This operating table belonged to the famous gynaecological surgeon Dr Victor Bonney and was given to Dr Frank Forster in 1953 by his widow Mrs Annie Bonnie, a distant relative of Forster's. Dr Victor Bonney (1872 - 1953) followed his father into medicine and trained at St Bartholomew's and the Middlesex Hospitals. Writing his obituary in 1953, FW Roques said of Bonney that he "'made three great gifts to surgery. First, he was the pioneer of myomectomy; second, with Berkeley, he extended and perfected Wertheim's operation for carcinoma of the cervix; and third, he devised a fine surgical technique emulated by so many of his pupils. To theatre sisters, labour-ward sisters and young house-surgeons he will always be remembered as the discoverer of 'Bonney's Blue' [antiseptic solution].'" Bonney's utilitarian, portable operating table has a round, worn scrubbed patch showing traces of his famous blue solution.This portable operating table was owned and used by pioneering gynaecological surgeon Sir Victor Bonney in London, U.K. c 1900. Dr Bonney employed two theatre sisters and had two sets of instruments and portable operating tables. This made it possible for Dr Bonney to 'complete three or more operations a day by rotating staff and equipment with a chauffeur driven Lanchester or Rolls Royce', delivering them from one house to the next. The donor of the operating table, the late Dr Frank Forster, was a distant relative of Sir Victor Bonney's widow, Annie Appleyard, formerly of Tasmania. When he visited her in the UK after Bonney's death, she offered the operating table to Dr Forster for the RANZCOG Museum. It was still in a canvas bag in the boot of one of Bonney's cars. Sir Victor Bonney was the pioneer of myomectomy, the surgical procedure for removing uterine fibroids. In collaboration with Berkeley, he extended and perfected Wertheim's operation for carcinoma of the cervix. Bonney was an influential teacher, developing and promoting conservatism of surgical technique (minimal intervention) that has had a lasting influence in modern surgical practice. To theatre-sisters, labour-ward sisters and young house-surgeons he will always be remembered as the discoverer of Bonney's Blue an antiseptic that was characteristically blue.Portable, laminated operating table. Plywood rectangular table with two laminated plywood extensions, a head board, and a foot board. At the foot board are insets of canvas straps to support a patient's ankles. Two detachable stirrup poles, each with a canvas strap attached, fit into two holes at the lower end of the table. The table is supported by two timber trellis cross braces with metal bars, and supported at the centre by a metal rod that allows the table to pivot up and down. Two metal arcs with a locking mechanism fix the table at the desired elevation, allowing a Trendelenburg tilt ( a 45 degree tilt, with the patient's head downwards.) The operating table is demountable for transportation and re-assembly.obstetric delivery

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.

This type of wire cot was in common use in Maternity hospitals from the 1920s to the 1950s. Cot and bedding originally from the Maternity Unit, St George's Hospital, Kew. The hospital in Kew was closed in 1998 and the services transferred to Box Hill Hospital. Julie Collette, former General Manager, donated this cot and other items to the Museum collection in 1998. The mattresses were made by 'Cloudsoft' bedding in Fitzroy, Victoria. Infant's cot, made of wire and wire mesh, with two covered mattresses [218.2, 218.3]. Mattress cases are printed with text that reads 'Northern Hospital Linen Service - 51' and 'Stericlean Linen Service'.infant care

These forceps were owned and used by obstetrician Dr Beresford Buttery.This style of obstetric forceps represent the only major innovation in forceps design during the 1900s. They were introduced by C. Kielland of Oslo in 1915. The forceps have virtually no pelvic curve. They possess a sliding lock. These innovations allow the head of an incorrectly positioned foetus to be rotated before traction is applied. They were made by instrument maker Downs Surgical in 1979. (Science Museum Group)Forceps, Keilland, obstetric, surgical steel. Owned and used by Beresford Buttery and engraved "Beresford Buttery" on the outer arm.obstetric delivery

