This tool could also be used as a destructive instrument. This instrument was used by Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany , and came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. Stainless steel dilator with three blades. There is a ratchet at the top of the handles to control the expansion of the arms of the dilator. One arm of the dilator is engraved with the text 'HATRICK'. The second arm of the dilator is engraved with the text 'LONDON'."HATRICK'/'LONDON'destructive instruments, obstetrics

This is a destructive instrument. Perforators were used to pierce and empty the skull in a craniotomy (which is a form of embryotomy). A craniotomy is a procedure whereby "a perforation is made in the foetal skull to reduce the volume of the foetal head which prevents delivery." (Source: Medecins Sans Frontieres, 'MSF medical guidelines - Essential obstetric and newborn care - 9.7 Embryotomy'') This instrument was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill Hospital combined with St George's Hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Simpson's perforator. Stainless steel perforator with fluted handles. Various inscriptions: "ALLEN & HANBURYS LTD/ENGLAND S.S.ut" on shaft, "12" on inner surface of hinged brace, "B.H.H.L. Ward" on inner shaft of blade."B.H.H.L. Ward"destructive instruments

This is a destructive instrument which, when placed around the neck of the fetus and twisted, succeeded in severing the head. This type of instrument was used in emergency surgery when the fetus was already dead and the mother's condition was critical. This instrument might also have been used to remove tumors. Source: Yale University Library, 'Blunt hook and crochet', https://collections.library.yale.edu/catalog/17322011 This was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, from Box Hill Hospital labour ward given to RANZCOG in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill hospital combined with St George's hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Obstetrical crotchet. Nickel plated stainless steel, with large blunt hook at one end and crotchet hook at the other, and fluting at the centre. "B.H.H.L. Ward"destructive instruments

Similar to Willett's placenta praevia forceps [see Down Bros Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances, c1930, p 940]. John Abernethy Willett (1872 -1932) modified an existing pair of surgical scalp forceps for use in bringing down the head of a foetus in the case of placenta praevia. As the safety of c-sections increased and fetal viability became a dominant consideration, these were used only for the dead/pre-viable foetus. (Source: Baskett, Thomas. 'On the Shoulders of Giants - Eponyms & Names in O&G'.) This was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, from Box Hill Hospital labour ward given to RANZCOG in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill hospital combined with St Geroge's Hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Pair of long handled forceps, placenta praevia style. Inscribed "B.H.H.L Ward" inner handle."B.H.H.L Ward"destructive instruments

Carl Rudolph Braun (1823-1891) was the inventor of this instrument, as well as a type of decapitation hook. Braun was born and practiced in Austria, and followed Semmelweis as assistant to Klein at the Vienna Maternity Clinic in 1847, before becoming its head in 1856. Braud added a gynaecology section to the clinic in 1858, being convinced that obstetrics and gynaecology should be together. (Source: Baskett, Thomas. 'On the Shoulders of Giants: Eponyms and Names in Obstetrics and Gynaecology'). This device was included with a range of other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill Hospital combined with St George's hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Craniotomy forceps, Braun's. Stainless steel forceps, with wingnut. Upper blade has open oval section and ridged grip section on the handle. Lower blade has serrated inner edge and ridged grip section on the handle. Wingnut is used for attaching the upper and lower blades of the forceps. Inscribed "B.H.H.L Ward" on forceps."B.H.H.L Ward"destructive instruments

Embryotomy is a destructive procedure whereby a fetus is dismembered to facilitate removal from the uterus when delivery is obstructed or impossible. It carries a risk of trauma (such as uterine rupture or vaginal/cervical injury) but aims to reduce the risks of mortality and impaired function to the patient. (Source: Medecins Sans Frontieres, 'MSF medical guidelines - Essential obstetric and newborn care - 9.7 Embryotomy'') This instrument was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill Hospital combined with St George's Hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Embriotomy scissors. Curved-on-flat scissors with take-off point.destructive instruments

