This Diagnostic Kit is a fair example of medical equipment used within mental asylums in the 19th and 20th centuryBlack wooden box, fabric covered. Contains stainless steel instruments.'Gowllands' Made in Englandmedical, set, instruments, diagnostic

The hinged, fitted case is covered in black leatherette and lined with blue velvet. Comprises of Body, which takes 2 x D size batteries, Ophthalmoscope Head, Otoscope Head, and 3 plastic earpieces, and spare bulb.'Keeler' London W1 Englandmedical instrument, medicine, keeler

Wooden box, covered with blue material. Components glass & plastic. Used for diagnosing blood disorders.Assistant + Logo. Haemometer. G I M geelchtmedical haemometer blood, disorders

The Mayo-Simpson (Adams) Retractor is designed with ring-handles and U-shaped blades that curve outward. This device can be moved up and down the shaft of the centre blade that it connects to, which can be removed if needed. This self-retaining retractor is primarily used for procedures such as appendectomy, carotid endarterectomy and brain surgery.Jetter Scheerer Germany Crown, sceptre and snake in shape of S logo designsurgery, surgical procedure, medical instrument

Hewitt’s airway was the first known oral airway and laid the foundations for the numerous other airways that were later developed. The development of the oropharyngeal airway is one of the lesser-acknowledged advances in anaesthesia. Oral airways made anaesthesia safer and significantly reduced the trauma associated with earlier attempts at managing the obstructed airway. The Hewitt Airway – the first known artificial oral ‘air-way’. In 1890, Frederic Hewitt noted the frequency and danger of upper airway obstruction. In 1908, dissatisfied with the use of tongue forceps and that Esmarch’s maneuver sometimes failed, he described the first oropharyngeal airway, the Hewitt Airway. The tube was less than 8 cm long, ideally connecting the oral opening to the hypopharynx. The Hewitt Airway was the foundation for many subsequent oropharyngeal airway designs.The oropharyngeal airway is significant because of its lesser acknowledged advances in anaesthesia.Round metal tube with a brown rubber tubing sleeve around the outside.medical health, anaesthesia

Chloroform mask, stainless steel, without gauze cover. British Made.#surgicalequipment, #chloroformmask, anaesthetic

ContextualA good example of patient art/craftwork 32 Chess Set Pieces (16 Gold, 16 Silver) Moulded in Plaster of Paris (from rubber moulds) Some pieces with green felt on basepatient art, chess, games, recreation, therapy

Spectacles with metal frame, circular lenses & pink-coloured nose rests.nilreadingglasses, reading, spectacles

Medicine Tray, made of hardwood & plywood Tray has 12 holes for medicine containersmedication, medicine

Muzzle-loading firearm in display case. Case contains firearm, ram & four lead balls.firearm weapons guards prison

Original Union Poster from J Ward, circa 1990. Mounted in wooden frame with glass cover.HEF 2. Official Picket Line. The document was signed by staff members who formed the Picket Line.union, documents strikes picket, lines protest

Photograph of May Day celebrations in the Alexandra Gardens in Ararat, with J Ward buildings in background. After investigation, it was concluded that the photograph was taken on the 1st of May 1901 (the year of Federation). photograph may, day ararat 1901 federation

A red house-brick carved into the shape of a bird by a J Ward patient.Previously broken and repaired at necklinecarving brick bird

Radio Set, green & white in colour, case made of plastic. Black & gold knobs. 'Electrice' brand. 'Model E 516M' on rear.radio, entertainment

A speculum is a duck-bill-shaped device that doctors use to see inside a hollow part of your body and diagnose or treat disease. One common use of the speculum is for vaginal exams. Gynaecologists use it to open the walls of the vagina and examine the vagina and cervix.Speculum, made of stainless steel.Nilmedical, medical instrument