Likely to be a German designed operating chair. Very similar to operating chair shown in [Aesculap] Aktiengesellschaft fur Feinmechanik vormals Jetter & Sheerer, "Illustriertes Musterbuch", 1904, Tuttlingen, South Germany, p. 720, no. 34, 412 Fig 1 & 2. Early twentieth century examination chair constructed of metal and leather. The structure is metal and painted with cream enamel. The seat and seat extension are covered in brown leather. It has two folding sections with metal leg rests, and a base on castors. There are three holes in each arm rest, possibly indicating missing attachments. The chair is adjustable to horizontal.examination, furniture, royal australian college of surgeons

This atlas was collected, along with fifteen other items, from St George's Hospital in Kew, Victoria, on the final day of obstetric services provided by the hospital. After 28/11/1998, all obstetric deliveries from the Birralee Maternity Service (St George's) were via Box Hill Hospital. Black hardcover book, with silver lettering on cover. Text printed on cover reads 'BIRTH ATLAS/SECOND EDITION/MATERNITY CENTRE ASSOCIATION/NEW YORK'. Book contains 17 pages with 24 plates of sculptures depicting the stages of fetal growth from conception to 14 days postpartum. Published by Dickinson & Buskie.st georges hospital kew, obstetrics

This chart was used in the antenatal classes and labour ward of St Georges Hospital, Kew. The original drawings for the chart by WJ Pardoe were made under the supervision of Assistant Professor CFV Smout, Department of Anatomy, Birmingham University 1945.A chart depicting foetal circulation in an infant male. The chart is made of paper with cloth backing and is supported by wooden hanging bars at top and bottom. Blue and wdhite hanging string is secured at the top with metal eye hooks. The char is secured at the top with metal tacks and there is a cotton tape to secure it when rolled. infant care

Items orginally belonged to Professor Bruce Mayes, University of Sydney c1950-65. According to Professor Warren Jones the items had been in a back room of the medical facility and Professor Mayes gave them to Warren Jones, otherwise they may have been thrown out. Warren Jones took them with him to Adelaide where he practiced from 1975.Mucus catheter, similar to Carton's [see 3448, page 355, Allen & Hanburys catalogue]. Stamp of manufacturer, "Holborn Co".

Auvard's specula were used primarily for douching and operating with continuous irrigation. Some examples had fixed weights, others were detachable. This speculum had belonged to Dr Kelvin Churches who was an honorary at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. Auvard-style speculum, with detachable weight. Inscribed with initials " C.K.C" (for Kelvin Churches). Stamped "RAMSAY", which is the manufacturer."C.K.C" "RAMSAY"obstetrics

This needle was owned and used by Dr William Geoffrey Wicks and was referred to as a "boomerang needle". [source: Curator Sue Barnett, 2000] The needle is similar to Ralph Worralll's broad ligament needle, page a/210, Felton, Grimwade & Duerdins catalogue 1948.Broad ligament needle with slot eye. Distal end of metal shaft tapers at an angle to a needle point. Proximal end of needle shaft forks to create a handle shape with a rounded bulb at the end. Underside on needle is stamped "J.AUSTIN" and "STAINLESS". "J. AUSTIN" "STAINLESS"surgery

These forceps were owned and used by Dr Ronald Rome and Dr Kelvin Churches. Notes suggest that these may be a modified set of Denman-type forceps, as appearance of the outer part of the handles indicate they are an 'adaption' for independent use. (Note from Helen Johnson, 2000).Set of short handled forceps. Both blades of forceps are stamped "Lindsay of London" (for manufacturer) and "R & C" (for Dr Ronald Rome and Dr Kelvin Churches). "R & C" "Lindsay of London"obstetric delivery

Bulbous clear glass bottle with necks/openings at either end. Embossed lettering reading "The/STAR/Feeder" on the front/top of bottle. Underside of the bottle is flat to allow for the bottle to sit on a flat surface. "HOWRAH" embossed on underside.The/STAR/Feeder; HOWRAHinfant care

