This pessary belonged to Dr Olga Bolitho who inherited it from Dame Ella MacKnight. Used by Olga Bolitho once or twice, according to correspondence dated 14/5/00 from Olga Bolitho [held with the donation form] Dame Ella Macknight was an obstetrician and gynaecologist who worked at the Queen Victoria Hospital, Melbourne. She was appointed as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire on 1 January 1969 for services to medicine. She gained her MB BS in 1928 from the University of Melbourne. After qualifying as an obstetrician and gynaecologist, (MD, Melb.1931, DGO Melb 1936), she was associated with the Queen Victoria Hospital from 1935-1977. Her appointments included honorary obstetrician and gynaecologist from 1935-1964; vice-president of the Committee of Management for 1963-1971 and president from 1971-1977. She was president of the Council of the Royal College of Gynaecologists from 1970-1972.After her death in 1996, her family set up a post graduate scholarship in her honour with the Royal College of Gynaecologists & Obstetricians.Clear plastic pessary. Pessary is circular, with a wide flange and a short stem. The stem is attached to the flange, rather than the pessary being moulded as one piece. There are two small holes in the flange, either side of the stem.intrauterine device, pessary

This item belonged to Dr Geoff Bishop. Similar in appearance to Heath's glass aural syringe.Glass aural syringe with glass plunger, rod with compressed cotton plunger, and (loose) rubber cap [237.2]. The tip of the syringe is elongated and has no attachment for needles. Distal end of plunger has a widened area shaped like a small glass cork. Cottom thread is wound around a small depression. Distal end of plunger has been inserted through a small cork. Above the cork is a wooden cap with a central hole. The head of the plunger has a 'cotton reel' depression and fits into the outside of the wooden cap.irrigation

John Chassar Moir was a fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. In 1932. Dr Moir discovered Ergometrine, which is a major factor in the control of bleeding following delivery. Framed photograph. Image depicts a bust of Professor John Chassar Moir in profile. Caption beneath image reads "J. CHASSAR MOIR/1900-1976/ LLD, MA, MD, F.R.C.S.Ed, F.R.C.O.G/Discovered Ergometrine 1932". Photograph is autographed "Chassar Moir 19...(illeg.) 1938?"

Sir William Gilliatt was born in 1884 in Lincolnshire. He was educated at Boston Grammar School and Wellingborough College, and began his medical career at the Middlesex Hospital in 1925. He became obstetric and gynaecological surgeon at King's College Hospital, a position he held until his retirement in 1946. Gilliatt was a foundation fellow of RCOG, U.K. and served on the Council from 1932 until his death in 1956. He was also the President of the RCOG from 1946 until 1949. Gilliatt was known to be an excellent clinical teacher and was gynaecologist to the Royal family for two decades. He wrote very little for the medical journals, but his influence on obstetric and gynaecological practice was considerable and his attention to detail was painstaking. He was killed in a motor accident on 27 November 1956.Framed black and white photograph. Photograph is a side-on portrait image of Sir WIlliam Gilliat, who is turning his head to face the camera slightly and is smiling. Photograph is signed 'William Gilliat/April 1951'. An inscription, likely to be the name of the photographer, appears in the bottom right-hand corner of the photograph. The frame is a simple gold coloured metal frame, with a rose decoration in each corner.William Gilliat/April 1951rcog

The only IUD of Australian origin, developed in 1971 by Australian doctor Ian Anderson in partnership with Ansell Australia and produced at the Ansell factory, 18 River Street, Richmond in the 1970s. The device was taken up by the Battelle Foundation, USA, and clinical trials were carried out in Israel, Indonesia and Singapore. No formal clinical trials were carried out in Australia. The device was used extensively by Population Services International, a private abortion clinic in Sydney in the mid 1970s. At the time this device was donated to the collection in 1997, there were legal proceedings regarding two Australian women who claimed ongoing problems as a result of its use. The donor, Dr Richard Gutch, practised in Clifton Hill and used some in the 1970s but not for long. The drawbacks were the multi-filament string acted as a wick for infection, also the latex leaf often came away from the thread when pulled for removal. Curettage was often the only effective way to remove the IUD. Dr Gutch removed many as he developed a reputation for being skilled at their removal.Intrauterine device (IUD), Ansell-Anderson latex leaf design, with paper sleeve. Made of latex impregnated with copper and zinc. The IUD is leaf-shaped with serrated edge and diamond shape cut out from its centre. Small hole in tail with attached twisted cream coloured thread. Paper sleeve is stamped, "THE/ ANDERSON-ANSELL/LATEX LEAF/I.U.D". SIZE:A/PATENTS PENDING", and notes it is Size A.contraceptive, intrauterine device

