A series of six prints showing various stages of labour, donated to the College in 1999. This print was used in the antenatal clinic of St George's Hospital, Kew.Black and white reproduction print of a plate from a book, enclosed in a wooden frame. Text at the top of the print reads 'HEAD TURNS UPWARD PELVIC FLOOR RETREATS PLATE 12'. The plate depicts a detailed cross section image of a baby in the womb. Label attached to back of work reads: 'Robert Latou DICKINSON and Abram BELSKI/ Plate 12. Head turns upward pelvic floor retreats/From: Birth atlas: reproduction of twenty-four life size sculptures of fertilization, growth,/stages of labour and involution./New York: Maternity Center Association, 1943. 6th ed./Gift of St Georges Hospital, Kew, 2000'.HEAD TURNS UPWARD PELVIC FLOOR RETREATS PLATE 12obstetric delivery

Personal diary of Dr F.J Browne. Donated by Grace Cuthbert Browne, wife of Dr Browne. The original diary would have had a small pencil attached. 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 collections in January 1994.Personal diary. Small navy blue hard cover bound diary with "1940" in gold lettering on front cover. Inscription on front page, "F.J. Browne/ 8 Downing Street/ Cambridge". Pencil/loop holder attached to back cover. Entries in diary are written in pencil - only partially used as a diary. The diary entries finish on 6 June 1940. browne fj

This window was removed from the Marcus Saltau House building in the Warrnambool and District Base Hospital when the building was demolished in 2009. Marcus Saltau House was erected in 1938 to provide for intermediate, private and midwifery patients. The builder was Ernie Harris of Warrnambool. The building commemorated the work of Marcus Saltau who was on the Warrnambool Hospital committee for over forty years and the President of that committee for thirty years. Marcus Saltau (1869-1945) was a Warrnambool produce merchant and politician involved in many Warrnambool ventures, including the establishment and development of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill and the Nestles Milk Factory at Dennington. The Jean Buick Saltau Maternity Ward at the Warrnambool Hospital was established by Marcus Saltau in 1928 in memory of his first wife. This window is retained as a memento of a significant building in Warrnambool that no longer exists.This is a circular window with four triangular panels of glass contained within a white painted ridged wood frame.marcus saltau house warrnambool, marcus saltau, ernie harris warrnambool, jean buick saltau maternity ward, warrnambool woollen mill

This photograph depicts a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister (Sr.) visiting Mrs. Hodginson and babe in their home. Sr. Wan is weighing baby Tamara as part of the Post-Natal care she is giving. A nurse who is doing her Hospital training is visiting with the Sister and observing. RDNS had a Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care, (DIMC) service operating from most Centres which visited early discharged, often 24 hours after birth, maternity cases from hospitals to give Post-natal care to the mother and babe. Sr. Wan is wearing her RDNS summer uniform of a short sleeve white blouse under a royal blue V neck tunic style frock and a dark blue cardigan. In August 1893 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), commenced a Midwifery Service with Nurse Fowler, who was trained in a hospital in General nursing and Midwifery nursing, being the first Midwife employed. Mothers were assessed for suitability of a home birth or if they required delivery at the Women’s Hospital. The Midwife worked in conjunction with the Doctors at the Women’s Hospital and if a complication arose before or after birth the patient was transferred to their care. Following birth, the Midwife gave Post-Natal care to both the mother and babe commencing with visits twice a day. In 1898 the service ceased due to lack of funds but recommenced in 1906, and in the August 1925 Annual Report the number of MDNS home births was recorded at 478. MDNS built the After-Care Home and a pioneering Anti-Natal Clinic was opened in 1930. The last Ante-Natal clinic was held there in December 1951 and the MDNS Midwifery service ceased in February 1952. In 1964 MDNS commenced a Post-Natal service with General and Midwifery trained MDNS Sisters working from a room on the ground floor at the Footscray Hospital Nurses quarters, and visiting early discharged Footscray Hospital maternity cases at home. Later, as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), this service was extended and renamed as Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care, (DIMC) service operating from most Centres and visiting early discharged, often 24 hours after birth, maternity cases from hospitals to give Post-natal care to the mother and babe. Many of the RDNS Sisters who worked in DIMC also had their Infant Welfare Certificate, though Midwifery trained nurses also visited. On the right of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) DIMC Sister J. Wan, who has short dark curly hair and is wearing a white gown over her uniform, with the white collar and sleeves of her dark cardigan seen. She is laughing as she holds the top ring of hand held baby scales in her right hand; the bottom of the scale has a metal hook which has a sling attached to it with four cotton 'ropes'. Baby Tamara is supported in the sling which is just resting on a sheep skin and bunny rug covered metal framed change table. Sr. Wan has her left hand on the sling. To the left of the photograph is Tamara's smiling mother, Mrs. Lynda Hodginson, and in the centre of the photograph is observer Nurse Sheehan. Mrs. Hodginson is wearing a striped dress with a V neck, and has dark shoulder length hair. Nurse Sheehan has short dark hair and is wearing a white uniform and dark cardigan. A nursing watch is attached to the right hand side of her uniform. Part of a landscape picture can be seen on the wall behind her. A small white fluffy rabbit sits on the left hand side of the change table. Baby Tamara has sparse dark hair and is sucking on a dummy.Photographer's stampmdns, melbourne district nursing society, melbourne district nursing service, royal district nursing service, rdns, mdns midwifery, rdns domiciliary postnatal service, dimc, tamara hodginson, nurse sheehan, sister j. wan, mrs lynda hodginson

