Name/Title
Thomas Brown 1811 Improved Static Electric GeneratorEntry/Object ID
2026.47.1Description
Thomas Brown 1811 Improved Static Electric GeneratorUse
Early American frictional static electric generator, the improved 1811 model made by the shaker Thomas Brown.Context
Was purchased from a Shaker Museum auction in New York. This machine was formerly used by impressionist painter Emma Jane Cady (13 November 1854 – 27 October 27 1933) to treat rheumatism. It was purchased by Jeff Behary for $426 after being told of the auction by fellow collector Peter Barvoets from Albany, NY. Thomas Brown was a shaker and wrote a historical text about them in 1812. He also wrote an early medical text "The Ethereal Physician, Or, The Medical Powers of Electricity Correctly Defined, in Accordance with Their General Results, During More Than Fifteen Years Sedulously Devoted to the Practice, Upon the Improved System of Dr. Thomas Brown, the Discoverer of the Modified Electrical Shock Accompanied by a Historical Account of the Most Important Discoveries in the Science Since the Days of Thales the Grecian Philosopher: to which are Added, the Voluntary Testimonials of Physicians and Heads of Families in the City of New-York".Collection
Turn Of The Century Electrotherapy MuseumAcquisition
Accession
2026.47Source or Donor
Jeff BeharyAcquisition Method
Loan