Gilbert Innes Strachan (1888-1963) was educated in Glasgow and Bristol. He was a fluent lecturer and a stimulating and dogmatic teacher. Strachan was a founding member of RCOG (London) and served on its Council from 1929- 1955. He was one of the pioneers of the use of radium in treating uterine cancer, receiving a CBE in 1953 for his work in this area. Professor Strachan donated a coat of arms to the Australian RCOG during a visit (pre- 1963). Professor Strachan died at his home in Cathedral Road, London on December 9, 1963, following a short illness. He was 75.Framed black and white photograph. The photograph is a side-on portrait photograph of Professor Gilbert Strachan, a white haired man with steel-rimmed spectacles, a dark suit, and a white shirt. Label on back of frame reads 'Professor Gilbert I Strachan CBE LID'. Frame is made of gold coloured metal and carries a simple wave pattern. The back of the photo is secured by a piece of orange and cream patterned chipboard, held in place by eleven small photograph tacks.Professor Gilbert I Strachan CBE LIDrcog

Donated by Dr Lorna Lloyd-Green before 1997 (according to hard copy catalogue record by Helen Johnson.)Surgical auroscope kit with attachments, in black storage box. Manufacturer's label inside box reads 'Gowllands'. Box is lined with purple satin. Kit consists of base handle, three ophthalmoscopic attachments and a gauge.

This original bell stethoscope belonged to Dr Lorna Lloyd-Green.Stethoscope, metal with black rubber tubing and red rubber ear pieces. Rubber sections of stethoscope have significantly deteriorated.

This Sphygnomanometer belonged to Dr Lorna Lloyd GreenSphygmomanometer, including arm cuff, rubbe tubing, rubber pressure bulb and metal pressure gauge and small black vinyl carry case.examination, blood pressure

This item belonged to Dr Lorna Lloyd Green. This type of jug was used in hospitals and in doctor's surgeries until the introduction of stainless steel.Cream coloured enamel jug with black rim. Inside of mug is carries measurement markings in imperial and metric.

This item is used in surgery to remove adenoid tissue. This item was owned by Dr Lorna Lloyd-Green.Adenoid curette (.1) with detachable snare attachment (.2). Curette has a fluted grip. The number '7' is impressed in the inside of the shaft near the grip, and near the head. Snare attachment has three teeth and the head of the attachment is on a swivel joint which rotates 270 degrees. The number '7' is impress on the inner surface of the snare, and 'SURGICAL CO' is impressed on the outer surface.'7', 'SURGICAL CO.'surgery

These forceps belonged to Dr Lorna Lloyd-Green.Two pairs of stainless steel straight artery forceps. Forcep blades are secured with a screw attachment. One pair of forceps (.1) is inscribed with the number '3' inside both forcep shafts. The second pair (.2) is inscribed with the number '2' inside both forcep shafts.'3' '2'surgery

This item belonged to Dr Lorna Lloyd-Green.Aural reflecting mirror with headband and socket joint.

Neville Barnes Obstetric Forceps have a cephalic and pelvic curve and are used for delivery of babies presenting as occipitoanterior. The left blade being put on first followed by the right blade – the baby is then pulled down until the occiput is under the symphysis, then pulled around. (RACGP)Neville-Barnes forceps with traction attachment and pouch. The forceps are nickle plated, and consist of two blades and an attachable axis traction handle. Pouch is made of denim and has a full length pocket insert. The edges of the pouch are bound with a narrow satin binding and machine sewn. The pouch is fastened with a press stud.obstetric delivery

Topacain is a surface contact anaesthetic for dental procedures. This object would have been used for dentistry procedures.A kit, containing a brass cartridge syringe with three cartridges. One cartridge [with red and white label lettering], contains eleven hypodermic needles. A second cartridge is labelled "Topacain".anaesthesia

Stem pessaries were made from a variety of materials including silver, copper, gold, ivory, horn, hard rubber, and ebony from the late 1880s. The wishbone pessary had flexible wings that were compressed to facilitate insertion into the cervical canal. Initially, the effectiveness of these devices as a contraceptive was not widely broadcast. Rather, their efficacy in supporting the uterus and during dysmenorrhea were claimed.Stem pessary made of copper metal compound with a round head and two flexible wings.intrauterine device, contraception

Mayer type Ophthalmoscope with three speculum and magnifying lens cap. The handle of the ophthalmoscope is missing.

These forceps are used for nasal procedures involving turbinated bone. Luc forceps are similar in appearance to Dennis Browne's tonsil tissue forceps (see Felton, Grimwade & Duerdins, p. 130, Item 130/1, 1934 catalogue).Set of chromium plated nasal forceps with thru joint. Forceps heads are three sided.