This book by C.E. Sayers details the history of the Royal Women's Hospital from the time of its foundation as the Lying In Hospital in 1856.It includes information on doctors and nurses and managerial staff connected with the hospital. Some Warrnambool medical staff in the past have been connected with the Women's Hospital. Apart from its detailing of the history of an important institution in Victoria, this book is of particular interest to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society because William Dixon Saltau (1894-1970), born in Warrnambool, was the Medical Superintendent of the Women’s Hospital from 1924 to 1951. Dr Saltau was the son of Marcus Saltau (M.L.A.) and his wife Jean and the grandson of Henry Saltau who came to Australia in 1860 and who founded in the 1870s the Warrnambool firm of Saltau and Son, general carriers, coal, wood and produce merchants and forwarding agents. Dr Saltau’s father Marcus was Mayor of Warrnambool and a generous benefactor of the Warrnambool Hospital (Marcus Saltau House and Jean Buick Saltau Maternity Ward). Dr Saltau was educated at Warrnambool Academy (Richard Lawson, Headmaster), Scotch College, Melbourne and Melbourne University. He specialized in obstetrics and gynaecology and practised in England, Adelaide and Melbourne. .This book is of general historical interest as it describes the history of the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne and because a Warrnambool identity, Dr William Dixon Saltau, was the Medical Superintendent of this hospital for 25 years. His name is listed in this book. This is a soft-cover book of 170 pages printed in 1976 and giving the history of the first 100 years of the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne. It has a white cover of thick paper with the emblem of the hospital on the front in blue, red, black and white. There is also a dust cover with the same material on it. The book has 26 Chapters and ten Appendices, an Index, a Foreword and an Introduction. It has a black and white sketch of the entrance to the first hospital and portraits of the two medical founders of the hospital. The pages have been bound using glue.Melbourne The Royal Women's Hospitalwarrnambool medical staff, royal women’s hospital, melbourne, saltau family, warrnambool, dr william dixon saltau, statement of significance

Salvation Army Donation Tin. Two photographs possible the front and back of one tin. Inscriptions reflect the role of the Salvation Army and their work during this period.Black & white photographs of Donation tin enlarged. Front of tin what is readable "The Salvation Army Society RESCUE AND PRISON GATE WORK broken hearts and blighted hopes slaves of Sin and Degradation. Blood and Fire. The Salvation Army. THE TOTAL number of Homes is now over Six--- Providing Daily Accommodation for 3,000 Persons AND COSTING over --1,200 PER WEEK for MAINTENANCE PLEASE HELP by placing a COIN in the box" On the back of the tin "THE ARMY PROVIDES work for the workless. Love for the Loveless. Cleanliness for the Unclean. Friendship for the Friendless. Food for the Hungry. Help for the Helpless. Beds for the Bedless. Hope for the Hopeless. Our Agencies Comprise the Following. Homes for Discharged Prisoners. Rescue Work for fallen Women. Industrial Homes for Boys. Industrial Homes for Girls. Maternity Bags. Women Shelters, Nursing Homes, Labour Tards. Samaritan Relief Work. Food Depots. Mens Shelters. Industrial Hospital Visitations. Gaol Visitation. Enquiries for Lost F" In Pencil written on the back "Larger than actual Size"stawell religion

