Showcase H: Treatment (Enemas, Amputation, Surgery, and Birth Control)

1. A large enema syringe: c. 1550, pewter.
2. An enema syringe: c. 1700, syringe, bronze.
3. A smaller enema, lavage and irrigation
syringe: c. 1800, bronze.
4. A French enema system in a case: 17th century,
bronze, ivory, leather.
Irrigation syringes made of glass, metal and china
usually have two spouts, one for draining and one
for irrigation. Similar syringes were used for aural,
nasal and vaginal irrigation, as well as for enemas.
5. Vaginal lavage spout: French, c. 1820,
connected by a rubber tube to a liquid
container.
6. Vaginal lavage syringe: French, c. 1880.
Lavage with acidic solutions (vinegar, wine,
fruit juices) was used as a birth control
measure. The syringe has a discrete wooden
case to be carried in a purse.
7. An amputation saw and a bistoury-lancet:
c. 1700, iron with wooden handles.