Pointing bones were ritualistically used by sorcerers for magic. The 'magic' and 'sorcery' from 'pointing the bone' can involve the ritual removal of organs from the body, done when a person is asleep, and then put back into the person unknowingly. In this way a person can be 'sung' but will be unaware of it. This pointing bone was originally given to Sir Wilfred Fish, FRCS, who was a Kings Surgeon and had been giving lectures in Sydney in the 1920s on his specialty, maxillofacial surgery. His daughter, Mrs Vivian Greaves, gave this item to Sir Keith Drayton some years later. Pointing bone, from Central Australia. The object is a carved macropod fibula. At one end there is a blob of resin and an attachment of human hair in a string. At the other end, the bone has been sharpened to a point.

Ill, p.151non-fictionPeter Firkins has produced a heroic figure comparable in courage and selflessness to that of the legendary 'Weary' Dunlop, and whose story should be known by all Australians in the same way. What a wonderful epitaph to a man born into a humble Yass family at the end of the nineteenth century who, by his own determination and intellect, won a scholarship for his secondary education at St Patrick's College, Goulburn and an Exhibition to study medicine at Sydney University. Almost by pure chance he pursued his medical career in an outpost of the British Empire then known as British North Borneo to become Principal Medical Officer at the time of the Japanese occupation during World War II. The Japanese allowed the civilian medical staff to remain at their posts with the status of 'simple confinement' while at the same time the bewildered local people looked to someone for leadership in their new and unaccustomed circumstances.Aided by his wonderful wife Celia he was imperceptibly drawn into the key role of organising the underground movement among loyal native and giving support to the Australian Prisoners of War transferred to Borneo from Singapore. In 1943 he was exposed to the Japanese, arrested and terribly tortured. Donated by Major General M.P.J. O'Brien, July 2018. Signed by authorworld war 1939 – 1945 - prisons and prisoners - japanese, world war 1939 – 1945 – personal narratives – australia

This surgical instrument kit, c1870s, originally belonged to Lord Joseph Lister. On his retirement in 1892, Lord Lister presented the instrument kit to his friend Dr Alexander Matthew. The donor of the surgical kit, Professor Ian Stewart Fraser, is the great grandson of Dr Alexander Matthew. The donor, Ian Fraser, checked with his mother about the inscription "Ethel Livie". There was no one of that name in his mother's family tree and the instruments were passed down from his mother's family.This surgical kit, made by Young of Edinburgh Scotland in the 1870s is significant because it belonged to and was most likely used by an internationally important figure in modern medicine, Lord Joseph Lister. Joseph Lister, 1st Baron Lister, Bt., OM, FRS, PC (5 April 1827 – 10 February 1912), known as Sir Joseph Lister, Bt., between 1883 and 1897, was a British surgeon and a pioneer of antiseptic surgery. By applying Louis Pasteur's advances in microbiology, he promoted the idea of sterile surgery while working at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Lister successfully introduced carbolic acid (now known as phenol) to sterilise surgical instruments and to clean wounds, which led to a reduction in post-operative infections and made surgery safer for patients. Surgical instruments in original timber case, containing two steel sharp hooks with the manufacturer's stamp,"YOUNG EDINBURGH" on the handles, five steel scalpels with ebony handles in assorted sizes. Also included separately are autopsy hooks, one metal blowpipe [commonly used with urine testing apparatus] and two dissector forceps. "YOUNG EDINBURGH"; "ETHEL LIVIE"surgery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Bruck Inhaler is a modification of the Clover Inhaler, designed by Lambert Bruck. Bruck added a glass dome which enabled the level of ether to be monitored during administration. This was a revolutionary change as it removed guess work from the process.The Bruck Inhaler is a historically, aesthetically and scientifically significant piece. The basic design is based on the Clover Inhaler, but with a rounded bottom. The idea of a glass viewing window was possibly inspired by Wilson-Smith Inhaler. The Bruck Inhaler is historically significant as it is the first inhaler to be made with a completely clear lower glass section. This improved the usability for the ether administrator, and eliminated much of the guesswork associated with dosage and ether levels, which in turn improved the patient experience. This piece provides a strong local link to both anaesthetic and general medical practice at the turn of the century. The design is credited to Ludwig Bruck of Sydney, and was presumably manufactured in the same area. Bruck, as the attributed designer, holds much relevance to the significance of the object, as connected with him is much historical information about the social context of medical practice. Ludwig Bruck was a prominent figure in the medical industry. He started his medical career in Sydney as a Medical Transfer Agent, and later owned a shop at 16 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. This business is listed in the 1903 Register of Firms as a Medical Agent and Importer of Medical Instruments and Books. Bruck was vocal as a journalist and published analyses of medical statistics, as well as the well known Australasian Medical Dictionary and Handbook, which included the “List of Unregistered Medical Practitioners”. Ludwig Bruck was an immigrant. He was of German descent, which placed him in a precarious position within Sydney society during the turn of century. Bruck conducted several public conversations with prominent members of the Australian Natives Association through the Sunday News in regards to his disagreement of the employment of medical practitioners by the ANA specifically to corroborate their health insurance policies. He was also a stalwart supporter of the Australian arm of the British Medical Association, being the publisher of the first and subsequent editions of The Australian Medical Gazette. Bruck chose to end his life with a combination of poison and chloroform on 14 August 1915, after being accused of trading with the enemy during World War One. His suicide note stated his horror at leaving his business partner to deal with the tarring of his reputation as the reason for his decision. The Bruck Inhaler has aesthetic significance as it is a beautiful example of turn of the century surgical design and craftsmanship. Aseptic methods of surgery were well known by 1909, and the aesthetic design of the Bruck Inhaler conformed to these principles. The ability for the surgeon to unscrew, clean and sterilize each part of the Inhaler contributes to the streamlined design of the piece. The Buck Inhaler holds scientific significance. There is the capacity for further research to be undertaken on the object. Geoffrey Kaye often collected multiple examples of equipment, usually one for reverse engineering and another for teaching. There are currently two examples of the Bruck Inhaler in the collection, presenting an opportunity for further technical research on the object. The inhaler is oval shaped with one half made of glass to allow observation of the ether level. A vertical cross tube, 22mm in diameter passes between the face-piece and the bag [missing]. There is a stopcock for admission of oxygen or nitrous oxide opposite the bag attachment. There is a central tube, 28mm in diameter, with controllable ports on either side. There is also a tear-drop shaped fask mask.Hand engraved on side of base: L. Bruck / Sydneyclover, joseph, bruck, lambert, inhaler, rebreather, nitrous oxide, oxygen, williams, probyn

