This French Service medal was awarded to F.J. Browne for service in the First World War tending to the wounded soldiers evacuated from France on hospital ships. The places inscribed on the medal are all in the Communaupole (Urban Area) of Lens-Liévin in the Pas de Calais where the broad plain and low hills of Artois saw some of the most savage and bloody fighting of World War I.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 collection in January 1994. A small round gold medal (.1) with presentation case (.2). The scene on the front of the medal depicts an ancient castle & surrounds with the rising sun in the background, and is inscribed "SUNT LACRYMAE RERUM". On the reverse is a figure of a winged woman against a cross, and the inscription "AUX HEROS", above a list of inscribed place names: "DE GARENCY, VIMY, ABLAIN, AVION, SOUCHEL, LENS, LORETTE, LOOS". The outside of the presentation case is maroon leather. There is a cream velvet mount for the medal and the inside of the lid of the case is lined with cream satin. "A. MAYEUR" is inscribed on both sides of the medal. "SUNT LACRYMAE RERUM", "AUX HEROS", "DE GARENCY, VIMY, ABLAIN, AVION, SOUCHEL, LENS, LORETTE, LOOS", "A.MAYEUR"numismatics, world war i, france, browne fj

Carl Rudolph Braun (1823-1891) was the inventor of this instrument, as well as a type of decapitation hook. Braun was born and practiced in Austria, and followed Semmelweis as assistant to Klein at the Vienna Maternity Clinic in 1847, before becoming its head in 1856. Braud added a gynaecology section to the clinic in 1858, being convinced that obstetrics and gynaecology should be together. (Source: Baskett, Thomas. 'On the Shoulders of Giants: Eponyms and Names in Obstetrics and Gynaecology'). This device was included with a range of other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward 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.Craniotomy forceps, Braun's. Stainless steel forceps, with wingnut. Upper blade has open oval section and ridged grip section on the handle. Lower blade has serrated inner edge and ridged grip section on the handle. Wingnut is used for attaching the upper and lower blades of the forceps. Inscribed "B.H.H.L Ward" on forceps."B.H.H.L Ward"destructive instruments

Used for probing a woman's uterus through the cervix, to measure the length and direction of the cervical canal and uterus. Dilators are primarily used to open and dilate the cervix to gain access to the uterine cavity but can also be used as sounds. This device was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward 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.Three bladed Sims uterine dilator, consisting of upper blade, lower blade, bridge, and wingnut. Blades are polished stainless steel with matte steel handles. Upper surface inscribed, (trademark) MADE IN GERMANY INOXIDABLE", "21"."21"box hill hospital

Embryotomy is a destructive procedure whereby a fetus is dismembered to facilitate removal from the uterus when delivery is obstructed or impossible. It carries a risk of trauma (such as uterine rupture or vaginal/cervical injury) but aims to reduce the risks of mortality and impaired function to the patient. (Source: Medecins Sans Frontieres, 'MSF medical guidelines - Essential obstetric and newborn care - 9.7 Embryotomy'') This instrument was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward 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.Embriotomy scissors. Curved-on-flat scissors with take-off point.destructive instruments

A pelvimeter is used in obstetrics for measurement of the female pelvis, with the aim of attempting to determine whether there will be any potential issues with a vaginal birth. The style of this pelvimeter is similar to Collyer's pelvimeter as depicted in Aesculapius Surgical Instruments p. 2195. This instrument was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward 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.Pelvimeter. Similar in style to Collyer's pelvimeter. Has adjustable arms hinged with a wingnut, and a scale graduated in inches and centimetres.obstetrics

A pelvimeter is used in obstetrics for measurement of the female pelvis, with the aim of attempting to determine whether there will be any potential issues with a vaginal birth. This pelvimeter is similar in style to Martin's pelvimeter (see Aesculapius). This instrument was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward 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.Pelvimeter, manufactured by Ramsay. Metal device with calibrator graduated to 18 inches/ 45 cms. Inscribed " Ramsay" upper arm."Ramsay"obstetrics

