SUBJECTED TO THE CURRENT: BATTERIES, BODIES, AND THE EARLY HISTORY OF ELECTRIFICATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

The article presents an exploration into the history of electrolysis hair removal in U.S. medical care and presents extensions into the intersections of technology and social history, the commodification of medicine in U.S. society, and social constructions of beauty. The emergence and rise of electrolysis as a cosmetic medical practice from the late 19th century is described, highlighting the level of complexity involved in the early treatments. Further discussion is given noting the social impact of electricity in U.S. society in general.