The pessary was originally regarded as an instrument and made from cork, ivory, hard rubber or gum-elastic. In later times, they were made from black vulcanite, flexible tin, soft copper wire covered with Indian rubber, and celluloid. The form of the pessary was and still is variable -either round, oval, or moulded in some cases combining three or four curves depending on the size of the pessary. In ancient times, medicated pessaries were made from emollient. astringent and aperient. Several of these are still used, but in more modem times are called vaginal suppositories. Anal suppositories are still used to suppress the pain of haemorrhoids.Moulded black vulcanite pessary. Pessary is irregular in shape. Size small.pessary, intrauterine device

The pessary was originally regarded as an instrument and made from cork, ivory, hard rubber or gum-elastic. In later times, they were made from black vulcanite, flexible tin, soft copper wire covered with Indian rubber, and celluloid. The form of the pessary was and still is variable -either round, oval, or moulded in some cases combining three or four curves depending on the size of the pessary. In ancient times, medicated pessaries were made from emollient. astringent and aperient. Several of these are still used, but in more modem times are called vaginal suppositories. Anal suppositories are still used to suppress the pain of haemorrhoids.Moulded black vulcanite pessary. Pessary is irregular in shape, and in the "eyeglass" stem style.pessary, intrauterine device

Thomas’ Retroflexion Pessary is narrower in proportion to its length, while the greater bow is enlarged to a bulb-like form. It enjoyed great popularity and as such was manufactured in a great variety of sizes. Comprised of hard rubber because of its lightness and the high polish that may be given it. The shape can be adjusted by covering the device in petrolatum and heating it with a spirit lamp or immersing it in boiling water. Manufactured in three sizes, and could be combined with a cup and stem external support. See Allen & Hanburys Gynaecological instruments catalogue, page 707.Two moulded black pessaries, Thomas retroflexion type. Made of black vulcanite. Narrower at one end.pessary, intrauterine device

Both uterine and anal pessaries were in use from the early part of the 1900s. This particular type of pessary was in general use from the 1960s to the mid 1970s.Hodges-style intrauterine pessary with three cross bars.intrauterine device

This pessary was manufactured by Allen and Hanburys in three sizes - large, medium, and small. The pessary was originally regarded as an instrument and made from cork, ivory, hard rubber or gum-elastic. In later times, they were made from black vulcanite, flexible tin, soft copper wire covered with Indian rubber, and celluloid. The form of the pessary was and still is variable -either round, oval, or moulded in some cases combining three or four curves depending on the size of the pessary. In ancient times, medicated pessaries were made from emollient. astringent and aperient. Several of these are still used, but in more modem times are called vaginal suppositories. Anal suppositories are still used to suppress the pain of haemorrhoids.Thomas style supportive antiflexion pessary. Pessary is made of black vulcanite and is inscribed with number "65". Pessary is thickened at distal end and tapered at proximal end.intrauterine device, pessary

Dr Mitchell Henry O'Sullivan worked in the Victorian country town of Casterton as a general practitioner from 1919 until his death in 1977. He also practiced obstetrics. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated his obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.Hypodermic glass syringe (.1) with three hypodermic needles (.2 - .4) and metal storage case (.5 - .6). Barrel of syringe is marked from with measurements from 0-20. .2 is a needle head with a rounded flange tapering towards the needle shaft. .3 and .4 are needle heads with flattened oval bulbs, attached to a round bead which holds the needle shaft. The case is oval in shape with the word 'Crystal' engraved diagonally into the top of the lid. There are two fixings attached inside the bottom of the case which form a cradle for the storage of the syringe.'Crystal'

Bakelite douche, consisting of three sections and two caps. Can be disassembled for cleaning.

The packing of these needles is an example of an instrument sterilisation process that is no longer employed. This is one of a collection of items received from the practice of Dr Lachlan Hardy-Wilson, FRCOG, Launceston, Tasmania.Three needle attachments wrapped in gauze, padding and cloth. surgery

The packing of this needle is an example of an instrument sterilisation process that is no longer employed. This is one of a collection of items received from the practice of Dr Lachlan Hardy-Wilson, FRCOG, Launceston, Tasmania.Three-inch needle attachment wrapped in gauze, padding and cloth. Handwritten scrap of paper inside wrapping reads 'Sterile/22.3.89'. It originally reads as 'Unsterile' but the 'Un' has been crossed out.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

