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Fever Cabinet

A very interesting find down here was this fever cabinet (also known as a hot box). It was used to treat venereal diseases by using rows of high-wattage light bulbs to increase the temperature inside the box to 105°F. This extreme heat killed or reduced the micro-organisms that cause gonorrhea and syphilis while the patient was given dosages of chemotherapy or arsenic. This extreme method of treatment was highly controversial due to the fact that the remedy was more dangerous than the disease.

A hole was cut out up top where the patient's head would stick out when the machine was operating (not visible in photo). The two top doors and the front door could be opened to access the inside. Here is a photo of a fever cabinet at the Glore Psychiatric Museum, with a mannequin to illustrate usage.

An excerpt from the 1915 article HYDROTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF MENTAL DISEASES ITS FORMS INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS AND UNTOWARD EFFECTS - by J ALLEN JACKSON MD Chief Resident Physician, Philadelphia Hospital for the Insane; PHILADELPHIA:

One should be very guarded as to the class of insane for which he prescribes cabinet sweats. This form of treatment is indicated primarily in all those cases which show signs of autointoxication regardless of their psychoses. The contraindications are marked physical deterioration advanced circulatory disturbances renal diseases etc., as well as a disturbed condition of the patient.



This treatment should always be given by trained nurses or skilled attendants well versed in the operation of the cabinets as well as in the interpretation of physical symptoms. Aromatic spirit of ammonia should be close at hand, an ice cap applied to the head and water given freely during the time of sweating. Perspiration usually becomes profuse at the expiration of about ten minutes and here the patients should pass immediately into the shower for subsequent sprays in order to avoid catching cold. Cabinets should be well protected, all heat pipes or frame work properly protected and doors to the cabinets should be such that they can be opened quickly. The neck should be well covered, and a large towel should enclose the patient's lower body in order that the procedure may be done as modestly as possible.