To use this tape, the tube would be broken in half using cat-gut breakers.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.Glass vial, containing silk umbilical tape [193.2] in sterile solution. The tape is wound around a flat spool.obstetric delivery

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. The gladstone bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated the obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999.Vial, glass [194.1] containing "Ethicon" catgut number one [194.2] in sterile solution. Clear glass vial, moulded and sealed at both ends.obstetric delivery

Tanned or chronic catgut came from top quality catgut (fat free). A hardening process was then applied to the muscle durations. The process was introduced and perfected by the firm of Mersons of Edinburgh, makers of sterile surgical ligatures in the early 1930s. Once processed the catgut was preserved in an iod-asceptic preserving spirit and hermetically sealed in glass tubes. It was completely sterile and ready for immediate use. The length of the catgut in each tube was five feet, or 2.5m, and could be wound onto glass winders in assorted colours.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.Two glass vials [195.1,.3] with catgut number three "Ethicon" [195.2,.4] in sterile solution. Vials are moulded and sealed at both ends.obstetric delivery

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.Round glass bottle [196.1] containing iodine solution with glass stopper [196.2] and metal screw cap [196.3]. Bottle has a ridged neck and is approximately half filled with iodine solution. obstetric delivery

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

Prue Forster believes this to be the bottle given to her by 'Auntie' Maud Pepper, for Frank Forster's collection. Prue met her when she was working for the Aboriginal Health Service (1980-1993). 'Auntie' Maud Pepper was living in Preston at the time but had come from the Western District. The bottle was her own and she told Prue how fine material was used over the mouthpiece instead of a rubber teat. 'Auntie' Maud Pepper was a founder of ACES (the Aboriginal Elders Residence & Convalescent Home.) Additional sensitive notes on file.Glass boat-shaped feeding bottle with one end flattened and a spout at the other. There is a larger opening with a lip on the top surface. There is a small chip on the flattened end.infant feeding, infant care

Personal diary of Dr F.J Browne used in Australia and England, 1958Diary with mustard coloured plastic cover, blue pages, and metal spiral spine. Entries written in ink.browne fj

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.

This douche, with the manufacturers object description of "heisswasserspulungen" which translates as healing water douche, came from the Edward Rowden White Estate. The heisswasserpular designed by Dr Walzer-Frank was used as a vaginal douche by attaching a rubber hose to the glass connector which was then inserted into the vagina. Acquired from Dr Harold Attwood, the Curator of the Medical History Unit, University of Melbourne, 2 April 1996. In a letter to Geoff Bishop ... " I think they are best held in your collection rather than here." (see accession file)Transferred from the collection of the Medical Unit (Brownless Medical Museum) University of Melbourne, from the Sir Edward Rowden White Estate. Sir Edward (1884-1958) was a Foundation Fellow of the Australian Regional Council of RCOG and was the first Chairman of the Arthur Wilson Foundation, and created (with his brother) the EA Rowden White and Edward R White Foundation for Medical Research at the Royal Women's Hospital in 1955. Black bakelite bulb with glass douche nozzle and irrigator connections at each end. Stored in original box. Handwritten in blue pencil on side of box: "Vaginal Douche".vaginal irrigation

Personal diary of Dr F.J Browne used in England, 1951. Some loose papers associated with this diary were returned to the RANZCOG Archives in March 1998.Small 'Datada' diary for the year 1951. The diary has a dark brown leather cover, and the word "diary" is printed in gold lettering on cover. Associated personal notes, medical notes, journal references, and patient notes for this item are held in the RANZCOG Archives.browne fj

This douche syringe was in the collection of Dr Frank Forster.Douche syringe consisting of a hollow bakelite rod with a red rubber bulb. Imprinted in black, "CORONET GUARANTEED", "ENGLISH MADE".irrigation

Inscribed on attached label, "...used to procure abortion. Using a Lifeboy soap solution. Filled the septic wards of the Royal Women's Hospital in the 1940s."Douche syringe consisting of two lengths of rubber tubing with a central bulb, a nozzle, and valve at each end.irrigation, abortion

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.

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