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.

Traditional Welsh going away gift, given to Professor FJ Browne. Professor Browne was a GP in Wales at the start of his career. The cat is intended as a lucky charm.Francis James Browne died in Sydney 1963. He had a long career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Summary of appointments include: General Practice in Wales, Maternity Department of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 1st director of obstetric unit, University College Hospital London. Retired and continued postgraduate teaching in London and NSW. Married to Grace Cuthbert, who was director of Maternal and Baby Welfare in NSW. Collection of objects transferred from the Archives to the Museum collection found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers.Small black cat figurine with red bow tie. Faintly blue tinged eyes and mouth. Cat is depicted in an upright sitting position. Part of left from leg missing.browne fj

This badge belonged to F.J. Browne and would have been worn during World War I. Hermes (Mercury) was the messenger of the gods and known for carrying a staff known as the Caduceus. The caduceus included two snakes topped off with a set of wings. Caduceus is from the Greek root meaning “herald’s wand”.Francis James Browne died in Sydney 1963. He had a long career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Summary of appointments include: General Practice in Wales, Maternity Department of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 1st director of obstetric unit, University College Hospital London. Retired and continued postgraduate teaching in London and NSW. Married to Grace Cuthbert, who was director of Maternal and Baby Welfare in NSW. Collection of objects transferred from the Archives to the Museum collection found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers.Brass badge depicting a crown mounted on top of a caduceus (image of two snakes wrapped around a staff topped by wings). Clip attached to back of badge is inscribed 'FIRMIN LONDON'.numismatics, browne fj, world war i

This bracelet is possibly associated with FJ Browne's service with the Royal Army Medical Corps in World War I. Identification bracelets were worn during World War I and II in England.Francis James Browne died in Sydney 1963. He had a long career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Summary of appointments include: General Practice in Wales, Maternity Department of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 1st director of obstetric unit, University College Hospital London. Retired and continued postgraduate teaching in London and NSW. Married to Grace Cuthbert, who was director of Maternal and Baby Welfare in NSW. Collection of objects transferred from the Archives to the Museum collection found amongst Professor FJ Browne's papers.Silver identification bracelet. Bracelet is engraved "FJ BROWNE/ HEATH LODGE/ WATFORD HEATH." Reverse of bracelet is engraved "SILVER". browne fj

Needles in this collection include: -2 x abdominal triangular cutting edge suture needles, used for skin suture. Size 2/0 -Morrison's half circle round bodied suture needle, size 3 and size 2 -Bonney's regular curved cutting edge suture needle, size 7 or 8 -Regular curved triangular pointed suture needle, size 2 and size 6 -Ferguson's round point half circle suture needle, size 15 -Hagerdorn's reversed 1/20 suture needle, size 7 -Bonney's curved suture needle, size 7 and size 9 -Regular curved triangular cutting point suture needle, size 15 -Boston/intestinal fine round bodied half circle suture needle 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.Collection of suture needles in wooden case. Consists of four, loose, crescent shaped needles, and an additional nine needles stuck into a piece of cork. Case is cylindrical, has a lid and is possibly made from pine wood.surgery

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.Hypodermic glass syringe (.1) with three hypodermic needles (.2 - .4) and metal storage case (.5 - .6). Barrel of syringe is marked from with measurements from 0-20. .2 is a needle head with a rounded flange tapering towards the needle shaft. .3 and .4 are needle heads with flattened oval bulbs, attached to a round bead which holds the needle shaft. The case is oval in shape with the word 'Crystal' engraved diagonally into the top of the lid. There are two fixings attached inside the bottom of the case which form a cradle for the storage of the syringe.'Crystal'

This print of Sir James Young Simpson (1811-1870) was given to the College by Robyn Adams, the daughter of the late obstetrician Gordan Findlay. The portrait was gifted to Dr Findlay when he stated his obstetrical practice in Wellington in 1945. The portrait was then passed to Robyn’s late husband, dermatologist Dr John Adams FRACP FACD, and hung on the wall of his dermatology practice in Wellington until 2014. Sir James Young Simpson was a significant figure in the field of obstetrics. Admitted to the University of Edinburgh at the age of fourteen, he was responsible for introducing the use of chloroform for safe analgesia in childbirth, as well as for the development of an ‘air extractor’ (the forerunner to the modern vacuum extractor) and the creation of obstetric forceps with both long and short handles. Significantly, Simpson’s long handled forceps also became the prototype for many subsequent British designs.Charcoal print in an oval shaped wooden frame. Print features a head and shoulders portrait image of a man, pictured slightly side on with his eyes looking to the left of the viewer. The main is wearing a coat, waistcoat, and a shirt buttoned up to the collar, and has dark coloured hair reaching to his shoulders.anaesthesia

illustrated book with dust jacket. Book is bound in dark blue, with abbreviated title, author's surname, and publishers mark printed in gilt on spine. Dust jacket has a dark blue background, full title and author's name printed in multicolour on front. Abbreviated title, author's surname and publishers mark in multicolour print on spineAn absorbing social history of women's health seen through the workings of Australia's oldest women's hospital: the Royal Women's Hospital, from 1856-1996royal women's hospital-melbourne-history, women's health, obstetrics and gynacology, hospitals-victoria-history, nursing

An A5 sized booklet of 76 pages, includes indexnon-fictionNursing and midwifery have been the occupations of women for centuries and almost every one of us will find an ancestor who engaged in these traditional feminine pursuits. This book offers a number of different websites where you might find some helpful information including for international and government authorities, United Kingdom midwives, midwives -- australia -- history, nurses -- australia -- history, obstetrics -- australia -- history, australia -- genealogy -- sources, australia -- genealogy

