The Julian Smith direct blood transfusion pump was invented by Dr Smith in Melbourne in the late 1930s. Smith founded St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne and was known as an inventor and photographer as well as a pioneering surgeon. His blood transfusion innovations were adopted worldwide during the 1940s. This belonged to Dr Bill Rawling's and was in a medical bag that he was used in the 1940s and 1950s. It was donated by Dr Geoff Bishop.Julian Smith's blood transfusion pump, for direct (person to person) blood transfusion. Included is a rotary pump, clamps, a metal cup with clamp and a metal box and lid for autoclave sterilisation. Incomplete, polyvinyl tubing missing.blood transfusion, smith, julian

Part of a collection of unknown provenance donated by Frank ForsterSurgeon's operating apron [oiled silk]

Michel clips are small clips used to close surgical incisions. They are then removed when healing is complete. They are also sometimes used temporarily as part of a procedure to stop blood flow. This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Metal tin containing two sets of applicators, which resemble tweezers. Tim also contains a thin wire device and a stand for holding these items in place inside the tin. Tin has a removable lid.surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Metal surgical tool with bakelite handle. Tool consists of a metal shaft with a hook/clip at the end. Metal fixture on the side of the shaft, just above the handle, can be used to open and close the loop of the hook.surgery

The attribution of this item as a thyroid elevator is currently uncertain.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Surgical tool. Consists of a central shaft, the shape of which bows out in the middle into an elongated oval, with prongs in the shape of double hooks at either end. Inscription on one end of the tool reads 'MAYER & MELTZER', and inscription at the other end reads 'LONDON'.'MAYER & MELTZER' 'LONDON'surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Surgical tool consisting of four metal prongs, extending from a frame in the rough shape of a pointed oval. The two lower prongs are straight, and the two upper prongs taper downwards towards the lower prongs. The top of the frame has a butterfly type screw point and two handles/finger grips.surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of tissue forceps. Forceps resemble a thin, elongated pair of scissors with a locking latch below the handle and a round loop at the end of each blade.surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of tissue forceps. Forceps resemble a thin, elongated pair of scissors with a locking latch below the handles and a round loop at the end of each blade. The blades of these forceps curve in towards each other just below the locking latch. The pin joining the blades together is a loose fit, meaning the blades are easily separated.surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of tissue forceps. Forceps resemble a thin, elongated pair of scissors with a locking latch below the handle and a small, curved claw with three teeth at the end of each blade. The blades of these forceps curve in towards each other just below the locking latch. Manufacturer's inscription on the forceps reads 'MAYER & MELTZER LONDON'.'MAYER & MELTZER LONDON'surgery

Adenoid curettes are used to remove infected or inflamed adenoids. Their sharp inner blade removes the adenoid in an atraumatic manner without causing harm to the surrounding tissues.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Metal curette (surgical scraping tool). Consists of a handle section with divots for ergonomic finger grip, and a straight, thin metal shaft which forks into two small arms with a cutting blade between them at the tips. The arms at the end of the shaft are curved so that the blade is perpendicular to the shaft of the instrument. Shaft of the curette is engraved with the text 'MEDICAL SUPPLY DEPOT''MEDICAL SUPPLY DEPOT'surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Double headed metal curette (surgical scraping tool). Consists of a thin metal shaft with a small cutting blade in the shape of an open loop at one end, and a solid metal scoop at the other end. There is an ergonomic grip at the middle of the tool. surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Metal clamping tool, possibly associated with bone surgery. The instrument has a heavy-duty clamp style head at one end, and a bolt with a butterfly screw at the other end for locking the clamp in place. The handles of the tool are engraved with the text 'MAYER &/MELTZER' on one handle, and 'LONDON' on the other.'MEYER &/MELTZER' 'LONDON'surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal forceps. The forceps resemble a set of pliers, with cutting blades at the end of the handles. The handles of the tool are engraved with the text 'MAYER &/MELTZER' on one handle, and 'LONDON' on the other.'MEYER &/MELTZER' 'LONDON'surgery

This case was designed to hold 1ml syringes.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Small metal syringe case. The inside of the case has metal fittings to hold two syringes. Case is empty.surgery

