The Most Painful Medical Procedures Of Medieval Times

By All That's Interesting | Edited By Savannah Cox

Published November 12, 2012

Updated December 11, 2019

Painful Medical Procedures Of Medieval Times: Clysters

Despite its rather draconian and monstrous appearance, the clyster was essentially a proto-enema enjoyed by many people–even King Louis XIV.

Consisting of a long metallic tube, the clyster was inserted into the body directly through the anus so that various liquids could pass through it. Some historians speculate that Louis had over 2,000 clyster applications during his reign.

Source: Wonders and Marvels

author

Established in 2010, All That's Interesting brings together a dedicated staff of digital publishing veterans and subject-level experts in history, true crime, and science. From the lesser-known byways of human history to the uncharted corners of the world, we seek out stories that bring our past, present, and future to life. Privately-owned since its founding, All That's Interesting maintains a commitment to unbiased reporting while taking great care in fact-checking and research to ensure that we meet the highest standards of accuracy.

editor

Savannah Cox holds a Master's in International Affairs from The New School as well as a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sheffield. Her work as a writer has also appeared on DNAinfo.