16. Hydroelectric Baths
The galvanic bath was a popular treatment for “rheumatic” or aching, arthritic joints in the early 20th century. The Schnee Four Cell Bath, invented in Germany, was a hit at its invention as it allowed those seeking a galvanic bath treatment to be able to stay clothed, a significant improvement for the speed of recovery and the modesty of those being treated. Those seeking treatment would sit in a chair with their arms and legs each in a separate porcelain tub filled with hot water that would then have low amperage currents sent through the water. There was no risk of electrocution with this model, as all four porcelain tubs were grounded and were not connected to any metal piping.
While the galvanic bath was thankfully a much safer model than previous forms of electric tubs, which required bathers to submerge their entire body in a tank of hot water that was then electrified, there is little evidence that low amperage currents have any effect on aching joints. If anything, the spa-like treatment of sitting with one’s limbs submerged in hot water likely did far more than anything else.