This feeder was used by the parents of Gerard Anderson to feed him Lactogen in 1922. Correspondence on file from donor.Clear glass feeding bottle. Bottle is curved, somewhat resembling the shape of a banana, with a bottle neck at either end. A flat depression on the underside allows the object to lie on a flat surface. The back of the bottle is marked in ounces, and the front is marked in tablespoons. Embossed on the front is a picture of a beehive on a stand with the words: 'EVER SWEET/SANITARY FEEDER'.'EVER SWEET/SANITARY FEEDER'infant care, infant feeding

Clear glass infant feeding bottle. Bottle is somewhat like a banana in shape, with a bottle neck at each end. There is a flattened oval section of glass on the underside of the bottle to allow the bottle to sit on a flat surface. Embossed on front of bottle: ' THE LITTLE FOLKS'/MAW LONDON/FEEDING BOTTLE'. Calibrations are marked in ounces and in tablespoons.'THE LITTLE FOLKS/FEEDING BOTTLE', 'MAW LONDON'

Item originally belonged to Professor Bruce Mayes, University of Sydney c1950-65. According to Professor Warren Jones the items had been in a back room of the medical facility and Professor Mayes gave it to Warren Jones, otherwise it may have been thrown out. Warren Jones took the device with him to Adelaide where he practiced from 1975.Pelvimeter. Device consisting of two thin measuring arms with external, circular measure at base of arms. The arms are curved at the distal (far) end so that the points of the arms face each other. Manufacturers stamp "W.M. Bailey & Co."obstetrics

The TCu380A IUD is the most widely used copper IUD in the world. Although it is claimed that the TCu380A IUD has been shown to be an effective, safe, long-term contraceptive device, a recent study has noted that it causes side effects and early removal for many users.Intrauterine device. Copper T model TU380A, made of copper and white plastic. T-shaped, with two threads of cotton attached. Includes patient information leaflet [23.2].contraception, intrauterine device

Item originally belonged to Professor Bruce Mayes, University of Sydney c1950-65. According to Professor Warren Jones the item had been in a back room of the medical facility and Professor Mayes gave it to Warren Jones, otherwise it may have been thrown out. Warren Jones took it with him to Adelaide where he practiced from 1975.Uterine flushing tube. Consists of dilating, double arms with screw mechanism to widen arms. Stopcock at base, stamped "25" on stem near stopcock.obstetric delivery

Item originally belonged to Professor Bruce Mayes, University of Sydney c1950-65. According to Professor Warren Jones the item had been in a back room of the medical facility and Professor Mayes gave it to Warren Jones, otherwise it may have been thrown out. Warren Jones took it with him to Adelaide where he practiced from 1975. This item may have originally been imported from Germany.Uterine flushing tube, possibly Bozeman-type. Curved metal device in a loose 's' shape, with a bulbous point at one end, just above two circular metal loops which sit either side of main metal stem. Manufacturer is unknown.obstetric delivery

This item is used to assist in the regulation of menstrual periods, as well as for medical termination of pregnancy. Syringe kit, "Menstrual Regulation Syringe Kit". Made by Chimco. Consists of box [232.1] containing one plastic syringe [232.2], four canula in unopened sterile packets [232.3, 232.4, 232.5, 232.6] and manufacturer's instruction leaflet [232.7]. Syringe is a 50cc clear plastic syringe with plastic plunger. Syringe has a white plastic handle and tip with screw attachment, and a brown rubber underlay. Syringe and canula packets printed with the word 'Chimco'.abortion, obstetrics

This microscope belonged to Dr Alec G. Bond and was donated in 2000.Beck microscope, London, Model 29, 13695.Wwith swing out sub-stage with oak carry case.microbiology

Used in operating theatres, medical surgeries and hospital wards for storage of surgical gauze or theatre dry stocks such as cotton wool or towels. Large number of these containers were used on wards for similar purposes. These containers replaced the blue and white enamel bins from the 1900s onwards. Steel surgical canister, with lid. Cylindrical in shape. Contains three gauze squares and a collection of cotton wool swabs, unused. surgery

Sepia photograph. Photograph depicts Dr Olga Bolitho as a baby, lying on a blanket in a garden, 1926. Writing in biro on the back of the photograph reads 'Dr Olga Bolitho 1926'.'Dr Olga Bolitho 1926

Sepia photograph. Photograph is of Dr Olga Bolitho as a baby, seated in a high chair in a garden, 1926. Writing in biro on the back of the photograph reads 'Olga Bolitho 1926'.

