The eponymous Dr. Scott was Dr. George A. Scott, who sold a whole range of “electric” products in the 1800s in the UK and US. Brushes, belts, corsets, bracelets. He claimed they could cure just about everything. Backaches. Gout. Neuralgia. Lameness. Colds. Impure blood. Poor circulation. Whatever ails you, one of Dr. Scott’s products could cure it.

In what sense was this brush electric? Well, it had weak magnets embedded in the handle. The brushes came with a little compass that you could position near the brush to “prove” its power. I suppose in theory, you could move the brush past a wire to induce a tiny current.

It was a complete sham of course, but similar magnetic or sometimes crystal themed sham and pseudoscience products are still popular today, often hawked by health influencers. Most are harmless, but if it prevents someone from seeking real medical care for a serious condition, then they can cause indirect harm.

Brush photo.

1898 Dr Scott’s Electric Belt.

1897 Dr Scott’s electric corset.