This was gifted to Robin William Smallwood on his retirement. Smallwood graduated from medicine in the mid-1950s and decided to make a career in anaesthetics, was granted Fellowship in 1965, became a member of the Board of the Faculty in 1976 and became Dean in 1986-1987. It has been made by Arnold & Sons of London who were medical instrument manufacturers and became Mayer & Meltzer.Silver tube in two pieces, which form an innner and outer tube. The inner tube is curved with a flat plate at the top and two squared hooks (handles) coming off the plate. The outer tube has been spliced, creating two separate curved sides with an oval, bowl-like plate at the end, with an oval shaped holed punched through either side. Attached to the square hook of the inner tube is a green cotton ribbon.Stamped into the bowl shaped plate: ARNOLD & SONS / SILVERsmallwood, robin, •faculty dean, faculty of anaesthetists, royal australasian college of surgeons, ffaracs, racs, fanzca

Dr. Joseph Clover (1825-1882), an English physician, first described his Portable Regulating Ether Inhaler on Jan. 20, 1877. Clover was an especially sought after anesthesiologist and early pioneer in the specialty. This was the best-known of many inhalers that Clover designed. The dome-shaped reservoir was turned to points on a control dial to gradually increase or decrease the percentage of the air that passed over the ether. Several inventors based new inhalers on this, while the original continued to be manufactured as late as the beginning of WWII. (Source: Wood Library Museum)Black round topped box with brass hooks at front and brass hinges at rear. There is a black fabric handle on the top. Inside the box is black padding with the manufacturer's logo printed in gold leaf. There is a square section in the base of the box for holding the square clear glass bottle for ether. There is also a dome-shaped metal inhaler with a "whistle tip" type connection to the mask. The mask is made of tan leather. There is also a metal ether measure for pouring the ether.Printed in gold leaf inside lid of box: MAYER & MELTZER [?] PORTLAND ST. / MAKERS •Engraved on side of inhaler: Mayer & Meltzer / London •Stamped on connector of inhaler: MAYER & MELTZER RN NO 212327 •Engraved on rear of inhaler: Clover's Inhaler •Printed in white on blue sticker: O.2.5A •Measurements have been stamped on the bottom of the inhaler. •Printed in black ink on mask: MADE IN ENGLAND •Stamped on metal connector inside mask: 6 •Printed in black ink on white manufacturer's label on glass bottle: ETHER PURUS '720 / H. Francis & Co., Melbourne.clover, joseph, mollison, crawford henry, george bankin, mccaul, kevin, royal women's hospital, coroner, freemason, surgeon, gynaecologist, obstetrician, mayer & meltzer, francis & co, melbourne, ether purus

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

this book is the culmination of a lot of hard work and long hours by a great many people.vendetta (destroyer), vietnam war, 1961-1975 - regimental histories - australia

Bryon Holley spent the longest year of his young life in Vietnam as surgeon of the 4th Battalion of the 39th Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. He lived like a swamp rat in the boonies of the Mekong Delta, and his actions were sometimes all that made the difference between life or death,byron holley, 4th battalion of the 39th regiment, 9th infantry division, mekong delta

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

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