'Magneto-Electric Machine' Electric Generator, by S Maw, Son & Thompson, London

Labelled "The Improved Magneto-Electric Machine, for Nervous Diseases ..."; originally belonging to the late Alfred Hodgkins (1858-1928) of Faringdon, and presented by his grandson.

The machine features copper alloy gears attached to a copper alloy crank shaped like a fish. The spokes of the large gear are shaped like leaves. There is a string connecting two flywheels, where originally a leather strap or cord would likely have been.  There are two wooden and metal spools connected to one of the flywheels. At the back of the machine, there is a large magnet partially painted black.  The part of the spools closest to the magnet are made of metal. All of these components, except for the crank, are contained inside a hinged wooden box with a shield shaped lock. A paper label with directions for use is just inside the lid of the box. There is a small strip of red leather on the lid just below the paper label.