The main component of the nitrous oxide gasometer is a metal urn-shaped chamber form which an outlet valve and circular moulded tap allows for the flow of gas. A frame sits atop the chamber and comprises ornately-decorated metal flourishes and three anchoring pipes, two attached to each side of the chamber and one attached to the centre of the lid. The gasometer sits atop an ornately decorated cast iron stand with a circular base.gasometer, nitrous oxide, storage, anaesthesia, dentistry, chloroform, ether

Experiments with intravenous anaesthesia were undertaken in 1872 using chloral hydrate. The high mortality rates discouraged further experimentation until the early 20th Century. Thionembutal, or Pentothal Sodium, was one of these early developments. This ampoule has "Experimental" stamped on it. It has come directly from the manufacturing process. Pentothal Sodium is its trade name. It is now more commonly known as thiopentone.Glass ampoule of Pentothal Sodium (Thiobarbiturate No. 8064) 1.0 gm with large yellowed white label.Printed in black ink on label: Experimental / A 512738 / Abbott Laboratories / North Chicago. Ill., USA.pentothal, sodium, thionembutal, thiopentone, experimental, drugs, intravenous, anaesthesia, anaesthetic, john lundy, ralph waters

Chloroform began to be used as an anaesthetic agent in 1847. It was administered by dropping the substance on to a handkerchief held over the patient's nose and mouth.Clear glass bottle with frosted neck and fluted lip with a glass lid that has a frosted stopper and heart shaped handle piece for lifting the lid out of the bottle. The bottle is housed in a black circular cardboard case with red inner lining. Cotton padding has been stuffed in the top of the lid to protect the bottle stopper.Printed in gold leaf on top of case lid: CHLOROFORMchloroform, anaesthesia, surgery, administration

Dr Thomas Small designed this ether anaesthesia and analgesia machine while he was an Honorary Medical Officer at the Royal Women's Hospital in Sydney during the 1930s. The inhaler is compact and portable. Initially, Small experimented with other agents for the relief of labour pain but was not happy with any of them. He also tried various agents on himself, including nitrous oxide/oxygen, chloroform and ethyl chloride. Finally he settled on ether via a Clover inhaler as the best analgesic. This inhaler is only described in use in Australia and New Zealand, although it was used for almost 40 years. Black leather box with leather handle, lockable latches on either side and drop down front case panel containing a metal ether inhaler and length of black corrugated rubber hose with one end attached to the inhaler and the other end open for attaching a mask. The metal inhaler drum is circular and attached to the floor of the case with a small tap/lever to one side and a mixing valve on the top near the hose connection. The lever has incised gradings of quarter increments from 0 to 1. The box is designed for the ether inhaler to be portable.ether, small, thomas, analgesia, obstetrics, anaesthesia, anaesthetic, royal women's, sydney, queen victoria, melbourne

Rubber model of hand in sealed plastic bag which is original packaging. Hand is marked with acupuncture points on the palm and back of the hand. A leaflet is enclosed inside a plastic box with a white base and clear lid.acupuncture, chinese medicine, traditional medicine, pain relief, acupuncture, chinese medicine, traditional medicine, pain relief

Acupuncture is gaining wider acceptance as a medical treatment.Twenty six (26) fine metal needles with twisted copper ends used for acupuncture.acupuncture, qi, pain management, analgesia

This model is used as an educational or reference tool for guiding acupuncturists in their work.White rubber human model, with acupuncture points annotated across the model. Stored in lidded in a brown cardboard box with a decorated envelope which presumably held acupuncture needles.acupuncture, reference model, educational model

In 1858 Edward R Squibb founded his own pharmaceutical laboratory in Brooklyn, New York. E.R. Squibb, M.D. was dedicated to the production of consistently pure medicines. Squibb retired in 1895 and passed most of the responsibility for managing the firm to his sons, Charles and Edward. The company became known as E.R. Squibb & Sons. In 1989 Bristol-Myers merged with Squibb, creating a global leader in the health care industry. The merger created Bristol-Myers Squibb company, which was then the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical enterprise. Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication.White plastic cylindrical tube with red cap and red print. The tube once contained Trigesic [aspirin].pharmaceutical, analgesia, aspirin, pain relief, bayer

