Perkinism

English

Etymology

Perkins +‎ -ism, after inventor Elisha Perkins (1741–1799).

Noun

Perkinism (uncountable)

1. (medicine, archaic) A pseudoscientific treatment in which two pointed metal rods ("tractors") were waved over the body, supposed to cure inflammation, rheumatism, etc. by drawing off an electrical fluid.

Synonyms

• tractoration
• tractorism