Can You Name This Strange Old Tool?

Jackie Poff
Stroke Survivors Tattler

I thought you would enjoy this educational moment in Canadian history. 

• Can you name this strange old tool?
• Do you know what it is?  

Tobacco Smoke 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. Doubts about the credibility of tobacco enemas led to the popular phrase, 'blowing smoke up your ass'.

Amazingly, it is still in constant use in Ottawa,
by the best senators money can buy.