Tonicizer
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The Tonicizer is an electrotherapeutic device from the 1920s designed to deliver a rhythmic, varying current. It can operate on both direct and alternating currents and is powered by dry cells, making it safe and portable.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
TONICIZER, an electrotherapeutic apparatus constructed in the 1920s of the 20th century by Dr. ...
a switch operated by a clockwork mechanism. By appropriate adjustment, a current can be obtained that changes its magnitude in a certain rhythm, and the frequency of the current also changes periodically (tonic current). The frequency can be varied within the limits of 5 to 270 oscillations per second, and the current strength varies from the smallest values to the threshold of irritation.
The apparatus allows the use of both the intermittent direct current obtained in the primary circuit and the alternating current of the secondary circuit. The entire apparatus is powered by a battery of dry elements, so it is completely safe. The apparatus is mounted in a small box (24 x 24 x 14 cm) and weighs only 6.3 kg (see figure). Studies of the action of the T. in clinical conditions have shown that it can find very wide application both in neurology and otolaryngology, and in other branches of medicine.
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Cite this page
“Tonicizer.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/tonicizer/