Self administering enema syringe, Europe, before 1935

Made:
before 1935 in Europe
Reservoir enema syringe, for self-administration Reservoir enema syringe, for self-administration. Front view

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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Reservoir enema syringe, for self-administration
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Reservoir enema syringe, for self-administration. Front view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

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.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A158800
Materials:
metal and ivory
Measurements:
overall (folded): 251 mm x 92 mm x 47 mm, .8 kg
type:
enema syringe
credit:
Glendining