Nineteenth century enema, made from pewter, by Strickland in Bristol, England. The enema is a medical procedure whereby fluid is introduced to the rectum and colon via the anus. The expansion of the lower intestinal tract brought about by this fluid prompts its evacuation. The use of enema procedures dates back to ancient Egypt (circa 1500 B.C.) and has been used therapeutically throughout history for conditions such as fever and constipation. The plunger would be used to force liquid (usually water) out of the pewter cylinder, into the nozzle, and into the anus. This piece dates from around 1840.