Description

The Wellcome Collection describes this pendant as follows:

“Galvanic brooch, various metals, with head profile of a bald bearded man, by E. Osselin [ Eugene A. Osselin], French, 1880-1920

The brooch is made from a number of different metals including brass, copper, lead and nickel-plated iron. The inscription translates from French as “Medical electro medal, purifies blood, cleanses bile, cures pains and rheumatism, health [is] all ruling”. It also carries the maker’s name, “E Osselin”.

The pendant brooch was sold as a form of electrotherapeutic treatment, not dissimilar to the way copper bracelets are still used to relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. overall: 2 mm x 40 mm x 50 mm, 0.018 kg.  “

The example at the Wellcome Collection is accompanied by a leaflet stating: “The greatest scientific success of the century; all diseases combated and cured by the medal. The only one to win an award at the 1889 World’s Fair.” 

Osselin, and the American Abram Meyer, received a patent for Galvanic ring in 1880:  Letters Patent No. 230,194, dated July 20,  1880. 

He died in 1926 at the age of 95.