The Story Medicinal pills were first coated with sugars and honeys in the 9th century, to mask repulsive odours and tastes. In the 17th century, pharmacists began coating pills in gold and silver leaf to appeal to the most affluent members of society who regarded this luxury as a symbol of status. This primarily aesthetic … More Pill Silverer (From the Collection #13)
The Story Enemas were a mainstay of medicine for centuries. This enema syringe, also known as a clyster, reflects the early nineteenth-century belief in the benefits of purging the body on a regular basis. This example is made of wood and pewter, but enema syringes could also be of such materials brass and ivory. Whether … More Enema Syringe (From the Collection #7)
The Story Once called the “surgical genius of our generation” by Dr. William Mayo, Dr. John Benjamin Murphy (1857-1916) was a renowned American surgeon who pioneered techniques in general surgery, orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery. He attached his name to a number of tests and instruments, including Murphy’s sign (a diagnostic for cholecystitis), Murphy’s punch … More Anastomosis Button (From the Collection #8)
The Story For thousands of years, humans have attempted to maintain inner health by cleansing their gastrointestinal tracts. Two tools that have been employed for this purpose include the stomach pump and the enema.The story of the enema is much older than that of the stomach pump. For millennia, people have used enemas to treat … More Stomach Pump and Enema Kit (From the Collection #9)