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

This item belonged to Dr Geoff Bishop. Similar in appearance to Heath's glass aural syringe.Glass aural syringe with glass plunger, rod with compressed cotton plunger, and (loose) rubber cap [237.2]. The tip of the syringe is elongated and has no attachment for needles. Distal end of plunger has a widened area shaped like a small glass cork. Cottom thread is wound around a small depression. Distal end of plunger has been inserted through a small cork. Above the cork is a wooden cap with a central hole. The head of the plunger has a 'cotton reel' depression and fits into the outside of the wooden cap.irrigation

John Chassar Moir was a fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. In 1932. Dr Moir discovered Ergometrine, which is a major factor in the control of bleeding following delivery. Framed photograph. Image depicts a bust of Professor John Chassar Moir in profile. Caption beneath image reads "J. CHASSAR MOIR/1900-1976/ LLD, MA, MD, F.R.C.S.Ed, F.R.C.O.G/Discovered Ergometrine 1932". Photograph is autographed "Chassar Moir 19...(illeg.) 1938?"

Sir William Gilliatt was born in 1884 in Lincolnshire. He was educated at Boston Grammar School and Wellingborough College, and began his medical career at the Middlesex Hospital in 1925. He became obstetric and gynaecological surgeon at King's College Hospital, a position he held until his retirement in 1946. Gilliatt was a foundation fellow of RCOG, U.K. and served on the Council from 1932 until his death in 1956. He was also the President of the RCOG from 1946 until 1949. Gilliatt was known to be an excellent clinical teacher and was gynaecologist to the Royal family for two decades. He wrote very little for the medical journals, but his influence on obstetric and gynaecological practice was considerable and his attention to detail was painstaking. He was killed in a motor accident on 27 November 1956.Framed black and white photograph. Photograph is a side-on portrait image of Sir WIlliam Gilliat, who is turning his head to face the camera slightly and is smiling. Photograph is signed 'William Gilliat/April 1951'. An inscription, likely to be the name of the photographer, appears in the bottom right-hand corner of the photograph. The frame is a simple gold coloured metal frame, with a rose decoration in each corner.William Gilliat/April 1951rcog

The only IUD of Australian origin, developed in 1971 by Australian doctor Ian Anderson in partnership with Ansell Australia and produced at the Ansell factory, 18 River Street, Richmond in the 1970s. The device was taken up by the Battelle Foundation, USA, and clinical trials were carried out in Israel, Indonesia and Singapore. No formal clinical trials were carried out in Australia. The device was used extensively by Population Services International, a private abortion clinic in Sydney in the mid 1970s. At the time this device was donated to the collection in 1997, there were legal proceedings regarding two Australian women who claimed ongoing problems as a result of its use. The donor, Dr Richard Gutch, practised in Clifton Hill and used some in the 1970s but not for long. The drawbacks were the multi-filament string acted as a wick for infection, also the latex leaf often came away from the thread when pulled for removal. Curettage was often the only effective way to remove the IUD. Dr Gutch removed many as he developed a reputation for being skilled at their removal.Intrauterine device (IUD), Ansell-Anderson latex leaf design, with paper sleeve. Made of latex impregnated with copper and zinc. The IUD is leaf-shaped with serrated edge and diamond shape cut out from its centre. Small hole in tail with attached twisted cream coloured thread. Paper sleeve is stamped, "THE/ ANDERSON-ANSELL/LATEX LEAF/I.U.D". SIZE:A/PATENTS PENDING", and notes it is Size A.contraceptive, intrauterine device