The History Of Vibrators

 

The history of vibrators is surprisingly long and interesting, with a journey that goes beyond just sexual pleasure. Here's a breakdown of how the first vibrators came to be:

Early Antecedents (Not quite vibrators, but interesting nonetheless):

• Ancient Civilizations (28,000 BC): There's some debate and limited evidence, but some sources suggest the use of phallic-shaped stones or carvings as fertility symbols or medicinal tools in ancient Egypt and other cultures.

Fast forward to the 18th Century:

• The First "Vibrators" (Not electric though): The 1700s saw the introduction of the first mechanical vibrators in Europe. These weren't electric and were more akin to hand-crank devices.
• France: The "tremoussoir" was a French invention, a handheld device with a crank that generated vibrations.
• Ottoman Empire: Similar crank-operated devices were used in the Ottoman Empire around the same time.

19th Century - Medical Intervention:

• The Rise of "Hysteria": The 19th century saw the medical diagnosis of "hysteria" attributed to a wide range of women's health issues, often with vague or emotional symptoms.
• Pelvic Massage: One "treatment" for hysteria involved manual stimulation of the genitals, which could be tiring for doctors. This led to the invention of mechanical vibrators for a more "efficient" solution.
• The First Electric Vibrator (America): In 1869, American physician George Taylor patented a steam-powered vibrating device intended for therapeutic use.

Early 20th Century:

• Electric Vibrators Go Mainstream: The invention of electricity in the late 19th century paved the way for electric vibrators, making them more portable and convenient. These devices were often marketed not just for medical purposes but also for "general wellbeing" and "female nervousness." Some sources even suggest these vibrators were available through mail-order catalogs like Sears Roebuck and Co.

Important Note: While the early vibrators were often marketed and used for medical reasons, it's likely that many people also used them for sexual pleasure throughout history.

Over time, the vibrator evolved from a medical tool to a widely recognized sexual wellness product. Today, vibrators come in various shapes, sizes, and functionalities, catering to a diverse range of users and preferences.