Year: 1899

page_text: communication from HENRY GIBSON O'NEILL, of 11, West Thirty-ninth Street,
Manhattan, New York, United States of America, Physician and Electrical
Engineer, and JOHN ROONEY, of 59, St. John's Place, Brooklyn, New York,
United States of America, Capitalist.
I, CHARLES AUBREY DAY, of 321, High Holborn, in the County of London,
England, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
The invention appertains to the art of electro-therapeutics, and is designed
to furnish means whereby tissue activity, elimination, and the various physio-
logical functions and reparative processes of nature may be stimulated through
oxidation. The invention embraces the described processes and certain combina-
tions of means and certain instrumentalities used in such combinations in the
manner described herein.
The system herein described consists in subjecting the nude body of the patient
to powerful actinic rays of light and electric currents of high potential and
rapid oscillation, in form preferably approaching the sine curve, in the presence
of an electrically decomposed atmosphere containing, among other constitutents,
ozone in a nascent form. I am aware that light has been employed for patho-
logical purposes. When used alone, however, its effect is very limited. By
the use of actinic rays of light in conjunction with harmonic currents of
electricity administered in the manner herein specified, all unpleasant physio-
logical effects are removed. The effect of the light in conjunction with harmonic
currents of electricity, combined with the stimulating and antiseptic effects of an
atmosphere of nascent ozone, produces results in actual practice which are, to say
the least, remarkable. The treatment is carried out by means of the apparatus
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification,
in which
Figure 1 represents the cabinet wherein the patient is treated, shown in
vertical section, the body of the patient being shown in dotted lines.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section of the cabinet looking down upon it, with
the top removed and the reflector above one of the sets of lamps also removed.
In this figure the representation of the body of the patient is omitted.
Figure 3 is a view in elevation, with one end partly broken away, of a glass
electrode with an adjustable terminal.
Figure 4 is a cross-section of Figure 3 on a plane through the device at the
right of the adjustable terminal.
Figure 5 is a modification of Figure 3, showing several fixed terminals.
Figure 6 is a glass electrode adapted for treating a wounded or diseased
surface of the body.
Figure 7 is a glass electrode adapted for treating the ear.
Figure 8 is a glass electrode adapted for treating the eyes, the end to be
applied to the body being bifurcated.

page_text: Figure 9 is a glass electrode adapted for treating the nose.
The various forms of glass electrodes may be modified to provide contact
surfaces adapted to other parts or organs of the body, but those illustrated
will suffice to indicate the principle.
Reference will be made first to Figure 1, in which the cabinet is represented.
It is an enclosed chamber. Its dimensions are usually about six feet high,
seven feet long and four feet wide. Its interior walls are insulated, and at one
end is a door D. When in use the cabinet is closed. At a convenient distance
from the floor is an insulated support D¹, preferably of transparent or trans-
lucent material. From the ceiling or top of the cabinet depend chandeliers E
which are adjustable toward and from the support D¹ and are provided with
reflectors E containing incandescent electric lamps. These lamps should, in
the circuit provided, develop a high degree of incandescence for the purpose
of producing actinic rays of light. Supported from the floor of the cabinet is
a similar arrangement of lamps F, both the upper and lower lamps being
arranged in groups or sections, and any group or section of those above and
below being capable of adjustment so that they may be brought nearer to or
removed further from the body of the patient when reclining upon the
support D. There are also mounted in the cabinet electrodes H of glass which
are suitably attached to the insulated walls of the cabinet. These electrodes
are connected in series, and one of the terminals of one of the electrodes is
connected with a source of high tension currents of electricity. There is no
return wire, nor is the machine grounded. At a convenient point in the
cabinet there are attached to the walls two metallic electrodes, one C being a
rod with a sharp point and the other C being a ring. The ring may be pro-
vided with many points of fine wire. The point of the rod is directed toward
the ring and the rod is adjustable toward and from the ring. The rod is
connected to one pole and the ring to another pole of a high tension current
generator. The rod is adjusted or set to produce such a spark gap as may be
desired.
