Name/TitleEquipment: Violet Ray Machine
About this objectViolet ray appliance set in brown timber box with metal closures originally belonging to Dr Herman Kaufmann.
Violet ray is an antique medical appliance used in 20th century electrotherapy (sometimes known as a "quack" device) .
The set is missing the power supply but of the 18 attachments, 15 are remaining. These include:
1. Chin Electrode
2. Vaginal Electrode including cork insulator
3. Eyelid Electrode
4. Ear Electrode
5. Brush Electrode
6. Saturator Electrode
7. Rectal Dilator Electrode
8. Nasal Electrode
9. Bulb/General Electrode
10. Condenser Electrode
11/12. Vaginal Electrode with separate bellows
13. Nasal Electrode for inhaling ozone with cork insulator
14. Rectal/Hemorrhoids Electrode
15. Glass bottle with cork
Manufactured by Max Bleske & Co, Hamburg.
Date MadeCa 1920
Place MadeGermany
Medium and MaterialsTimber, glass, rubber, metal, material, cork, cotton wool
MeasurementsCase: 35 x28 x 7.5cm
Subject and Association Description"Dr Kaufman, a Jewish Doctor, escaped Nazi Europe just prior to WW2. He arrived in Adelaide in 1939 with his wife Mariechen, 7 year old son Hans (later John) and his 62 year old widowed mother, Jette. He was able to practice as a doctor here straight away because although he was German, he held British medical qualifications obtained in Scotland before he came to Australia. He played a significant role in the medical profession in Adelaide (his practice was at 207 King William Road, Hyde Park. He held the practice until his early death in 1955, aged 56. He also played a central role in the Adelaide Hebrew Congregation and the wider Jewish community within Australia." Pauline Cockrill, Adelaide Holocaust Museum, July 2023
Object TypeEquipment
Object numberAR#5072
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved