“Albert Smith’s Retroversion Pessary consists of two lateral sigmoids, united at each end by bows, one wide and rounding, the other short and more sharply curved. Smith’s form narrows from above (proximally) downwards (distally) as do the vaginal walls. This pattern was produced in a great variety of sizes.” - 1899 Truax. (The Tizzano Museum)Curved pessaries made of black vulcanite. Pessary is curved at both ends with a narrower 'neck' in the middle.pessary, intrauterine device

Stem pessaries were instruments used for rectifying uterine displacement, either ante or retroversion. The pessary consisted of a stem and bulb or ball. The stem was introduced into the vagina, and the bulb rested against the cervix/uteri. An external wire frame could be attached to the bulb. The wire frame would be positioned to press on the pubis, thus keeping the pessary in position in utero. Although this pessary has been recorded as Peaslee's it is very similar in appearance to Thomas's galvanic stem pessaries. Stem pessaries were used in rectifying uterine displacement, either acute or retroversion. A pink tag was attached by string to one of the stems inscribed "Peaslee's/ Uterine/ Stem " "...?TID" on other side.Two Peaslee's intrauterine stem pessaries. Copper single stem pessaries with rounded top, stamped with the number seven on the top.intrauterine device, pessary

The wings of the pessary are controlled by two small hinges and the screw at the base of the metal stem. These wings can be opened or closed by turning the screw clockwise or anticlockwise.Zwanke's intrauterine stem pessary. Consists of two black vulcanite wings, a stem, and a screw. Stem is made up of three curved metal prongs, which fit into a small metal cup at the base. Screw is made of vulcanite with a small metal stud on the underside. intrauterine device, pessary

The wings of the pessary are controlled by two small hinges and the screw at the base of the metal stem. These wings can be opened or closed by turning the screw clockwise or anticlockwise.Zwanke's intrauterine stem pessary. Consists of two black vulcanite wings, a stem, and a screw. Each wing has a 2cm hole in it. Wings are divided by two small metal screws and at the base of each wing are three metal studs. Stem is made up of three curved metal prongs. Screw is made of bone.intrauterine device, pessary

This type of pessary came in six sizes ranging from 8.0 to 10.5cm.Two pessaries, Hodge design. Made of moulded black vulcanite. Small size. Typed label with catalogue record, "HODGE PESSARY".intrauterine device, pessary

Ring and stem pessary. Black vulcanite pessary with cup and stem. Stem is slightly curved with ring at top. Stem forked at end into two prongs with holes, possible to aid drainage. Typed label with catalogue record, "RING PESSARY" and tag with string "Ring Pessary".intrauterine device, pessary

Black vulcanite pessary. Seen vertically the object resembles a horseshoe. The front section of the cradle is much thicker than the moulded curve of the pessary. Label, typed "GALABIN'S ANTEVERSION PESSARY" and tag with string "Galabin's ante/version/ pessary".intrauterine device, pessary

This is the 'old' style of Gelhorn pessary, which is similar in appearance to the Matthews-Duncan disc and stem and the Simpson's shelf gutta-percha. "This type of pessary was used in cases of complete procidenture... thus preventing dragging on the posterior wall of the bladder and the associated incontinence of which most patients complained. When wearing a large pessary with a small pessary, the uterus often came down beside the pessary." (Dr. A.J.Helm-Montigue, Down Bros Ltd. Surgical Instruments and Appliances, p. 1038.Black vulcanite pessary . Consists of a rigid short think stem with bulb at the distal end, and a solid flange at the proximal end.intrauterine device, pessary

Small size.Clear plastic pessary consisting of three sections moulded together including a phlange with elevated ring, stem and bulb. A hole extends right through the centre of the device.intrauterine device, pessary

Godson modified the Zwanke pessary by adding a spring catch to the metal stem.Black vulcanite pessary with metal stem and hinged wings. This design is similar to a Zwanke's pessary. There are three small hinges in the middle of the wings and a metal stud. On the back of the left wing is the number "3 registered no. 5798". Maker's name 'Arnold and Sons' is inscribed on the flattened section of the flat blade.intrauterine device, pessary

