Bringing Light to the World: John Harvey Kellogg and Transatlantic Light Therapy

As the late nineteenth century gave way to twentieth, world was embracing a modern marvel—the incandescent light bulb. Light by fire quickly becoming passé, and everyone wanted new symbol of technology progress in their homes workplaces. But one man saw bulb from very different perspective. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, most noted for his invention cornflake cereal, an American health reformer who always strived be on cutting edge technology. Already using electricity various ways at world-famous Battle Creek Sanitarium Michigan, Kellogg electric as means better through therapy. therapy, or phototherapy referred it, nothing new. Doctors Europe, such Auguste Rollier Switzerland (the Sun Doctor) Niels Ryberg Finsen Denmark, were already running successful therapy programs clinics time came scene. Regularly positioning himself node transatlantic network reform, upon visiting both institutions examine practices, modified implemented Sanitarium. One inventions come this exchange Kellogg’s Cabinet “Light Bath.” Put display 1893 World’s Fair Chicago, it soon attracted attention foreign investors doctors, German Kelloggische Lichtbad found sale across Germany Europe. practice intercultural transfer led full circle idea originally after modification America, exported its place origin something