The use of chloroform as an anaesthetic for humans was first demonstrated by Edinburgh surgeon James Young Simpson in 1847. It was used as an anaesthetic in the 19th and early 20th centuries.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.Amber glass bottle [197.1] with long neck and matching stopper [197.2]. The text "Lamprecht's" and "36587" stamped into the glass. Bottle is round with a fluted, vase like top and a small spout. Stopper is topped by a circular knob and tapers towards a point."Lamprecht's" "36587"anaesthesia

These types of towels were introduced into hospitals in the 1900s, where they were used mostly in operating theatres and on dressing trays. The towels became too costly to launder and were replaced by more modern disposable materials.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.Thick cotton/linen towel, with a 'bubble' or 'chain' design in the material. The word "Hospital" is woven into the central band. There is a 1.25cm machined hem on unsealable sides.obstetric delivery

These types of towels were introduced into hospitals in the 1900s, where they were used mostly in operating theatres and on dressing trays. The towels became too costly to launder and were replaced by more modern disposable materials.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.Thick cotton/linen towel, with a 'bubble' or 'chain' design in the material. The word "Hospital" is woven twice into the central band. There is a 1cm machined hem on unsealable sides.obstetric delivery

This is a one pint general purpose enamel jug. 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.Cream coloured jug, made of enamelled metal with a blue rim. Inside the jug are markings for imperial and metric capacity.infant care

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.Chamois bag originally used for obstetric forceps. The bag is sewn down the centre to form two compartments.obstetric delivery

Neville Barnes Obstetric Forceps have a cephalic and pelvic curve and are used for delivery of babies presenting as occipitoanterior. When used, the left blade is 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)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.Set of metal forceps. Consists of two blades [204.1,.2] and detachable traction axis [204.3]. Inner aspect of right hand blade is inscribed ' Allen and Hanbury's - London'. '3' inscribed on axis traction handle.'Allen & Hanburys - London', '3'obstetric delivery

These are long obstetrical forceps following the design of Sir James Young Simpson (1811-1870). They are longer and heavier than Simpson's type of short forceps and were used to deliver babies from higher up the birth canal. Simpson's long and short forceps were adapted in many later designs. (Science Museum Group)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.Metal forceps, consisting of two blades with detachable traction axis.obstetric delivery

The Gladstone bag was first developed in the mid 19th century and was named after British politician William Gladstone, a four-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdon. 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.Leather gladstone bag with leather handle and leather strap. Lining of bag is torn. Base of bag carries the words 'SOLID LEATHER' and the number '20'. surgery

Pituitrin was used for the induction of labour prior to birth and for the treatment of post-partum haemorrhage (from vasopressin's vasoconstrictive properties). Morphine is used for the short term management of severe pain. Hyosine Hydrobromide, also known as scopolamine, is used to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting.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.Selection of four medical vials in a small cardboard box. Vials contain Pituitrin [206.5, 206.6] , Morphine Suphate [206.2] and Hyosine Hydrobromide [206.3, 206.4]. Box is labelled ""HERMETTE"/PITUITARY EXTRACT" drugs

This item was rubbed several times on each side of a glass ampoule or vial to make a cut in the glass, after which the head of the ampoule/vial was snapped off.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.Small metal blade, approximately 4.5cm in length. The upper edge of the blade is smooth, and the lower edge has a line of fine serrations for cutting.

The all purpose 'Atomist' atomiser was used from the 1930s to the late 1960s. The atomiser had a detachable nasal mount, and a rubber bulb which was attached to a length of tubing. It also had an adjustable spray tip. It could be used as an anaesthetic cocaine or other spray. In the 1950s it was in extensive use as a laryngeal, nasal and throat spray. The spray nozzle could be turned upwards or downwards and was similar in appearance to the De Villiers Canadian spray. The atomiser could also be used as a vaginal douche with lotion for the treatment of vaginal infections. An atomizer spray consisting of a glass container with a hollow metal tube at front and long black rubber tubing attached to a rubber bulb at the rear. Glass container has residue of white liquid in it. WARNIING: dried white powdery substance may be arsenic. Contained in sealed bag. Handle wearing nitrile gloves and ensure examination is in open area, not enclosed space.

Used to remove polyps or other growths, using a tightening chain to gradually lacerate the growth, minimizing haemorrhage. Devised by Charles Marie Edouard Chassaignac (1805-1879) who was a surgeon in Paris. The manufacturer of this item was possibly Geo. Tiemann & Co Surgical Instruments USA. Metal ecraseur, Chassaignac's design. The straight shaft can be extended, and has a straight handle at one end and a metal loop at the other. destructive instruments

This statue is a Louros type statuette, known from the Louros cemetery of Naxos, Greece. The figure is standing and has some plastic features. There are no facial features and no arms, just stumps at the shoulders. Such figurines are found in ancient graves. This is most likely a replica of an antique figurine originating at Naxos cemetery, Greece. Cycladic figurine depicting a feminine figure on carved pedestal. A wire necklace with medallion is attached, and inscribed YNNE-TAN with laurel wreath. Handwritten inscription in ink on base (see inscription). Sticker attached to base carries handwiring which reads 'FF'.Louros type figurine 2800-2300 B.C. Nat. Arch. Museum Athens 1978

Replica figurine. Muttergottheit, loosely translated, means 'Mother Goddess'. Inscribed underneath in Frank Forster's hand.Early Christian style figurine depicting Muttergottes (Virgin Mary - German) figure wearing toga and veil, holding a swaddled infant. Plaster with ochre over-painting, most likely modern replica. Sticker attached to base is printed with German text that reads 'Muttergottheit/Trier, Altbachtal/2. Jh. n. Chr.' The numbers '1974' and '0216' have been handwritten on the base of the figurine.

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

Uterine dilator, with a measurement dial and screw. The screw is at the top of handle and is used to activate the dilator. There is a number inscribed on the handle. There is a small metal attachment below the dial at an approximately 45 degree angle. The attachment has a flange, and in a fixture for fitting rubber tubing and a douche to the dilator.