Domestic enema, London, England, 1831-1835

Made:
1831-1835 in London
maker:
Maw
Domestic enema, by Maw, 1831-1835, English

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Domestic enema, by Maw, 1831-1835, English
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Domestic enema, by Maw, 1831-1835, English

Maw, a medical supplier who made this item, called it ‘Maw’s Domestic Medical Machine’. The name was a polite way of advertising a machine that could be used to give enemas at home. Enemas were used to insert liquids into the rectum for medical treatments. In some societies, enemas became fashionable and were believed to rejuvenate the body and increase sexual potency. This machine has an ivory tip and is made from wood.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600128
Materials:
wood, metal and ivory
Measurements:
overall: 257 mm x 342 mm x 49 mm, 1.3kg
overall (open): 240 mm x 462 mm x 52 mm,
type:
enema syringe