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

This is a rare and hazardous obstetric complication, occurring approximately once every 90000 deliveries. It usually results in a low survival rate for the twin that presents first, with a stillborn rate over 50%. This piece is believed to be from South America, and is either from Colombia or Peru.Ceramic childbirth scene with three figures. At centre, a woman lies on a table giving birth. A figure wearing a hat stands to her right, resting their hand on her upper chest in a gesture of support. On her left, a gloved man with receding hairline and a moustache is leaning over her abdomen and is extracting two babies from her womb.obstetric delivery

This tool could also be used as a destructive instrument. This instrument was used by Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany , and came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. Stainless steel dilator with three blades. There is a ratchet at the top of the handles to control the expansion of the arms of the dilator. One arm of the dilator is engraved with the text 'HATRICK'. The second arm of the dilator is engraved with the text 'LONDON'."HATRICK'/'LONDON'destructive instruments, obstetrics

This instrument was part of a collection of instruments associated with Dr Michael Kloss and his medical practice. Dr Kloss subsequently donated this collection to the College.Metal perforator. Instrument consists of two straight, pointed blades with screw joint, and a spring loaded insert. Also includes a connecting spring bar at top of handle. Perforator is engraved with the word 'Kloss'. Inner aspect of perforator is engraved with a three digit number , '21...'. The third number is illegible.'Kloss'obstetrics

A haemacytometer is an instrument used to count blood cells. It is commonly applied to a combination of counting chambers with cover glasses and has pipettes for red and white blood cells. This haemacytometer was manufactured by Ernst Leitz's factory in Metzlar, Germany. This company grew to be come what is now Leica. Haemacytometer in brown leatherette case. Consists of two glass pipettes with attached red rubber tubing, a glass microscope slide, and three small plastic square slide accessories. The base of the case is cut out and lined with felt to accommodate the parts of the object. Top of the case is inlaid with gold coloured text which reads 'Haemacytometer/Breuer/E.Leitz/Wetzlar'. Glass slide is engraved with the text 'E.Leitz/Wetzlar' and scale measurements. Glass pipettes are printed with the text 'E. LEITZ, WETZLAR'.pathology

Used to collect medical samples, including blood.Three plastic medical collection tubes, with caps. Labels attached to each of the tubes reads 'P2/Name/Date/Time/Test/5 ML PLAIN TUBE/For Blood, Stand To/Allow Clotting/ R.M. Johns, Mt. Eliza, Vic.'pathology

Dutch commemorative tile from city of Enschede in DrenteSouvenir brought by Dutch migrants on migrating.Ceramic tile, brown and black two-line border around gold, green, red and white design. Laurel leaves with red berries around coat of arms, scroll banner. Coat of arms white background with three red horizontal bars with two crossed red bars.On back two holes for hanging.Scroll inscribed ENSCHEDE. On underside: Delft with makers' mark. Coat of arms white background with three red horizontal bars with two crossed red bars.

Queen Wilhelmina celebrated her silver jubilee in 1923.Princess Wilhelmina was only 10 years old when her father (King Willem III) passed away in1890. Until she became of age 8 years later her mother, Queen Emma, ruled as Queen Regent. The Dutch are traditionally proud of their Royal Family and this is one of the commemorative items with which the country honoured the Queen's silver jubilee in 1923 Shaped as a soup plate the carved out bottom carries an image of Queen Wilhelmina and the inscription "1898-1923". A branch of oranges with a golden W placed in its centre partly encircles the image. The plate is edged with three green circles. "1898-1923".

Three Colour Photograph taken in Vietnam 1. Seven Khaki clad men in front of sign Royal Australian Survey Corps 1st Topographical Survey Troop 2+3. Scenes of building and treesphotograph, royal australian survey corps

Set of three cloth badges of different colours and texture but all of Royal Crown. Two cloth epulettes with two pips embroidered on. Two gold badges and a single bullet also in packbadges, insignia

A Photographic collage of Royal Australian Army Nurses meeting the local children at Hoa Long Village. There is one black and white photograph and three coloured Photograph. Under the Photograph there is a description about each photograph. Photograph taken by Dennis Gibbonscollage, photograph, royal australian army nursing corps

