Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was invented in Italy in the late 1930s. ECT is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. Psychiatrists had already discovered that inducing seizures could relieve symptoms of mental illness. Before ECT, this was done with the use of chemicals, usually one called Metrazol. More can be read here: http://theconversation.com/electroconvulsive-therapy-a-history-of-controversy-but-also-of-help-70938 This machine was used both at Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward. The object is significant because it is a well preserved instrument that illustrates the medical apparatus used at both Ararat Mental Hospital and J Ward for the treatment of mental illness.A metal instrument. The front contains three knobs, two switches, and power button. Two fully intact electrical cords - One leads to the paddles used on the patient: One used to attach to the electric source [power point]. Paddles are made of hard plastic and stainless steel metal. The back has a compartment where the paddles can be stored. The top has a carry handle.Manufacturer: Siemens Power supply: 220V 85AC, 50Hzmentalhealth, psychiatrichealth, depression, #bipolardisorder

Locality Plan indicates buildings still existing within the Mont Park - Larundel mental health complex; Table lists 16 buildings by year built, initial purpose, subsequent uses and current address2 pages,one map, one table larundel, mont park

The book was preserved in the personal collection of Dr Fred Stamp. After his death in 2018, it was presented in October 2018 to the Kew HistoricaL Society by his family. This item is part of the Kew Historical Society's collection relating to the Kew Mental Hospital and its historyLeather bound and embossed 'Visitors Book" commemorating the centenary of the Kew [Mental] Hospital, inscribed on the first pages with the signatures of the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan and Lady Delacombe, and dated 1 October 1972. The book was used, ten years later, to record the Official Opening of the Visitors Room on 2nd September 1982, and includes 19 signatures from that occasion. kew mental hospital - centenary 1872-1982, sir rohan delacombe, dr fred stamp

The newsletter was attempting to reach out to the stakeholders and friends to ask the Australian Government to grant the centre tax destructibility status. Launch of Emily's list in the centre. Monash University Research Group for Women's Mental Health launch at the centre.A4 Printer paper. 8 pages. Navy and taupe on white. Grey scaled images throughout.cultural structures and establishments, newsletter, historical site, fundraising

Circa 1920's the postcard depicts a pathway and manicured lawns leading to the Beechworth Mental Asylum administration building. The asylum was constructed between 1864 and 1867 to the designs by the Public Works Department (PWD) that was renamed Mayday Hills Mental Asylum. The now decommissioned asylum was cinsidered one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria and consisted of sixty-seven buildings, one thousand two hundred patients and five hundred staff members. The asylum was one of the first asylums to focus on treatment and rehabilitation instead of institutional confinement. At the asylum active works was considered imperative and workshops were located near the male accommodations and laundries and drying yards near the female accommodation.This postcard is significant as it depicts the historical, architectural, technical and aesthetic significance of the Beechworth Mental Asylum's administration building to the State of Victoria.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card.Obverse: Valentine Series No.1858/ The Asylum Beechworth Reverse: 1997.2464/ Valentines/ Real Photo Series Published by Valentine Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd/ Queen St.. Melbpostcard, beechworth, beechworth mental asylum, beechworth lunatic asylum, mayday hills, mayday hills mental asylum, administration building, beechworth mental asylum administration building

Report on the David Larwill tram No. 722 being removed from service and possibly being painted over. Includes notes on the Ministry of Arts contracts, other trams such as Mental as Anything, and photos of four of the trams and David Lawill. Written by Suzy Freeman-Greene. Has a close association with the David Larwill Transporting Art tram No. 722.Newspaper clipping from The Age, 1/4/1992tramways, transporting art, tram 722, david larwill

