The Stomach Pump
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The Stomach Pump
The Stomach Pump -- sad stuff, sad stuff.
early 19th century
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14312029
© Terry Parker / Mary Evans Picture Library
Breeches Digestion Excess Illness Plump Pump Stomach Stuff Tummy Unhappy Upset Waistcoat
EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant image captures the grim reality of an ailment common in the early 19th century: gout or other digestive disorders. The plump, unfortunate man in the photograph is in the midst of receiving a stomach pump treatment, a painful and invasive procedure used to relieve excessive gas or fluid buildup in the stomach. The yellowed, worn appearance of his waistcoat and the red and blue hues of his breeches and coat suggest that he is a man of means, yet even wealth could not shield him from the suffering caused by his illness. The stomach pump, a simple yet effective tool of the time, consists of a large wooden tub filled with water, a cup attached to a long tube, and a series of valves and stopcocks. The man's head is turned away in obvious discomfort as a helper holds the cup under his chin, ready to receive the contents of his stomach. The man's distressed expression and the sadness in his eyes convey the deep-rooted frustration and disappointment that often accompanied such illnesses, which were not well understood and could not be cured with the medical knowledge of the time. The stark contrast between the man's once plump and now emaciated appearance underscores the seriousness of his condition. The image serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional toll that illnesses could take on individuals during this era, and the importance of advancements in medical science and treatment options.
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