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication.Clear glass tube with with clear plastic lid. There is a brown and green manufacturer's label stuck to the tube.pharmaceutical, aspirin, analgesia, bayer, pain relief

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication.Small amber bottle with light blue plastic screw on cap with faded blue on white manufacturer's label adhered to the front of the bottle containing 25 tablets of Provopin [Aspirin].pharmaceutical, aspirin, provoprin, pain relief, analgesia, dha laboratories

Dr Geoffrey Kaye worked as an adviser to the Director-General of Medical Services, Australian Infantry Forces during the inter-war years. During this time he developed an ether vapouriser specifically for the Army. This is the prototype designed and made by Dr Kaye during 1939.Round metal tray with round ether apparatus inside consisting of an ether sight glass indicator, oxygen bypass, control tap and trap bottle. There are three rubber hoses, two red and one black. geoffrey kaye, vapouriser, royal army medical corps, ether, endotracheal, prototype, blowover, world war ii, wwii, ww2

Promethazine hydrochloride is an anti-histamine with strong sedative effects. It is used as a sedative and to combat hay fever, allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting.Amber coloured glass ampoule with yellow band on neck and teal coloured print on glass containing 50mg in 2ml of Hermethazine [promethazine hydrochloride].Printed on glass in teal: CAUTION S4 / HERMETHAZINE / PROMETHAZINE / HYDROCHLORIDE / 50mg in 2ml / DAVID BULL / EXP APR 81hermethazine, anti-histamine, sedative, hay fever, allergies, nausea

Fentanyl was first synethsised in the 1960s. It is a potent, synethic opioid analgesic approximately 50 - 100 times more potent than morphine.Set of eight (8) clear glass ampoules with red print each containing 100mg in 2ml of Fentanyl (three different sizes)analgesic, fentynal, pain relief, opioid, synthetic

Metoclopramide blocks dopamine receptors in the brain in the areas responsible for the vomiting reflex. It is still used to treat nausea and vomiting that occurs post-operatively or from chemotherapy but there are more effective agents now.Clear glass ampoule with adhered green and white manufacturer's label containing Maxolon.anti-emetic, anti-nauseant

Hyoscine hydrobromide was used before a general anaesthetic, particularly in the days of ether anaesthesia. It is sedating, decreases nausea and vomiting and dried secretions, particularly saliva. It made ether anaesthesia more pleasant for both patient and administrator.Three (3) small clear glass ampoules with red print on glass containing 1ml Hermette, Hyoscine Hydrobromide.ether anaesthesia, sedative, anti-nauseant

Morphine sulphate is an opioid analgesic. It works by blocking receptors in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system that are involved in the sensation of pain.Two (2) narrow amber coloured glass vials with sealed cork stoppers containing small tablets of morphine sulphate. One vial is longer than the other but both have red on white adhered labels.analgesic, opioid, morphine, sulphate, sulfate

Originally distributed by Abbott Laboratories. This device is used for the self-administration of Penthane, an analgesic. Designed for use in emergency rooms, obstetrics, orthopaedics and surgical outpatients.Wooden box with metal clasp and hinges and two sections inside, divided by balsa wood. One side contains an amber plastic and black rubber facial mask, along with a inhaler tube and felt square. The other side contains a cylindrical metal device with a black plastic handle secured to one end and a portal for attaching the facial mask at the other.penthrane, analgesia, self-administration

