Monday, May 19, 2014

Blowin smoke

Can you name this old tool?
    Do you know what it is?
 Give it a guess, and then look below for the answer.
  Hint: Used by a physician...
  Hint: It's a kit...
   Enemas (1750s-1810s).

The tobacco enema was used to infuse tobacco smoke into a patient's rectum for various medical    purposes, primarily the resuscitation of drowning victims.  A rectal tube inserted into the anus was connected to a fumigator and bellows that forced the smoke towards the rectum.

The warmth of the smoke was thought to promote respiration, but doubts about the credibility of tobacco enemas led to the popular phrase, "blowin' smoke up your ass." 







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