HYSTERIA: From Obscene to Big Screen

We have just what the doctor ordered.

Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy and opening May 18th, HYSTERIA is a romantic comedy based on the invention of the vibrator.  In association with Sony Pictures Classics, the Museum of Sex and JimmyJane vibrators will be giving away three Special Edition JimmyJane Hysteria Gift Sets to cure you of your illness!

Iconic Ring (shared, hands-free), Iconic Pocket (compact, powerful), Iconic Bullet (mini, mighty, travel-friendly)

Form 2 (dual motor vibe) and Beyond Euphoric Sensational Massage Lotion

Simply mention HYSTERIA when purchasing museum admission between 10am and 4pm on Friday, May 18th, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win. Winners will be announced at 4pm and gift packs will be available for pick up until closing (9pm) and during the weekend. For more information about Hysteria gift packs, visit JimmyJane HERE.

Female hysteria, a once-common medical diagnosis widely discussed in 19th century literature, is no longer recognized by modern medical authorities. Symptoms included fainting, nervousness, sexual desire, loss of appetite for food or sex and a “tendency to cause trouble” (Maines, Rachel P. The Technology of Orgasm, 1998). Hysteria was often treated with “pelvic massage” that would lead to “hysterical paroxysm” (orgasm) in the patient.

Water massages as a treatment for hysteria, c. 1860. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia.)

In 1880, Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville invented the first electric vibrator, designed for use on female genitalia to alleviate the symptoms of hysteria. Colloquially, the vibrator was referred to as “Gransville’s hammer,” and was manufactured and sold to physicians. Dr. Granville’s culturally significant invention alleviated the physical strain on doctors, cut treatment time down to mere minutes, and dramatically increased success rates.

Antique vibrator, circa 1900.