Purchased from an antique shop in Willunga, South Australia by Dr Malcolm Barnett, who then donated it to the collection.Glass feeding bottle. Bulbous glass bottle with openings at either end. The upper surface is rounded, and the bottom surface is angled to allow the bottle to sit on a flat surface. The upper end has a wider neck suitable for a rubber teat, whilst the lower end is narrower and may have had a valve attachment. Graduated measurement markings for tablespoons and ounces run along each side of the bottle. Embossed writing on underside of bottle reads "REG NO/47457", and on upper side reads "THE/SITAR/FEEDER/8 OZ/OR/225 ML".'THE/SITAR/FEEDER"infant feeding, infant care

Godson modified the Zwanke pessary by adding a spring catch to the metal stem.Black vulcanite pessary with metal stem and hinged wings. This design is similar to a Zwanke's pessary. There are three small hinges in the middle of the wings and a metal stud. On the back of the left wing is the number "3 registered no. 5798". Maker's name 'Arnold and Sons' is inscribed on the flattened section of the flat blade.intrauterine device, pessary

This device was used for the treatment of procidentia (severe utero-vaginal prolapse). Cotton tape would be attached via the holes at the distal end of the instrument and tied around the waist to hold the pessary in position.The usually enlarged cervix would sit in the inserted cup. The vagina and the uterus were returned to the anatomically correct position. The instrument would be removed for cleaning approximately every three months. Women deemed to be a severe surgical risk were the beneficiaries of this treatment.Black vulcanite pessary. Consists of an oval cup attached to a stem. The stem is slightly curved and ends in a bulb. There are four holes at base of cup, and similarly on the bulb of the stem. intrauterine device, pessary

This device was used for the treatment of procidentia (severe utero-vaginal prolapse). Cotton tape would be attached via the holes at the distal end of the instrument and tied around the waist to hold the pessary in position. The usually enlarged cervix would sit in the inserted cup. The vagina and the uterus were returned to the anatomically correct position. The instrument would be removed for cleaning approximately every three months. Women deemed to be a severe surgical risk were the beneficiaries of this treatment.Black vulcanite pessary. Consists of an oval cup attached to a stem. The stem is slightly curved and ends in a bulb. There are three small holes inside a small depression at the base of the cup, and two holes on each side of the bulb of the stem.intrauterine device, pessary

Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster.Uterine stem pessary. Pessary is made of copper coated lead with upper oval shaped bulb. Bulb of the pessary is made of copper and oval has a small hole in the top centre. The upper part of the stem is made of copper and the lower section is made of lead and tapers to a blunt end. On the upper outer right side on the bulb is the figure "6".intrauterine device, pessary

The pessary was first made of hard rubber then later from vulcanite. A major manufacturer was Allen & Hanburys, London. They were made in six sizes. The pessary was used to support the uterus in cases of prolapse of the uterus or assisted the conditions of relaxation of the vagina and reduction of vaginal hernia. The designer of this pessary was William Morse Graily Hewitt (1828-1893), a British gynaecologist, obstetrician and physician. Vulcanite pessary. The pessary is loosely 'v' shaped, with a thicker section at top and two 'wings'.pessary, intrauterine device

The pessary was first made of hard rubber then later from vulcanite. A major manufacturer was Allen & Hanburys, London. They were made in six sizes. The pessary was used to support the uterus in cases of prolapse of the uterus or assisted the conditions of relaxation of the vagina and reduction of vaginal hernia. The designer of this pessary was William Morse Graily Hewitt (1828-1893), a British gynaecologist, obstetrician and physician.Pessary is made out of black vulcanite. Has two hinged wings with a hole through the centre, and when placed on a flat surface the object forms the shape of a "V".intrauterine device, pessary

This pessary was often used for a condition called retroflexion of the uterus. Similar in style to Chamber's stem pessary.Wishbone style pessary, consisting of two white metal arms attached to a ring. The arms are slightly curved, like tweezers, and end in small, spoon-like prongs. intrauterine device, pessary

The Blair-Bell medal was awarded quinquennially for the advancement of science in gynaecology or obstetrics or both in the preceding five years. The image on this block was used in an article, "The Blair-Bell Award" in the Australian & New Zealand Journal O + G [1961]1:77 featuring Prof. F.J. Browne, winner of the Blair-Bell Medal, 28/10/60. Also used in obituary of Professor Browne.Metal printer's plate attached to a wooden block. The image is the official verso medal image of the Blair-Bell medal, depicting a mother and child in Greco-Roman dress. The black of the block is covered in cream paper.blair-bell award, browne fj, printing