Perforators were used to pierce and empty the skull in craniotomy.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.Simpson's perforator. Instrument consists of two straight, pointed blades with screw joint, and a spring loaded insert. Also includes a connecting spring bar at top of handle with three hinge joints. Handles are textured for grip.destructive instruments

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 obstetric tool. Stainless steel rod with rounded large blunt hook at one end and crotchet hook at the other.destructive instruments

Prior to the 1900s, complicated births, particularly where there was a disproportion between the size of the woman’s pelvis and the foetus’ head, often meant the death of the baby and the mother. Instruments for removing a dead or ailing foetus from within the mother were used to attempt to save the mother’s life. The cranioclast, first invented by Dr. James Simpson in the mid-19th century and later redesigned by others, was used for fetal destruction and removal. Fundamentally a strong pair of forceps, the cranioclast was used to crush the skull, decreasing its diameter. In some cases, this would allow normal uterine contractions to expel the foetus; in others, the physicians would use an obstetrical hook to pull the body out of the mother. Doctors disagreed as to the pelvic diameter that would necessitate this drastic intervention, but generally found that 3 to 3.5 inches was the smallest size through which a living infant could pass. Equally of debate was the pelvic size through which the dead fetus could be extracted. When vaginal extraction was deemed unadvisable, Caesarian section would be performed. As caesarean section became safer and more common with the advent of anaesthetics and antiseptic techniques, the use of cranioclasts and obstetrical hooks diminished. (Museum of Health Care, Kingston) 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.Hinged metal tool with bakelite handles at one end and serrated teeth at other end. The instrument is in two sections. The right or upper blade has a black bakelite handle. There are two screws on the inside of the handle, 5.5cm apart. In the centre of the blade is a screw notch in the shape of a small horseshoe. On the inner side of the blade is a depression extending most of the length. The left, or lower, blade also has a black bakelite handle. There are two screws on the inside of the handle approximately 6cm apart. Mobile metal clasps in the shape of an 'S' , with three serrations, is attached to the distal end of the handle, which enables the blades to be opened or closed. destructive instruments

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

A cranioclast was used to crush and extract the skull of a fetus to aid delivery in cases of difficult and obstructed labour. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments used by Dr Michael Kloss in his medical practice. Dr Kloss subsequently donated this collection to the College.Metal cranioclast. Instrument consists of two arms that join together with a pin. When joined, the arms wrap around each other for extra strength. Each arm has a handle for grip, and there is a ratchet with a wingnut at the end of the handles for widening the aperture between the arms and locking the arms in place. Each arm of the instrument is engraved with the word 'Kloss'.'Kloss'obstetrics, destructive instruments

Dr Henry Mitchell O'Sullivan was a medical doctor also practising obstetrics in the district of Casterton, Victoria from 1919 until his death in 1977.The Gladstone bag and contents were used in the inter-war period 1918-1945. His son, the late Dr David More O'Sullivan donated the obstetric bag and its contents to the RANZCOG Museum in 1999.The Gladstone bag was put aside and the contents have remained intact. Consequently, this item is a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals usedby a Victorian country doctor in the inter-war period.An obstetrician's bag belonging to the late Dr Henry Mitchell O'Sullivan (1892-1972) containing various items such as obstetric forceps, destructive instruments, curette, pelvimeter, catheter, speculum, antiseptic, chloroform, iodine, catgut suture, surgical needles and twine for tying off umbilical cord after delivery. dr henry mitchell o'sullivan, casterton victoria, dr david more o'sullivan, inter-war period

Used for probing a woman's uterus through the cervix, to measure the length and direction of the cervical canal and uterus. Dilators are primarily used to open and dilate the cervix to gain access to the uterine cavity but can also be used as sounds. This device was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill Hospital combined with St George's Hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Three bladed Sims uterine dilator, consisting of upper blade, lower blade, bridge, and wingnut. Blades are polished stainless steel with matte steel handles. Upper surface inscribed, (trademark) MADE IN GERMANY INOXIDABLE", "21"."21"box hill hospital