This device was used for the treatment of procidentia (severe utero-vaginal prolapse). Cotton tape would be attached via the holes at the distal end of the instrument and tied around the waist to hold the pessary in position.The usually enlarged cervix would sit in the inserted cup. The vagina and the uterus were returned to the anatomically correct position. The instrument would be removed for cleaning approximately every three months. Women deemed to be a severe surgical risk were the beneficiaries of this treatment.Black vulcanite pessary. Consists of an oval cup attached to a stem. The stem is slightly curved and ends in a bulb. There are four holes at base of cup, and similarly on the bulb of the stem. intrauterine device, pessary

This device was used for the treatment of procidentia (severe utero-vaginal prolapse). Cotton tape would be attached via the holes at the distal end of the instrument and tied around the waist to hold the pessary in position. The usually enlarged cervix would sit in the inserted cup. The vagina and the uterus were returned to the anatomically correct position. The instrument would be removed for cleaning approximately every three months. Women deemed to be a severe surgical risk were the beneficiaries of this treatment.Black vulcanite pessary. Consists of an oval cup attached to a stem. The stem is slightly curved and ends in a bulb. There are three small holes inside a small depression at the base of the cup, and two holes on each side of the bulb of the stem.intrauterine device, pessary

The pessary was first made of hard rubber then later from vulcanite. A major manufacturer was Allen & Hanburys, London. They were made in six sizes. The pessary was used to support the uterus in cases of prolapse of the uterus or assisted the conditions of relaxation of the vagina and reduction of vaginal hernia. The designer of this pessary was William Morse Graily Hewitt (1828-1893), a British gynaecologist, obstetrician and physician. Vulcanite pessary. The pessary is loosely 'v' shaped, with a thicker section at top and two 'wings'.pessary, intrauterine device

The pessary was first made of hard rubber then later from vulcanite. A major manufacturer was Allen & Hanburys, London. They were made in six sizes. The pessary was used to support the uterus in cases of prolapse of the uterus or assisted the conditions of relaxation of the vagina and reduction of vaginal hernia. The designer of this pessary was William Morse Graily Hewitt (1828-1893), a British gynaecologist, obstetrician and physician.Pessary is made out of black vulcanite. Has two hinged wings with a hole through the centre, and when placed on a flat surface the object forms the shape of a "V".intrauterine device, pessary

This pessary was often used for a condition called retroflexion of the uterus. Similar in style to Chamber's stem pessary.Wishbone style pessary, consisting of two white metal arms attached to a ring. The arms are slightly curved, like tweezers, and end in small, spoon-like prongs. intrauterine device, pessary

This was one of the older types of ring pessary and resembles a watch spring pessary. They were made in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses, and came either just as a ring or with a perforated indian rubber septum. A new type of ring pessary was later made which improved on this design. Whereas this hard rubber/vulcanite style pressed on the vaginal wall, the new style instead provided a soft cushion thanks to a patent fluid filled design. This meant that the pessary did not collapse in the way air filled pessaries did, and meant that the pessary could remain in place for a much longer period without discomfort to the patient.Circular pessary made of black vulcanite. intrauterine device, pessary

This was one of the older types of ring pessary and resembles a watch spring pessary. They were made in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses, and came either just as a ring or with a perforated indian rubber septum. A new type of ring pessary was later made which improved on this design. Whereas this hard rubber/vulcanite style pressed on the vaginal wall, the new style instead provided a soft cushion thanks to a patent fluid filled design. This meant that the pessary did not collapse in the way air filled pessaries did, and meant that the pessary could remain in place for a much longer period without discomfort to the patient.Circular pessary made of black vulcanite. intrauterine device, pessary

This ellipse shaped pessary, worn anteriorly, prevented dragging on the posterior wall of the bladder, thus preventing incontinence of urine often experienced by the wearing of a larger pessary.Vulcanite pessary. Pessary consists of a loosely tear shaped flange and a stem. Upper part of pessary is enclosed, with a keyhole opening for the stem. Upper part of body tapers to a stem. Lower part of body has been cut away, leaving a heart shaped opening. The stem is attached to the body through the keyhole opening. There are multiple perforations along the stem. intrauterine device, pessary

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.Pessary, Thomas style, made of black vulcanite. Inscribed with number "60". intrauterine device, pessary

This pessary was manufactured by Allen and Hanburys in three sizes - large, medium, and small. 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.Thomas style supportive antiflexion pessary. Pessary is made of black vulcanite and is inscribed with number "60". Pessary is thickened at distal end and tapered at proximal end.intrauterine device, pessary

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

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.

Enema syringe for infants. Consists of red rubber bulb attached to a white bone flange attachment.

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