This booklet contains the address given by the Rev. W. Gray Dixon in 1909 at St. Paul’s Christ church to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. It was published at the request of the General Assembly and the proceeds of the sale of the booklet went into Presbyterian Church funds. The Rev. William Gray Dixon was born in Scotland and was the Presbyterian Minister at St. John’s Warrnambool from 1889 to 1900. In 1900 he went to New Zealand to St. David’s Church, Auckland and later to Dunedin. Rev. Gray Dixon was the author of several publications relating to Presbyterian Church history and activities. This booklet was sent from Auckland by Rev. Gray Dixon to Marcus Saltau, his friend in Warrnambool. Marcus Saltau (1869-1945) followed his father in the produce business in Warrnambool and expanded it to include management of the Warrnambool tramway (which took freight from the town to the port) and a shipping business that had its own vessels and an interstate and international trade. Marcus Saltau was prominent in Warrnambool’s community as a Councillor, Mayor and a politician (Upper House Member for the Western Province 1924-1940). He was a founding member of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company, concerned with the establishment of the Nestles Factory at Dennington and a Warrnambool Hospital committee member and Chairman for over 30 years. The Jean Buick Saltau Maternity Ward and Marcus Saltau House at the Warrnambool Hospital survived as important community buildings for many years. This little booklet is of high significance as it is connected to two important Warrnambool people of the past – the Rev. William Gray Dixon and Marcus Saltau. It is one of two Gray Dixon pieces of writing that the Historical Society possesses and it is of double significance when it is noted that Marcus Saltau, the owner of the booklet was a friend of Gray Dixon’s, and was also a most important person in Warrnambool’s history. This is a soft-cover booklet of 22 pages. The cover which is completely detached and very torn is grey-coloured with dark blue and grey ornamental scrolls and shields around the title of the book. The book contains a portrait of John Calvin, three black and white photographs of places in Geneva, the music of a song, ‘The Marseillaise of the Reformation’ and some verse. The book was stapled but the staples have been removed. The pages are made of lightweight parchment paper. The illustrations have been glued in. The text is a publication of an address given by the author, Rev. W. Gray Dixon to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand in 1909. Front Cover: ‘John Calvin and the Modern World, Rev. W. Gray Dixon, M.A., Price Sixpence’ Inscription on first page: ‘To Marcus Saltau, Esq. with the esteem & affection of the Author, Auckland, 9th February 1910’ rev. w. gray dixon, marcus saltau, warrnambool, john calvin, john calvin and the modern world

This dress belonged to Ethel Nina Blundell (1876-1949), having been first made for her mother Jane Blundell (nee Burkitt, 1845-1878). Born in Dublin, Jane married James John Blundell Jr at the Black Street Congregational Church in Brighton on 16 March 1874. The Blundells were a socially prominent Brighton family who played an important role in the development of the area. James' father, publisher and bookseller James John Blundell Sr, served as a Brighton Borough Councillor between 1862 and 1867 when the local government was still in its formative years, including holding the position of Mayor in 1864. He was involved in the foundation of the Brighton Volunteer Rifle Corps and was also a strong supporter of the Brighton Ladies Benevolent Society. The Blundell family were active members of the Brighton Congregational Church and supported the construction of the Black Street church, where James Jr served as a deacon for sixty years, in addition to his work in the Crown Land and Survey Department. The dress is believed to have been made for Jane in 1875 or 1876 during her early pregnancy, likely by a local dressmaker. Jane died in 1878 when Ethel was very young, and Ethel was then raised by her father and paternal grandmother. As she never married, Ethel remained living in the family home of 'Eumana', 164 Church Street, and as an adult she assumed the role of hostess whenever she or her father had guests. On these occasions, she reportedly wore her mother's dress. The family home was sold on James Jr’s death in 1924 and Ethel was living at 52 Black Street Brighton when she died in 1949. In the 1930s, Ethel gifted the dress to a close family friend, Dr Jean Kelly. She told Jean that the garment held precious memories, perhaps due to the connection it provided to the mother she had never known. Jean donated the dress to the Merimbula Old School Museum in NSW in 1987, where it was on display for many years. The Museum donated the dress to Brighton Historical Society in 2023.This is a good example of a late nineteenth century day dress, made from two different patterns of russet brown silk brocade and featuring a lobster tail style bustle. The lack of boning combined with waist and hip measurements indicates it may have been made as a maternity dress. It is lined with beige leaf pattern cotton fabric. The princess line fitted bodice of herringbone pattern brocade has a high round neck with small 'mandarin' style collar and buttons down the front to below the waist where it forms an overskirt which is bordered with a band of coffee bean patterned brocade. The overskirt drops down to hem length at the back but from the centre front it is draped up to the back to a point below the waist level. Here it is sewn to the edge of the lobster tail style bustle which is also bordered by the coffee bean fabric. There is a concealed pocket with the opening under the right edge of the bustle. The buttons on the front of the dress have a decorative circlet of small blue flowers around a russet silk covered dome. The long sleeves are set in and slightly full with a contrasting three pleat band of coffee bean fabric with an ornamental turn back from the pleats sewn just above the wrist. The skirt section of the dress is in four 20 cm bands of alternate fabric patterns with the top and third band of coffee bean pattern slightly gathered and the second and fourth bands of herringbone forming pleated ruffles.1870s, ethel nina blundell, jane blundell, jane burkitt, eumana

