Description

A very fine example of Dr. Egusier\’s Douche. The majority of Egusier douches produced during the second half of the 19th-century were all metal or un-decorated porcelain. This example retains its original painted, floral  decoration and the gilding on the metal fixtures is in fine, bright  condition as is the porcelain. The mechanism works perfectly. Height: 9\”. 

The Museum of Contraception and Abortion site notes:

\”Vaginal Douche by Docteur Eguisier

One of the most common contraceptive methods in the 19th century was the vaginal douche, \’Irrigateur Eguisier\’. It consisted of a cylindrical supply vessel made out of metal or porcellan, from which a rinsing fluid would pass through a controllable pump system to a hose. Thanks to the pump mechanism, the douche was independent of gravity and water pressure was easily controlled.

This douche/rinsing apparatus was presented in 1843 by Parisian doctor Maurice Eguisier (1813-1851) and medical technician François Libault. It was designed for all bodily orifices, providing a rinse for the bladder, the ear, the sinuses and the intestines, among other things. It quickly established itself as a vaginal douche: The addition of sperm killing substances was intended to prevent pregnancy. Compared with today\’s contraceptive means, the method was not very reliable, but given a lack of other options it was frequently practiced. From our perspective, the application was tedious and frustrating: The rinse had to take place immediately after intercourse and was inconvenient since most apartments did not have their own bathroom; additionally, the rinsing fluid was unpleasantly cold and the ingredients irritated the sensitive mucous membrane of the vagina and the uterus.\”