A 19th-century opiate syringe set attributed to American surgical instrument firm John Reynders & Company.

This syringe set is complete with two screw-mounted needles, cleaning wire, and a glass vial all enclosed in a chased silver-plated carrying case. The fenestrated metal and glass syringe includes graduation markings on the piston in the measurement of minums. A corresponding washer is used to control the amount of the injected narcotic. The 60-minum vial is sealed by a soft rubber cork with a small round opening, stoppered with a hard rubber pin made in the company’s own design. The light red and brown residue within the vial is likely evidence of an opiate solution.

• From the Lusignan syringe collection