Victor Bonney (1872- 1953) was a gifted and innovative surgeon. One of Bonney’s most notable achievements was his development of a successful procedure for myomectomy. After his wife developed fibroids and had her uterus removed early in their marriage, Bonney took a great interest in the practice of conservatism in surgery. Prior to Bonney, myomectomy “had fallen into disuse because of excessive blood loss during the operating and the infections that commonly followed” (Chamberlain, 'The master of myomectomy') , but Bonney saw an opportunity to revolutionise this practice. In his words: “I set myself to make myomectomy so feasible, successful and safe as to render it a fair alternative to hysterectomy in every case… Excepting only in a very few instances… I have succeeded, and now enter the operating theatre free of the trammels which at one time too often compelled my hand against my heart.” (Bonney, 'The fruits of conversatism') Bonney’s crucial innovation was the development of a new surgical clamp, an instrument which is now referred to as Bonney’s myomectomy clamp. The clamp was ingeniously designed to cut off blood supply to the uterus by compressing the uterine arteries, immediately reducing the excessive blood loss which had previously been associated with the procedure. Although technological advances mean that these are now seldom used, Bonney’s success with this procedure was such that his clamps were regularly used for myomectomy procedures for decades after his death. This instrument was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward 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. Stainless steel clamp. Scissor type instrument with two sets of finger grips and a locking ratchet mechanism. The blades close to form two apertures which can be selectively decreased in size."DOWN BROS LONDON STAINLESS" upper surface of RH handle; "B.H.H.L. WARD" inner surface of LH handle.surgery, obstetrics

An important part of any surgical room, instrument trays are used to organise and hold instruments during surgery.Square metal instrument tray.surgery

Nipple shields will help some babies attach to the breasts, that are otherwise unable to. They are used occasionally with women who have flat or inverted nipples and their baby is unable to attach to the breast. Shields are made of a fine, silicone material that sits over the areola and nipple. (Source: Mater Mother's Hospital, 'Engorgement and Breast milk Oversupply') The business card [118.4] belonged to W Henderson, who was most likely a sales representative of Surgical Manufacturing C, 191 Lygon Street, Carlton. The card was inserted into the box with the nipple shields, suggesting that the product may have been distributed by Surgical Manufacturing.Opaque plastic nipple shields, with manufacturer's box [118.3] and supplier business card [118.4]. Box is printed with the text "MATER/NURSING/SHIELDS/(Reg. Design)".breast feeding

This style of milk bottle began to appear in Australia in the 1930s. The number stamped on the base indicated the dairy to which the bottle belonged. Nursery milk had a higher guaranteed fat content than ordinary milk. Lady Talbot, the wife of a Victorian Governor, was associated with the movement that was to become the Free Kindergarten Union in 1908. The Talbot Milk Institute was associated with the Union. It provided free uncontaminated milk to needy families, since many infant deaths and illnesses were traceable to unsuitable or adulterated food. A wide necked milk bottle made of clear glass. Embossed in an arc on the front of the bottle: 'Lady Talbot Milk Supply Co. Specially supervised nursery milk.' Also embossed on base: '62'.infant feeding

Nipple shields will help some babies attach to the breasts, that are otherwise unable to. They are used occasionally with women who have flat or inverted nipples and their baby is unable to attach to the breast. Shields are made of a fine, silicone material that sits over the areola and nipple. (Source: Mater Mother's Hospital, 'Engorgement and Breast milk Oversupply') This item may have come originally from Arthur Wilson's rooms, as Ronald McKenzie Rome was his assistant and junior partner and took over Arthur Wilson's rooms.A pair of clear round plastic nipple shields, each with a top and bottom which fit together by twisting in a clockwise direction. Each shield has a small hole in the top, and a central opening in the bases. Test imprinted around rim reads 'OPEN [two way arrow] CLOSE"; "Woolwich/BREAST SHIELD/PAT NO 635433"; "Allenburys".breast feeding

The “Saf-T-Coil” (Julius Schmid Laboratories, Little Falls, New Jersey, USA) IUD was a first generation IUD that entered manufacturing in 1965 and was one of the first inert type plastic IUDs to be commonly used. It was also one of the first to adopt the familiar T-shape of IUDs still used today. It was accepted during its time as being generally safe, effective and easy to insert, with low expulsion rates due to its bulky frame. Production was halted in 1982 for economic reasons as newer contraceptive methods gained popularity. (Madden et al. 'A Case of Migrating “Saf-T-Coil” Presenting With a Vesicovaginal Fistula and Vesicovaginal Calculus', https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214442016300286)Saf.T. Coil 33.s intrauterine device, with inserter. Sealed in original sealed plastic packaging, unopened. Shape resembles a double coil with ends that spiral inwards. The inserter has an adjustable blue 'stop' pre-set at 1 3/4" for insertion into a 'normal' uterus. There is also an instruciton leaflet enclosed.intrauterine device, contraception