'Melbourne District Nursing society opened the After-Care Home, situated at 39 Victoria Parade Collingwood in 1926 following a public appeal for funds. The name changed from 'Home' to 'Hospital' in 1934. The After-Care Home was originally established to provide nurse-managed convalescent care to poor and underprivileged people who could not look after themselves at home due to illness or on release from hospital. Opening in 1926, at a cost of £27,000, the home included maternity, children’s and adult wards as well as accommodation for Matron, twelve nurses and four domestic staff. In 1930 an ante-natal clinic was opened at the home. During 1934 the Women’s Welfare Clinic including, at the time, a very controversial Family Planning Clinic, the first of its kind in Australia, was opened to support women at risk following multiple and difficult pregnancies. Major extensions occurred in 1936. Each Ward in the After-Care Hospital at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, had a Sun Room which was well lit by its many windows. Several donors gave money to furnish some of the Wards. Following Government intervention, the After-Care Hospital was separated from the Melbourne District Nursing Society in 1957. The District division of Melbourne District Nursing Society became the Melbourne District Nursing Service and moved to 452 St Kilda Road; later, in 1966, with Royal patronage this became Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). The After-care hospital continued to operate at the same address in Collingwood until 1985 when it became the Melbourne Geriatric Centre. ' - taken from The Royal District Nursing Service. This document is part of the MDNS annual report, possibly the 50th, 1934-35. Photopcopied pages from an annual report taken in landscape position so two pages show to a sheet. Typed black print on white paper with pages divided by a solid black line down the middle. Paragraphs are separated by headings and subheadings, as well as two black and white images and a list of names divided into three columns.'Jean / Brown ' 'Hester Cutler[?]' [Handwritten in pencil on either side of the first image]australian army nursing service, australian military nurses, melbourne district nursing service, after-care hospital, c. wishart, edith lydia shaw, jean brown

The 49th annual report for the Melbourne District Nursing Society. 'Melbourne District Nursing society opened the After-Care Home, situated at 39 Victoria Parade Collingwood in 1926 following a public appeal for funds. The name changed from 'Home' to 'Hospital' in 1934. The After-Care Home was originally established to provide nurse-managed convalescent care to poor and underprivileged people who could not look after themselves at home due to illness or on release from hospital. Opening in 1926, at a cost of £27,000, the home included maternity, children’s and adult wards as well as accommodation for Matron, twelve nurses and four domestic staff. In 1930 an ante-natal clinic was opened at the home. During 1934 the Women’s Welfare Clinic including, at the time, a very controversial Family Planning Clinic, the first of its kind in Australia, was opened to support women at risk following multiple and difficult pregnancies. Major extensions occurred in 1936. Each Ward in the After-Care Hospital at 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood, had a Sun Room which was well lit by its many windows. Several donors gave money to furnish some of the Wards. Following Government intervention, the After-Care Hospital was separated from the Melbourne District Nursing Society in 1957. The District division of Melbourne District Nursing Society became the Melbourne District Nursing Service and moved to 452 St Kilda Road; later, in 1966, with Royal patronage this became Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS). The After-care hospital continued to operate at the same address in Collingwood until 1985 when it became the Melbourne Geriatric Centre. ' - taken from The Royal District Nursing Service.Photopcopied pages from an annual report taken in landscape position so two pages show to a sheet. Typed black print on white paper with pages divided by a solid black line down the middle. Paragraphs are separated by headings and subheadings, as well as two black and white images and a list of names divided into three columns.melbourne district nursing service, after-care hospital, edith lydia shaw, nurses

