Maybe farfetched, but one way to interpret the scene in You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. is the use a soporific sponge ( spongia somnifera ). In the Middle Ages, an anesthetic was made from various ingredients, such as henbane, Indian hemp, mandragora, opium, hemlock, and wine. The sponge was soaked in it and given to the patient. The effect of anesthesia was often fatal (apnea, blood congestion) because the dosage was difficult.
So we have a vessel with the anesthetic, the soporific sponge and a sponge soaked in vinegar to help wake up.
So we have a vessel with the anesthetic, the soporific sponge and a sponge soaked in vinegar to help wake up.