ELECTRIC TRAP.
An electrified platform that plugs into the household light socket.
The mouse approaches an inclined base covered by a metal plate, which forms one terminal of an open electric circuit powered by a battery or a lamp socket. A bait-holder made of copper claws, housed in a rubber casing at the top of the incline, forms the other terminal. When the mouse stands on the plate and touches the bait, its body closes the circuit. Current passes through the animal and kills it.
“The platform, it will be observed, may be approached by animals or insects from all directions, and the bait-receptacle may be placed in such relation to the base B as may be found necessary, according to the character of the insect or animal to be electrocuted.”— George B. Vaughan, from the specification
And the world did not beat a path to his door.