A pelvimeter is used in obstetrics for measurement of the female pelvis, with the aim of attempting to determine whether there will be any potential issues with a vaginal birth. The style of this pelvimeter is similar to Collyer's pelvimeter as depicted in Aesculapius Surgical Instruments p. 2195. This instrument was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill Hospital combined with St George's Hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Pelvimeter. Similar in style to Collyer's pelvimeter. Has adjustable arms hinged with a wingnut, and a scale graduated in inches and centimetres.obstetrics

A pelvimeter is used in obstetrics for measurement of the female pelvis, with the aim of attempting to determine whether there will be any potential issues with a vaginal birth. This pelvimeter is similar in style to Martin's pelvimeter (see Aesculapius). This instrument was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill Hospital combined with St Geroge's Hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.Pelvimeter, manufactured by Ramsay. Metal device with calibrator graduated to 18 inches/ 45 cms. Inscribed " Ramsay" upper arm."Ramsay"obstetrics

Victor Bonney (1872- 1953) was a gifted and innovative surgeon. One of Bonney’s most notable achievements was his development of a successful procedure for myomectomy. After his wife developed fibroids and had her uterus removed early in their marriage, Bonney took a great interest in the practice of conservatism in surgery. Prior to Bonney, myomectomy “had fallen into disuse because of excessive blood loss during the operating and the infections that commonly followed” (Chamberlain, 'The master of myomectomy') , but Bonney saw an opportunity to revolutionise this practice. In his words: “I set myself to make myomectomy so feasible, successful and safe as to render it a fair alternative to hysterectomy in every case… Excepting only in a very few instances… I have succeeded, and now enter the operating theatre free of the trammels which at one time too often compelled my hand against my heart.” (Bonney, 'The fruits of conversatism') Bonney’s crucial innovation was the development of a new surgical clamp, an instrument which is now referred to as Bonney’s myomectomy clamp. The clamp was ingeniously designed to cut off blood supply to the uterus by compressing the uterine arteries, immediately reducing the excessive blood loss which had previously been associated with the procedure. Although technological advances mean that these are now seldom used, Bonney’s success with this procedure was such that his clamps were regularly used for myomectomy procedures for decades after his death. This instrument was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill Hospital combined with St George's Hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett. Stainless steel clamp. Scissor type instrument with two sets of finger grips and a locking ratchet mechanism. The blades close to form two apertures which can be selectively decreased in size."DOWN BROS LONDON STAINLESS" upper surface of RH handle; "B.H.H.L. WARD" inner surface of LH handle.surgery, obstetrics

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Blots's, with ebony handle, cross-hatch paterning. Stamped on handle,left side of joint screw "G.Marriere/ A. Paris". On right of joint screw, another illegible stamp.perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Oldham's, metal with ebony handle inserts, Stamped "W & H Hutchinson, Sheffield"perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Oldham's, chrome plated metal. "H" stamped on outer arm, near screw joint."1" stamped on inner arm close to screw joint. Stamped , inner arm, "G.Marrier Paris"perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Similar to Holmes except with scissors handlesperforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Simpson's, with take off joint. Stamped on arm, "W. (or M) Mathewe' Portland St' London".perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Denman's, with screw joint. Stamped near tips, "Stephen's London".perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Samico's, with screw joint. No manufacturers' stamp.perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Denman's, with screw joint. No manufacturer's stamp.perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Denmans's, with lift off joint. Manufacturers' stamp "S. Mawson & Thompson London".perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Naegell's, with hinge.perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Denman's, small, with screw joint. Manufacturer unknown.perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Simpson's, with external screw joint and hinge. Manufacturer unknown.Stamped on inner arms "13' and, the other arm, "13+" .perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Denman's, with screw joint. Manufacturer unknown.perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery

Most likely donated by the late Dr Frank ForsterPerforator, Simpson's, with screw joint and hinge. Manufacturer "W.Skidmore Sheffield" stamped on central arm.perforator, destructive instrument, obstetric delivery