Adjustable Spittoon

1881  | Object #: 0337.0005

According to a dental catalog of the day, “It is readily adjustable to the position of the chair; that is, it can by an easy movement of the hand be raised or lowered to suit the height at which the chair is placed at the moment. The normal position of its base is, say, eighteen inches to the left side of the chair, from which position its basin will ordinarily be inclined towards the chair and patient; but should the operator desire to stand on that side of his patient, the standard of the spittoon can be instantly inclined in the opposite direction.”

At a time when running water was not widely available, this  spittoon featured a continuous supply of freshwater that rinsed waste down through the center column. Both the water supply and drain connected with plumbing lines under the floor.