The newsletters cover the period during the Second World War from August 1943 to February 1946 with 19 editions. These were produced every few months. They include some personal notices, church news, baptisms. There are a few biographies of those who enlisted, in the last edition. George Leslie Rayment (born 1894, Surrey Hills; died 1976, Blackburn) married Grace Lewis in Surrey Hills in 1918. They had 2 daughters - Norma Leslie (1923-1996) and Dr Dulcie Grace Rayment, a noted obstetrician & gynaecologist (died 2014). George Rayment was the donor's wife's grandfather.A spiral-bound copy of some of the editions of the 'Home Front News'. The editor was George Leslie Rayment and the newsletter was produced for the Surrey Hills Methodist Church's congregation.surrey hills methodist church, (mr) les rayment, (miss) effie craig, (dr) edna gault, (dr) edward gault, (mr) george leslie rayment, george leslie rayment

This instrument was used by Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany, and came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. Jetter and Scheerer were a surgical instrument maker founded in Germany in 1867. Their company symbol is that of a serpent curled around a rod, surmounted by a coronet/crown. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments given to his son-in-law, Dr Michael Kloss, who was an obstetrician. Dr Kloss subsequently had it engraved and used it in his own practice, before donating the item to the College. Metal instrument used for cervical sutures. Instrument consists of a handle and shaft. The end of the shaft is curved so as the tip of the instrument is almost perpendicular to the handle. The end of the shaft is in the shape of a loop to allow for sutures to be passed through it. The handle of the instrument is engraved with the word 'KLOSS'. The shaft of the needle is engraved with an image of the Rod of Asclepius, featuring a serpent wrapped around a staff, topped by a crown.'KLOSS' obstetrics

George (1895-1976) lived in Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills. He was a clerk and aged 20 when he enlisted on 16 November 1914. He was the son of James Rayment Jnr and his wife Harriet Frances (nee Ratten). He was assigned to 3rd Light Horse Brigade, Headquarters and embarked on TRANSPORT A16 Star Of Victoria on 25 February 1915. He returned to Australia 22 March 1917. His brother James A Rayment also enlisted and was assigned to the 5th Field Company Engineers. Both are listed on The Shrine in the Surrey Gardens. One of his daughters was Dr Dulcie Rayment, obstetrician & gynaecologist.A digital copy of a formal photo of George Leslie (Les) Rayment in AIF uniform; no hat.world war 1, george leslie rayment, les rayment, shrine surrey gardens

George (1895-1976) lived in Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills. He was a clerk and aged 20 when he enlisted on 16 November 1914. He was the son of James Rayment Jnr and his wife Harriet Frances (nee Ratten). He was assigned to 3rd Light Horse Brigade, Headquarters and embarked on TRANSPORT A16 Star Of Victoria on 25 February 1915. He returned to Australia 22 March 1917. His brother James A Rayment also enlisted and was assigned to the 5th Field Company Engineers. Both are listed on The Shrine in the Surrey Gardens. One of his daughters was Dr Dulcie Rayment, obstetrician & gynaecologist.A digital copy of a formal photo of George Leslie (Les) Rayment in profile in AIF uniform including hat.world war 1, george leslie rayment, les rayment, shrine surrey gardens

George (1895-1976) lived in Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills. He was a clerk and aged 20 when he enlisted on 16 November 1914. He was the son of James Rayment Jnr and his wife Harriet Frances (nee Ratten). He was assigned to 3rd Light Horse Brigade, Headquarters and embarked on TRANSPORT A16 Star Of Victoria on 25 February 1915. He returned to Australia 22 March 1917. His brother James A Rayment also enlisted and was assigned to the 5th Field Company Engineers. Both are listed on The Shrine in the Surrey Gardens. One of his daughters was Dr Dulcie Rayment, obstetrician & gynaecologist.A digital copy of a formal photo of George Leslie (Les) Rayment in AIF uniform; no hat.world war 1, george leslie rayment, les rayment, shrine surrey gardens