The photo is taken in 1890 and a man is depicted, entering the main gates of the Mental Hospital at Beechworth, with the lodge on his right side. The man is dressed according to the australian fashion of that time, wearing a dark suit and a top hat. The countryside surrounding the Hospital is in the background. The Mayday Hills Hospital was constructed between 1864 and 1867, with buildings created in a number of periods. It formally opened on 24 October 1867 and, along with the Ovens Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum, made Beechworth a prominent social welfare centre in Victoria. The need for an institution of this kind was arisen due to the increased number of people with mental disturbances (induced by the harsh living conditions on the goldfields) and the remoteness of the district from Melbourne. The site was chosen for its panoramic view of the countryside, the hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, all contributing to the cure of patients. It was designed in Italianate style and around 250 workmen were employed for its construction. The Hospital was originally named the “Ovens Lunatic Asylum” but, during the centenary celebrations in 1967, the name was officially changed to “Mayday Hills Hospital”, showing the gradual shift in the perception and understanding of mental health conditions over the last decades. The Hospital lies on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.This photograph is historically significant as it provides an insight into the location, surroundings and the exterior of the Mayday Hills Hospital at the end of the 19th century. It also contributes to the understanding of the district`s development and its importance to the course of Victoria`s history. Moreover, it adds information to the scientific research and the way mental health conditions were treated at that time.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on paper unframed.Obverse: Asylum Gates & Lodge/ Reverse: 3451-1/mental hospital, beechworth, australian fashion, dark suit, top hat, countryside, mayday hills hospital, ovens hospital, benevolent asylum, institution, mental disturbances, social welfare, living conditions, goldfields, workmen, italianate style, kulin nation, mental health, ovens lunatic asylum, patients

blue and silver hard bound book with silhouetteof children 'A STORY OF TRUST ' ' CHILDREN'S book inside front cover writing in ink -'Endsleigh Private School awarded to Master Harold Merifield 2nd prize for Mental Arithmatic , E. Gibbins Xmas . / coloured illustration / Printed Thomas Nelson and Sons 1904 / Two stories -A STORY OF TRUST ' and Blessed are the Merciful by the author of 'The story of the Beacon-Fire etc etcbooks, children's, 'a story of trust / thomas nelson and sons 1904 /

In a medical context, restraint is defined as forcible confinement or control of a subject, as of a confused, disoriented, psychotic, or irrational person. It is also an intentional restriction of a person’s voluntary movement or behaviour. Within the mental health sector restraint belts were used frequently particularly before the invention of psychotropic drugs.The leather restraint belt is significant as an intact example of restraint devices used in the earlier decades of Victorian mental health institutions.The black and tan leather belt consists of two parts. The first wraps around the waist and is secured with a brass buckle and perforated holes. The second consists of two small belts attached to the main belt. These also have brass buckles and perforated holes and secured at the wrist.No serial numbers, manufacturer details or personal markings.restraint belt, medical history, psychiatric history, mental health

Statement of Cultural heritage Significance for Mont Park acquired by Victorian state government in 1909 and used as a mental hospital complex comprising Larundel Kingsbury and Greswell facilities, finally decommissioned in1969. Contains extensive descriptions of regionally significant indigenous and exotic vegetation, landscaped by designer Hugh Linaker.2p. typescriptmont park, larundel, gresswell, hugh linaker

Born in Poland in 1914, Irena Higgins completed her degree in social work at the University of Lwow [Lvov]. Migrating to Australia in 1938, she lived in various places including in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney before moving with her family to Melbourne in 1945. She initially worked at the Victorian Society for Crippled Children. Then in 1952, Irena was employed as a social worker by the Mental Hygiene Division of the Health Commission at Kew Mental Hospital (which included children). She was the first social worker employed by the Victorian Mental Health Authority to work with children with an intellectual disability. She remained at Kew for seventeen years, becoming Senior Social Worker with a staff of three other social workers, a secretary and a number of aides. Two of Irena’s significant innovations at Kew were the establishment of a Parents’ Association, and the development of a network of volunteers trained to work with families in the community. Irena Higgins remained committed to social reform following her retirement in 1984, working actively to establish the first emergency housing in Kew. In 2015, Irena’s daughter Barbara Higgins, and friend Elizabeth Watts, donated a number of her papers to the Kew Historical Society. These documents constitute the Irena Higgins Collection.Black and white photograph of Irena Higgins, donated by her daughter as part of the Irena Higgins Collection.irena higgins, kew mental hospital - willsmere, children's cottages (kew)

Red cloth covered titled Warne's Large Type Ready Reckoner Revised Edition 1943. Contents include: Decimal Conversion Tables, General Information, Simple Fractions, Rates Exceeding £1, Trade Discount & Duty Tables, Commissioon & Discount Tables, Table of Dates, Hourly Wages Tables, Conversion Tables, Money Weights and Measures (Imperial), The Metric System, Electrical Measures and Simple Rules in Mental Arithmetic.bendigo, council, cattle markets, bendigo saleyards collection - warne's large type ready reckoner, frederick warne & co., ltd