This medical / hospital equipment was used in the Tawonga District General Hospital which was built in the 1950's specifically for the increase in population due to the Kiewa Hydro Scheme.Historical: Shows the development of hospital equipment. Provenance: Used in the Tawonga District General Hospital - possibly in the Maternity Ward - which was remote and therefore required good equipment. Good condition and good interpretation capacity. Clear glass bottle used for feeding baby's formula. It has a hexagonal base. The front has an embossed gauge with horizontal lines marking ounces from 8 at the top. On the opposite face is embossing and to the left of that another face also embossed. The sides are flat and straight tapering to form a round shape to a very short neck. The opening has a thick lip (for a teat).Front: '8 oz' with horizontal lines beside and between 7.6.5.4.3.2.1 Left face: 'Endura'. opposite (to front) face:' Firetex'baby's feeding bottle, baby's formula, hospital, tawonga district hospital maternity ward

This is an image of the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin. Established as the Dublin Lying-In Hospital in 1745, it moved to its current location in 1757 and remains there to this day. This image was first published in Malton's 'A Picturesque and Descriptive view of the City of Dublin' in 1791.This print has a colour engraving of a white building with a red roof. A tower, topped by a dome, rises above the middle of the building. There are four decorative columns on the front of the building, and the entrance to the building is surrounded by a metal fence. There are various figures in the foreground of the image. On the left, there is a well-dressed family group consisting of three adults and a child. At left of centre, a figure is riding a horse, which is being preceded by a dog. At the centre, in the middle background, there is one tall and one short figure standing next to the metal fence surrounding the building and they are peering inside. At right of centre, a figure is driving a two-horse buggy. On the far right, the shadowed figure of a beggar is holding out their cap. There is a smaller building to the left-hand side of the featured building, and additional buildings are visible in the right-side background. Clouds are visible behind the buildings. Text below image reads 'Lying in Hospital'. The print is mounted and framed in a black wooden frame with gold trim. A display label for this print is attached to the back of the frame. Handwritten inscriptions on the back of the frame of the artwork read 'Rotunda Lying in Hospital/Dublin // 19th British Congress RCOG 1971' and 'Original engraving/James Malton. London,/December 1795.' There is a sticker attached to the bottom right of the back of the frame featuring a printed image of a stork in read and the text 'FRIENDS OF THE ROTUNDA HOSPITAL'. There are two hooks and a wire attached to the back of the frame for hanging.The print is mounted and framed in a black wooden frame with gold trim. A display label for this print is attached to the back of the frame. Handwritten inscriptions on the back of the frame of the artwork read 'Rotunda Lying in Hospital/Dublin // 19th British Congress RCOG 1971' and 'Original engraving/James Malton. London,/December 1795.' There is a sticker attached to the bottom right of the back of the frame featuring a printed image of a stork in read and the text 'FRIENDS OF THE ROTUNDA HOSPITAL'. There are two hooks and a wire attached to the back of the frame for hanging.

This is a destructive instrument which, when placed around the neck of the fetus and twisted, succeeded in severing the head. This type of instrument was used in emergency surgery when the fetus was already dead and the mother's condition was critical. This instrument might also have been used to remove tumors. Source: Yale University Library, 'Blunt hook and crochet', https://collections.library.yale.edu/catalog/17322011 This was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, from Box Hill Hospital labour ward given to RANZCOG 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.Obstetrical crotchet. Nickel plated stainless steel, with large blunt hook at one end and crotchet hook at the other, and fluting at the centre. "B.H.H.L. Ward"destructive instruments

Similar to Willett's placenta praevia forceps [see Down Bros Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances, c1930, p 940]. John Abernethy Willett (1872 -1932) modified an existing pair of surgical scalp forceps for use in bringing down the head of a foetus in the case of placenta praevia. As the safety of c-sections increased and fetal viability became a dominant consideration, these were used only for the dead/pre-viable foetus. (Source: Baskett, Thomas. 'On the Shoulders of Giants - Eponyms & Names in O&G'.) This was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, from Box Hill Hospital labour ward given to RANZCOG 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.Pair of long handled forceps, placenta praevia style. Inscribed "B.H.H.L Ward" inner handle."B.H.H.L Ward"destructive instruments

