2018-5-58 - Ear Syringe in Case

Object Type: Asset
In Folder: MIMM - Medical Instruments and Materia Medica

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2018-5-58 - Ear Syringe in Case

This is an ear syringe set in a case. The rectangular metal case has a push-fit lid and shows visible signs of wear and tear. Inside, there is a removable metal tray fitted with structured metal compartments—holders designed to securely store the syringe body and its two interchangeable nozzles. The syringe itself is composed of detachable components. The main barrel is made of clear glass, with two metal twistable ends designed for the secure insertion of the piston and nozzle components. The glass body is engraved with a graduated scale in blue ink, ranging from 10 to 50 cc. The piston assembly is entirely metallic and features a rod with a circular finger ring at the top, as well as two smaller side finger rings attached to the tip. The set includes two metal nozzles, one with a bulbous and another with a conical shape, suited to different needs during ear irrigation. The nozzle tips feature a semicircular tip and feature a flattened side to ensure proper alignment and secure attachment via the twist-lock mechanism on the syringe-tip. One nozzle and one finger ring are engraved with the number 15, possibly indicating their matching size or position in the set. Inside the lid of the case, there are handwritten words and numbers in blue ink. No visible maker's marks. The primary use of this syringe was for ear irrigation, a procedure performed to remove earwax, debris, or foreign objects from the ear canal. Warmed water or saline solution would be drawn into the syringe and gently expelled through the chosen nozzle into the ear, helping to flush out obstructions safely.

Catalogue

Reference Number: MIMM/2018-5-58

Date: 1900-1949

Creator Name:

Copyright: Free to use under the terms of the Creative Commons Licence Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Credit Line: Royal College of Physicians of Ireland

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