The tobacco enema was used to infuse tobacco smoke into a patient's rectum for various medical purposes, but primarily the resuscitation of drowning victims.
A rectal tube inserted into the anus was connected to a fumigator and bellows that forced the smoke into the rectum.
The warmth of the smoke was thought to promote respiration.
Doubts about the credibility of tobacco enemas led to the popular phrase "blowing smoke up your arse."
This odd tool is still heavily used by all Australian governments.
Tobacco Smoke Enema Kit (1750s - 1810s).
The tobacco enema was used to infuse tobacco smoke into a patient's rectum for various medical purposes, but primarily the resuscitation of drowning victims.
A rectal tube inserted into the anus was connected to a fumigator and bellows that forced the smoke into the rectum.
The warmth of the smoke was thought to promote respiration.
Doubts about the credibility of tobacco enemas led to the popular phrase "blowing smoke up your arse."
This odd tool is still heavily used by all Australian governments.
I was under the impression that politicians were quite adept without additional tools!
That seems appropriate for an instrument that comes from a time when "medical treatments were based on the theory of four humours".
https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/saving-lives-with-a-puff-of-smoke/
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co142240/resuscitation-set-cased-resuscitator
-- Edited by dorian on Tuesday 14th of September 2021 06:58:25 AM