Carl Rudolph Braun (1823-1891) was the inventor of this instrument, as well as a type of decapitation hook. Braun was born and practiced in Austria, and followed Semmelweis as assistant to Klein at the Vienna Maternity Clinic in 1847, before becoming its head in 1856. Braud added a gynaecology section to the clinic in 1858, being convinced that obstetrics and gynaecology should be together. (Source: Baskett, Thomas. 'On the Shoulders of Giants: Eponyms and Names in Obstetrics and Gynaecology'). This device was included with a range of other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill Hospital combined with St George's hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Craniotomy forceps, Braun's. Stainless steel forceps, with wingnut. Upper blade has open oval section and ridged grip section on the handle. Lower blade has serrated inner edge and ridged grip section on the handle. Wingnut is used for attaching the upper and lower blades of the forceps. Inscribed "B.H.H.L Ward" on forceps."B.H.H.L Ward"destructive instruments

Used for probing a woman's uterus through the cervix, to measure the length and direction of the cervical canal and uterus. Dilators are primarily used to open and dilate the cervix to gain access to the uterine cavity but can also be used as sounds. This device was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill Hospital combined with St George's Hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Three bladed Sims uterine dilator, consisting of upper blade, lower blade, bridge, and wingnut. Blades are polished stainless steel with matte steel handles. Upper surface inscribed, (trademark) MADE IN GERMANY INOXIDABLE", "21"."21"box hill hospital

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993. Syringe attachment with 4 depressions of equal size around the base. Inside is a shallow rim. The inside is hollow and wider at the base rim than the top. It tapers to half the circumference size at the outlet.intravenous device, midwifery

“Albert Smith’s Retroversion Pessary consists of two lateral sigmoids, united at each end by bows, one wide and rounding, the other short and more sharply curved. Smith’s form narrows from above (proximally) downwards (distally) as do the vaginal walls. This pattern was produced in a great variety of sizes.” - 1899 Truax. (The Tizzano Museum)Curved pessaries made of black vulcanite. Pessary is curved at both ends with a narrower 'neck' in the middle.pessary, intrauterine device

Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster.Pessary. Consists of a hollow stem with a rounded flange at one end. At the end of the stem is a small ridge with a round 'cuff'.pessary, intrauterine device

Stem pessaries were instruments used for rectifying uterine displacement, either ante or retroversion. The pessary consisted of a stem and bulb or ball. The stem was introduced into the vagina, and the bulb rested against the cervix/uteri. An external wire frame could be attached to the bulb. The wire frame would be positioned to press on the pubis, thus keeping the pessary in position in utero. Although this pessary has been recorded as Peaslee's it is very similar in appearance to Thomas's galvanic stem pessaries. Stem pessaries were used in rectifying uterine displacement, either acute or retroversion. A pink tag was attached by string to one of the stems inscribed "Peaslee's/ Uterine/ Stem " "...?TID" on other side.Two Peaslee's intrauterine stem pessaries. Copper single stem pessaries with rounded top, stamped with the number seven on the top.intrauterine device, pessary

The wings of the pessary are controlled by two small hinges and the screw at the base of the metal stem. These wings can be opened or closed by turning the screw clockwise or anticlockwise.Zwanke's intrauterine stem pessary. Consists of two black vulcanite wings, a stem, and a screw. Stem is made up of three curved metal prongs, which fit into a small metal cup at the base. Screw is made of vulcanite with a small metal stud on the underside. intrauterine device, pessary

The wings of the pessary are controlled by two small hinges and the screw at the base of the metal stem. These wings can be opened or closed by turning the screw clockwise or anticlockwise.Zwanke's intrauterine stem pessary. Consists of two black vulcanite wings, a stem, and a screw. Each wing has a 2cm hole in it. Wings are divided by two small metal screws and at the base of each wing are three metal studs. Stem is made up of three curved metal prongs. Screw is made of bone.intrauterine device, pessary

This type of pessary came in six sizes ranging from 8.0 to 10.5cm.Two pessaries, Hodge design. Made of moulded black vulcanite. Small size. Typed label with catalogue record, "HODGE PESSARY".intrauterine device, pessary

Ring and stem pessary. Black vulcanite pessary with cup and stem. Stem is slightly curved with ring at top. Stem forked at end into two prongs with holes, possible to aid drainage. Typed label with catalogue record, "RING PESSARY" and tag with string "Ring Pessary".intrauterine device, pessary

Black vulcanite pessary. Seen vertically the object resembles a horseshoe. The front section of the cradle is much thicker than the moulded curve of the pessary. Label, typed "GALABIN'S ANTEVERSION PESSARY" and tag with string "Galabin's ante/version/ pessary".intrauterine device, pessary

This is the 'old' style of Gelhorn pessary, which is similar in appearance to the Matthews-Duncan disc and stem and the Simpson's shelf gutta-percha. "This type of pessary was used in cases of complete procidenture... thus preventing dragging on the posterior wall of the bladder and the associated incontinence of which most patients complained. When wearing a large pessary with a small pessary, the uterus often came down beside the pessary." (Dr. A.J.Helm-Montigue, Down Bros Ltd. Surgical Instruments and Appliances, p. 1038.Black vulcanite pessary . Consists of a rigid short think stem with bulb at the distal end, and a solid flange at the proximal end.intrauterine device, pessary

Part of the collection of Dr Frank ForsterClear plastic pessary consisting of three sections including a wide flange, short stem and bulb. intrauterine device, pessary