The '24' inscribed on the handle is a theatre number for instrument identification. Invented by British obstetrician Robert Barnes (1817-1907), these forceps were designed to "enable delivery from the superior strait and from above the brim in cephalo-pelvic disproportion." One of Barnes' aims with this design "was to reduce the incidence of craniotomy, because the Caesarean operation was at this time a desperate last resort." (Source: Forster, F M C. (1971), Robert Barnes and His Obstetric Forceps. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 11: 139-147.) With the addition of William Neville's axis-traction handle (invented in 1886), a variation of these forceps known as the Neville-Barnes forceps gained widespread popularity.Set of metal forceps, consisting of two nickel plated blades with bakelite handles. Inscribed 'EVANS & CO./LONDON'.Theatre mark "24" inscribed on handle of both blades.obstetric delivery

Enduron (methylclothiazide) was a diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. Its use has been discontinued. This object was likely produced as a promotional item by the manufacturers of Enduron.Porcelain figurine of a doctor holding a baby. The doctor has brown hair, is of male appearance, and is dressed in surgical attire, consisting of a white surgical gown and cap. There are some areas of blue detailing on the gown. Blue trouser cuffs and black shoes are visible below the gown. The doctor is holding a baby by its ankles in his left hand, and is holding his right hand against the baby's bottom. The baby is facing to the side, head pointing towards the ground. The figure is standing on a square plinth. Writing printed on the front of the plinth reads 'OBSTETRICIAN/"I just delivered/a president." Writing printed on either side of the plinth reads 'ENDURON/methylclothiazide'. Writing printed on the back of the plinth reads 'ABBOTT 1972'. Sticker attached to underside of statue reads 'THE COBID CORP'.obstetrics

These forceps belonged to the late Colin Noel de Garis. Also donated was a foetal scalpel electrode applicator- see donation form. There is a note that former honorary curator Peter Renou collected the donation. Peter Renou does not recall being involved in the donation.( Source: Grainne Murphy 15 November 2010.) This design of obstetrical forceps, with a screw in the handle, was introduced by George Thomson Elliot (1827-1871), a New York obstetrician. (Source: National Museum of American History, 'Obstetrical forceps') The 'sliding pivot' on the forceps was designed to prevent the compression of the baby's head. (Source: Elliot, GT, 'Description of a new midwifery forceps : having a sliding pivot to prevent compression of the foetal head, with cases', c.1860)"The Elliot forceps and its modifications (Elliot, Tucker-McLane, Tucker-Luikart) have shorter blades and an accentuated cephalic curve that is more suitable for a rounded fetal head that has not undergone extensive molding. In addition, Elliot instruments, because of their overlapping shanks, do not distend the perineum in the same way as the separated shanks of the Simpson-type forceps." (Source: Sakornbut, EL, 'Chapter 18 - Intrapartum Procedures', in Ratcliffe SD et al (eds.), 'Family Medicine Obstetrics', 3rd ed., 2008) Obstetric forceps, Elliot's. Consists of long shanks, made of forged chrome plated metal with metal handle, four finger grips, and distinctive screw and pin at the end of the handles. This screw functioned as a means of regulating the lateral pressure of the handles when in use. obstetric delivery

This stamp was part of a series of four stamps released by Royal Mail in 1999 under the subject 'The Patients' Tale'. From British Philatelic Bulletin, Volume 36 February 1999: "This 63P stamp (second step airmail letter rate) recalls techniques developed by British gynaecologist/obstetrician Patrick Steptoe (1913-88) and physiologist Robert Edwards. The popular term ‘test tube’ is inaccurate, the treatment - in vitro fertilization (ivf) involves combining egg and sperm in a glass dish with the resulting embryo being replaced in the womb. Initially developed to treat infertile women, it is now used to help men who produce few or defective sperm. It is estimated that about 7000 ivf babies have been born in Britain over the past five years." This object was retrieved from the mail room by and added to the collection in 1999 by College Archivist, Ros Winspear.A standard size white envelope with an 'AIR MAIL' sticker attached to from bottom proper RH corner, and a square grey, blue and black stamp in upper proper RH corner. The stamp is a Royal Mail Special issue stamp, beaing an image of a sculpture in a foetal position. Text on stamp reads, "63/ Millennium 1999/37/ Test tube baby/ A Gormley". The envelope is addressed to RACOG, and the sender of the envelope was 'FM McKellar/ 2 Norham End/ Norham Road/ Oxford OX205G/ United Kingdom.'in vitro fertilisation (ivf)

