What tool is this ?
Antique Tool Still In Use .
Do you know what it is?
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 ***."
This odd tool is still heavily
used by the United States
government.