This a cast of the first baby to be delivered under anaesthesia, by the use of ether, in Edinburgh on 19 January 1847. The famous physician James Young Simpson, Professor of midwifery at Edinburgh University, attended this birth and wrote about it in the Monthly Journal of Medical Science 1846-7 Vol.7, p649-640. The cast of the baby's head was given to Lance Townsend, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne by Robert Kellar, then Professor of Midwifery and Diseases of Women at the University of Edinburgh, when Professor Townsend was visiting Edinburgh. There is at least one other plaster copy; one is located at Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology, 520 North Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068-2573, USAReplica of a new born baby's head, painted plaster, life size. The model of the head shows a large indentation of two and a half inches in the skull on the left side. The baby was delivered through a severely deformed pelvis, suffered a large indentation to the skull and did not live.obstetric delivery, anaesthesia

Salvaged during the building's demolition by Dr Frank Forster.Cast iron Hospital Gates from the first Lying-In hospital, a leased two storey terrace building at 41 Albert Street Eastern Hill (East Melbourne) which operated from 1856-8 before relocating to Carlton.hospital, lying-in hospital, melbourne

Nipple shields were known from the sixteenth century and have been made from a variety of materials. Stays and corsets of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries resulted in much nipple inversion and were often used day and night. Similar examples to this are held in the University of Melbourne Medical History Unit collection, and by the Dandenong Historical Society.Two moulded lead nipple shields in circular cardboard box. The box is lined with pink paper, and carries a quoted excerpt from Dr Wansbrough on the base. There are printed directions for use inside the box.breast feeding

These breast pumps were known as breast relievers or breast exhausters. They were a refinement of the much earlier 'sucking glass'. The breast pump was refined during the Victorian age. Glass breast pumps were used to manually express milk for the infant. These pumps were in use from the early 1920s to the late 1960s. They can also be used to stimulate lactation. These pumps were widely used in the 1950s by mothers of premature babies. The milk was expressed by hand in the home, then transported to the hospital to feed the premature infant. Breast pump, Coronet brand. Consists of glass bulb and red rubber pump, housed in original box. Box consists of cardboard lid and base and is labelled "CORONET/ BRAND/ BREAST RELIEVER/ MADE IN AUSTRALIA/". "DR. JOHN GREEN" written in pen on box label.breast feeding

The Registration Act 1836 established the General Register Office and a new system of national registration of births, marriages and deaths to take effect from 1837. There was a need to set up a system to record births, to aid with the planning of services and to record deaths to enable further study on the causes of mortality. The accurate recording of births and deaths was to be a vital tool in improving population health and would later enable systematic interventions such as vaccination, as well as aiding research and data analysis. ('1836 Registration Act')Round silver medallion with presentation case. Front of medal features portraits of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in profile. Text encircling the portraits reads 'BIRTHS & DEATHS REGISTRATION & MARRIAGES ACTS". Back of medal carries a lit torch design at centre, encircled by the text "BIRTH . MARRIAGE . DEATH". Presentation case is a square, green, leather box with cream satin and beige velvet lining. There is a central depression within the case in which the medallion sits. Text printed on upper surface of box lid reads "B.D. and M./CENTENARY/1837-1937". Royal Mint insignia stamped in gold inside lid.numismatics

Neville Barnes obstetric forceps have a cephalic and pelvic curve and are used for delivery of babies presenting as occipitoanterior. 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. This particular set of Barnes forceps is unusual because it has handles/grips associated with Simpson type obstetrical forceps, making it a combination of styles. These forceps are similar in appearance to a style of 19th century forceps known as Hensoldt's forceps, made by Jetter and Scheerer, c. 1899. These are pictured as Fig. 771 in the Sir Kenardatth Das catalogue (see references). J. Gray & Son, Sheffield, were in operation from 1849 to 1962, so these forceps date from this time period.Set of obstetric forceps. Consists of a set of stainless steel blades, with black bakelite hand grip attachment. Forceps are engraved with the text 'J.GREY & SON" and "SHEFFIELD". The number '4' is engraved on the inner aspect of the blade, at the join point.'J.GREY & SON/SHEFFIELD'obstetric delivery

These forceps were owned by Dr John Sidney Green, who was very skilled in their use and at the peak of his career in 1936. Green was a contemporary of Arthur Wilson and Arthur Chambers [Communication from Dr Cyrus Jones, 17/7/1997]. These forceps are unusual due to the addition of the Neville traction rod attachment, which is usually associated with Barnes-Neville forceps rather than Simpson forceps. Developed by James Young Simpson in 1848, Simpson forceps have become arguably the most popular model of forceps for use, and were adapted in the creation of many later designs.Set of steel obstetric forceps, consisting of two blades and a traction rod attachment. Inscribed "J.S.G" on stem of left blade."J.S.G"obstetric delivery

