A Case of Hysteria

Hysterical Paroxysm

From ancient times to the mid-twentieth century, male medical practitioners routinely misdiag-nosed women as suffering from the catchall ailment of hysteria—the treatment for which could involve manually massaging the genitalia of female patients to the point of “hysterical parox-ysm.” As the work was fatiguing and slow, a variety of mechanical instruments were invented in the late nineteenth century to assist doctors in their work. These precursors to modern-day vibrators included saddles that mimicked the riding of a horse, electric belts, and the portable devices seen here, such as the Niagara No. 1 Massager and 1940s-era Vibra Finger Gum Massager, manufactured in Los Angeles by Atlas Industries. Widespread, yet discreet advertis-ing in needlework, household, and agricultural magazines, as well as door-to-door sales, led consumers to adopt these appliances quickly.

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