Ivory enema syringe said to be presented from King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (who ruled what is now called Sri Lanka between 1747 and 1782) to his Royal Physicians. 1751-1800 Wellcome Collection [3102×1996]

The main system of medicine practised In Sri Lanka at the time, was Ayurveda. In Ayurveda achieving balanced energies in the body is crucial for good health. This might be achieved through dietary and lifestyle changes, but also through actively cleansing and purging the body. Bloodletting and induced vomiting can help, as can the extensive use of enemas. A range of medicated oils, herbal concoctions and other fluids can be introduced into the body, via the anus, to help restore balance as well as healing specific ailments. All in all it was a very important instrument and perhaps not surprising therefore that no expense was spared when making one for the Royal doctors. It is not known whether Rajasinghe presented this instrument with the intention that it was to be used on himself but it certainly is an enema syringe fit for a king.