The traditional scale consists of two plates or bowls suspended at equal distances from a fulcrum. One plate holds an object of unknown mass (or weight), while known masses are added to the other plate until static equilibrium is achieved and the plates level off, which happens when the masses on the two plates are equal. Medication given to patients at both Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward had their does measured using these weights and scales - and some evidence of residue remains.The scales are in excellent condition and a good example of medical equipment used in Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward. Measuring scales for medications Timber construction with glass lid Small crack along the left hand side of scales Two drawers contain four weights in ounces Case painted in black lacquer Metal hinges and three brass knobs (one missing from right lower drawer) Small piece of folded butcher paper in left hand drawer No manufacturer markings or serial numberspsychiatric history, mental health, aradale mental hospital, j ward

Keys played an important role at Ararat Mental Institution. They locked away patients, medications, offices, wards, workshops and utility areas. Patients and staff would have been all too familiar with the sounds of doors being locked and unlocked. The board is significant because it contains keys that can only be used at Aradale Mental Hospital.Timber board containing an assortment of over one hundred keys mounted keys belonging to Ararat Mental Hospital [Aradale]. Keys secured to board with small eyelet screws. Keys and board are lacquered. Comes with two timber stands for display purposesNo serial numbers, engravings or manufacturers details. keys, mental institutions, locks

Keys played an important role at Ararat Mental Institution. They locked away patients, medications, offices, wards, workshops and utility areas. Patients and staff would have been all too familiar with the sounds of doors being locked and unlocked.The board is significant because it contains keys that can only be used at Aradale Mental Hospital.Timber board containing an assortment of over one hundred keys mounted keys belonging to Ararat Mental Hospital [Aradale]. Keys secured to board with small eyelet screws and glue. Keys and board are lacquered. Two brass screws at the top secure board to the wall.No serial numbers, engravings or manufacturers details.mental health, keys, locks, mental institutions, psychiatric history

ContextualA good example of patient art/craftwork 32 Chess Set Pieces (16 Gold, 16 Silver) Moulded in Plaster of Paris (from rubber moulds) Some pieces with green felt on basepatient art, chess, games, recreation, therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was invented in Italy in the late 1930s. ECT is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. Psychiatrists had already discovered that inducing seizures could relieve symptoms of mental illness. Before ECT, this was done with the use of chemicals, usually one called Metrazol. More can be read here: http://theconversation.com/electroconvulsive-therapy-a-history-of-controversy-but-also-of-help-70938 This machine was used both at Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward. The object is significant because it is a well preserved instrument that illustrates the medical apparatus used at both Ararat Mental Hospital and J Ward for the treatment of mental illness.A metal instrument. The front contains three knobs, two switches, and power button. Two fully intact electrical cords - One leads to the paddles used on the patient: One used to attach to the electric source [power point]. Paddles are made of hard plastic and stainless steel metal. The back has a compartment where the paddles can be stored. The top has a carry handle.Manufacturer: Siemens Power supply: 220V 85AC, 50Hzmentalhealth, psychiatrichealth, depression, #bipolardisorder

This small, portable 1930’s Sanax First Aid in Accidents Kit has been strongly constructed, the case reinforced with metal to take knocks and bumps as it was transported to the site of an emergency. Having these supplies organised into a kit made them easily accessible and reduces time to take them to the accident site. The text of the printed brand “Sanax - First Aid” embossed on the lid. In Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward, people are well aware of the institutions remoteness and of the importance of quick treatment when accidents occur. However, prior to the first commercial First Aid Kit being produced in 1888 by Johnson & Johnson, there was limited knowledge about treating injuries and about medical supplies to have ready for emergencies. A quote from Johnson’s & Johnson’s 1888 price list states, “It is a fact ... that many lives are lost and much suffering entailed in such accidents on account of the lack of the simple but necessary articles required to afford prompt assistance to the wounded.” [cited Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village]The kit is significance because it illustrates the first aid paraphernalia used in the care of staff and patients at Aradale Mental Hospital and J Ward. Black tin container. Inside lid shows printed instructions regarding treating various ailments. Contains: Absorbent gauze Canister of castor oil Petroleum jelly First Aid dressing Absorbent dressing Salvolatile ointment Gauze bandage x 3 Ache tablets x 25 3 loose metal safety pins The contents are not dissimilar to items used in first aid kits today. Due to its portable nature, the kit contains many dents and scratches. first aid, medical supplies, sanax