This is a plaque given to the Quota Club of Warrnambool in 1983 when it was a finalist in an award given by the Victorian Council of Community Service Clubs. Quota Clubs were established to promote gender equality, to empower women and to assist people with physical and mental disabilities. The Warrnambool Quota Club was active in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s but no longer exists. This item is of some interest as a memento of the work of a service club of the pastThis is a small metal plaque (brass coloured). It has been attached to a wooden board and is much discoloured and blotched.‘Presented by the Government of Victoria to the Quota Club of Warrnambool, Finalist 1983 Award, The Victorian Council of Community Service Clubs’warrnambool quota club, warrnambool, plaque

Used for surgery in a mental health hospital in Victoria circa 1920. Positions the tongue of an unconscious patient forward; possibly used during tonsillectomies. May also have been used for patients with epilepsy. http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/259059/carmalt-s-tongue-holding-forceps-medicon-metal-circa-1920Stainless steel forcep with punch arm and base with matching hole"STAINLESS STEEL", "F.G & D" "C.TURTIN & SONS. SHEFIELD"oral & tonsil instrument, mental health, epilepsy

HistoricalThis publication is a good example of how staff in Victoria's mental institutions kept up to date with medical and psychiatric information from around the world. The publication contains a series of Papers produced as a result of a Conference regarding Reserpine in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric, Neurological, and Related Clinical Problems. The Conference was conducted by the Section of Biology of the New York Academy of Sciences on February 3 and 4 1955. The cover is tan coloured. The material is similar to a manila folder. Two metal staples. The cover and pages are slightly worn from use. The print is crisp and easily readable. 280 pages.The cover has a plastic sticker reading 377. The inner front cover and front page has an ink stamp reading "Mental Hygiene Authority Central Library, Royal Park 28 Oct 1955". The number 974 is handwritten in ink inside the front cover. The number R1 is handwritten in ink on the front page. medical, psychiatry, medication

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill / Sunbury / April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental Health Collection. During 2000 this was transfered from Mont Park to the Royal melbourne Hospital.Two men are standing near a garden with a dwelling on the right hand side of the image. There are trees in the background. Unmounted black and white.walls, w., sunbury asylum, walls album, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill/Sunbury/April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Collection. During 2000 this was transferred from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.Photograph of house with four chimneys and a shed at the back, with a garden and a wire fence and a white gate. Unmounted black and white.walls, w., walls album, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill/Sunbury/April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Collection. During 2000 this was transferred from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.Photo of St Mary's Catholic Church in Macedon Street, Sunbury. Shows church behind a picket fence and St Mary's Catholic School next door. Unmounted black and white.walls, w., walls album, st mary's catholic church, st mary's catholic school, our lady of mount carmel, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill/Sunbury/April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Collection. During 2000 this was transferred from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.The photo of St Mary's Anglican Church has been taken from Stawell Street, Sunbury. There is a picket fence along the street line and trees in the churchyard and along the roadway. Unmounted black and white.walls, w., sunbury asylum, walls album, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill/Sunbury/April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Collection. During 2000 this was transferred from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.Two woman are playing tennis on a court which is surrounded by a wire fence. In the background there are trees and a building with a paling fence. Unmounted black and whitewalls, w., sunbury health library, walls album, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill/Sunbury/April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Collection. During 2000 this was transferred from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.This is a creek scene with a hill in the background. Unmounted black and whitewalls, w., walls album, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill/Sunbury/April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Collection. During 2000 this was transferred from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.A high wooden foot bridge spans a river with a man standing in the foreground of the picture. Unmounted black and whitewalls, w., sunbury asylum, walls album, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill/Sunbury/April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Collection. During 2000 this was transferred from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.There are two large two storey buildings with return verandahs built on a clifftop overlooking the sea. Two smaller houses are on the right hand side of the pictire. Unmounted black and whitewalls, w., walls album, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill/Sunbury/April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Collection. During 2000 this was transferred from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.Eight people are gathering hay and putting them into stooks. They are under supervision. There is a line of trees along the fence line and birds are flying in the sky. Unmounted black and whitewalls, w., sunbury asylum, walls album, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill/Sunbury/April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Collection. During 2000 this was transferred from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.A man is driving a horse drawn dray. There is one passenger on the dray and another is standing at the back of the dray. A garden is in the foreground with trees in the background. Unmounted black and whitewalls, w., sunbury asylum, walls album, george evans collection

