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Antique 19thC Medical Life Awakener Contraption, Baunscheidt's Lebenswecker, Quack
An Antique (circa mid 1800s) Medical Device. The device was invented by Carl Baunscheidt in 1847. Baunscheidt created the Lebenswecker, or Resuscitator—a sleek ebony-wood staff with a spring that launches 30 thin, sharp needles. From the mid-19th century to well into the 20th century, people tried to cure everything from sleeplessness to yellow fever to epilepsy by puncturing different areas of the body with the homeopathic contraption. An oil, called Oleum Baunscheidt, was slathered over the small welts, creating blisters like fake insect bites. It was thought that if you created these blisters and they oozed, then that oozing would be sickness coming out of your body.
This particular Baunscheidt is signed " "J. Linden, Gleneland. Q" or something similar. It is made of wood and is in very good overall condition. From what I read about these they should have a spring inside; this one does not. The Baunscheidht would make a great addition ot a Homeopathic or Quack medical collection.