This instrument may be associated with an optical procedure, but attribution is uncertain.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal forceps. Consists of scissor-like handles and shaft, ending in a set of fittings that make an oval shape when the forceps are closed. There are two small, curved claws on the inner aspect of both halves of the fittings. One side of forceps is engraved with the text 'MAYER & MELTZER/RECd No 298644'. 'MAYER & MELTZER/RECd No 298644'. surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Metal optometer. Consists of a glass lens, metal scale and a sliding sight test plate. The words 'CONVEX' and 'CONCAVE' are engraved on the side of the scale. Top of the scale is engraved with various measurements. Test plate is engraved with the words 'COUNT THE DOTS' and a series of dots.optometry

Used for surgery relating to the thyroid gland.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal forceps. Design resembles a pair of scissors, consisting of two blades, joined with a pin, with a ratchet for clamping below the finger grips/handles. At the end of each blade of the forceps is a three pronged claw. The manufacturer's name, 'MEDICAL SUPPLY DEPOT', is engraved on one of the blades.'MEDICAL SUPPLY DEPOT'surgery

These forceps may be a version of Tate's uterine forceps. This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal scissor style forceps. Consists of two blades, joined with a pin, with a ratchet for clamping below the finger grips/handles. The end of each blade of the forceps is curved, and the inner surface at the end of each blade is serrated for grip. surgery

These forceps are a type of uterine forceps used for gynaecological procedures. This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal scissor style forceps. Consists of two blades, joined with a pin, with a small ratchet for clamping below the finger grips/handles. The end of the forceps curves to one side, and each blade of the forceps ends with a hook. When the forceps are closed, the hooks on either blade join together to make a loop.surgery

These forceps are believed to be a type of uterine forceps. More research needed.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal scissor forceps. Consists of two blades, joined with a pin, with finger grips/handles at one end. Each blade of the forceps ends with a fine, curved point. When the forceps are closed, the tips of the blades touch. Engraved with the text ' BRITISH MEDICAL SUPPLY', the number 20, a symbol, and the text 'PAT.5.3.92.''BRITISH MEDICAL SUPPLY', 'PAT.5.3.92.'surgery

Dr Joseph Clover was an early pioneer of anaesthesia, particularly chloroform. Like most physicians, he recorded his work in a casebook. This casebook records Clover's first administration of ether as anaesthesia. The book was given to Professor Robert Mackintosh by Mary Clover, Joseph Clover's daughter. along with other casebooks. Mackintosh then proceeded to re-gift the casebooks and they are now dispersed. Clover wrote this casebook when he was a medical student, before he trained as a surgeon and around the time that anaesthesia was discovered. He eventually became the most important authority on anaesthesia in Britain and is featured on the crest of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. This artefact associated with one of the world's foremost pioneers of anaesthesia is historically and scientifically significant on an international level, and is significant for its rarity, condition and research potential. It is one of the most significant items in the Collection.Bound book with heavy marbled card cover with red leather binding strip along the spine. Insides leaves have handwritten text by Joseph Clover recording his work.joseph clover, robert mackintosh, mary clover, anaesthesia

The Schimmelbusch mask is an open breathing system for delivering an anesthetic. The device was invented by Curt Schimmelbusch in 1889, and was used until the 1950s (though it is still applied in some developing countries). The device consists of a wire frame which is covered with several beds of gauze and applied to the patient's face over the mouth and nose. Then high-volatility anesthetic (usually diethyl ether or halothane, and historically chloroform) is dripped on it, allowing the patient to inhale a mix of the evaporated anesthetic and air. The device is designed to prevent the anesthetic from coming in contact with the patient's skin, where it can cause irritation.This model differs from the others in that the mask's handle is attached to the mask, as opposed to the spring. The chloroform cloth was possibly held in place by the clamp, instead of a spring. Schimmelbusch anasthetic mask, made of Stainless steel. This mask was used with chloroform cloth. Missing spring. Martin and Co.surgery, anesthetic, chloroform, surgical instrument

This anaesthetic mask has a screw missing from the right hand side. Made of stainless steel with light tarnish. mask, surgery, anaesthesia

