Dr Mitchell Henry O'Sullivan worked in the Victorian country town of Casterton as a general practitioner from 1919 until his death in 1977. He also practiced obstetrics. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated his obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.Metal obstetric tool. Stainless steel rod with rounded large blunt hook at one end and crotchet hook at the other.destructive instruments

Prior to the 1900s, complicated births, particularly where there was a disproportion between the size of the woman’s pelvis and the foetus’ head, often meant the death of the baby and the mother. Instruments for removing a dead or ailing foetus from within the mother were used to attempt to save the mother’s life. The cranioclast, first invented by Dr. James Simpson in the mid-19th century and later redesigned by others, was used for fetal destruction and removal. Fundamentally a strong pair of forceps, the cranioclast was used to crush the skull, decreasing its diameter. In some cases, this would allow normal uterine contractions to expel the foetus; in others, the physicians would use an obstetrical hook to pull the body out of the mother. Doctors disagreed as to the pelvic diameter that would necessitate this drastic intervention, but generally found that 3 to 3.5 inches was the smallest size through which a living infant could pass. Equally of debate was the pelvic size through which the dead fetus could be extracted. When vaginal extraction was deemed unadvisable, Caesarian section would be performed. As caesarean section became safer and more common with the advent of anaesthetics and antiseptic techniques, the use of cranioclasts and obstetrical hooks diminished. (Museum of Health Care, Kingston) Dr Mitchell Henry O'Sullivan worked in the Victorian country town of Casterton as a general practitioner from 1919 until his death in 1977. He also practiced obstetrics. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated his obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.Hinged metal tool with bakelite handles at one end and serrated teeth at other end. The instrument is in two sections. The right or upper blade has a black bakelite handle. There are two screws on the inside of the handle, 5.5cm apart. In the centre of the blade is a screw notch in the shape of a small horseshoe. On the inner side of the blade is a depression extending most of the length. The left, or lower, blade also has a black bakelite handle. There are two screws on the inside of the handle approximately 6cm apart. Mobile metal clasps in the shape of an 'S' , with three serrations, is attached to the distal end of the handle, which enables the blades to be opened or closed. destructive instruments

This is a modified version of the original Clover inhaler. Joseph Thomas Clover preferred this modified version over his later, portable regulating ether inhaler.This modified Clover's ether and chloroform inhaler is composed of metal and is cylindrical in shape. There is a gas distribution control key on the top and a metal hook enables the operator to hang the vaporiser from a strap around his/her neck. Stamped on top tap: COEXETER LONDONjoseph thomas clover, inhaler, ether, anaesthetic, portable, nitrous oxide, modified, gas, coexeter london, chloroform, rebreather bag, face mask

Growing up in Sandringham, Joy Bosomworth learned to sew at the knee of her mother Elsie Myra Keefer, a seamstress. By the time she was an adult, she was making most of her own clothes. She made this shot velvet evening dress, along with a matching stole and bag, in 1961 to wear to a ball at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where she worked as a radiographer. An evening outfit consisting of a matching dress, stole, bag and gloves. Sleeveless one-shoulder evening dress of blue velvet shot with metallic red. The dress is gathered at the proper left front waist and is lined with red synthetic fabric. Fastens with a zip and hook at the side. Stole of blue velvet shot with metallic red, lined with red synthetic fabric. Handbag made from blue velvet shot with metallic red. The bag has a gold metal frame and clasp, with a shot gold metal chain attached. The interior is red synthetic fabric, with a single side pocket. Elbow-length red nylon evening globes.joy myra bosomworth, joy myra keefer, evening dress, ball gown, 1960s

Made from meal with carry strap, and a canvas bottom. Metal elliptical shape top has a hook each side which takes leather knitted strap attached to the bottom of the canvas bag. The bottom of the bag is open so that when unhooked the fruit will fall through. A woven carry strap threads through buckles at the top of the bag.None visible

Used on local district farm 1950’s to 1960’sTwo parallel wooden 4x2 beams bolted with a metal rod and hook attachment to back of wagon. Has metal footing bolted to wooden arms upon which a bag of wheat sits. A meatball rod attached under the wagon allows it to pivot and lift the bag . None

Bag Holder for bags being filled with wheat or other grains. It has three sharp hooks for gripping the edge of the bag. Three legs splayed out at the bottom-one leg is movable.rural industry, agriculture

Large banner with hooks at each corner. VCAH Burnley appliqued on it. Made by Evan Evans Flags 680 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Original plastic bag.

Pack saddle as was used in the days that Australia was being opened up by settlersAs manufactured by Holden and FrostBrown leather pack saddle, steel hooks on the top for adding accessories. On this saddle there is a steel water cannister on one side and attached to the other is a general carry bag made from leatherHolden and Frostequine, civilian, packsaddle

A small steel oval shaped headed bale hook or hand grab with three of nine pointed hooks remaining and a turned smooth wooden handle. The metal head is attached through a hole in the handle with a rivet. It was used to assist with handling bagged goods without causing damage. agricultural equipment, farm equipment, bale hooks, hand grabs

Magnesium carbonate powder. British Pharmacopoeia. One large calico bag.MAG.CARB.POND.B.P. Use no hooks.bags