In the tropics rubber would decompose and tropical enemas are designed to function without the use of rubber tubing. This fine brass and ivory example comes in its original leather tubular case which contains the attachments and fittings in the lid.

The telescopic metal tubes have water tight valves at each junction. The body of the syringe is marked “Invented by W&H Hutchinson Sheffield. Registered on 30 Octobr 1840 No 445.”

• From the Phisick collection