NEEDLE AND SYRINGE.
A gold or platinum pointed needle should be used, fitted with a screw to gauge the depth of insertion, and of sufficient caliber to allow the preparation to pass through freely. There are several makes admirably adapted to this purpose, [Fig. 9]. A common hypodermic would be utterly useless.
Fig. 8.—Section of hemorrhoid showing internal spongy structure (Esmarch).
A common glass barrel, metal bound, hypodermic syringe is all that is needed. It should be provided with side handles. Draw the medicine into the syringe before screwing on the needle, force out the air and gauge the nut on the piston for about as many minims as thought will be required.
When a syringe is not kept in constant use the piston will dry out and stick to the barrel. This is remedied by setting the nut on the piston when laying the syringe away, so that the piston will not quite go to the bottom of the barrel. When it is desired to use the syringe, screw back the nut, say sixteenth of an inch, and take up the syringe with thumb on the piston handle and finger on the cap at the other end, and press together, thus freeing the piston.
Fig. 9.—Syringe, needle and flexible silver canula.
A heavy, open face watch glass with a center facet is a good receptacle for the injection compound before drawing it up in the syringe.