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Gastroenterology

Artists beginning with da Vinci recognized the importance of the gastrointestinal tract (19-21). Hippocrates located the seat of the soul in the liver and taught that diseases were caused by an imbalance between the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile. The GI tract could be used to reestablish harmony between these humors as physicians prescribed emetics, and cathartics (22-23a). Prior to injectible medications, therapy could also be given by the oral or rectal route (24,25). The preanesthetic era precluded extensive surgery on the GI tract, though a number of procedures were possible in the 19th century (26-28).

Rehabilitation Medicine

Surgical intervention was limited prior to the 20th century so that devices made for rehabilitation and strengthening gained popularity, manufacturers employing such fine materials as silver, pewter, and porcelain (29-33). In the early 20th century, retreats were available where "patents" could get physical therapy (34,35), exercises (36-37a), and massage (38). There was no regulation or guarantee of effectiveness so many unusual and often ineffective devices were used.

Artifacts

Early peoples employed human artifacts in hopes of assimilating the health and strength of conquered peoples. The Javaro tribe of South America was famous for exhibiting the shrunken heads of those they vanquished (39). Examples are hard to find since this practice was outlawed by the 20th century, though reproductions made of goatskin are still available and can be easily differentiated from authentic "trophies".

Early Scandinavian warriors removed the tops of skulls of those they conquered in battle. According to tradition, they then drank from the half-skull while toasting ""skoal", a term which was an early Scandinavian term for "skull" (40).

19-21) Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Leonardo da Vinci was the first prominent artist to turn his attention to the GI tract though his drawings were primarily for use by other artists. This sketch is ca 1500. The next illustrations come from two of the finest pictured texts of the 19th century, the first being normal anatomy in "Traite Complet de L'Anatomie de L'Homme", by Bourgery (1866-1871), and liver pathology by J. Cruvielhier, referenced in #9 above.

22-23a) Three Fine Enema Sets

This beautifully hand painted porcelain enema set is called an irrigator eguisier and is representative of those produced in France. The latter two are British cased sets by Maw and Son. Note the fine ivory rectal attachments, and the two bite blocks located beneath the syringe for use with the gastric tube in the professional set. The final enema set is for personal use.

24-25) The Clyster

The rectal administration of medications was very popular prior to the 19th century. Seen here is an illustration from the15th century manuscript "Scenes of the Practice of Medicine", with Galen dressed in an ermine robe overseeing the procedure. This pewter clyster is from the 18th century and the ivory nozzle fits nicely into the wooden handle.

26-28) The Bottom Line

Rectal and hemorrhoid surgery in the preanesthetic era was fairly gruesome, as illustrated by Sculteti in "Armamentarium Chirurgiae" (1693). The hemorrhoid clamp is by Arnold and Sons and is ivory coated to protect tender tissue from the heated cautery. The trivalve rectal speculum is unmarked though in "pristine" condition.

29-33) Feeding Aids for the Infirmed

Many of these early aids were made of silver as illustrated by this 18th century Gibson's spoon and 19th century sick syphon (for taking in liquids). A beautiful early 18th century silver inlaid feeder is by Ball, Black & Co., NY, and a rather scary fish pap boat is made of pewter. Two others are made of porcelain, which was a more common material used for this purpose.

34-35) Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Pamphlets promoting health were popular at the turn of he century. Retreats like this one in Buffalo, NY provided "therapy" for almost any physical or mental complaint.

36-37a) Strength Improvement and Testing

Various pieces of exercise equipment were available at sanitariums like the pictured dumbbells, Indian clubs and rowing machine. This Tiemann dynamometer allowed participants to track their progress.

38) The Miracle Health Builder

Home massage treatments for health and strengthening have always been popular.

39) Shrunken Head

This is a Javaro shrunken head from the Amazon (ca 1880). The more recent copy made of goatskin can be differentiated from the original by looking at the artificial eyebrows.

40) Tibet Skull Cap

Health presumably could be imparted to the individual who drank from this jeweled cup which was made from a human skull.

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20) GI Anatomy, Bourgery

22) Enema Pump

24) Clyster Therapy

26) Hemorrhoid Surgery

31) Invalid Feeder

34) Therapeutic Handout

36) Indian Clubs, et al

38) Roller Massager

39) Shrunken Head

40) Skull Cap