18th Century Medical Syringe With Wooden Case. – SOLD

Description

18th Century Medical Syringe With Wooden Case Case, and framed along with a 1792 dated order to inoculate one of Boston’s poor.

The blown glass syringe of four inches has a cork on the back end, where either a bone or porcelain plunger come through. To keep as much medicine from being forced backward once administered, the business end of the rod is heavily wrapped in string (and possible treated not to absorb liquid.  This is framed with the original turned wooden case.  Both syringe and tube are in fine condition. The discoloration around the wood tube is from the gas or acid emanating from the wood (much like how prints are stained from wood backings when framed). The gas given off is also affecting the plexiglass in the air tight atmosphere,

The document appears to be in fine shape.  A partially printed document from “WARD No, 6,  BOSTON, 30 Aug’st-  1792.”  Fill out to a Dr. Thomas, “Please to inoculate Mrs Patterson on Account of the Town of Boston, agreeable to a Vote for that purpose”  -signed by Wm Smith Overseer of the Poor.  The document measures 4 x 6 inches.

Information found on the internet indicates that most of Boston’s poor came from the city’s North End, at that time densely populated with newly arrived immigrants attempting to settle in the districts near to the commercial and shipping areas. I have not researched either Dr, Thomas nor William Smith, Overseer of the Poor.

I must also admit my lack of knowledge of the subject of early medical syringes, etc., but was drawn by the age, condition, and early Massachusetts history.

From the General Edward Burka, USA Med. Corps. Collection,