Schimmelbusch model of anesthetic masks, used during the 20th century in Australia. Good example of the surgical instruments used by anesthetists. Anaesthetic mask made of stainless steel. Used in conjunction with a chloroform cloth. All screws intact. Spring handle is placed at the rounded end of the mask. surgery, anesthetic, chloroform

This brace was used in Adelaide by Dr R. Humphrey Marten (1860-1933). he was an English general practitioner who graduated from University College Hospital in 1883. He came to Australia as custodian of a mentally deranged patient. Martins fee allowed him to return to England and obtain a degree from Cambridge. in 1888 he returned to Adelaide and became a very successful physician and surgeon, said to be the first surgeon in South Australian to remove a brain tumor in 1901. The brace was later used by Sir Leonard Lindon (1896- 1978) one of the eight founders of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, who had married Marten's daughter.Having been used by two important figures in surgery during the 20th century this item is an excellent representation of the brace described by Eugene Doyen (1859-1916) of Paris in 1896. It is used in conjunction with a perforator, spherical burrs and a n electric saw.Small Brace measuring 25.5 cm, from the handle to the socket. It is nickel plated.doyen, brace, lindon, marten, surgery, neurosurgery.

This attachment was used in Adelaide by Dr R. Humphrey Marten (1860-1933). He was an English general practitioner who graduated from University College Hospital in 1883. He came to Australia as custodian of a mentally deranged patient. Martins fee allowed him to later return to England and obtain a degree from Cambridge. In 1888 he returned to Adelaide and became a very successful physician and surgeon, said to be the first surgeon in South Australian to have removed a brain tumor in 1901. The brace was later used by Sir Leonard Lindon (1896- 1978) one of the eight founders of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, who had married Marten's daughter.Having been used by two important figures in surgery during the 20th century this item is an excellent representation of the brace described by Eugene Doyen (1859-1916) of Paris in 1896. It is used in conjunction with a perforator, spherical burrs and an electric saw.small tapered attachment for Doyen Bracedoyen, brace, lindon, marten, surgery, centering bit, neurosurgery.

Hakata doll was given to RACS as a gift from the Japanese College of Surgeons. Made by Tomi Kono for Kyugetsu,Toyko. Kyugetsu is a famous doll store in the Asakusabashi district of Tokyo. This was founded in the Edo period and has been making dolls for 150 years.This elaborately costumed ceramic doll has its origins in simple clay figurines first produced in the Hakata district of the Japanese city of Fukuoka in the 17th century. They made their appearance in the West at the Exposition Universelie in Paris in 1900 by which time they had been transformed from toys into an artform. Most dolls are inspired by figures from the theatre: Noh, Kabuki and Ukiyo-e. These figures are sometimes connected with Geisha dolls although this is not necessarily a correct description. The robes and hairstyle are traditional but not confined to geisha.Hakata Doll dressed in elaborate kimono, in glass display case. Wooden plaque in cabinet with Japanese characters/script - presumably describes the doll. Doll has porcelain face, hands and feet, and a cloth body. This doll depicts a young unmarried woman dancing and holding an elaborate drum (tsuzumi).On plaque in cabinet: "Japanese College of Surgeons. Founded in 1974"hakata, diplomatic gift, japanese college of surgeons