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was invented in Italy in the late 1930s. ECT is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. Psychiatrists had already discovered that inducing seizures could relieve symptoms of mental illness. Before ECT, this was done with the use of chemicals, usually one called Metrazol. More can be read here: http://theconversation.com/electroconvulsive-therapy-a-history-of-controversy-but-also-of-help-70938 This machine was used both at Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward. The object is significant because it is a well preserved instrument that illustrates the medical apparatus used at both Ararat Mental Hospital and J Ward for the treatment of mental illness.A metal instrument. The front contains three knobs, two switches, and power button. Two fully intact electrical cords - One leads to the paddles used on the patient: One used to attach to the electric source [power point]. Paddles are made of hard plastic and stainless steel metal. The back has a compartment where the paddles can be stored. The top has a carry handle.Manufacturer: Siemens Power supply: 220V 85AC, 50Hzmentalhealth, psychiatrichealth, depression, #bipolardisorder

The traditional scale consists of two plates or bowls suspended at equal distances from a fulcrum. One plate holds an object of unknown mass (or weight), while known masses are added to the other plate until static equilibrium is achieved and the plates level off, which happens when the masses on the two plates are equal. Medication given to patients at both Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward had their does measured using these weights and scales - and some evidence of residue remains.The scales are in excellent condition and a good example of medical equipment used in Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward. Measuring scales for medications Timber construction with glass lid Small crack along the left hand side of scales Two drawers contain four weights in ounces Case painted in black lacquer Metal hinges and three brass knobs (one missing from right lower drawer) Small piece of folded butcher paper in left hand drawer No manufacturer markings or serial numberspsychiatric history, mental health, aradale mental hospital, j ward

Both patients and staff were in frequent possession of passports and bank books particularly during the 20th century. These objects give an insight into people lives. The objects belonging to Miss Isabella Beatrice White are significant as they show everyday objects used by both patients and staff of Aradale Mental Hospital. British Passport - bound in thick blue material with the British Coat of Arms embossed in gold. The Passport contains 32 pages. The State Savings Bank of Victoria Book - The bank book is grey with black printed type. The Passport has both printed and hand written information and personal details. The bank book contains account details and hand written deposits and withdrawals made.bank book, passport

This small, portable 1930’s Sanax First Aid in Accidents Kit has been strongly constructed, the case reinforced with metal to take knocks and bumps as it was transported to the site of an emergency. Having these supplies organised into a kit made them easily accessible and reduces time to take them to the accident site. The text of the printed brand “Sanax - First Aid” embossed on the lid. In Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward, people are well aware of the institutions remoteness and of the importance of quick treatment when accidents occur. However, prior to the first commercial First Aid Kit being produced in 1888 by Johnson & Johnson, there was limited knowledge about treating injuries and about medical supplies to have ready for emergencies. A quote from Johnson’s & Johnson’s 1888 price list states, “It is a fact ... that many lives are lost and much suffering entailed in such accidents on account of the lack of the simple but necessary articles required to afford prompt assistance to the wounded.” [cited Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village]The kit is significance because it illustrates the first aid paraphernalia used in the care of staff and patients at Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward. Black tin container. Inside lid shows printed instructions regarding treating various ailments. Contains: Absorbent gauze Canister of castor oil Petroleum jelly First Aid dressing Absorbent dressing Salvolatile ointment Gauze bandage x 3 Ache tablets x 25 3 loose metal safety pins The contents are not dissimilar to items used in first aid kits today. Due to its portable nature, the kit contains many dents and scratches. first aid, medical supplies, sanax

The medical instrument is used for the treatment of Trichomonas Vaginitis. Insufflation has been a medical practice since the early nineteenth century, the earliest mention of it appearing in 1823. There are descriptions of its therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in connection with almost every cavity of the body. Despite being used widely across many Victorian health institutions, insufflation has not been regarded as a dangerous procedure.The object is significant because it is representative of medical treatments used to cure sexually transmitted diseases in Aradale Mental Hospital in the 1940's. Black leatherette covered wooden box with a metal latch on the front and 2 hinges at the rear. "Wyeth Vaginal insufflator for silver picrate" printed on inside of lid. Blue, painted wood, custom made interior. Contains: Four canisters of Silver Pictrate [Sealed] One canister of Silver Pictrate [attached to Insufflator] One canister of Silver Pictrate [Open but covered with a plastic top] One Vaginal Insufflator (Holmspray) Each bottle has a white paper label with blue banners at the top and bottom and blue text which reads in part reads "5 GMS Wyeth's compound silver picrate 1% powder" A receipt of sale dated 18 February 1944 is included in the box. Manufactured by John Wyeth & Bros Inc, Sydney, Australiamedical history, silver pictrate, trichomonas vaginitis, ararat mental hospital