Originally written in 1885 by Alice Bunker Stockham, an obstetrician and gynaecologist who practiced in the late nineteenth century. “Tokology” refers to the study of childbirth, midwifery, and obstetrics. Stockham wrote Tokology for women to give them knowledge about issues related to childbirth and maintaining their own health. Empowering women by informing them about their own bodies, the book gives women details that they may not have talked to their doctors about considering the lack of female doctors at the time of publication. Wide distribution allowed for women of a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds to have access to information that was often only accessible to those who had access to physicians and the knowledge they possessed. Tokology made progress in helping demonstrate the confidence that comes from being aware of how to maintain one’s own health instead of being subject to the fear that comes from the lack of knowledge. Tokology is more than just a book for every woman; it is an example of the power of education and distributing knowledge to a population to promote the health of a community. In some cultures, though, this book was also seen as taboo – hence the reason the illustrated plates were “hidden” within the inner back cover as is seen with this book.The book is significant is representing the thoughts and concepts surrounding female reproductive and child health in the late 19th century. Leather bound hardcover. Dark brown cover with black embossed print and borders. 386 pages. Pages show wear and ttear through use. Some pages are torn but the majority are good. Foxing on pages. Base of spine is torn away. Illustration plates in excellent condition. Publisher: Pater & Co. Melbourne 1898Inside front cover - T1 (scribbled out) T8 in blue ballpoint ink gynecology, obstetrics, mentalhealth, childbirth, reproductivehealth, womenshealth

This Minnitt machine was owned by Dr Mary Clementina DeGaris. Dr DeGaris qualified from medicine, MB BS, at the University of Melbourne in 1905. She continued her studies, becoming only the second woman in Victoria to qualify MD, in 1907. With the outbreak of war, DeGaris attempted to enlist as a doctor with the Australian Army but was refused. Undeterred she travelled to England, where she joined the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service, a medical group made up entirely of women. After the war, she returned to Australia and set up practice as an obstetrician in Geelong, Victoria. Subsequently, the Geelong Hospital named a wing after her, "DeGaris House", which is now part of Geelong Private Hospital. DeGaris was awarded the St Saba medal, 3rd class, for her work during WWI. Robert James Minnitt introduced the concept of self-administered analgesia, using an apparatus designed and built in conjunction with London scientific instrument-maker, Charles King. The Minnitt apparatus met with considerable success and led to further modifications, including the introduction of the Queen Charlotte gas-air analgesia apparatus in 1936.Brown leather suitcase with brass locks and leather handle. Inside the case is metal equipment, with arms for attaching cylinders. On top of the case, located underneath the handle, is a small brass plate, bearing the name of the owner in black printed script on a piece of card or paper held inside the plate.Printed in black ink on name plate: Dr Mary C. De Garis.minnitt, geelong, scottish women's hospitals, world war i, obstetrician

