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

This type of pessary came in six sizes ranging from 8.0 to 10.5cm.Two pessaries, Hodge design. Made of moulded black vulcanite. Small size. Typed label with catalogue record, "HODGE PESSARY".intrauterine device, pessary

Ring and stem pessary. Black vulcanite pessary with cup and stem. Stem is slightly curved with ring at top. Stem forked at end into two prongs with holes, possible to aid drainage. Typed label with catalogue record, "RING PESSARY" and tag with string "Ring Pessary".intrauterine device, pessary

Black vulcanite pessary. Seen vertically the object resembles a horseshoe. The front section of the cradle is much thicker than the moulded curve of the pessary. Label, typed "GALABIN'S ANTEVERSION PESSARY" and tag with string "Galabin's ante/version/ pessary".intrauterine device, pessary

This is the 'old' style of Gelhorn pessary, which is similar in appearance to the Matthews-Duncan disc and stem and the Simpson's shelf gutta-percha. "This type of pessary was used in cases of complete procidenture... thus preventing dragging on the posterior wall of the bladder and the associated incontinence of which most patients complained. When wearing a large pessary with a small pessary, the uterus often came down beside the pessary." (Dr. A.J.Helm-Montigue, Down Bros Ltd. Surgical Instruments and Appliances, p. 1038.Black vulcanite pessary . Consists of a rigid short think stem with bulb at the distal end, and a solid flange at the proximal end.intrauterine device, pessary

Part of the collection of Dr Frank ForsterClear plastic pessary consisting of three sections including a wide flange, short stem and bulb. intrauterine device, pessary

Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster.Pessary, medium size. Clear plastic pessary consisting of three sections moulded together including a flange with elevated ring, stem and bulb. A hole extends right through the centre of the device.intrauterine device, pessary

Small size.Clear plastic pessary consisting of three sections moulded together including a phlange with elevated ring, stem and bulb. A hole extends right through the centre of the device.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. Depicts the official recto medal image of the Blair-Bell medal, featuring a portrait of William Blair-Bell. blair-bell award, browne fj, printing

Purchased from an Antique shop in Willunga, South Australia by Dr Malcolm Barnett, who then donated it to the collection.Glass feeding bottle. Bottle is loosely banana shaped, with a wider section in the middle narrowing to a neck at either end. The bottle has a flat base and is embossed with the word "Liptight" at top."LIPTIGHT"infant feeding, infant care

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

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