Blood was long thought to be the essence of life and the centre of the soul; it was believed to provide a person with physical strength and mental abilities. In 1677, Richard Lower and Jean Baptiste Denis, in separate experiments, attempted animal-to-man transfusions to treat mental disorders. They had mixed success but didn't appear to cure the ailment. In 1818, James Blundell became interested in blood transfusion after witnessing the many deaths resulting from post-partum haemorrhage. He began with experiments in dogs and soon established it was possible to transfuse using a syringe if he worked quickly. Blundell established that cross-species transfusions didn't work and were dangerous. The early part of the 20th Century saw major developments in blood transfusion. Blood groups were identified by 1907 and the Kimpton Brown vessel (see 3675) slowed coagulation. These transfusion needles were used to collect and administer blood for transfusions.Two glass tubes, one with straight and one with a curve at the base. The tubes, known as cannualae, were used to facilitate blood transfusions.transfusion, cannula, kimpton brown, blood, blood transfusion, blundell, lower, denis

The photo is taken in 1934 and illustrates the internal view of a ward in the Mental Hospital at Beechworth. Some patients in beds and three nurses are in view. Beds were arranged in lines alongside the walls and there were no partitions or screens to create privacy for patients. Furniture was simple and humble; bed frames were made of metal or wood and pillowcases and covers for the attendant`s tables were sometimes made of blue-striped canvas or calico. Large windows in the walls were offering ample light and the room was well-tended, with Christmas decoration, flowers, pots and carpets on the floor. The nurse in the foreground is Miss Neary. The Mayday Hills Hospital was constructed between 1864 and 1867, with buildings created in a number of periods. It formally opened on 24 October 1867 and, along with the Ovens Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum, made Beechworth a prominent social welfare centre in Victoria. The need for an institution of this kind was arisen due to the increased number of people with mental disturbances (induced by the harsh living conditions on the goldfields) and the remoteness of the district from Melbourne. The site was chosen for its panoramic view of the countryside, the hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, all contributing to the cure of patients. The Hospital was originally named the “Ovens Lunatic Asylum” but, during the centenary celebrations in 1967, the name was officially changed to “Mayday Hills Hospital”, showing the gradual shift in the perception and understanding of mental health conditions over the last decades. The Hospital lies on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation. This photograph is historically significant as it provides an insight into the living conditions of patients admitted to the Mayday Hills Hospital at the beginning of the 20th century. It also contributes to the understanding of the district`s development and its importance to the course of Victoria`s history. Additionally, it provides important information about the way mental health conditions were perceived at that time and how patients were treated. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on paper. Reverse: 1997.2665/ To Miss JA.Peach/ [hallmark: Printed by Harringtons]/ With best wishes/from/H.Jeanes/for 1934.mayday hills hospital, benevolent asylum, ovens hospital, ovens lunatic asylum, kulin nation, beechworth, patients, nurse, social welfare, goldfields, melbourne, mental health, living conditions, blue-striped canvas, calico, bed frames, miss neary, mental disturbances, traditional land, centenary celebrations

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill/Sunbury/April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Library collection. During 2000 this was transfered from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.A man and a boy and a dog are in front of a weatherboard shed and in a garden with a fence. There is a brick building in the background.walls, w., sunbury asylum, walls album, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill / Sunbury / April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental Health Library collection. During 2000 this was transfered from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital .One house and an outbuilding is behind a picket fence with a white gate. A road leads to the gate under the trees. Unmounted black and white.walls, w., sunbury asylum, walls album, george evans collection

The original photo is part of an album taken by W.Walls, the front page of which is inscribed "The Hill / Sunbury / April 1897". Whilst most of the photos relate to the environs of the asylum, there are others taken around Sunbury and elsewhere. The original album is held as part of the Mental health Library collection. During 2000 this was transfered from Mont Park to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.A woman is standing on a creek bank in a bush setting. Unmounted black and whitewalls, w., sunbury asylum, walls album, george evans collection