This private late-nineteenth-century four-wheeled carriage has been built to transport a family or group of passengers with a coachman in the front seat. It can be pulled by one horse, or by two horses if the T-pole is attached. The button fittings along each side of the carriage indicate that a folding roof or hood was once attached. The frame across the front of the carriagewas likely to have been a ‘dashboard’ with a leather or wood covering to prevent water, mud and other particles from splashing onto the passengers. The rear step between the two side-facing bench seats is adjustable to allow for ladies’ long skirts. These rear seats appear to be removable, in which case the carriage could be converted to a wagon to transport goods and equipment. The carriage could have been illuminated by oil or carbide lamps placed into the lamp holders on the sides. The carriage was kept under cover for many years in an open-front sandstone building that also included living quarters and an area that may have been stable. It was at ‘Murweh’ a Warrnambool property at 203 Liebig Street. The home is now Heritage and National Trust Listed and described as a ‘gentleman’s residence’. It was built by James Wotton Shevill in the 1860s. Shevill was a councillor from 1875 to 1878, serving in 1878 as Mayor of the Borough of Warrnambool. Jeremiah Wade lived at Murweh there from 1879-1880. By 1915 F.B. Whitehead and his family were living there, and by 1930 the address was used by Mr T.J. Rome and his family. Thomas James Rome was still using that address in September 1973 after his 100th birthday. It is believed that one of the property’s owners had been an Obstetrician in Warrnambool. The current owner re-told the story that children used to hide in the back section of the carriage and smoke, hidden from the sight of onlookers. He had heard the story from a previous owner.The well-appointed horse-drawn four-wheeled carriage is likely to have first belonged to a local councillor and past Mayor of the town of Warrnambool, J.W. Shervill, whose 1860s city property was the carriage location for many years. The carriage is a rare local example of a town-based lifestyle befitting a prosperous personality of the late 19th century. It adds to the story of Warrnambool's development as a town influenced by the port, wealth gained from shipping and the home place of prominent local people such as the Councillor and later Mayor. The side-facing rear seating is unusual for a passenger carriage. It has the feature of removable rear bench seats, allowing for the dual purpose of a carriage or wagon.Carriage; the Victorian-era horse-drawn four-wheeled open carriage has a coachman’s bench seat across the front and two side-facing bench seats in the rear. There are steps at the front on each side and a centre adjustable step and the back. It has a hinged shaft, two lamp holders and a separate T-pole. The bench seats have padded backrests upholstered in green leather and each has padded armrests at the ends. A rectangular metal frame, likely to have been a dashboard, is mounted across the front of the carriage. It has two inner vertical bars. The carriage's body is painted dark green with crimson highlights on some of the panelling. Decorative oval panels with hand-painted motifs are mounted along the sides. The side panels of the carriage have metal fastener buttons attached. The iron-rimmed wheels have sixteen wooden spokes and copper cuffs on the outside of the hubs, and the rear wheels are higher than the front wheels. Wooden brake blocks are mounted onto the back wheels and are active by a metal lever at the front right side of the carriage. The undercarriage is fitted with leaf springs on each side, mounted from front to back axles. Included are: (1) The separate T-pole that allows two horses to be harnessed to the carriage (2) Leather horse winkers with metal hardware and oval brass plate on the side of each winkerMotif painted on an oval panel [a musical lyre within a blue floral wreath flanked by scrolls] flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, murweh, buggy, cart, carriage, wagon, horse-drawn vehicle, victorian buggy, four-wheeled carriage, coachman’s seat, bench seat, side-facing benches, upholstered seats, victorian decals, heritage vehicle decoration, antique hand painting, hand painted decals, motifs, iron-rimmed wheels, wooden brake blocks, leaf springs, t-pole shaft, rear step, equine carriage, 19th century vehicle, victorian transport, transport, gentleman’s vehicle, james wotton shevill, councillor, mayor, jeremiah wade, f.b. whitehead, thomas james rome, warrnambool obstruction, warrnambool genealogy, warrnambool pioneers, victorian carriage, one horse carriage, two horse carriage, horse drawn carriage