This was one of the older types of ring pessary and resembles a watch spring pessary. They were made in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses, and came either just as a ring or with a perforated indian rubber septum. A new type of ring pessary was later made which improved on this design. Whereas this hard rubber/vulcanite style pressed on the vaginal wall, the new style instead provided a soft cushion thanks to a patent fluid filled design. This meant that the pessary did not collapse in the way air filled pessaries did, and meant that the pessary could remain in place for a much longer period without discomfort to the patient.Circular pessary made of black vulcanite. intrauterine device, pessary

This was one of the older types of ring pessary and resembles a watch spring pessary. They were made in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses, and came either just as a ring or with a perforated indian rubber septum. A new type of ring pessary was later made which improved on this design. Whereas this hard rubber/vulcanite style pressed on the vaginal wall, the new style instead provided a soft cushion thanks to a patent fluid filled design. This meant that the pessary did not collapse in the way air filled pessaries did, and meant that the pessary could remain in place for a much longer period without discomfort to the patient.Circular pessary made of black vulcanite. intrauterine device, pessary

This ellipse shaped pessary, worn anteriorly, prevented dragging on the posterior wall of the bladder, thus preventing incontinence of urine often experienced by the wearing of a larger pessary.Vulcanite pessary. Pessary consists of a loosely tear shaped flange and a stem. Upper part of pessary is enclosed, with a keyhole opening for the stem. Upper part of body tapers to a stem. Lower part of body has been cut away, leaving a heart shaped opening. The stem is attached to the body through the keyhole opening. There are multiple perforations along the stem. intrauterine device, pessary

The pessary was originally regarded as an instrument and made from cork, ivory, hard rubber or gum-elastic. In later times, they were made from black vulcanite, flexible tin, soft copper wire covered with Indian rubber, and celluloid. The form of the pessary was and still is variable -either round, oval, or moulded in some cases combining three or four curves depending on the size of the pessary. In ancient times, medicated pessaries were made from emollient. astringent and aperient. Several of these are still used, but in more modem times are called vaginal suppositories. Anal suppositories are still used to suppress the pain of haemorrhoids.Pessary, Thomas style, made of black vulcanite. Inscribed with number "60". intrauterine device, pessary

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)

This pessary was manufactured by Allen and Hanburys in three sizes - large, medium, and small. The pessary was originally regarded as an instrument and made from cork, ivory, hard rubber or gum-elastic. In later times, they were made from black vulcanite, flexible tin, soft copper wire covered with Indian rubber, and celluloid. The form of the pessary was and still is variable -either round, oval, or moulded in some cases combining three or four curves depending on the size of the pessary. In ancient times, medicated pessaries were made from emollient. astringent and aperient. Several of these are still used, but in more modem times are called vaginal suppositories. Anal suppositories are still used to suppress the pain of haemorrhoids.Thomas style supportive antiflexion pessary. Pessary is made of black vulcanite and is inscribed with number "60". Pessary is thickened at distal end and tapered at proximal end.intrauterine device, pessary

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. Set of two stirrups. Stirrups consist of long strips of woollen fabric with leather straps at each end and six metal rings sewn into the woollen fabric with leather at intervals.obstetric delivery

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 the 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. 'Horrocks' saline infusion apparatus. Consists of white, metal lidded oval shaped case [169.1], containing a gauze insert, a glass intravenous drip chamber [169.2], straight intravenous needle [169.3], wire insert for the needle [169.4] and rubber tubing [169.5]. Inscribed inside box, "Down Bros., St Thomas Street, Borough of London."hydration

Ergot aseptic was used to stimulate uterine contractions after labour to expel the placenta. Pitocin was also used for this but could also be used during labour to quicken and stimulate the labour process. 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 the 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. Box, with lid, labelled "CLASEPTIC AMPOULES/ERGOT ASEPTIC", Parke, Davis & Co, Sydney, manufactured February 1952. Within the box are three smaller boxes containing glass ampoules of "Ergot Aseptic" and two boxes containing ampoules of Pitocin.obstetric delivery

Scales like these were used to weigh babies.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 the obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The gladstone bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period. Set of small, portable spring balance scales. With case/enclosure.infant care

Used in surgery. Made from silkworms.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 the obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The gladstone bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.Round metal tin containing silkworm gut. Tin is painted pink, with a yellow label affixed to the lid bearing a central image of a red cross. Tin is labelled 'MILNE'S/SILKWORM/GUT.' Tin contains a ring of eighteen strands of silkworm gut tied with fine hat elastic, and one additional ring of silkworm gut. surgery