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

Dr Bernard Johnson was elected on December the 6th December 1952 as the Faculty's first honorary Fellow. At the time, Johnson was the Dean of the Faculty of Anaesthetists, Royal College of Surgeons, England. He was invited to visit Australia to receive his award and in 1953 Johnson received his award and brought with him a notable gift being the local Dean's medal of office which was presented on behalf of the Royal College of Surgeons. Johnson had previously met with Ivan Jose and H.J. Daly by providing advice for the establishment of an Australasian Faculty. Johnson is a significant figure as a pioneer into intravenous anaesthesia into Great Britain. He then turned his attention to improving dental anaesthesia. Working with fellow colleagues R R Macintosh and W S McConnell, they established the ‘Mayfair Gas Company’, primarily for dental anaesthesia, but also provided anaesthesia for general surgery during honorary hospital sessions. Johnson participated in the development of the Faculty of Anaesthetists within the Royal College of Surgeons. A founding member of the Board of Faculty, he served as Vice-Dean and then was the second Dean (1952-5), a role which provided a seat on the council of the RCS England. A 9 carat gold [375] oval shaped Dean's Medal of the Faculty of Anaesthetists, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons secured onto a red coloured woven tape by two large gold links. Obverse depicts in coloured enamel secured onto base the RACS coat of arms and crest. Engraved around the sunken diameter are the Faculty and College names. The reverse side has the presentation details inscribed onto a plaque secured onto the main piece with three rivets with hallmarks on both the message plaque and the outer rim. The original red leather box is in poor condition. Printed on the inside silk cover are the maker's marks.[obverse] THE FACULTY OF ANAESTHETISTS / ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS [reverse] PRESENTED / BY THE DEAN / DR BERNARD JOHNSON / ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF / THE FACULTY OF ANAESTHETISTS / OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF / SURGEONS OF ENGLAND / AT THE INAUGURAL MEETING / 17th APRIL 1953 [hallmarks on reverse] GAS CO LTD 9 375 R Edinburgh? [black print on inside box cover] By appointment silversmiths to / THE LATE KING / GEORGE VI / THE [goldsmith's logo] / GOLDSMITHS & SILVERSMITHS / COMPANY LTD / CROWN JEWELLERS / incorporating GARRARD & CO / 112 REGENT STREET, LONDON W. I.dean medal, mayfair gas company, rcs england, johnson, bernard

Black and white photograph depicting four men in business suits on a beach, standing around a table displaying medical equipment and oxygen tanks. There are CIG oxygen tanks leaning upright against the table, and a display box containing oxygen tanks is on the ground in front of the table. There is another box displaying oxygen tanks, an open suitcase and a megaphone on the table. Three of the men are looking at the fourth man on the far right who is holding a piece of equipment. There is an ambulance from the Elwood Life Saving Club directly behind the men and other cars in the background.•Handwritten in grey pencil on reverse: 7 [inside a circle] •Handwritten in grey pencil on reverse: 4902 •Printed stamp in blue ink on reverse: COPYRIGHT / This photograph may not be reproduced / without permission in writing from the / Editor of "The Age" / 233 Collins Street, Melbourne, and 117 / Pitt Street, Sydney •Printed in black ink on paper label which has detached from the reverse of photograph: ELWOOD LIFE SAVING CLUB / EQUIPMENT PRESENTATION: / Photo from the "AGE" dated 30th December, 1961, / showing the comissioning of Elwood Life Saving / Club's new Ambulance replacing one wrecked in / a collision and covering the presentation of a / State Government cheque for £1,000 by Mr. Baron / Snider, M.L.A. to cover the cost of this ambulance. / In the picture, Mr. Snider (right) inspects / equipment with - from left, the state secretary / of The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia / (Mr. E. A. Pleydell, M.B.E.), club secretary / Mr. Tom Manion, and club president Mr. Jack / Conabere.oxygen tanks, oxygen, cig, the royal life saving club of australia, elwood lifesaving club, ambulance

In 1940 doctors started experimenting with curare for use with electric shock therapy. Electric shock therapy regularly caused broken bones, including vertebrae, and all sorts of dislocations. The intensity of convulsions was high and couldn’t be controlled. During the 19th Century curare was unsuccessfully used to treat rabies, tetanus and epilepsy. By 1935, Harold King had isolated tubocurarine, curare’s active ingredient. In 1942, Harold Griffith successfully used standardised curare (Intocostrin) with cyclopropane. Within five years synthesised muscle relaxants were available. Intocostrin, combined with an anaesthetic agent, was a break-through for this treatment.Solid wooden box with three separate sections inside box. First section contains electrical lead for attaching unit to mains power. Second section contains ECT unit and controls. Third sections contains electrical lead ending in plugs for holding in hands. Sections cannot be separated out, they form one unit.Etched on to the face of the internal unit: PROPERTY OF / THE ROYAL WOMEN'S HOSPITAL Label tape affixed to top of the lid: E.C.T. UNIT OP. THEATRES R.W.H.anaesthesia, muscle relaxants, electroconvulsive shock therapy, women