Everyday kitchen items added a feeling of "home" in many of Victoria's institutions. The vintage butter dish is significant in its representatives of a kitchen object frequently used in Victorian institutions. Objects such as these tell the stories of peoples everyday lives.Inscribed with “The Jolly Boatman” River scene – boat, bridge and cottage Two pieces – dish and lid Yellow porcelain – crazed Manufacturer: Lancaster & Sandlandkitchen item, dish

With the advent of electricity, so to came the invention of the Electrocardiograph Machine. This piece of medical equipment gave nursing staff and doctors a more precise indication of a patients heart beat and was used extensively across Victoria's medical institutions. The equipment is significant because it is a fully intact example of diagnostic equipment used in a mental health hospital in Victoria Australia.Cardiotrace Electrocardiograph Machine in blue plastic case with black handle. Contains: Electric cord Cords to link electrodes Graph paper to measure heart beats Instruments on panel marked 'stylus heat', 'off', 'run', 'position', 'test', 'record', '1', '2', '3', 'aVR', 'aVL', 'aVP', 'V', '1/2V', 'lmV', marker.Manufacturer: Medical Instrument Co. Pty. Ltd. Distributor: Watson Victor Limited Serial No: 3362 Cardiotrace Heat Mark III Electrocardiograph/Voltage 220-240 A/C /Frequency 50 cycles per second/Watts 45 serial 3362/Caution: Refer to Manual for full detail.electrocardiograph machine, medical instrument, medicine, health, mental health, ararat mental hospital, j ward

Keys played an important role at Ararat Mental Institution. They locked away patients, medications, offices, wards, workshops and utility areas. Patients and staff would have been all too familiar with the sounds of doors being locked and unlocked. The board is significant because it contains keys that can only be used at Aradale Mental Hospital.Timber board containing an assortment of over one hundred keys mounted keys belonging to Ararat Mental Hospital [Aradale]. Keys secured to board with small eyelet screws. Keys and board are lacquered. Comes with two timber stands for display purposesNo serial numbers, engravings or manufacturers details. keys, mental institutions, locks

Microscope were essential medical tools in diagnosing blood and tissue samples of patients. Microscopes were used at Ararat Mental Hospital from the time of its opening. The microscope is significant as an example of medical equipment used at the mental institution in the 1800's.This microscope sits in an flat tripod, much like the American style foot. It has an inclination joint. The mirror is on a double jointed arm, allowing oblique illumination and above stage illumination of opaque objects. The substage ring fitting can be removed to allow for extremely oblique lighting. Removing the ring is easy as it is fixed by a simple bayonet arrangement. Many microscopes had a bullseye condenser which attached to the stage, but this is lacking in this example, perhaps because the mirror can articulate above the stage. Coarse focus is by straight rack and pinion, fine by micrometer screw acting on the stem. There is an extendable drawtube which extends to allow optimal use of the objectives and a single objective and ocular are present. The microscope is missing pieces such as glass slides and two side braces.R & J Beck London Serial Number: 7925microscope, pathology, medical equipment, biospsy

In a medical context, restraint is defined as forcible confinement or control of a subject, as of a confused, disoriented, psychotic, or irrational person. It is also an intentional restriction of a person’s voluntary movement or behaviour. Within the mental health sector restraint belts were used frequently particularly before the invention of psychotropic drugs.The leather restraint belt is significant as an intact example of restraint devices used in the earlier decades of Victorian mental health institutions.The black and tan leather belt consists of two parts. The first wraps around the waist and is secured with a brass buckle and perforated holes. The second consists of two small belts attached to the main belt. These also have brass buckles and perforated holes and secured at the wrist.No serial numbers, manufacturer details or personal markings.restraint belt, medical history, psychiatric history, mental health

