Hysterical Paroxysms

8/12/2008 07:55:00 pm BenefitScroungingScum 5 Comments

Prompted by a comment I left elsewhere about vulvular massage as a treatment for hysteria I found this wonderful brief history of the vibrator . Invented in 1880 as a labour saving device for physicians with tired arms.
Fantastic!

5 comments:

Vulvular massage? Now there is a pick-up line if I ever heard one... ;-)

Elaine said...

I read your original comment, but didn't realise (or even believe) that the doctor would do it.

Wonder what my GP would say?
ummmm

Anonymous said...

ROFL!! I wonder who thought that one up?

MrN: Indeed, I can just see that one working a treat down the local pub!
Having said that, the captain did recently tell me (in all seriousness) that his vulva really hurt. He was unimpressed at my hilarious mocking of him bitch that I am.

Elaine: I suspect my GP would be well up for it bless him ;) Joking aside apparently it wasn't seen as anything pervy or really sexual just a type of massage women needed to be performed, and of course a money earning device.
I can't remember where I first read about this (probably some trashy old novel) but I think things like this are a fascinating insight into how different times have different attitudes.

Jay: Good question! Apparently it was the vibrator which drove the design of the first small portable motors, and certainly the old adverts from the early 20th century for home massagers make wonderful viewing:)

eeore said...

Your post left me in a very embarrassing position - as I misread it as a cure for listeria.