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Eye Bath

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© Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

Additional Images

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Basic Information

Accession Number:1987F439
Collection:Social History
Date:1930 - 1960

Notes

These eye baths were used to wash out people's eyes when they became infected.In the 16th century people who were wealthy had eye baths made of silver. It was not until the 18th century that they were made of earthenware or porcelain and came into general use. Glass eye baths were made from the 19th century and, as methods of production were standardised, are all a similar shape. The bath was filled with boric acid to wash out the eye and alleviate conjunctivitis.


Further Information

Production Period:20th century
Medium:Moulded glass.
Material(s):Glass

Dimensions

Height:5.9 cm
Width:4.5 cm
Diameter:4 cm