Used to cut the umbilical cord during obstetric delivery.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 the obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The gladstone bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.Small pair of stainless steel scissors with flanged shaft. American pattern. The number '2' is inscribed on inner aspect on both arms of the scissor.'2'obstetric delivery

Dr. Curt Schimmelbusch (1860-1895), a German physician, designed his original mask around 1889 while an assistant surgeon. Surgical assistants were often assigned the task of delivering the anesthetic. During anesthesia it was not uncommon for ether and chloroform to get onto the patient’s skin, causing irritation. Chloroform can even cause burn-like reactions. Schimmelbusch designed the rim of his mask so that both sides curve away from the patient’s face to form a kind of trough. He intended the trough-like rim to collect excess anesthetic that would otherwise have trickled onto the patient’s face. To anesthetize a patient, gauze was stretched over the metal bars and fastened in place by the hinge. The mask was placed over the patient’s nose and mouth, and the anesthetic was applied in drops or lightly poured onto the gauze so that the patient breathed in evaporated anesthetic as well as air. This type of mask is sometimes still used today for ether anesthesia in developing countries when other means are not available. (Wood Library Museum of Anesthesiology) This particular object is a modified version of Schimmelbusch's design, known as Chadborn's modification.Oval shaped chromium plated mask with two metal strips linked front to back and side to side to create a dome. An oval shaped mobile wire frame is attached to the lower part of the mask by a hinge at the back, approximately two inches from the lip of the metal handle. A "U" shaped bit of metal is attached to the front of the mask which acts as a clip to fasten the wire frame to the lower section of the mask.anaesthesia

A mouth gag was used when required to assist in the administration of anaesthesia to a patient. It is used to keep the patient's mouth open, and could also be used for oral surgery or airway management. This particular mouth gag is known as a Doyen's type.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 the obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The gladstone bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.Stainless steel mouth gag. Design of item resembles a pair of scissors, but with a foot at the end of each blade and a ratchet attached to keep the device open.anaesthesia

This type of steriliser was in use from approximately 1907 onward. Designed for surgeons who frequently moved from hospital to hospital. The body and lid of the steriliser were made from one continuous piece of metal to produce a germ-free surface. 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 instrument steriliser. Consists of a rectangular metal container with lid, an internal metal tray, and two spirit burners. The lid has a small wire handle at either end. The internal tray also had two handles and in perforated with holes to allow for drainage. The upper edge of each burner has a series of eighteen holes in the rim. disinfection

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.Wooden handled brush with pig hair bristles. With oval shaped metal case consisting of lid and base.disinfection

This type of string, or twine, was frequently used by obstetricians to tie the umbilical cord after the delivery of a baby. Thicker string was favoured because there was less chance of cutting through the soft cord tissue surrounding the umbilical vein. 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.Brown string, possibly made of hemp, in two separate lengths. obstetric delivery

Compiled for the use of Melbourne Hospital staff, and to lessen the need for external prescriptions. Also includes lists of the chemicals, drugs, and biological of the British Pharmacopoeia (BP). The pharmacopoeia is in alphabetical order and indexed. Owned and used by Dr Ronald McKenzie Rome in 1934 at Melbourne Hospital.Small book covered in faded purple cloth titled "Melbourne Hospital Pharmacopoeia". Ninety-one pages, [all intact], each alternate page is blank. Front page is inscribed "R. McK. Rome". Personal notes written inside front and back covers.melbourne hospital, pharmacopoeia

These type of safety pins were commonly used in hospitals between 1930- 1960. Pins such as these were advertised for sale as "Hospital and Sick Room Sundries" and were generally supplied in boxes of 12 dozen (144). The pins were supplied in sizes ranging from 0 to 6 - the pins catalogued here are sizes 4,5, and 6. 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.Three nickel plated safety pins (.1 - .3) of differing sizes. .1 is size 4, .2 is size 5, and .3 is size 6.

The provenance and use of these items is uncertain, but they are possibly part of portable steriliser or could have been used as abdominal binder holders.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.Two metal clamps. Each clamp consists of a central metal stem, with oval shaped handles at each end of the clamp. One clamp is slightly longer than the other.

Used for the removal of mucus, chiefly, from newborn infants. The top section of the chamber in the evacuator acted as a receptacle for wool to absorb any excess overflow of fluid/mucus. The lower section of the chamber collected the aspirated fluid. 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 evacuator with wire introducer. Evacuator has a rounded middle chamber, which is divided into two sections. Proximal end of evacuator is curved to approximately 60 degrees and has two small holes in the end. Introducer is a straight piece of wire attached to a flanged head, with a small, serrated edge. obstetric delivery