The first vibrator ever made was invented by a medical doctor at the turn of the century. Back then it was a doctor's responsibilty to bring a woman to orgasm. The world was so off kilter in regards to female sexuality, orgasms and the clitoris that they did not even associate what the doctors were doing with sex. They thought they were treating women for a disorder called "Hysteria." (And I can tell you, if men were not given the freedom to love and explore their bodies - they would be hysterical too!) The waiting rooms of doctors offices became so full with women looking for "treatment" that the doctors hands and arms could no longer keep up. So wa-la! One smart chap invented the vibrator. Eventually doctors started making these devices available to the public for "home treatments." Ads for them can be found in the back of vintage knitting magazines. For more on this topic, I recommend reading, The Technology of Orgasm.
One of my favorite professors has a vintage set of anal dilators. These are incredibly cool and a neat memory of our recent past.
Posted by: Ellie | July 03, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Too Cool - love, love love vintage stuff. Makes me think of what it would have been like, like for great grandma, to go get a "hysteria" treatment, gives one a lot to think about. Thanks for sharing Ducky!
PS. Enjoy the summer and its gifts and get outside - such sensual energy the sun gives at the moment - Happy 4th
Posted by: Rebecca | July 04, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Cool! I want one!
Posted by: Benwa | August 11, 2008 at 02:33 AM