I think it was discovered the other way around - it wasnt that there existed a problem (hiccups) that needed to be solved and someone experimented until they found a solution (digital rectal insertion). Rather, there was a common pastime (digital rectal insertion) and people noticed that while they had their fingers up their bums they never suffered a specific condition (hiccups).

Interestingly, I have always been an advocate for the pastime as a cure for onychophagia.
( enoughblueskyforsailorstrousers, Sat 3 Jan 2009, 22:15, Reply)