Test your knowledge of antiques

Here's an interesting old tool box from the 18th (?) century. Can you figure out what it is, and what it would be used for?



Here's a clue. It was used for a medical purpose.

Still stumped? Read and learn.

Yes, Virginia*, it's a tobacco enema kit.

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 into 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 "blow smoke up one’s ass".

In the late 20th and early 21st century, this technique has been reintroduced, with great success, in the world of politics and government.

PS * Geddit?
PPS - Thanks to Agent 6 for sharing this. Agent 6 is a non-smoker.