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Metadata
Object Name |
rectal syringe box |
Object ID |
2017.003.06.02 |
Date |
ca. 1930s-1970s |
Description |
Green, blue, and white cardboard box that is unfolded, with several small brown stains on the inside and small grey discoloured spots on the outside. Side 1: VICEROY [logo] VICEROY MANUFACTURING CO. LTD. BLANC PUR seringue rectale CAPACITÉ DE 3 OZ. FABRICATION CANADIENNE DE QUALITÉ Side 2: : VICEROY [logo] VICEROY MANUFACTURING CO. LTD. rectal syringe [written inside illustration of white syringe] CLEAN?SAFE?SANITARY Side 3: VICEROY [logo] VICEROY MANUFACTURING CO. LTD. PURE WHITE rectal syringe 3 OZ. CAPACITY QUALITY MADE IN CANADA Side 4: VICEROY [logo] VICEROY MANUFACTURING CO. LTD. For baby’s health and comfort. Infant size smooth white pipe. Finest quality—soil resistant. Fully guaranteed for FIVE YEARS. Bottom: No. 245; [on flap] UN PRODUIT VICEROY AUX MÉRITES ÉPROUVÉS. Top: WHITE, [on flap] A VICEROY PRODUCT OF PROVEN MERIT; "1.19" is written in black ink |
Components |
2017.03.06.01 (rectal syringe); 2017.03.06.02 (cardboard box) |
Dimension Details |
14 x 6 x 6 |
Materials |
: cardboard; printing ink |
Manufacturer |
Manufacturer Label: Viceroy Manufacturing Co. Ltd. |
Owned By |
Smith, Dr. Pam |
Donated By |
Smith, Dr. Pam |
MeSH Search Terms |
Equipment and supplies syringes |
Research Notes |
This rectal syringe (also commonly called a bulb enema) was used to administer enemas. An enema is a liquid injected via the rectum into the bowels, usually to stimulate and cleanse them as a treatment for constipation or as preparation for medical procedures. The bulb enema was invented in the 1840s, and consisted of a rubber bulb with tubes attached to it. This evolved into a smaller syringe-type version consisting of a bulb and nozzle, as represented by this artifact. This type of rectal syringe was likely introduced after the 1910s, judging by the medical catalogues available online. The simplicity of these rectal syringes made it even easier for people to administer enemas without medical assistance or specialized knowledge. The syringe’s manufacturing company, Viceroy, is still a prominent Canadian rubber manufacturer. It was initially called the Canadian I.T.S. Rubber Company, but changed its name to Viceroy Manufacturing Company during the 1930s. It produced a variety of rubber products ranging from medical supplies to shoe heels, and in the 1970s it became known for its hockey pucks and equipment. Viceroy’s main manufacturing plant at the time was built in 1929 at 1655 Dupont St. in Toronto. |