This item belonged to Dr Cyrus Jones, who performed a lot of circumcisions. There is a section on the tape made in the museum in c. June 1997 where Dr Jones talks about this. These devices were possibly made in Melbourne, perhaps by Surgical Manufacturers. The method of use for this item is as follows. Unscrew large screw to release bell. Bell sits on tip of penis inside prepuce. Pull prepuce up & through hole to trap prepuce skin. Reassemble, & tighten screw to prepuce and cut foreskin loose.A chrome metal medical device for performing circumcisions. Consists of a metal key/foot section, and a metal screw for tightening.surgery

Glycerin is used as a laxative. It works by causing the intestines to hold more water, which softens the stool. Glycerin rectal is used to treat occasional constipation or to cleanse the bowel before a rectal exam or other intestinal procedure. (https://www.drugs.com/mtm/glycerin-rectal.html)Metal and glass syringe with cork plunger [125.2], used for rectal irrigation. In original manufacturers box which is printed, "Glycerine Syringe"/ For the relief and cure of constipation". Box [125.3].constipation, irrigation

These were intended for use during pregancy, worn as an aid for the correction of inverted or depressed nipples. Nipple shields will help some babies attach to the breasts, that are otherwise unable to. Shields are made of a fine, silicone material that sits over the areola and nipple. (Source: Mater Mother's Hospital, 'Engorgement and Breast milk Oversupply')Two nipple shields with original cardboard box and leaflet. Each nipple shield is plastic and consists of two parts which are separated by turning the top part anti-clockwise. The bottom part of each shield has a central opening 3cm in diameter. Box is cube shaped with olive green writing. Instruction leaflet is printed in red. Text imprinted on shields reads "OPEN [two way arrow] CLOSE"/"ESCHMANN ENGLAND". Text on lid reads "Two/MEREDITH/BREAST/SHIELDS" with some specifications.breast feeding

Artefact may have been used for enema or vaginal irrigation. 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.Black bakelite irrigator, resembling a test tube in shape. The irrigator has four entries, a connecting bridge and serrated edged flange. Stopcock attachment and tubing are missing.irrigation, midwifery

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.Small black bakelite irrigator nozzle. There are 7 entries in the nozzle head. Small ridge around neck of nozzle.irrigation, midwifery

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. Syringe attachment with 4 depressions of equal size around the base. Inside is a shallow rim. The inside is hollow and wider at the base rim than the top. It tapers to half the circumference size at the outlet.intravenous device, midwifery

Believed to have been acquired from Dr Frank Forster. Eupnine Vernade was a product used in the early 20th century for the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and bronchiectasis adjuvant in the treatment of sequaelae of influenza. It contained 10% caffeine iodide, and "exerts an intense action on the respiratory tract, stimulating the bronchial secretion and facilitating expectoration. It regulates and strengthens the heart, contracts the blood vessels of the splanchnic area, but dilates those of the heart and lung. It "also exerts a powerful diuretic action, thus diminishing the strain on the heart." This tongue depressor, therefore, also functions as a form of medical advertising.Metal tongue depressor with rounded ends and a slight convex curve. Inscribed "EUPNINE VERNADE"."EUPNINE VERNADE"examination, advertising

This item may have been used for enema or vaginal irrigation. 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.Black bakelite nozzle with one entry. irrigation, midwifery

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. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster and he donated to the museum collection in 1993. A related item held in the collection is Mrs Howlett's linen apron donated by Patricia Thompson in 1993.Black bakelite irrigation nozzle.midwifery, irrigation

This item can be used for cleaning rubber tubing or to assist with the introduction of rubber catheters and tubing. 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.Device made of metal wire with a rounded point at one end and an eye hook the other end.surgery, midwifery