During surgery under general anaesthetic, these forceps were used to pull the tongue forward to keep the patient's airways clear from obstruction. This tool was in general use from the 1930s onwards in teaching hospitals, and became a standard piece of equipment on all anaesthetic trolleys. In the majority of teaching hospitals, the blades of these forceps were smooth and wide to cause less trauma to the tongue. This particular style of tongue forceps is known as Guy's tongue forceps.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.Pair of metal forceps. Similar in appearance to a pair of scissors, and other surgical forceps, but with rounded teardrop shaped tips. There is also a notch clip for the handle to keep the forceps open. Inner aspect of both forceps blades engraved with the number '3'. The left hand blade is also engraved with a 'P'.anaesthesia

This instrument may be associated with an optical procedure, but attribution is uncertain.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal forceps. Consists of scissor-like handles and shaft, ending in a set of fittings that make an oval shape when the forceps are closed. There are two small, curved claws on the inner aspect of both halves of the fittings. One side of forceps is engraved with the text 'MAYER & MELTZER/RECd No 298644'. 'MAYER & MELTZER/RECd No 298644'. surgery

Used for surgery relating to the thyroid gland.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal forceps. Design resembles a pair of scissors, consisting of two blades, joined with a pin, with a ratchet for clamping below the finger grips/handles. At the end of each blade of the forceps is a three pronged claw. The manufacturer's name, 'MEDICAL SUPPLY DEPOT', is engraved on one of the blades.'MEDICAL SUPPLY DEPOT'surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Metal clamping tool, possibly associated with bone surgery. The instrument has a heavy-duty clamp style head at one end, and a bolt with a butterfly screw at the other end for locking the clamp in place. The handles of the tool are engraved with the text 'MAYER &/MELTZER' on one handle, and 'LONDON' on the other.'MEYER &/MELTZER' 'LONDON'surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal forceps. The forceps resemble a set of pliers, with cutting blades at the end of the handles. The handles of the tool are engraved with the text 'MAYER &/MELTZER' on one handle, and 'LONDON' on the other.'MEYER &/MELTZER' 'LONDON'surgery

These forceps are a type of uterine forceps used for gynaecological procedures. This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal scissor style forceps. Consists of two blades, joined with a pin, with a small ratchet for clamping below the finger grips/handles. The end of the forceps curves to one side, and each blade of the forceps ends with a hook. When the forceps are closed, the hooks on either blade join together to make a loop.surgery

These forceps may be a version of Tate's uterine forceps. This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of metal scissor style forceps. Consists of two blades, joined with a pin, with a ratchet for clamping below the finger grips/handles. The end of each blade of the forceps is curved, and the inner surface at the end of each blade is serrated for grip. surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Metal optometer. Consists of a glass lens, metal scale and a sliding sight test plate. The words 'CONVEX' and 'CONCAVE' are engraved on the side of the scale. Top of the scale is engraved with various measurements. Test plate is engraved with the words 'COUNT THE DOTS' and a series of dots.optometry

This case was designed to hold 1ml syringes.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Small metal syringe case. The inside of the case has metal fittings to hold two syringes. Case is empty.surgery

The attribution of this item as a thyroid elevator is currently uncertain.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Surgical tool. Consists of a central shaft, the shape of which bows out in the middle into an elongated oval, with prongs in the shape of double hooks at either end. Inscription on one end of the tool reads 'MAYER & MELTZER', and inscription at the other end reads 'LONDON'.'MAYER & MELTZER' 'LONDON'surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of tissue forceps. Forceps resemble a thin, elongated pair of scissors with a locking latch below the handle and a small, curved claw with three teeth at the end of each blade. The blades of these forceps curve in towards each other just below the locking latch. Manufacturer's inscription on the forceps reads 'MAYER & MELTZER LONDON'.'MAYER & MELTZER LONDON'surgery

Michel clips are small clips used to close surgical incisions. They are then removed when healing is complete. They are also sometimes used temporarily as part of a procedure to stop blood flow. This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Metal tin containing two sets of applicators, which resemble tweezers. Tim also contains a thin wire device and a stand for holding these items in place inside the tin. Tin has a removable lid.surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of tissue forceps. Forceps resemble a thin, elongated pair of scissors with a locking latch below the handles and a round loop at the end of each blade. The blades of these forceps curve in towards each other just below the locking latch. The pin joining the blades together is a loose fit, meaning the blades are easily separated.surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Surgical tool consisting of four metal prongs, extending from a frame in the rough shape of a pointed oval. The two lower prongs are straight, and the two upper prongs taper downwards towards the lower prongs. The top of the frame has a butterfly type screw point and two handles/finger grips.surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Metal surgical tool with bakelite handle. Tool consists of a metal shaft with a hook/clip at the end. Metal fixture on the side of the shaft, just above the handle, can be used to open and close the loop of the hook.surgery

This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Set of tissue forceps. Forceps resemble a thin, elongated pair of scissors with a locking latch below the handle and a round loop at the end of each blade.surgery

Adenoid curettes are used to remove infected or inflamed adenoids. Their sharp inner blade removes the adenoid in an atraumatic manner without causing harm to the surrounding tissues.This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.Metal curette (surgical scraping tool). Consists of a handle section with divots for ergonomic finger grip, and a straight, thin metal shaft which forks into two small arms with a cutting blade between them at the tips. The arms at the end of the shaft are curved so that the blade is perpendicular to the shaft of the instrument. Shaft of the curette is engraved with the text 'MEDICAL SUPPLY DEPOT''MEDICAL SUPPLY DEPOT'surgery