Myron Houghton Bigsby Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS C 227

Abstract

Lecture notes, diagnostic and treatment guides, and correspondence relating to electronic treatment of disease.

Dates

1924-1943

Extent

0.42 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Creator

Bigsby, Myron Houghton, 1872- (Person)

Physical Location

Materials stored onsite. History of Medicine Division. National Library of Medicine

Language of Materials

Collection materials primarily in English

Restrictions

Collection is not restricted. Contact the Reference Staff for information regarding access.

Copyright and Re-use Information

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Historical Note

Most of the material follows a training course in the use of the Electronic Method of medical treatment, which was first described by Albert Abrams, a San Francisco physician, in his 1916 book New Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment. Abrams' method was based upon Electronic Reactions of Abrams or ERAs. According to the theory, an ERA emanated from a human body in a frequency specific to a particular disease. Abrams devised and sold electronic machines which could be set to match the frequency of a specific illness and then applied to an area of a sufferer's skin, thus curing the disease. The popularity of this alternative treatment peaked in popularity in 1923. Despite being denounced as quackery by the American Medical Association in 1924, the Electronic Method retained a number of supporters for many years afterward.