At the time of issue, anaesthesia was a practice still in its infancy. Proficiency in anaesthesia was determined by successful demonstration of a small number of administrations. It was also built into the existing medical qualifications and not a specialty in its own right. Dr Montefiore David Silberberg completed his training at the Melbourne and Children's Hospitals and went to London where he was clinical assistant to Sir James Mackenzie and was associated with Sir Thomas Lewis who did ground-breaking work on digitalis and electrocardiography. When he returned to Melbourne, he brought with him the first electrocardiograph used in medical practice in Australia. He started working in Collins Street and at the Melbourne Hospital as a specialist in heart problems. During World War I, he served in Egypt in 14 Australian General Hospital 1914-16. In 1919 he was appointed physician to outpatients at the Alfred Hospital while also working at the Children's Hospital and at Repatriation General Hospital. He was appointed inpatient physician at the Alfred Hospital in 1925 and, at about the same time, a University of Melbourne Stewart Lecturer in Medicine. He mentored many young cardiologists during his lifetime, providing instruction at the hospitals where he worked and holding regular extra-curricula meetings at his home.Handwritten certificate from the University of Melbourne acknowledging the proficiency of Montefiore David Silberberg in the administration of anaesthesia. The certificate has been adhered to a piece of cardboard which was the backing board when it was previously framed.Contents of handwritten certificate: This is to certify that / Montefiore David Silberberg / during the year 1906 / attended [scribbled over] has personally / conducted six cases of / anaesthetic + / proficiency in administring anaesthetics / 22.12.06 Es Embley MD / Hon Anaesthetist / Melb Hosp Handwritten in pencil at bottom of certificate: 9 + 6 3/4 / 6 - 4 3/4 Handwritten in pencil on reverse: K. BROWN / Dr. Kaye / 9 + 6 3/4 / 6 - 4 3/4 / 1/4 [indecipherable] / Dr Kaye [underlined] / 124 Anderson St / South Yarrasilberberg, cardiology, electrocardiograph, world war i, wwi, egypt, alfred hospital, children's hospital, repatriation general hospital, proficiency, anaesthesia

Mask used for administering ether anaesthesia. This mask also has a carbon dioxide inlet tube. Carbon dioxide was found to promote deeper breather which assisted in attaining faster anaesthesia. The mask was designed by an American anaesthetist James Tayloe Gwathmey, (1863-1944). Gwathmey invented a range of anesthesia equipment. In 1904, he introduced this mask as one part of a resuscitation apparatus. Gwathmey modified an existing mask to more closely fit the contours of the face. The holes in the rim allow for oxygen to be delivered for resuscitation or for the delivery of a combination of oxygen and anaesthetic. Wire framed mask in tear shape. There is a hinged top bracket which allows for a piece of flannel or domette to secured to the mask, onto which the ether would be administered. There is an inlet tube near the hinged bracket to allow for the administration of CO2 or oxygen and the rim is pierced with holes.james tayloe gwathmey, ether, anaesthesia, anesthesiologist, carbon dioxide, oxygen

The inner dome of the Ferguson's mask was covered in an ordinary vaporising surface of gauze, while the outer tower (circular ring) was enveloped in a domette bag closing at the top to exclude the air so that the ether vapor could be concentrated.Wire mask for ether inhalation. The handle for the mask is made from the same wire as the mesh and there is a circular wire ring above the mask.mask, ether, robert ferguson, inhalation, ramsay surgical limited

Provocaine hydrochloride is a local anaesthetic.Two blue cardboard boxes containing six (6) ampoules of procaine hydrochloride. One box has been opened but the six ampoules remain intact. The other box has unbroken adhesive seals. The ampoules have been separated by cardboard barriers which are lined with shredded paper for absorbency. There is a corrugated carboard layer between the lid and the ampoules as well. The instructions printed in the lid of the box mention a file for opening the ampoules but that is missing.provocaine hydrochloride, local anaesthetic, novocain, novocaine, adrenaline, elliotts & australian drugs pty ltd, sydney

General anaesthesia relaxes muscles around the airway which can result in the airway becoming obstructed. Holding the jaw open or keeping the tongue out of the way were crucial. Often, brutal devices were used to open the jaw or pull the tongue forward to clear the airway.Set of four chrome plated metal tongue depressors of different sizes. Each depressor has been engraved with a number (1 - 4). Numbers 2 - 4 also have a metal tube that could be used to administer anaesthesia simultaneously. Numbers 2 - 3 also have cross-hatched grooves in the depressor and all have finger grips engraved into the handles.boyle-davis, airway management