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

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

Medal struck for the 24th International Congress of the International Society of the History of Medicine, held in Budapest in 1974. This medal was given to contributors to the congress. Dr Frank Forster delivered a paper at this congress. There are some slides relating to Ignac Semmelweis in Frank Forster's slide collection under the heading of 'Budapest'.Ignac Semmelweis is credited with discovering the cause of puerperal sepsis, by establishing a link to the infectious material carried on the hands of students and doctors from the autopsy room into the maternity ward. Round bronze coloured medal. Front of medal carries an image of a statue of a woman with an infant beneath a leafed archway, and the text 'SEMMELWEIS/IGNAC/1818/1865'. Back of medal carries an image of a shield/crest overlaid with a representation of the Staff of Asclepius (serpent wrapped around a stick) and the text 'S.I.H.M./BUDAPEST/1974'. Bakc of medal is encircled with the text 'CONGRESSUS INTERNATIONALIS XXIV HISTORIAE ARTIS MEDICINAE'.semmelweis, numismatics

Traditional Welsh going away gift, given to Professor FJ Browne. Professor Browne was a GP in Wales at the start of his career. The cat is intended as a lucky charm.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. Collection of objects transferred from the Archives to the Museum collection found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers.Small black cat figurine with red bow tie. Faintly blue tinged eyes and mouth. Cat is depicted in an upright sitting position. Part of left from leg missing.browne fj

This badge belonged to F.J. Browne and would have been worn during World War I. Hermes (Mercury) was the messenger of the gods and known for carrying a staff known as the Caduceus. The caduceus included two snakes topped off with a set of wings. Caduceus is from the Greek root meaning “herald’s wand”.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. Collection of objects transferred from the Archives to the Museum collection found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers.Brass badge depicting a crown mounted on top of a caduceus (image of two snakes wrapped around a staff topped by wings). Clip attached to back of badge is inscribed 'FIRMIN LONDON'.numismatics, browne fj, world war i

This bracelet is possibly associated with FJ Browne's service with the Royal Army Medical Corps in World War I. Identification bracelets were worn during World War I and II in England.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. Collection of objects transferred from the Archives to the Museum collection found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers.Silver identification bracelet. Bracelet is engraved "FJ BROWNE/ HEATH LODGE/ WATFORD HEATH." Reverse of bracelet is engraved "SILVER". browne fj

This is a destructive instrument. Perforators were used to pierce and empty the skull in a craniotomy (which is a form of embryotomy). A craniotomy is a procedure whereby "a perforation is made in the foetal skull to reduce the volume of the foetal head which prevents delivery." (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.Simpson's perforator. Stainless steel perforator with fluted handles. Various inscriptions: "ALLEN & HANBURYS LTD/ENGLAND S.S.ut" on shaft, "12" on inner surface of hinged brace, "B.H.H.L. Ward" on inner shaft of blade."B.H.H.L. Ward"destructive instruments

Illustrated hardcover book with dust jacket. Book is bound in white, Melbourne's Mercy in gilt on front cover, Melbourne's Mercy, authors surname and publisher's mark in gilt on spine. Dust jacket has a white background, with full title and authors full name on front, Melbourne's Mercy, authors surname and publisher's mark on spine. Also on front cover is a photograph of the hospital [ca.1990]. On the back cover there is a coloured photograph of the Bronze Dove sculpture (crafted by Flynn Silver, Kyneton).non-fictionThis illustrated book is a history of the Mercy private Hospital in Melbourne. It describes the work of the Sisters of Mercy, first at St Benedict's hospital Malvern (opened 1920) and then from December 1934 at the Mercy Private Hospital in East Melbourne. Also included is a history of the Mercy Maternity Hospital, that opened in East Melbourne in 1971. The period covered by the book extends to the mid 1980's. The text is enlivened by anecdotes of doctors, nurses, other staff and patients.mercy private hospital-melbourne, mercy maternity hospital-melbourne, st benedict's hospital-malvern, hospitals-victoria, east melbourne