The patient reclines on support D' face upward, and is subjected to the
action of the rays of light which fall upon the body from all directions. The
patient is also brought in contact with the glass electrodes H, H, preferably by
placing the soles of the feet against one of the electrodes H and grasping the
other electrode H in the right hand, as indicated. The passage of current
between the metallic electrodes CC¹ produces at the same time large quantities
Thus the patient is subjected to the action of actinic rays of light
while high tension currents of high frequency are passed through the body,
and during this operation the patient is surrounded by an atmosphere contain-
ing, among other constituents, nascent ozone, and breathes large quantities of
of ozone.
ozone.
The pathological effect of this treatment is great stimulation of tissue activity.
transpiration of ozonized air through the pores of the skin and by inhalation
through the lungs, sub-oxidation of waste matter and micro-organisms in the
system, and elimination of large quantities of poisonous fluids as carbon dioxide
and urea.
In addition, the treatment tranquillizes the nervous system, instantly
allays pain, and stimulates the digestive functions.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, there is illustrated therein a convenient apparatus
for regulating high tension currents. The method of regulating the discharge
of high-tension oscillating electrical currents which this apparatus is constructed
to put into practice consists in discharging the same through a vacuous chamber.
between a fixed terminal sealed in the wall of the chamber and another terminal
at variable distance from the fixed terminal, the discharge being represented
by the length of the interposed vacuous space, thereby obtaining any desired
regulation of the discharge and such attenuation of the current and dispersion
of the discharge as to secure a mild effect resembling a shower of small feathers.
In Figure 3 is represented an electrode consisting of a tube A of glass or

page_text: other vitreous material, having a metallic terminal A sealed in the wall of
the enclosed chamber. The tube is exhausted to a high degree of vacuity, the
degree of vacuum and the thickness of the walls of the tube being regulated
according to the voltage and the desired effect. There is also an adjustable
terminal consisting of a metallic ring B having spring-contacts B. This
adjustable terminal is slipped over the tube and can be slid along it, the spring
contacts bearing upon the wall thereof. Attached to the ring is a suitable
handle B of rubber or other non-conducting material. The ring is also provided
with a binding post B³, or other suitable means for attaching a conductor by
which connection is made to any desired point at a distance from the tube.
The ring is moved toward or from the fixed terminal A', and the discharge is
thus regulated.
In Figure 5 there is illustrated an electrode consisting of a glass tube A
and a metallic terminal sealed within the tube, as in Figure 3, but instead
of an adjustable terminal, there are several metallic terminals aaa attached
to the outside of the glass, at which contact may be made, thus giving variation
by definite steps, instead of a strictly adjustable regulation. The terminals aa a
may be sealed in the glass if desired, penetrating the vacuous space.
01'
In the use of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 3, 4, and 5, which may
be used in the cabinet instead of the glass electrode there shown, the terminal A
is connected with one pole of a high-tension-current machine giving alterna-
tions of high frequency, and the discharge traverses the vacuous space
chamber within the tube and is tapped off at any desired point. It is obvious
that the shape of the tube, whether straight, curved or circular, is immaterial.
It will be noted that there is but one terminal connected with the machine.
There is no return wire.
Referring to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, there is, as before, a vacuous chamber A
and a single terminal A sealed in the wall of the chamber and penetrating
into the vacuous space or chamber. There is also a non-conducting handle A
of glass which may be solid or hollow, but the space within which is not
connected with the vacuous space and is filled with air.
There is also upon
each a contact surface A², which, as above indicated, is adapted by its shape
to the part or organ of the body to which it is intended to be applied. These
figures represent apparatus which may be used for subjecting the patient to
treatment within the cabinet if desired. The system in which these special
forms of glass electrodes are applied is that of electric asepsis and stimulation
by the production of an electrically decomposed atmosphere produced by direct-
ing high tension currents of electricity through the electrode of glass or other
vitreous material against the diseased part, surface or organ, thereby producing
ozone, among other constituents, in the surrounding air and in the air which is
occluded within the surface or organ. Ozone in this nascent form is very
much more energetic than in a free state, and produces instant oxidation of
all diseased matter. This form of asepsis is applicable to the entire fract of a
wounded or diseased surface or organ to any depth. It is fatal to all germ life,
and affords a means of internal asepsis for which there can be no substitution.