These forceps are most commonly used for placing and removing instruments within a sterilization container. They were mainly used to remove smaller articles from gas and, later, steam sterilisers. Larger items, such as dressing trays, large bowls, and jugs, were removed with the larger Harrison's forceps. Cheatle forceps are also sometimes used as a type of dental forcep, to remove hot sterile instruments from the autoclave and place them into sterile pouches.Set of stainless steel forceps with screw joint. The upper blade has a curved 'beak' point, and the lower blade has a square tip. Inner aspect of upper blade is inscribed 'Allen & Hanburys Ltd England 99'Allen & Hanburys Ltd England 99forceps

Very similar in appearance to a Sumner lid retractor. The handle of the speculum has a curve to accommodate the index finger, whilst the ball of the thumb rests on the spring. This speculum is used for 'Smith's operation' of the eye, which treats cataracts. Eye retractor. Made of fine metal wire and gold plate, with retractor arm and one screw.

This instrument is part of the tonsillectomy set. Mouth gags are used to keep the patient’s mouth open during oral surgery, leaving both hands of the surgeon free to operate. The Boyle Davis mouth gag consists of the Davis gag, a frame that serves to hold the mouth open and the Boyle tongue depressor to hold the tongue down. The tongue depressor comes in several sizes, from pediatric to adult. The instrument is assembled by sliding the tongue blade into the frame. The mouth gag is held in position using the Draffin bipod stand. (Entworld)White metal mouth gag [254.1] and tongue depressor [254.2] set. There are small leather fittings on the ends of each item. The mouth gag is roughly horseshoe shaped and attached to a metal support with a small lever, which also allows the tongue depressor to be attached and withdrawn. The tongue depressor is a straight metal blade which is bent and curved at either end.

Metal tongue depressor with anaesthetic tube attachment. Consists of proximal and distal blades, and a blade shaft. "4" marking on the upper distal end of the blade. There is a short metal tube alongside the proximal flange, attached to the upper section of the flange, which is turned inwards and down with a small bulb on the end. Plastic or rubber tubing can be attached to this bulb. There is a smaller rounded flange at the distal end of the shaft.

This particular type of tongue blade comes in sizes 2,4,6, and 8 and can be easily fitted to the Boyle Davis mouth gag.Metal tongue depressor, metal with a metal tube and nozzle attachment. Consists of a shaft and two metal sections at right angles to the shaft. Distal section is turned inwards to act as a lever. Proximal section is shaped as a flange with multiple serrations on the underside. There is a small metal tube attached along the entire length of the flange. The tube is turned downwards at the junction of the flange and the shaft, with a small bulb at the end. A small piece of tubing can be attached to this bulb.

In the 1950s and 60s, Ferguson's bone cutters were used by obstetricians to remove the foreskin during circumcisions. The scoring on the handles is to prevent the tool slipping in the user's grip when in use.Metal bone cutter, with hand grip scoring on outer arms. Similar in appearance to pliers, with short cutting blades.circumcision

Tourniquet, consisting of woven fabric belt, central metal buckle and fastening buckle. The fabric is pulled through the central metal buckle on both sides and is secured to fastening buckle at one end. Teh belt is made of a closely woven material, possibly cotton.

Stem pessaries were made from a variety of materials including silver, copper, gold, ivory, horn, hard rubber, and ebony from the late 1880s. The wishbone pessary had flexible wings that were covered in wax and compressed to facilitate insertion into the cervical canal. Once inserted, the wax would melt and the wings would broaden out slightly. Initially, the effectiveness of these devices as a contraceptive was not widely broadcast. Rather, their efficacy in supporting the uterus and during dysmenorrhea were claimed.Stem pessary, wishbone design. Intrauterine device, made of 9ct gold. It has a round head and two flexible wings."9C"pessary, intrauterine device, contraception

An oval gauze pad which could be washed and reused could be used to give a flat surface, enabling the ether anaesthetic to be absorbed as the patient inhaled. This mask was manufactured in three sizes.Mask, Schimmelbusch, for the administering of anaesthesia, chrome plated metal.anaesthesia

The airway was manufactured in four sizes - Infant, Children, Adult Medium and Adult Large. The use of this type of red rubber tubing was discontinued in the late 1950s when a thinner, more moulded rubber with chromium-plated incut tubes was introduced into public hospital throughout Australia.Airway tube. Consists of a red rubber tube, 2cm in width. The tube is cured at one end, and attached to metal flange/mount at the other end.anaesthesia

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.

This item came from Geoff Bishop's rooms at Mollison House, 386 Albert Street, East Melbourne. Distributed by Ethnor P/L Sydney, these bulk purchase packs pre-dated the individually sterile packaged products with disposable applicators.Two white, plastic Lippes Loop IUDs [.1 and .2], with yellow string attached to one end of each. Double S-shape intrauterine devices. Also includes "LIPPES LOOP" product information label [.3], and a clear hinged plastic case with adhesive sticker [.4].intrauterine device, contraception