Reservoir enema syringe, for self-administration

Enema syringes vary in shape and material but they are all intended to introduce liquids such as medications or purgatives into the body via the rectum – a once very common medical procedure. After the ivory nozzle was inserted into the anus, liquid was pumped through the metal tubing from the metal reservoir. It allowed a person to give themselves the enema rather than relying on a physician or nurse and so was probably used in the home.