Davis & Kidder's Patent Magneto-Electric Machine

Ari Davis (ca. 1811-1855) was a skilled American craftsman who received two patents in 1854. One (#10,788 of April 18) described a machine for producing wooden boxes with metal-reinforced dovetail corners. The other (#11,415 of August 1) described a magneto-electric machine. While this second patent was still in process, Davis sold the rights to both patents to Walter Kidder, a physician in Lowell, Massachusetts, allegedly for $4000. Advertisements for DAVIS’ (later DAVIS & KIDDER’S) PATENT MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINE, FOR NERVOUS DISEASES were soon to be seen, with testimonials from three Americans involved with science: Benjamin Silliman at Yale College, Charles G. Page in Washington, D.C., and James R. Chilton, an instrument dealer in New York City. These machines were “MANUFACTURED BY W. KIDDER, Sole Proprietor, whose signature is attached to all genuine Machines.” By 1857, the business was in the hands of William H. Burnap (b. 1825), also of Lowell. By 1865, Burnap was working in New York City, and advertising as “Manufacturer of Davis & Kidder’s Electric Machines.”

This example has a wood box with brass corners. The paper label is marked “DAVIS & KIDDER’S / PATENT MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINE / FOR NERVOUS DISEASES” with testimonials addressed to “Mr. ARI DAVIS” from “B. SILLIMAN, SEN.” (at left) and “CHAS. G. PAIGE” (at right). The text at bottom reads “Manufactured and sold by W. H. BURNAP, Sole Proprietor, Lowell, Mass., whose signature is attached to all genuine / Machines. All infringements upon his Patent will be prosecuted.” The “B. Chester, assigned to W. H. Burnap” painted on top of the box must refer to Benjamin Chester, a Lowell inventor who assigned his “Mode of Belting,” U.S. Patent 18,981 (Dec, 22, 1857) to Burnap
Date Made:1857-1865after 1854
Maker:W. H. Burnap
Place Made:United States: Massachusetts, Lowell

Measurements:overall: 11.1 cm x 25.2 cm x 11.2 cm; 4 3/8 in x 9 15/16 in x 4 7/16 in

Source: https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_723486.  Feb2026

DJ1736 Davis & Kidder Patent Magneto-Electric Machine Box Top.JPG