Reginald George Worcester (1903-1972) was a highly regarded obstetrics and gynaecology specialist. Between 1930 and 1933, Worcester was the Medical Superintendent at the Royal Women's Hospital. He obtained his MRCOG in England in 1935, and on his return to Australia was appointed as a university tutor in obstetrics and gynaecology. In 1939, he was appointed as the honorary gynaecologist to outpatients at the Royal Women's Hospital. Worcester served with the AIF during World War II as C.O. of the 17th Field Ambulance in Darwin and as A.D.M.S., Northern Territory Force, and the 2nd/9th Australian Army Corps from 1942 to 1943. His major war service, however, was undertaken in Borneo and Moratai, commanding the 2nd/1st Australian C.C.S. and the 2nd/9th Australian General Hospital. Worcester acquitted himself admirably during the war, with company commander Hubert Smith praising his contribution in no uncertain terms: " His [Worcester's] success as C.O. of a Field Ambulance resulted from a complete understanding of what the unit should be able to do in the transportation of casualties in the field, as well as of the usual medial functions. He organized both with efficiency and at all times difficult decisions were made with humility and good humour. The personal qualities which made him such a calm and considerate consultant never left him, even in the most dangerous and trying circumstances of war." Worcester's time in the army greatly affected his health, but despite this he was able to build a strong and reputable practice upon his return to Australia. As outlined by Arthur Hill, Worcester " was appointed in turn to the following important posts: Honorary Outpatient Obstetrician and Inpatient Gynaecologist to the Women’s Hospital (1946-1948); Honorary Gynaecologist to Prince Henry’s Hospital (1946-1963); Guest Examiner in London for the R.C.O.G. (1953); Examiner in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (1957-1964); Visiting Gynaecologist to the Repatriation General Hospital, Heidelberg 1963- 1967); and first Victorian Members’ representative (1947-1950) and later Fellows’ Representative (1953-1960) on the Australian (Regional) Council of the R.C.O.G. To these posts he brought the benefits of clear thinking and critical awareness. In 1949 he was elected F.R.C.O.G." In early 1967, Worcester suffered a hemiplegia which left him with an impaired gait and paralysed his right hand. Although unable to do major surgery, he returned to part-time practice by September 1967. His ill-health persisted though, and he was retired from practice in 1970. (Source: (1973), REGINALD GEORGE WORCESTER. Medical Journal of Australia, 1: 770-771.)Brown leather medical case. The case has a solid frame and is rectangular, with a leather handle at top. There are two locks on the top of the case, and a metal clasp on either side to fasten the bag closed. The case is embossed with the text 'R.G. WORCESTER' on top, in a position between the two locks and below the handle at bottom centre. The inside of the case is lined with a canvas bag that is buttoned to the case with press studs. The inside of the case also contains a loose canvas bag on which is handwritten 'BAG No/THREE/ R.G. WORCESTER'. The loose canvas bag has a metal zipper at opening.'R.G.WORCESTER'obstetrics, surgery

William Smellie’s straight forceps are one of the most significant pairs of forceps in the Museum collection. William Smellie (1697– 1763), designed these forceps, which were an improvement on the forceps of that time. These forceps were easier to use being shorter and lighter, particularly in the handles, with pelvic curve shaped blades. He invented a locking device for the two blades. The blades were lined with leather and greased with hog’s lard for the ease of delivery and the greater comfort of the patient, this being in the era prior to an understanding of sepsis and the need for surgical hygiene.Smellie was groundbreaking in his understanding of Childbirth and became an influential teacher of Obstetrics. He diligently studied the birthing process, particularly the descent of the baby’s head down the birth canal. His observations lead to him noting that many deaths occurred because of a lack of understanding of this process and the inappropriate handling of forceps. Smellie is generally given the credit for improving the forceps to make them easier to use and less likely to damage the baby. Smellie’s "Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Midwifery" was published In 1751 and became a widely influential teaching resource. Copies of this birth atlas are held in the Frank Forster Library, RANZCOG. Smellie's obstetric forceps. Iron forceps with traces of leather on the two blades. The blades touch at the tips when the blades are fully closed. The handles have a metal sheet coating and would also have been covered in leather originally. There is a notch at the centre to lock the blades in place. Noneobstetric delivery, william smellie

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993. The contents of this box are consistent with use by a midwife, but such a box would have been cumbersome and heavy to carry around. It is possible that Mary Howlett would also have had a bag for her midwifery requirements.This midwifery box is highly significant as it includes close to the original contents of one midwife's 'professional kit' up to 1920. The contents reveal something of the professional practice of a midwife in country Victoria at that time.A wooden box with hinged lift-up lid, one drawer, and an inner wooden tray. Rests at each side inside box indicate another tray may have originally sat across the top. Pasted inside the lid is a product list from Robert McDonald (chemist and druggist). There are locks for both the main chest section and the drawer. A circular section is cut out of the bottom of the drawer. The contents of the box include, enema syringe, a red rubber douche, glass breast pump, nipple shields, a thermometer in travel case. Also includes cotton bandages, a tooth extractor, and fetal stethoscope.midwifery