In this photo, taken in around 1875, is depicted the exterior of the Beechworth Mental Asylum buildings, with the administration buildings far right of the photo. A sunken boundary wall in the foreground and some people in view, sitting at the pavillion in the centre of the image. The two-storey buildings, designed in Italianate style, and the three-storey towers at the front, influenced by the asylum at Colney Hatch in England. The architecture of the buildings shares key features with other contemporary institutions, like Aradale at Ararat, and its design is attributed to the Public Works Department architect, J.J. Clark, whose name is connected with the construction of many other important public buildings, such as the Asylums at Kew and Ararat, the front block of the Royal Mint, Melbourne and the Melbourne Customs House. The Mayday Hills Hospital was constructed between 1864 and 1867, with buildings created in a number of periods. It formally opened on 24 October 1867 and, along with the Ovens Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum, made Beechworth a prominent social welfare centre in Victoria. Large masses of granite were excavated for its foundation and around 250 workmen were employed for its construction. The building, divided into six sections, was comprised of dormitories, doctors` rooms and plenty ancillary rooms and facilities, such as laundries, reading rooms, a concert hall and cooking areas. The site was chosen for its panoramic view of the countryside, the hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, all contributing to the cure of patients. The Hospital was originally named the “Ovens Lunatic Asylum” but during the centenary celebrations in 1967 the name was officially changed to “Mayday Hills Hospital”, showing the gradual shift in the perception and understanding of mental health conditions over the last decades. The Hospital lies on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.This photograph is historically significant as it provides an insight into the location, surroundings and the exterior of the Mayday Hills Hospital at the end of the 19th century. It also contributes to the understanding of the district`s development and its importance to the course of Victoria`s history and is acknowledged as a unique construction, being one of three identified as the largest of their kind.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on board.Reverse: 37/ 3443/ Beechworth Asylum about 1875/ American & Australasian/Photographic Company/Victoria Branch./C.Bayless, Manager./ No./beechworth mental asylum, aradale, public works department, j.j. clark, melbourne customs house, colney hatch, italianate style, mayday hills hospital, royal mint, granite, benevolent asylum, dormitories, ovens lunatic asylum, ancillary rooms, centenary celebrations, three-storey towers, countryside, mental health conditions, kulin nation, concert hall

Both patients and staff were in frequent possession of passports and bank books particularly during the 20th century. These objects give an insight into people lives. The objects belonging to Miss Isabella Beatrice White are significant as they show everyday objects used by both patients and staff of Aradale Mental Hospital. British Passport - bound in thick blue material with the British Coat of Arms embossed in gold. The Passport contains 32 pages. The State Savings Bank of Victoria Book - The bank book is grey with black printed type. The Passport has both printed and hand written information and personal details. The bank book contains account details and hand written deposits and withdrawals made.bank book, passport

The medical instrument is used for the treatment of Trichomonas Vaginitis. Insufflation has been a medical practice since the early nineteenth century, the earliest mention of it appearing in 1823. There are descriptions of its therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in connection with almost every cavity of the body. Despite being used widely across many Victorian health institutions, insufflation has not been regarded as a dangerous procedure.The object is significant because it is representative of medical treatments used to cure sexually transmitted diseases in Aradale Mental Hospital in the 1940's. Black leatherette covered wooden box with a metal latch on the front and 2 hinges at the rear. "Wyeth Vaginal insufflator for silver picrate" printed on inside of lid. Blue, painted wood, custom made interior. Contains: Four canisters of Silver Pictrate [Sealed] One canister of Silver Pictrate [attached to Insufflator] One canister of Silver Pictrate [Open but covered with a plastic top] One Vaginal Insufflator (Holmspray) Each bottle has a white paper label with blue banners at the top and bottom and blue text which reads in part reads "5 GMS Wyeth's compound silver picrate 1% powder" A receipt of sale dated 18 February 1944 is included in the box. Manufactured by John Wyeth & Bros Inc, Sydney, Australiamedical history, silver pictrate, trichomonas vaginitis, ararat mental hospital