Keys played an important role at Ararat Mental Institution. They locked away patients, medications, offices, wards, workshops and utility areas. Patients and staff would have been all too familiar with the sounds of doors being locked and unlocked.The board is significant because it contains keys that can only be used at Aradale Mental Hospital.Timber board containing an assortment of over one hundred keys mounted keys belonging to Ararat Mental Hospital [Aradale]. Keys secured to board with small eyelet screws and glue. Keys and board are lacquered. Two brass screws at the top secure board to the wall.No serial numbers, engravings or manufacturers details.mental health, keys, locks, mental institutions, psychiatric history

Religious text used in Victoria's mental institutionsA good example of the texts relating to Protestant Missions in the late 1800s18.5 cm x 25 cm. 160 pages. Hardcover [publisher’s original navy blue pebbled-finished cloth]. Gilt-stamped device with title and black tooled borders on front board. Blind border tooling to rear board. Fair condition with some significant signs of external wear. Faded and torn cloth at spine. Binding relatively firm and solid. Sharp cornered interior clean and with some aging. Tricoloured Bookplate carrying “Sin, Subsitution, Salvation” and similiarly themed quotes. bible, biblical commentary, protestantism, religious literature

HistoricalThis publication is a good example of how staff in Victoria's mental institutions kept up to date with medical and psychiatric information from around the world. The publication contains a series of Papers produced as a result of a Conference regarding Reserpine in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric, Neurological, and Related Clinical Problems. The Conference was conducted by the Section of Biology of the New York Academy of Sciences on February 3 and 4 1955. The cover is tan coloured. The material is similar to a manila folder. Two metal staples. The cover and pages are slightly worn from use. The print is crisp and easily readable. 280 pages.The cover has a plastic sticker reading 377. The inner front cover and front page has an ink stamp reading "Mental Hygiene Authority Central Library, Royal Park 28 Oct 1955". The number 974 is handwritten in ink inside the front cover. The number R1 is handwritten in ink on the front page. medical, psychiatry, medication

In green cloth with a pasted-on colour lithograph illustration. Black and red titles with a black and white frontispiece. 304 pages. Book is in fair the boards show some use and shelf-wear. The front and back covers are worn with some staining and foxing. Corners are worn and holes in spine. Binding tight and text unmarked. Internally there is some light soiling. No Jacket. fiction"The story of the boy chums hunting the blue herons and the pink and white egrets for their plumes in the forests of Florida is full of danger and excitement. In this story is fully told how the chums encountered the Indians; their battles with the escaped convicts; their fight with the wild boars and alligators; and many exciting encounters and escapes. This is the third story of the boy chums' adventures." -- 1910. A.L. Burt. https://c.web.umkc.edu/crossonm/boychums.htmadventures, boys

The book has a dark green and brown leather hardback cover. There are also water stains and what appears to be mould growth. The cover has an Imprinted border around the edges of the title. The spine is torn at the top and bottom. A page is torn out between front cover and introduction page. The pages have stains from use and some foxing. On May 20 1812, a group of Church of England evangelical clergy & laity met in The Freemasons' Tavern in Great Queen Street, London, to form "The Prayer Book and Homily Society." The founders were also members of the Church Missionary Society (founded 1799) and the British and Foreign Bible Society (founded 1804). The purpose of this Society was to print and distribute the Book of Common Prayer (1662) in English and in other languages, as needed by missionaries; and also to publish "The Book of Homilies" which is referred to in "The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion" as a source of the foundational doctrine of the Church of England by law established. The Society published the Prayer Book in at least 12 languages and seems to have been at the peak of its activity in 1828-1833. The Homilies were only published in English and in editions without the critical apparatus. http://pbs1928.blogspot.com/2003/01/prayer-book-homily-society.htmlreligion, religious text, sermons, homilies