This item was purchased at Leski's, Melbourne, Medical collection auction, 8 May 2013. The incubator was part of a rare collection of medical, dental and pharmaceutical objects belonging to a tourism business, Kryal Castle, near Ballarat, Victoria from 1974. At some point,apparently, an officer manager discarded the museum records, so the provenance of the neonatal incubator, and many other items in the Leski auction, has been lost.Neonatal incubator, "Glenleigh", made and used, late 1950s- early 1960s. The four side laminated panels as well as bottom panel are possibly made of asbestos fibreboard,. Each panel is sealed with polished aluminium strips, and has a metal handrail.The incubator is mounted on four castors made by "Shepherd USA'. On the front panel is a bakerlite dial and a bakerlite switch. The item is incomplete: the cover, probably glass, is missing. Inside the unit is an old calico infant's mattress.There are two name plates on the front panel; “Australia/ Victor Watson/Limited/ New Zealand” and "Glenleigh/ Baby Incubator/ Aeronautical & Industrial Lighting Co/ 677-9 North Road Carnegie”. Australia/ Victor Watson/Limited/ New Zealand” "Glenleigh/ Baby Incubator/ Aeronautical & Industrial Lighting Co/ 677-9 North Road Carnegie”. Castors::"Shepherd USA'

This chair belonged to Dr Zacharin from 1970 until he donated it to the College in 2009. Its origins prior to this time are uncertain.Gynaecological examination chair, metal painted white, with two detachable metal stirrups with a back panel, seat panel and leg panel. The leg panel can be adjusted upwards to make a table. The back panel has an upright and two reclining positions. The seat panel has a side mechanism that makes the panel tilt backwards, so that a patient can be positioned head downwards with legs upwardsobstetrics

Donated by Miss Beatrice May Devlin, items that belonged to her paternal grandfather, Dr Henry William Devlin graduated in Medicine from Dublin, worked at the Rotunda hospital, Dublin. He immigrated to Australia and was the first doctor to practice in Parkes NSW.Sphygmomanometer,"Tyco", manufacturer; Short and Mason Ltd London brand, complete and excellent condition in original case.

Part of Frank Forster's baby feeding bottle collection. In Australia, this type of bottle was known as "Truflow"; and was manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. The missing 'c' on this bottle makes this bottle rare and of greater value than similar ones with the correct spelling. (Verbal communication: Helen Johnson) In Australia this type of bottle was known as "Truflow" which was also manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.Broadly cylindrical glass bottle, but flattened to create six sides. Graduations in ounces and cubic centimetres written on two sides. With cream coloured plastic top. The first 'c' in cubic is missing in the text on the bottle. Bottle carries the text "evenflo", "MADE IN U.S.A", "BOTTLE CONFIG. R". Text on base reads "FF (in circle) 18"infant feeding, dr frank forster

This was used in the Gynaecology Outpatients Department at the Mater Maternity Hospital, Brisbane. Subsequently stored in Dr Brunello's shed. He has another 3 identical items. A second identical item is held - for archival purposes. James Ernest Ayre was a Canadian; he spent time studying with Papanicolaou in his New York laboratory. Ayre's spatula was developed for taking Pap smears, but was never patented. Received subsequent to the opening of the new museum in early November 1997. This was a replacement for a similar item left after the February 1997 Council meeting. This was apparently lost. Dr Brunello was the president of the College at the time. First item subsequently located.Stainless steel pap smear spatula 18cms in length. The surface is smooth, except for parallel scoring along the spatula's head.pap smear

