Antique 19th C. French Gynecological Irrigator Dr. Eguisier's Vaginal Irrigator

Antique French medical instrument, Dr. Eguisier's gynecological Irrigator No. Used for feminine hygeine, douching, contraception, inducing labor and administering. From a family collection, well kept on display for decades.

PLEASE LOOK AT PICTURES FOR CONDITION. Advertisement in last picture is from 1873 Catalogue of Surgical Instruments - Matthews Brothers of London. Invented by Maurice Eguisier (1813 - 1851) who obtained his PHD in 1837 with a thesis on female diseases. He became a celebrated gynecologist & obstetrician, discovering pregnancy detection via urine analysis in 1842. His invention, first intended to cure gynecological maladies, was patented in 1843, and won international awards in 1849 and 1867.

His partner in developing the irrigateur was Jean Leroy, a urologist, surgeon and inventor. By 1850, it was all the rage among the ladies of the French high society. The " irrigateurs" were originally manufactured in Paris and made in Brass coated Pewter & Copper versions. Other manufacturers included Tollay Martin T. I wasn't able to figure out who these were.

By 1870, production had ceased, but women continued to use the irrigateurs into the early 1900s. Veritable Irrigateur Système EGUISIER U. M Marque de Fabrique Solidite Garantie.

2 size is the most common. It is a metal cylinder that holds about 500 ml, in which a piston moves. At the top of the irrigateur is a winding key to operate it. A tap is attached to the base of the device, to which a tube with an extended cannula was fitted. The directions are engraved under the lid in French: Close the tap, pour the liquid, turn the key to the right, open the tap.

The lid on this item attaches partially to the top, but is damaged. Some scarring of the plate over the pewter, and notice the slight bend in the base. The winding handle works, as does the tap at the bottom.

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