In 1940 doctors started experimenting with curare for use with electric shock therapy. Electric shock therapy regularly caused broken bones, including vertebrae, and all sorts of dislocations. The intensity of convulsions was high and couldn’t be controlled. During the 19th Century curare was unsuccessfully used to treat rabies, tetanus and epilepsy. By 1935, Harold King had isolated tubocurarine, curare’s active ingredient. In 1942, Harold Griffith successfully used standardised curare (Intocostrin) with cyclopropane. Within five years synthesised muscle relaxants were available. Intocostrin, combined with an anaesthetic agent, was a break-through for this treatment.Solid wooden box with three separate sections inside box. First section contains electrical lead for attaching unit to mains power. Second section contains ECT unit and controls. Third sections contains electrical lead ending in plugs for holding in hands. Sections cannot be separated out, they form one unit.Etched on to the face of the internal unit: PROPERTY OF / THE ROYAL WOMEN'S HOSPITAL Label tape affixed to top of the lid: E.C.T. UNIT OP. THEATRES R.W.H.anaesthesia, muscle relaxants, electroconvulsive shock therapy, women