Francis James Browne died in Sydney 1963. He had a long career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Summary of appointments include: General Practice in Wales, Maternity Department of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 1st director of obstetric unit, University College Hospital London. Retired and continued postgraduate teaching in London and NSW. Married to Grace Cuthbert, who was director of Maternal and Baby Welfare in NSW. A collection of objects found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers were transferred from the Archives to the Museum collections in January 1994.A round metal badge with a green enamelled rim. There is a shield in the centre which is divided into three. In the left hand comer there is a flag, in the right hand comer the medical insignia, and at the bottom of the shield there is a sailing ship. The year 1938 is either side of a central white enamelled plug with the number "106" on it. Attached to the badge is a green grosgrain ribbon, to which is attached an oblong bar with a pin at the back. Inscriptions Around the edge of the badge: "THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PLYMOUTH"; inscribed on the back of the badge: "BRUFORD, EASTBOURNE AND EXETER"; front lower right hand side ofbadge:"M & W"; front of bar: "PRESIDENT/ GYNAECOLOGY and OBSTETRICS"numismatics, browne fj, rcog

The neck of this bottle is quite wide and would have been fitted with quite a large teat. The use of an inbuilt thermometer on this bottle by the manufacturers, Kuwa, was quite innovative.Cylindrical glass feeding bottle, with calibrations for 1 to 8 (ounces) and 50 to 200 (mls). There is a vertical recess in centre front of the bottle, which contains a thermometer. There are two vertical seams in the glass, and a longitudinal bubble in the glass near the neck. Embossed on the neck of the bottle: "Kuwa" and "Made in Germany" on the lower front of bottle near the base."KUWA"; "MADE IN GERMANY"infant feeding

Maws were a well known British medical instrument and supply manufacturer. Originating as J and S Maw in 1828, the company changed names a number of times and was renamed Maws Pharmacy Supplies Limited in 1940. It continued trading as such until the company was sold to an American company (ITT) in 1973. Clear glass feeding bottle with four rounded edges, tapering to s short neck. Calibrations for ounces and mls imprinted on opposite sides of the bottle. Bottle in inscribed "MAWS" and "HEAT RESISTING". On base, "MADE IN BELGIUM".infant feeding, infant care

This design was modelled on Queen Victoria's nursery bottles and would have been in use during mid 1880s to the early 1900s. This item is very similar to the Alexandra Feeding Bottle featured in the Maws catalogue of 1868. It was named after the then Princess Alexandra of Wales, later Queen Alexandra. This model had a glass stopper and a long rubber tube which connected at one end to a teat and to a glass tube at the other. The fittings were very difficult to clean and would hold milk particles, making them a breeding ground for the formation of bacteria. Sterilisation of feeding bottles by boiling, and boiling of milk and water, were not practiced effectively at this time.Globular shaped feeding bottle embossed with a crown on the upper surface. Next of bottle fitted with a glass thread. Writing imprinted on front of bottle, inside a ring, reads "THE VICTORIA FEEDING BOTTLE". The bottle has a flat shaped bottom to allow it to balance on a surface while being used."THE VICTORIA FEEDING BOTTLE"infant feeding, infant care

Crown Crystal Glass were an Australian glass manufacturer, who were the Australian vendors for Pyrex from 1926, importing from the UK. In 1961, Crown Crystal Glass began manufacturing their own Pyrex, under the name Agee Pyrex (until 1963), Crown Agee Pyrex (late 1960s), Crown Pyrex (1970s), Crown Ovenware (1970s) and Pyrex Ovenware (late 1970s until early 1980s). Source: That Retro Piece, 'PYREX | Australian', https://thatretropiece.com/collections/pyrex-australian "The use of pyrex bottles became more prevalent in Australia in the second half of the 20th century and baby’s bottles made of pyrex were popular as they were easily sterilised in the home environment." Source: Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc., 'Bottle, The Perfect Agee Feeding Bottle, Mid 20th century', https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/592fe71ad0cdd520341b3954Octagonal glass bottle tapering to a narrow neck. Calibrations for ounces and mls imprinted on the sides of the bottle. Text inscribed on bottle reads " THE IDEAL AGEE/PYREX/FEEDER"."THE IDEAL AGEE/PYREX/FEEDER"infant feeding, infant care