This pharyngeal airway was captured at Tripoli, Syria in 1941 during World War II. It was a piece of equipment at the Italica Gens hospital.Metal airway device consisting of eight curved strips of metal joined together at the top and bottom by a flattened circle of metal. There is an additional metal circle joining the eight strips of metal approximately one third from the top.lumbard, mayo, pharyngeal, world war ii, italian, tripoli, second world war

This is an example of an early airway management device for anaesthesia. Hollow curved metal tube with flat plate at one end and two tube coming out of it, one curved to the left, one curved to the right.Engraved by hand on curve of tube: POE'S / ASA 1940 Engraved by hand on flat plate: Wood Stamped into flat plate: REGGERairway, poe, american society of anesthesiologists

Metal tube with a flat plate across the top with two additional metal tubes coming out of it and curved toward the right. The main tube is covered in rubber.airway, insufflation, gilbert brown, pharyngeal

The first pharyngeal tube was manufactured in 1913. This is a very early example of a curved modification of the original design. Metal tube with a flat plate inside a rubber tube. The rubber tubing extends much longer than the inner metal tube. There is a hole cut into the side of the outer tube through which the inner tube can be seen.Stamped into metal on flat piece: BT Stamped into metal on flat piece: ALLEN & HANBURYS LTD / LONDON Stamped into metal on underside of flat piece: JGairway, pharyngeal, phillip's, allen & hanburys, alfred hospital, melbourne, london

Captain Arthur Guedel was an American anesthetist who arrived at the Western Front with the American expeditionary force prior to America's official entry. He trained students in airway management and the monitoring of dept of anaesthesia using his chart board description of the signs and stages of anaesthesia. Black plastic tube, flattened and squared off, with a flat mouth plate. There is a metal inner tube which also has a flat plate.Stamped into metal flat plate: KING / 1 Moulded into plastic flat piece: KINGguedel, airway, pharyngeal, gilbert brown

Following the development of an ether mask that would exclude the inhalation of air, Ferguson has been attributed with the modification of a Hewitt's airway. Single aluminium tube with mouth prop covered in red rubber tube that has now adhered and not removable without damaging the rubber. There is a section cut out of the side of the rubber tubing through which the metal tube is visible.pharyngeal, frederick hewitt, alfred hospital, robert ferguson, airway

Mark Cowley Lidwill was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 1954 after his retirement to honour his working life.Mark Cowley Lidwill was born in England in 1878. His family moved to Melbourne in 1894. Lidwill studied medicine at the University of Melbourne, graduating with honours in 1902 and achieving a Doctorate in Medicine (MD) in 1905. Soon after graduation he moved to Sydney and in 1913 was appointed as the first lecturer in anaesthetics at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. That year Lidwill became the first person in the world to catch a black marlin with rod and reel. The event was celebrated in newspapers throughout the country and the marlin skeleton is now on display at the Australia Museum. Lidwill was also the designer of a machine which could deliver anaesthesia mechanically. Compact and portable, the machine delivered precise, although variable, concentrations of ether. Lidwill is also credited with developing the world’s first pacemaker. In a letter he wrote to Harry Daly in 1955, Lidwill was ambivalent about the fate of the machine: “No one would be bothered with it and they thought I was mad”.Printed certificate from the Faculty of Anaesthetists of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) awarded to Mark Cowley Lidwill as an Honorary Fellowship. Printed in black ink at the top of the certificate is the RACS coat of arms. The certificate is dated 26 June 1954 and has been signed by Harold R Dew, President of the College, and other members of the executive.mark cowley lidwill, faculty of anaesthetists, honorary fellowship, royal australasian college of surgeons, cardiology, pacemaker, royal prince alfred hospital, doctorate in medicine

Chloroform was a popular anaesthetic agent in the early period of medical anaesthesia.Empty brown bottle of chloroform, with brown glass stopper.Printed on manufacturer's label: CHLOROFORM / B.P. / ANAESTHETIC / POISON / CHLOROFORM SHOULD BE KEPT IN A COOL / AND DARK PLACE. / W. J. BUSH & CO., LIMITED / MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS / ASH GROVE, HACKNEY, LONDON / MADE IN ENGLANDchloroform, anaesthesia, w.j bush & co., london