| Description | This is a Corrigan's Button, as designed by Irish physician Corrigan (1802-1880). It consists of a 'thick iron wire shank, of about two inches long, inserted in a small wooden handle, having on its extremity, which is slightly curved, a disc or button of iron, a quarter of an inch thick, and half an inch in diameter’ as described by Corrigan in 1846. This instrument was heated and applied to the skin to relieve muscle pain. The creator is unknown and no markings are present. The iron appears deteriorated and rusty. |