Resuscitation set, Europe, 1801-1850
The idea of reviving a victim of drowning by injecting tobacco smoke into the rectum or the lungs seems very strange to us. To some physicians working two hundred years ago, however, this approach was entirely rational. The resuscitation set contains the equipment necessary to inject into the lungs, stomach or rectum. The bellows could be adapted to inflate the lungs with fresh air or to introduce more stimulating vapours such as tobacco in an attempt to revive the patient. The set includes a small ivory syringe with a flexible leather tube to inject stimulants into the stomach. It also contains nozzles, small circular discs for the nostrils and, for the rectum, the long ivory tubes at the front of the set.
Object number:
A600127
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: resuscitator
A device or instrument used for resuscitation after asphyxia or the cessation of breathing.
Glossary: resuscitation
The act of restoring life to someone near death. This is done by such measures as artificial respiration (kiss-of-life) and cardiac massage.
Glossary: enema
A liquid injected into the anus. Enemas can be carried out for medical reasons, as a treatment for constipation, or as a way to give drugs.