasant I imagine. Perhaps this is what Dr Scott's pad was for.
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at January 26, 2004 05:43 PM