The Arcade Gallery - Show Case H
Treatment (enemas, amputation, surgery, and birth-control)
Enema was one of the main therapeutic tools since ancient Egypt and so vaginal lavage for hygienic and contraceptive purposes. Surgery, mainly amputation of gangrenous extremities has been tempted only later, at the 13-14th century.
- An enema syringe c. 1550 (pewter)
- An enema syringe c. 1780 syringe (pewter)
- A French syringe & case 17th century, brass; leather
- A French irrigation syringe, c. 1880. Glass, metal and china syringes 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.
- Vaginal lavage device, French, c. 1820 (connected by a rubber tube to a liquid container)
- Vaginal lavage syringe, French, c. 1880. Lavage with acid solutions (vinegar, wine, fruit juices) was used as a birth control-contraceptive measure. The syringe has a discrete wooden case to be carried in the purse.
- An amputation saw and a bistouri-lancet c. 1750 (Iron with wooden handle)
- An amputation saw, England, c. 1890 Iron
The Rosenberg Museum of Medicine – All Rights Reserved Ben-Gurion University of the Negev – Faculty of Health Sciences