The Electric Robe Wars: A Spokane Doctor’s Patent Battle in Walla Walla
Two physicians engage in a public spat over who invented the 'electric bath robe,' turning a local newspaper's letters page into a courtroom for medical innovation.
PROF. J. S. GALLOWAY.
In the Evening Statesman Dr. J. M. Boyd of Spokane has an advertisement stating that my invention of an electric bath robe is an infringement of his invention, and that he is going to prosecute me. I admit that Dr. Boyd has invented a good machine but I claim to have invented a much better one and have assurances from my patent attorney that it is patentable and no infringement on any invention now filed with the government.
I am willing to let the public judge as to the merits of my Electric bath robe and guarantee results or no pay is asked.
Let Dr. Boyd cause the arrest of Prof. Galloway because the professor's "Electric Robe" is far superior to "Boyd's Coil" as good as is the "Coil." PROF. J. S. GALLOWAY.
DR. J. M. BOYD.
Walla Walla, Wash. Dear Sir: Having made it sufficiently plain that Jim Galloway can give no right to the switchboard and robe which he is wrongfully handling. The robe he has has been patented for seven years and I have a certificate of patent on the switch board. The robe carries heat only while the coil carries electricity also sufficient to thoroughly magnetize the whole body.
Yours truly, DR. J. M. BOYD.
This 1903 dispute over 'electric bath robes' highlights how quickly medical technology moved from fringe curiosity to commercial product, sparking immediate legal and public relations battles. Today, we see similar dynamics with wearable health tech like smartwatches and bio-sensors, where patents, efficacy claims, and consumer trust are fiercely contested in the court of public opinion.
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