NorisanElectro-Therapy Apparatus - Various materials

This is a Norisan high-frequency electrotherapy device, often referred to as a 'violet ray machine' or 'Arsonvalization device'. These devices were used in the first half of the 20th century (the years 1910–1940) for various medical and cosmetic treatments, based on the physical theories of Jacques d'Arsonval.

Purpose and Operation
• Electrotherapy: The device generates high-frequency alternating current with a low current.
• Glass electrodes: Several glass tubes (electrodes) filled with gas (such as neon or argon) could be clamped in the handpiece.
Ozone light: When the electrode came into contact with the skin or was held close to it, a luminous discharge occurred (often violet or blue in color), and ozone was produced, which had a disinfecting effect.
• Medical benefits: At the time it was believed that the treatments could cure almost all conditions, from skin problems such as acne to pain relief and improvement of blood circulation.

With such a device, an alternating charge was applied in a handle. In the handle, all kinds of glass tubes could be inserted, filled with noble gas. By holding those tubes against the skin, an alternating voltage was created between gas and skin, causing current to flow. The gas became ionized and sparks jumped between gas and skin. This was accompanied by a beautiful blue glow in the tubes, a rattling sound, and a tingling, sometimes even burning sensation. The frequency of the alternation was not high, up to about 250 kHz. The “radiation” was attributed with the most fantastic healing properties, so such devices were used not only in beauty treatments but also for a variety of ailments.

Nowadays this type of device is no longer considered standard medical equipment. Modern successors are sometimes still used in beauty salons for facial treatments, but the original Norisan device is mainly an antique collectible.

Disclaimer: For safety reasons, the device has not been tested!

The suitcase measures 30½ × 21½ × 9 cm and weighs approx. 2 kilograms. The whole is carefully packaged and shipped with track & trace via PostNL.