The terminal A is brought near to or into contact with the diseased surface or
part. The current is attenuated in the vacuum chamber, and, impelled by its
potential, passes through the contact wall of glass into the person, its action
being so softened as to be unfelt, while it produces nascent ozone in situ and
stimulates the reparative process.
In the various operations which are herein described any current of suffi-
ciently high tension will suffice. I prefer to employ currents having short wave
approaching as near as possible in shape to the sine curve.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
Chartered Patent Agents, 321, High Holborn, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: A communication from HENRY Gibson O'Neill, of 11, West Thirty-ninth Street,
Manhattan, New York, United States of America, Physician and Electrical
Engineer, and JOHN ROONEY, of 59, St. John's Place, Brooklyn, New York,
United States of America, Capitalist.
I, CHARLES AUBREY DAY, of 321, High Holborn, in the County of London,
England, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The invention appertains to the art of electro-therapeutics, and is designed
to furnish means whereby tissue activity, elimination, and the various physio-
logical functions and reparative processes of nature may be stimulated through
oxidation. The invention embraces the described processes and certain combina-
tions of means and certain instrumentalities used in such combinations in the
manner described herein.
The system herein described consists in subjecting the nude body of the patient
to powerful actinic rays of light and electric currents of high potential and
rapid oscillation, in form preferably approaching the sine curve, in the presence
of an electrically decomposed atmosphere containing, among other constitutents,
ozone in a nascent form. I am aware that light has been employed for patho-
logical purposes. When used alone, however, its effect is very limited. By
the use of actinic rays of light in conjunction with harmonic currents of
electricity administered in the manner herein specified, all unpleasant physio-
logical effects are removed. The effect of the light in conjunction with harmonic
currents of electricity, combined with the stimulating and antiseptic effects of an
atmosphere of nascent ozone, produces results in actual practice which are, to say
the least, remarkable. The treatment is carried out by means of the apparatus
illustrated in the drawings left with the Provisional Specification, which form
a part of this specification, in which:
Figure 1 represents the cabinet wherein the patient is treated, shown in
vertical section, the body of the patient being shown in dotted lines.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section of the cabinet looking down upon it, with
the top removed and the reflector above one of the sets of lamps also removed.
In this figure the representation of the body of the patient is omitted.
Figure 3 is a view in elevation, with one end partly broken away, of a glass
electrode with an adjustable terminal.
Figure 4 is a cross-section of Figure 3 on a plane through the device at the
right of the adjustable terminal.
Figure 5 is a modification of Figure 3, showing several fixed terminals.
Figure 6 is a glass electrode adapted for treating a wounded or diseased
surface of the body.
Figure is a glass electrode adapted for treating the ear.
Figure 8 is a glass electrode adapted for treating the eyes, the end to be
applied to the body being bifurcated.
Figure 9 is a glass electrode adapted for treating the nose.
The various forms of glass electrodes may be modified to provide contact
surfaces adapted to other parts or organs of the body, but those illustrated
will suffice to indicate the principle.
Reference will be made first to Figure 1, in which the cabinet is represented.