The College’s spray was one of the first pieces of surgical memorabilia to come into the possession of the College. It had been used in the Listerian wards of the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and was presented , along with some other artefacts, by James Hogarth Pringle in 1930. Joseph Lister (1827-1912) is known as a father of modern surgery. His methods of preventing infection were controversial in their time, but are today recognized as a major advance in the practice of surgery. Lister’s life and achievements are too well known to be recounted here. The definitive biography was written by his nephew, Sir Rickman Godlee (PRCSE 1911-13), and published in 1917. Douglas Guthrie gives an glimpse of Lister at work: “...He never wore a white gown and frequently did not even remove his coat, but simply rolled back his sleeves and turned up his coat collar to protect his starched collar from the cloud of carbolic spray in which he operated...” From advances in bacteriology, and discoveries by Robert Koch and others, it became increasingly evident that airborne bacteria were not a significant contributor to sepsis in surgical wounds. They also demonstrated that the body had its own defences against invading organisms, which were seriously compromised by the effects of the carbolic spray. Gradually the use of the spray was curtailed, Lister himself finally abandoning it in 1887. Lister performed the first antiseptic operation, the dressing and splintage of a compound fracture of the lower leg, in 1865. At this time he used carbolic solution by application, and dressings soaked in the solution. The spray was developed later, after many different methods, including carbolic and linseed oil putty, had been tried in order to reduce the harmful side-effects of undiluted carbolic acid. The steam spray was developed in 1869, and announced to the medical world in 1871. Lister’s purpose in adopting the spray was to kill airborne bacteria in the vicinity of the operation before they could reach the patient. It came to be used all over the world for many years. However, it had serious disadvantages, which even Lister acknowledged. The principal problem was the inhalation of carbolic vapour by everyone in the vicinity, including the patient and the operator. In addition, if the patient had been anæsthetized using chloroform, the gas lights decomposed the vapour into chlorine gas, making any procedure an ordeal of endurance.The spray consists of a steam boiler heated by a wick, a nozzle for the steam to escape, and a glass jar for the carbolic solution. Fuel for the wick is carried in a tank at the base. Valves regulate the pressure of the steam, and the nozzle is adjustable. The boiler is made of cast iron, the fittings are brass, and the handles are of wood. Empty, the apparatus weighs 8 lbs (3.2 kg). lister, carbolic spray, antiseptic

The Milton Shield was given to the College in 1968 by the eminent Sydney surgeon Conrad Blakemore (1898-1976), whose family had owned it for almost 100 years. There are three known examples of this Shield in Australia. They are electrotype reproductions made by Elkington & Co. of an original created by Léonard Morel-Ladeuil between 1864 and 1866, and exhibited in Paris at the Exposition Universelle of 1867. The original is made of silver and damascened iron, measures 880mm by 630mm, and is now in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.There are three known examples of this Shield in Australia. They are electrotype reproductions made by Elkington & Co. of an original created by Léonard Morel-Ladeuil between 1864 and 1866, and exhibited in Paris at the Exposition Universelle of 1867. The original is made of silver and damascened iron, measures 880mm by 630mm, and is now in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The Shield is oval in shape, and is divided into several fields, each of which shows a different scene. The entire surface is covered in floral and animal decoration, and patterns. A cable moulding runs around the outer edge. The College’s Shield is set in a heavy timber frame bordered with red velvet and glazed.The central area is circular, depicting the archangel Raphael telling the story of the war in Heaven to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Immediately below this is the figure of the archangel Michael trampling on the defeated Satan. At the bottom of the shield are two figures representing Sin and Death. On either side of the central circle is a kidney-shaped field, the one on the left showing the army of the rebel angels assaulting Heaven, and on the right the fall of the rebel angels. At the top of the Shield are figures of cherubim and seraphim. The name of the Shield derives from the scenes on it, illustrating episodes from Paradise Lost by John Milton (1608-1674). Presented by Conrad Blackmoremilton shield, conrad blakemore, 1968

Hygieia (Ύγεια, lit., “healing”) probably began as an abstraction, which later became personified. She does not appear to be a deity of extremely ancient origin, and there has been much scholarly debate as to exactly where and when worship of her first developed. Her cult most likely arose in the territory of Sikyon, where she was worshipped along with Asklepios, the legendary god of medicine. In later times Hygieia came to be regarded as the daughter of Asklepios, although her cult was not introduced to Epidauros, his principal sanctuary, until at least the 4th century BC. The earliest large-scale devotion to her is found in the aftermath of the Plague of Athens (420BC). The cult of Hygieia was taken to Rome, along with that of Asklepios (Æsculapius), in 293BC, to avert a pestilence. Here she gradually became integrated with the old Italian god Salus. Towards the end of the pagan era both Hygieia and Asklepios lost their specific associations with medicine, and became general protective deities. A beautiful wooden statue representing Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health.The figure is highly polished, which brings out the intricate grain of the timber. In it, the sculptor has endeavoured to combine the qualities of a classical pose with a contemporary yet timeless surreal sensuality. It will stand on a stone pedestal about 90cm high, and be placed in a prominent location in the Melbourne headquarters. The College’s statue is semi-abstract in style, carved from a single piece of jarrah. The piece of timber from which it is fashioned was salvaged from the remains of a century-old shearing shed on Rifle Downs, at Darkan in the south-west of Western Australia.