Dr Mabel Maguire, widow of Dr Frederick Arthur Maguire (1888- 1953) donated it in 1962 along with a number of glass slides.Dr Maguire owned and used the item, giving Anatomy lessons to medocal students,. Used mostly in Sydney (University of Sydney) 1962Magic lantern or Baloptian [precursor to slide projector]. Model BC. Bausch & Lamb Optical Co, Rochester NY. Electrical, metal projector box with lens in bronze casing a timber frame for glass slides marked "(illeg.) PATENT ECLIPSE" an attached electrical lead with bakerlite plug. c1927.No slides, either missing or none received.instrument, optical

Most likely purchased by former curator Melissa Campbell from a market or antique store.Advertising sign, enamel paint on metal, "AUSTRALIA'S/ FOSTER MOTHER/ NESTLE'S MILK". H 45..0.x w 75.4cminfant feeding

First developed by James Young Simpson in 1848, Simpson forceps have become arguably the most popular model of forceps for use, and were adapted in the creation of many later designs.Set of small, straight metal obstetric forceps with black bakelite insertions on handles. Stamped 'W. SKIDMORE/SHEFFIELD' on inside of left handle.obstetric delivery

The changes in the metal observable on the interior of both these lead nipple shields suggests that this pair was well used. One can only imagine the long-term effects. Perhaps significantly, the lid of the box is stained with the distinctive purple of gentian violet. The underside of the lid claims “They are in no way likely to be injurious to the infant”. Allen & Hanbury’s catalogue of c1901 lists these as costing 1/- per pair.Two nipple shields, lead, moulded, 6cm diameter, with "England" impressed on inside. In original manufacturer's circular cardboard box.breast feeding

First developed by James Young Simpson in 1848, Simpson forceps have become arguably the most popular model of forceps for use, and were adapted in the creation of many later designs.Short handled set of forceps, possibly made of stainless steel. Marked "DOWN LONDON" on inner aspect of left blade handle.'DOWN LONDON'obstetric delivery

Ronald Alder states that these forceps were used by Dr Cuscaden Senior, who "was an honorary at the Royal Women's Hospital during his time there. He did work with radiation in treatment of cancer of the cervix in the early days." (Ronald Alder correspondence, 18 Jul 1997)Stainless steel obstetric forceps consisting of two blades with bakelite handles. "WEISS/ LONDON" and "R.ALDER" inscribed on both blades.obstetric delivery

The Pro Race cervical cap was used in the early 1960s. This pessary came from Professor Geoff Bishop's rooms, Mollison House, 386 Albert Street, East Melbourne. The pamphlet associated with this item says that this device was mentioned by Marie Stopes in her book, 'Contraception'.Cervical cap made of black latex rubber with rolled rim. With original manufacturer's box. Box is pink cardboard and printed with the text '"Pro-Race"/ REGISTERED TRADE MARK/ PURE LATEX/A.SAUNDERS & CO PTY. LTD./ MELBOURNE". Object also includes a paper instruction sheet detailing product information and method of use - the instructions include diagrams.contraception, pessary, marie stopes, intrauterine device

This pessary came from Professor Geoff Bishop's rooms, Mollison House, 386 Albert Street, East Melbourne. As well as the UK, Portex had divisions in the USA and Canada. 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. Portex brand ring pessary in original packaging. Consists of circular ring of cream vinyl, in sterile sealed pouch with transparent plastic at back. Stamped on pouch "PORTEX ENGLAND", and the text "USE BY FEB 77" and "CONTROL No F/1 505". The ring is size 700/300/056 - 56mm. A sticker on the back of pouch gives instruction for cleaning the pessary.pessary, intrauterine device

This block dates from the period when RACOS was a regional council of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).Printer's block, consisting of lead interface attached to a wood block. Block carries the design of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) coat of arms, including the text "SUPER ARDUA" on scroll below shield. Inscription on back of block reads, "J.BIGGS- OBS & GYNAE".printing, rcog

This item was designed to be worn with an academic gown, and was possibly worn by FJ Browne at University of Edinburgh.Hooded academic cape, with attachment for a standard academic gown. Red wool with grey grosgrain silk lining. browne fj, clothing

This pessary came from Professor Geoff Bishop's rooms, Mollison House, 386 Albert Street, East Melbourne. As well as the UK, Portex had divisions in the USA and Canada. 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 time, 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.Portex brand ring pessary in original packaging. Consists of circular ring of cream vinyl, in sterile sealed pouch with transparent plastic at back. Stamped on pouch "PORTEX/MADE IN ENGLAND", and the text "USE BY JAN 77" and "CONTROL No 06 88". The ring is size 700/300/065 - 65mm. A sticker on the back of pouch gives instruction for cleaning the pessary. A red dot is also stuck to the back of the pouch.pessary, intrauterine device

This item was a gift to Dr Frank Forster from colleagues (and possibly students) whilst he was working at the Hosptial for Women at Soho, London, c 1965. [Source: Librarian Hilary Belton] The ashtray was made by Rocket & Co, a manufacturer of surgical instruments. Geofrey Bishop and Bryan Hibbard also have similar ashtrays.Chrome ashtray, consisting of a triangular base with three cigarette rests. At the centre of the base, on a central stem/pedestal, is a set of replica miniature forceps.dr frank forster, obstetric delivery, ephemera