Small feeding bottles were used to feed milk to newborns or juice to older infants. Crown Crystal Glass were an Australian glass manufacturer, who were the Australian vendors for Pyrex from 1926, importing from the UK. In 1961, Crown Crystal Glass began manufacturing their own Pyrex, under the name Agee Pyrex (until 1963), Crown Agee Pyrex (late 1960s), Crown Pyrex (1970s), Crown Ovenware (1970s) and Pyrex Ovenware (late 1970s until early 1980s). Source: That Retro Piece, 'PYREX | Australian', https://thatretropiece.com/collections/pyrex-australian "The use of pyrex bottles became more prevalent in Australia in the second half of the 20th century and baby’s bottles made of pyrex were popular as they were easily sterilised in the home environment." Source: Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc., 'Bottle, The Perfect Agee Feeding Bottle, Mid 20th century', https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/592fe71ad0cdd520341b3954Small clear glass bottle with a short narrow neck. Imprinted with calibrations for ounces (0-4) and millilitres (0-120). Embossed on side of bottle: "Agee/ PYREX/ Feeder".infant feeding, infant care

Crown Crystal Glass were an Australian glass manufacturer, who were the Australian vendors for Pyrex from 1926, importing from the UK. In 1961, Crown Crystal Glass began manufacturing their own Pyrex, under the name Agee Pyrex (until 1963), Crown Agee Pyrex (late 1960s), Crown Pyrex (1970s), Crown Ovenware (1970s) and Pyrex Ovenware (late 1970s until early 1980s). Source: That Retro Piece, 'PYREX | Australian', https://thatretropiece.com/collections/pyrex-australian "The use of pyrex bottles became more prevalent in Australia in the second half of the 20th century and baby’s bottles made of pyrex were popular as they were easily sterilised in the home environment." Source: Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc., 'Bottle, The Perfect Agee Feeding Bottle, Mid 20th century', https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/592fe71ad0cdd520341b3954 Clear glass bottle tapering to a short narrow neck. Calibrations embossed on the glass in ounces (0-8) and mls (0-240). Embossed on the side: "Agee/PYREX/Feeder"."Agee/PYREX/Feeder"infant feeding, infant care

These bottles were used in hospital maternity wards to relieve baby's thirst, particularly in the immediate postpartum before the mother's milk came in.Small clear glass bottle tapering to a wide neck with a thread for a screw top. Metal screw top lid. Calibrations embossed on glass in millilitres (0-120). Embossed on front of bottle: 'Nestle'. Printing on paper label adhered to bottle reads 'Sterile Feeding/Water/Name/Ward'.infant feeding, infant care

This is a destructive instrument which, when placed around the neck of the fetus and twisted, succeeded in severing the head. This type of instrument was used in emergency surgery when the fetus was already dead and the mother's condition was critical. This instrument might also have been used to remove tumors. Source: Yale University Library, 'Blunt hook and crochet', https://collections.library.yale.edu/catalog/17322011 This was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, from Box Hill Hospital labour ward given to RANZCOG in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill hospital combined with St George's hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Obstetrical crotchet. Nickel plated stainless steel, with large blunt hook at one end and crotchet hook at the other, and fluting at the centre. "B.H.H.L. Ward"destructive instruments

Similar to Willett's placenta praevia forceps [see Down Bros Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances, c1930, p 940]. John Abernethy Willett (1872 -1932) modified an existing pair of surgical scalp forceps for use in bringing down the head of a foetus in the case of placenta praevia. As the safety of c-sections increased and fetal viability became a dominant consideration, these were used only for the dead/pre-viable foetus. (Source: Baskett, Thomas. 'On the Shoulders of Giants - Eponyms & Names in O&G'.) This was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, from Box Hill Hospital labour ward given to RANZCOG in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill hospital combined with St Geroge's Hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Pair of long handled forceps, placenta praevia style. Inscribed "B.H.H.L Ward" inner handle."B.H.H.L Ward"destructive instruments