Godson modified the Zwanke pessary by adding a spring catch to the metal stem.Black vulcanite pessary with metal stem and hinged wings. This design is similar to a Zwanke's pessary. There are three small hinges in the middle of the wings and a metal stud. On the back of the left wing is the number "3 registered no. 5798". Maker's name 'Arnold and Sons' is inscribed on the flattened section of the flat blade.intrauterine device, pessary

Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster.Uterine stem pessary. Pessary is made of copper coated lead with upper oval shaped bulb. Bulb of the pessary is made of copper and oval has a small hole in the top centre. The upper part of the stem is made of copper and the lower section is made of lead and tapers to a blunt end. On the upper outer right side on the bulb is the figure "6".intrauterine device, pessary

The pessary was first made of hard rubber then later from vulcanite. A major manufacturer was Allen & Hanburys, London. They were made in six sizes. The pessary was used to support the uterus in cases of prolapse of the uterus or assisted the conditions of relaxation of the vagina and reduction of vaginal hernia. The designer of this pessary was William Morse Graily Hewitt (1828-1893), a British gynaecologist, obstetrician and physician. Vulcanite pessary. The pessary is loosely 'v' shaped, with a thicker section at top and two 'wings'.pessary, intrauterine device

The pessary was first made of hard rubber then later from vulcanite. A major manufacturer was Allen & Hanburys, London. They were made in six sizes. The pessary was used to support the uterus in cases of prolapse of the uterus or assisted the conditions of relaxation of the vagina and reduction of vaginal hernia. The designer of this pessary was William Morse Graily Hewitt (1828-1893), a British gynaecologist, obstetrician and physician.Pessary is made out of black vulcanite. Has two hinged wings with a hole through the centre, and when placed on a flat surface the object forms the shape of a "V".intrauterine device, pessary

This pessary was often used for a condition called retroflexion of the uterus. Similar in style to Chamber's stem pessary.Wishbone style pessary, consisting of two white metal arms attached to a ring. The arms are slightly curved, like tweezers, and end in small, spoon-like prongs. intrauterine device, pessary

This was one of the older types of ring pessary and resembles a watch spring pessary. They were made in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses, and came either just as a ring or with a perforated indian rubber septum. A new type of ring pessary was later made which improved on this design. Whereas this hard rubber/vulcanite style pressed on the vaginal wall, the new style instead provided a soft cushion thanks to a patent fluid filled design. This meant that the pessary did not collapse in the way air filled pessaries did, and meant that the pessary could remain in place for a much longer period without discomfort to the patient.Circular pessary made of black vulcanite. intrauterine device, pessary

This was one of the older types of ring pessary and resembles a watch spring pessary. They were made in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses, and came either just as a ring or with a perforated indian rubber septum. A new type of ring pessary was later made which improved on this design. Whereas this hard rubber/vulcanite style pressed on the vaginal wall, the new style instead provided a soft cushion thanks to a patent fluid filled design. This meant that the pessary did not collapse in the way air filled pessaries did, and meant that the pessary could remain in place for a much longer period without discomfort to the patient.Circular pessary made of black vulcanite. intrauterine device, pessary

This ellipse shaped pessary, worn anteriorly, prevented dragging on the posterior wall of the bladder, thus preventing incontinence of urine often experienced by the wearing of a larger pessary.Vulcanite pessary. Pessary consists of a loosely tear shaped flange and a stem. Upper part of pessary is enclosed, with a keyhole opening for the stem. Upper part of body tapers to a stem. Lower part of body has been cut away, leaving a heart shaped opening. The stem is attached to the body through the keyhole opening. There are multiple perforations along the stem. intrauterine device, pessary

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.Pessary, Thomas style, made of black vulcanite. Inscribed with number "60". intrauterine device, pessary

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 "60". Pessary is thickened at distal end and tapered at proximal end.intrauterine device, pessary

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

Index, notes, ill, maps, plans, p.702.non-fictionReginald Jones was nothing less than a genius. And his appointment to the Intelligence Section of Britain's Air Ministry in 1939 led to some of the most astonishing scientific and technological breakthroughs of the Second World War. In Most Secret War he details how Britain stealthily stole the war from under the Germans' noses by outsmarting their intelligence at every turn. He tells of the 'battle of the beams'; detecting and defeating flying bombs; using chaff to confuse radar; and many other ingenious ideas and devices. Jones was the man with the plan to save Britain and his story makes for riveting reading. world war 1939 – 1945 – secret service – britain, world war 1939 – 1945 – science and technology

Mostl likely donated by Dr Frank Forster, possibly collected by him from colleagues initially.Uterine dilator, Goodell's, stamped inside the blades '22". Manufacturers logo stamped on near netral screw joint, Medical symbol, serpent entwined around a sword with crown on top.uterine device, dilation, forster, frank

Most likely donated by Dr Frank Forster, possibly collected by him from colleagues initially.Uterine dilator, Palmer's. Broken handle lever. illustrated in Tiemann, George The American Armaterium, page 503.uterine device, dilation, forster, frank

Most likely donated by Dr Frank Forster, possibly collected by him from colleagues initially.Uterine dilator, Goodell's, stamped inside the blades '23". Manufacturers unknown.uterine device, dilation, forster, frank

Most likely donated by Dr Frank Forster, possibly collected by him from colleagues initially.Uterine dilator, Goodell's, stamped inside the blades '23". Manufacturers unknown.uterine device, dilation, forster, frank

Most likely donated by Dr Frank Forster, possibly collected by him from colleagues initially.Uterine dilator, Gardner's, stamped on blade "HIGHEST STAND...(ard). Worn away- This item must have had great usage.uterine device, dilation, forster, frank