page_text: It is an enclosed chamber. Its dimensions are usually about six feet high,
seven feet long and four feet wide. Its interior walls are insulated, and at one
end is a door D. When in use the cabinet is closed. At a convenient distance
from the floor is an insulated support D¹, preferably of transparent or trans-
lucent material. From the ceiling or top of the cabinet depend chandeliers E
which are adjustable toward and from the support D' and are provided with
reflectors E containing incandescent electric lamps. These lamps should, in
the circuit provided, develop a high degree of incandescence for the purpose
of producing actinic rays of light. Supported from the floor of the cabinet is
a similar arrangement of lamps F, both the upper and lower lamps being
arranged in groups or sections, and any group or section of those above and
below being capable of adjustment so that they may be brought nearer to or
removed further from the body of the patient when reclining upon the
support D. There are also mounted in the cabinet electrodes H of glass which
are suitably attached to the insulated walls of the cabinet. These electrodes
are connected in series, and one of the terminals of one of the electrodes is
connected with a source of high tension currents of electricity. There is no
return wire, nor is the machine grounded, for, owing to the high potential
and frequent alternation used, there is an electrical discharge through the air
from one terminal, which is sufficient for the purpose. At a convenient point in the
cabinet there are attached to the walls two metallic electrodes, one being a
rod with a sharp point and the other C being a ring. The ring may be pro-
vided with many points of fine wire. The point of the rod is directed toward
the ring and the rod is adjustable toward and from the ring. The rod is
connected to one pole and the ring to another pole of a high tension current
generator. The rod is adjusted or set to produce such a spark gap as may be
desired.
The patient reclines on support D³, faces upward, and is subjected to the
action of the rays of light which fall upon the body from all directions. The
patient is also brought in contact with the glass electrodes H, H, preferably by
placing the soles of the feet against one of the electrodes H and grasping the
other electrode H in the right hand, as indicated. The passage of current
between the metallic electrodes CC produces at the same time large quantities
of ozone.
Thus the patient is subjected to the action of actinic rays of light
while high tension currents of high frequency are passed through the body,
and during this operation the patient is surrounded by an atmosphere contain-
ing, among other constituents, nascent ozone, and breathes large quantities of
ozone.
The pathological effect of this treatment is great stimulation of tissue activity,
transpiration of ozonized air through the pores of the skin and by inhalation
through the lungs, sub-oxidation of waste matter and micro-organisms in the
system, and elimination of large quantities of poisonous fluids as carbon dioxide
and urea.
In addition, the treatment tranquillizes the nervous system, instantly
allays pain, and stimulates the digestive functions.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, there is illustrated therein a convenient apparatus.
for regulating high tension currents. The method of regulating the discharge
of high-tension oscillating electrical currents which this apparatus is constructed
to put into practice consists in discharging the same through a vacuous chamber,
between a fixed terminal sealed in the wall of the chamber and another terminal
at variable distance from the fixed terminal, the discharge being represented
by the length of the interposed vacuous space, thereby obtaining any desired
regulation of the discharge and such attenuation of the current and dispersion
of the discharge as to secure a mild effect resembling a shower of small feathers.
In Figure 3 is represented an electrode consisting of a tube A of glass or
other vitreous material, having a metallic terminal A' sealed in the wall of
the enclosed chamber. The tube is exhausted to a high degree of vacuity, the

page_text: This
degree of vacuum and the thickness of the walls of the tube being regulated
according to the voltage and the desired effect. There is also an adjustable
terminal consisting of a metallic ring B having spring-contacts B
adjustable terminal is slipped over the tube and can be slid along it, the spring
contacts bearing upon the wall thereof. Attached to the ring is a suitable
handle 12 of rubber or other non-conducting material. The ring is also provided
with a binding post B³, or other suitable means for attaching a conductor by
which connection is made to any desired point at a distance from the tube.
The ring is moved toward or from the fixed terminal A¹, and the discharge is
thus regulated.
In Figure 5 there is illustrated an electrode consisting of a glass tube A
and a metallic terminal A' sealed within the tube, as in Figure 3, but instead
of an adjustable terminal, there are several metallic terminals aaa attached
to the outside of the glass, at which contact may be made, thus giving variation
by definite steps, instead of a strictly adjustable regulation. The terminals aaa
may be sealed in the glass if desired, penetrating the vacuous space.
In the use of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 3, 4, and 5, which may
be used in the cabinet instead of the glass electrode there shown, the terminal A
is connected with one pole of a high-tension-current machine giving alterna-
tions of high frequency, and the discharge traverses the vacuous space or
chamber within the tube and is tapped off at any desired point. It is obvious
that the shape of the tube, whether straight, curved or circular, is immaterial.