“Albert Smith’s Retroversion Pessary consists of two lateral sigmoids, united at each end by bows, one wide and rounding, the other short and more sharply curved. Smith’s form narrows from above (proximally) downwards (distally) as do the vaginal walls. This pattern was produced in a great variety of sizes.” - 1899 Truax. (The Tizzano Museum)Curved pessaries made of black vulcanite. Pessary is curved at both ends with a narrower 'neck' in the middle.pessary, intrauterine device

Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster.Pessary. Consists of a hollow stem with a rounded flange at one end. At the end of the stem is a small ridge with a round 'cuff'.pessary, intrauterine device

Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster. The philosophy of this object was to keep the uterus dilated. It was commonly believed at this time that the cervix was the cause of dysmenorrhoea. The stem pessary was an object used to rectify uterine displacements - either anteversion or retroversion. The device consisted of a stem which is introduced into the uterus, the stem was then attached to an ovoid flange or ball, on which the cervix uteri then rested. Connected to this flange was an external part or wire frame, which in turn was attached at one extremity to a flat tubular portion, passing into the vagina. This was then fixed to the intrauterine portion. The wire frame was then made to press on to the pubis, so that the pessary could be kept in position in utero.Pessary, Duke's stem design. Metal pessary with hollow stem, and a rounded flange at one end. The flange has eight small holes surrounding the central hole. The stem is flexible and is made from coiled metal which has then been attached (perhaps by soldering) to the flange.pessary, intrauterine device

Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster. The philosophy of this object was to keep the uterus dilated. It was commonly believed at this time that the cervix was the cause of dysmenorrhoea. The stem pessary was an object used to rectify uterine displacements - either anteversion or retroversion. The device consisted of a stem which is introduced into the uterus, the stem was then attached to an ovoid flange or ball, on which the cervix uteri then rested. Connected to this flange was an external part or wire frame, which in turn was attached at one extremity to a flat tubular portion, passing into the vagina. This was then fixed to the intrauterine portion. The wire frame was then made to press on to the pubis, so that the pessary could be kept in position in utero.Pessary, Duke's stem design. Metal pessary with hollow stem, and a rounded flange at one end. The flange has six small holes surrounding the central hole. The stem is flexible and is made from coiled metal which has then been attached (perhaps by soldering) to the flange.pessary, intrauterine device

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, 1963.Metal printer's plate attached to wooden block. Features head and shoulders portrait of Professor, F.J. Browne, winner of the Blair Bell Award, 1961. There is a cream paper backing to the wooden block. "F.J BROWNE/OBIT" is written in red biro along top end of wooden block.printing, browne fj

Stem pessaries were instruments used for rectifying uterine displacement, either ante or retroversion. The pessary consisted of a stem and bulb or ball. The stem was introduced into the vagina, and the bulb rested against the cervix/uteri. An external wire frame could be attached to the bulb. The wire frame would be positioned to press on the pubis, thus keeping the pessary in position in utero. Although this pessary has been recorded as Peaslee's it is very similar in appearance to Thomas's galvanic stem pessaries. Stem pessaries were used in rectifying uterine displacement, either acute or retroversion. A pink tag was attached by string to one of the stems inscribed "Peaslee's/ Uterine/ Stem " "...?TID" on other side.Two Peaslee's intrauterine stem pessaries. Copper single stem pessaries with rounded top, stamped with the number seven on the top.intrauterine device, pessary

The wings of the pessary are controlled by two small hinges and the screw at the base of the metal stem. These wings can be opened or closed by turning the screw clockwise or anticlockwise.Zwanke's intrauterine stem pessary. Consists of two black vulcanite wings, a stem, and a screw. Stem is made up of three curved metal prongs, which fit into a small metal cup at the base. Screw is made of vulcanite with a small metal stud on the underside. intrauterine device, pessary

The wings of the pessary are controlled by two small hinges and the screw at the base of the metal stem. These wings can be opened or closed by turning the screw clockwise or anticlockwise.Zwanke's intrauterine stem pessary. Consists of two black vulcanite wings, a stem, and a screw. Each wing has a 2cm hole in it. Wings are divided by two small metal screws and at the base of each wing are three metal studs. Stem is made up of three curved metal prongs. Screw is made of bone.intrauterine device, pessary