Breast and stomach pumps
electro-stimulation
In what can only be described as 'ancillary' medical mechanisms, we find examples of breast pumps for removal of breast milk, and stomach and rectal pumps for irrigation and removal of various liquids and solids in the intestinal track. On the quackery side of medical practice are the electro-stimulation machines which come in as many variations as the snake oil vendors could crank out.
A breast pump: English c. 1870's in a Mahogany box including hand blown glass milk jar and brass pump which attached to the glass suction bell.
Note: Patent dates have absolutely nothing to do with "when" an item was made. Yes, it tells you the most likely earliest date the item was made, but not the latest.
An 1860s combination enema and stomach pump in fitted and velvet-lined mahogany case. The set is complete and original. The large brass pump retains a superb lacquer finish and is marked: EVANS & Co. / 12 OLD FISH St. / St. PAULS / LONDON. There are two brass-fitted ivory rectal pipes, both pieces of tubing (one an esophageal catheter), an ebony mouth gag, and other items Historical note: Apparently some of our English ancestors had pretty severe problems with the digestive system indicating dietary habits which necessitated frequent enema induction. Enemas were also used as a method of administering certain medications. Or, maybe they just liked it. Who knows, but let's not go there.
An English set by S. Maw & Son and a French set by Chardin for electrical stimulation machines used to cure various medical problems during the mid and late 1800. Quackery or electro-therapy? The white square in the lower photo is the top of a porcelain battery jar which would have contained acid. A rare set. The upper English set has a Dolphin in the fly-wheel.