It will be noted that there is but one terminal connected with the machine,
and there is no return wire, as aforesaid.
Referring to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, there is, as before, a vacuous chamber A
and a single terminal A sealed in the wall of the chamber and penetrating
into the vacuous space or chamber. There is also a non-conducting handle A
of glass which may be solid or hollow, but the space within which is not
connected with the vacuous space and is filled with air. There is also upon
each a contact surface A2, which, as above indicated, is adapted by its shape
to the part or organ of the body to which it is intended to be applied. These
figures represent apparatus which may be used for subjecting the patient to
treatment within the cabinet, if desired. The system in which these special
forms of glass electrodes are applied is that of electric asepsis and stimulation
by the production of an electrically decomposed atmosphere produced by direct-
ing high-tension currents of electricity through the electrode of glass or other
vitreous material against the diseased part, surface or organ, thereby producing
ozone, among other constituents, in the surrounding air and in the air which is
occluded within the surface or organ. Ozone in this nascent form is very
much more energetic than in a free state, and produces instant oxidation of
all diseased matter. This form of asepsis is applicable to the entire tract of a
wounded or diseased surface or organ to any depth: It is fatal to all germ life,
and affords a means of internal asepsis for which there can be no substitution.
The terminal 2 is brought near to or into contact with the diseased surface or
part. The current is attenuated in the vacuum chamber, and, impelled by its
potential, passes through the contact wall of glass into the person, its action
being so softened as to be unfelt, while it produces nascent ozone in situ and
stimulates the reparative process.
In the various operations which are herein described any current of suffi-
ciently high tension will suffice. I prefer to employ currents having short wave
approaching as near as possible in shape to the sine curve.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I déclare that what
I claim is
-
1. The system of electro-therapeutics, which consists in subjecting the body
of the patient, in a nude condition, to actinic rays of light and oscillating

page_text: currents of electricity, in the presence of an electrically decomposed atmosphere
containing nascent ozone, substantially as described.
2. The therapeutical apparatus consisting of the combination of means for
supporting the body of the patient in convenient position for treatment, means
for directing upon the body actinic rays of light, means for applying to the
body oscillating electrical currents of high tension, and means for producing
around the body an electrically decomposed atmosphere containing nascent ozone,
substantially as described.
3. In electro-therapeutic apparatus, the combination of an enclosed chamber,
wherein are disposed a transparent or translucent support, incandescent lamps
and glass electrodes adjacent to the support, metallic electrodes, the glass and
metallic electrodes being provided with connections whereby they may be con-
nected to a source of high-tension currents, and the metallic electrodes being
so arranged that nascent ozone will be produced by passage of current between
them, substantially as described.
4. The method of regulating the discharge of high-tension oscillating electrical
currents which consists in discharging the same through a vacuous chamber
between a fixed terminal sealed in the wall of the chamber and another terminal
at variable distance from the fixed terminal, the discharge being regulated by
the interposed vacuous space, substantially as described.
5. The combination of a glass tube or closure, from which the air has been
exhausted, a metallic terminal sealed in the said tube or closure and penetrating
the vacuous space, and a metallic electrode closely engaging the exterior wall
of the tube or closure and adjustable toward or from the fixed electrode, sub-
stantially as described.
6. An electrode of glass or other vitreous material, consisting of a vacuous
chamber having an exterior contact-surface shaped for application to some part
or organ of the human body, having a single terminal penetrating within the
chamber which can be connected with a source of high-tension electrical currents,
substantially as described.
7. An electrode of glass having a non-conducting handle, a vacuous chamber,
a contact surface without the vacuum chamber, and a single terminal sealed in
the wall of the chamber and penetrating within the chamber for connection with
a source of high-tension currents, substantially as described.
Dated this 21st day of Octal 1000
DAY. DAVIES & HUNT,
Chartered Patent Agents, 321, High Holborn, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.