Metallic-Tractors Possibly 1801

This hand-colored etching, Metallic-Tractors, was made by James Gillray, likely sometime around 1800. Gillray was a prominent British caricaturist, whose work often satirized the social and political issues of his day. Here, Gillray takes aim at pseudoscience and medical quackery. The image shows a doctor applying "metallic tractors" to a patient's face. These were metal rods marketed as a cure-all by American inventor Elisha Perkins, despite lacking any scientific basis. The patient's pained expression and the presence of alcohol suggest the treatment is ineffective and unpleasant. Gillray uses visual cues to mock the situation: the doctor's quackery is highlighted by his unkempt appearance, and the patient's suffering is exaggerated for comedic effect. The print reflects a broader skepticism toward medical claims and highlights the gullibility of the public. To understand Gillray’s full intent, we might consult contemporary medical pamphlets, advertisements, and other visual satires. By placing the image in its social and institutional context, we gain insight into the politics of health and well-being in late 18th century Britain.