The 19th century brought the fashion to hydrotherapy: devices were invented that immersed people in water, with the hope of restoring health with the most natural liquid. But there were also surprisingly awkward and strange inventions, for example: the "rocking bath", invented in 1891.
“But what should a nature and water lover do at home? You have to use a Nautilus swing bath! "… The British issue of Lloyd's Weekly on August 9, 1891 described this invention as" Affordable and simple luxury ":
Rocking bath advertising * Niagara *.
… setting in motion, swaying, it creates a feeling very similar to real sea waves. And it will delight and benefit, especially for people with disabilities, delicate people and children. Only three buckets of cold or hot water are required and there will be no splashing in the room. And if you put the wedge under the bend, you can get a regular bath …
The most famous rocking bath is * Nautilus *.
The rocking bath simulated what it was like to visit a pond of real waves, allowing the magical healing properties of the water (according to some Victorian doctors) to naturally wash and heal you. Patients didn't even have to leave the house.
More options for the inventions of rocking baths.
But as beneficial as the purported health benefits were, it was not very comfortable to sit in. Despite claims that water did not spill out of the Nautilus (and other swing baths), the device was not spill-proof.
Promotional video:
Photo from The Temple of Health: A Scenic History of Battle Creek Sanatorium by Patsy Gerstner.
In 1900, a patent was issued for a more high-tech swing bath. Not only was the swing more controlled, there was no risk of spilling water due to the rather odd neck drape.
1900 US version - * sippy *.
By the early 20th century, hydrotherapy was largely out of fashion, even among fans of alternative medicine. And the rocking bath of the 1890s looks like a ridiculous curiosity today. But, in the 19th century, no matter how awkward it may seem, such a bath was at the forefront of health. Even if all the advertised merits turned out to be nonsense.
Bath rocking chair. R. Straub's patent, 1899.