Uterine and anal pessaries were in use from the early 1900s onwards. The size and shape of the pessary varied greatly, and the variation of the original Hodges pessary is evident in many catalogues over a period of sixty years. Celluloid appliances were made in many different colours (ie. blue, pink, white, yellow). The use of celluloid gradually decreased during the late 1960s.Yellow celluloid (plastic) pessary. intrauterine device

Uterine and anal pessaries were in use from the early 1900s onwards. The size and shape of the pessary varied greatly, and the variation of the original Hodges pessary is evident in many catalogues over a period of sixty years.Black vulcanite pessary divided at one end, leaving a gap of approximately 1.5cm.intrauterine device

This is Albert Smith's modification of a Hodges pessary. Uterine and anal pessaries were in use from the early 1900s onwards. The shape and style of pessaries varied with the introduction of new O & G techniques, and the materials they were made from varied with the maker. The Hodges-Smith pessary was usually hand made and was in demand as an intra-uterine device in the 1960s. For the prevention of uterine or abdominal infection, this type of pessary was changed frequently.Small, irregular vulcanite/wire pessary, covered with red rubber. Inscribed "PATENT".pessary, intrauterine device

Uterine and anal pessaries were in use in the early 1900s. Both size and shape of the pessary varied considerably. Pessaries were often round ('ring' pessaries) or irregular shape, depending on the maker. The name of the pessarty was usually that of the inventor.Pessary. Intra-uterine contraceptive device, consisting of red rubber outer covering over wire or vulcanite in an irregular shape. Most likely hand made. Inscribed "PATENTED" at .intrauterine device

This type of cup was designed for use by an adult and was in common usage from the early 1900s to the 1930s. Feeding cups were used both in the home and in hospitals, and were also often made of white enamel. 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 the museum collection in 1993. Feeding cup made out of white china, now discoloured. The cup has a curved spout (similar to a teapot spout) with a handle. There are four small holes inserted inside the cup diagonally at the proximate end of the spout. midwifery

Pap boats date from approximately 1710 and were in extensive use until the end of the nineteenth century. They were used to feed pap to infants or invalids. Pap was a mixture of breadcrumbs, flour, rice or barley mixed with fluids such as broth, milk (if the infant was lucky), water, wine and even beer, to aid the digestion of pap it was often pre-chewed by the nurse or nanny. Pap was a popular form of infant nutrition for almost 300 years and used in many well to do homes. For unwanted or illegitimate infants in foundling homes it was often the only form of sustenance, however, and as a result the mortality rate was appallingly high. Despite a growing number of experts advising against the use of pap, it nevertheless persisted as a major source of infant nutrition in many nurseries until the late 1800’s, largely due to the ignorance of nannies and nurses who took great delight in disregarding the advice of physicians, who they believed were usurping their position in the household. ‘Nanny knows best’.(Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, 'Pap Boat')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. Small round white china container with an extended slim lip. Fluid capacity approximately 30-90ml. The boat has been made from two moulded sections. infant care, infant feeding, midwifery

Glass wound irrigating syringes were in general use from approximately 1915 to the beginning of the 1940s.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. Glass wound syringe, with wood cap at distal end and cork bung inside a glass barrel with tapered end. irrigation, midwifery

A rubber teat would be attached to the top of this nipple shield for breast feeding. From 1801 onwards, nipple shields were available in a variety of materials, such as pewter, horn, bone, ivory, wood, glass and silver. They varied in shape from a bell to a flatter, cap shaped appliance. With the application of the nipple shield, the baby was able to take milk from the breast without giving added trauma to the nipples. In the ante partum period the nipple shield could be worn to assist in drawing out flat nipples; or, as it was known during this period, for the formation of "new nipples". (Fildes, Valerie. 'Breasts, Bottles & Babies - A History of Infant Feeding', 1986) 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. Glass nipple shield. Shape resembles that of a bell.infant feeding, midwifery

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 who donated them to the museum collection in 1993. Glass breast pump with cork stopper and wooden bung. Pump shape loosely resembles that of a light bulb, with a bell-shaped nipple shield on one side. breast feeding, midwifery

Cupping glasses were in use from the early 1700s onwards. Their purpose was to draw the nipple out from the areola in preparation for breast feeding. They were also used for expressing small quantities of breast milk. Other possible uses include drawing fluid from other parts of the body for conditions such as oedema of the limbs or abdomen.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. Cupping glass, consisting of a glass tube connection and red rubber hand pump.midwifery, infant feeding

The Furgusson stethoscope was in use from 1866. It is made all in one piece and has no attachments.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.Fetal stethoscope consisting of an ebony tube with flanges at each end. The large flange would be placed onto the abdomen and the small flange would be placed to the ear to hear the fetal heart beat.diagnostic instruments, midwifery