Used for surgery in a mental health hospital in Victoria circa 1920. Positions the tongue of an unconscious patient forward; possibly used during tonsillectomies. May also have been used for patients with epilepsy. http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/259059/carmalt-s-tongue-holding-forceps-medicon-metal-circa-1920Stainless steel forcep with punch arm and base with matching hole"STAINLESS STEEL", "F.G & D" "C.TURTIN & SONS. SHEFIELD"oral & tonsil instrument, mental health, epilepsy

In the 1940's phenobarbitone may have been prescribed for a variety of reasons : as an anticonvulsant to treat epilepsy, as a sedative to calm the central nervous system, or as a hypnotic to help with sleep1940's medicationsEmpty clear glass vial with cork. Printed [black ink] label details dispenser and directions Handwritten lablel on back details contents (phenobarbitone 1 Grain)Hand written on front label 'Nurse Krautil' Small white sticker on back on which is handwritten the previous catalogue numberpharmaceuticals, medications

A Luther Collage Year 10 History essay which documents a visit to several war memorials and researches the history of James Byrne, a name on the Mitcham War Memorial. He had enlisted in 1915 and had been discharged dur to epilepsy. He reinlisted in 1916 and was sent to England where he died in camp. The reason given wassuffocation due to the influence of drink. The author surmises it may have been an epileptic fit. Maps & photographs included.byrne, james, ww1, war memorials

John James Warwick, No1581 (born Sydney, enlisted Sydney) on 25.4.1915 in the 1st Reinforcements 20th Bn AIF age 29 years. Embark for Eygpt 6.6.1915, records just state Gallipoli 16.8.1915. Hospital 22.11.1915 with Anemia, from there states Nephritis, Debility and Finally Epilepsy, embark for Australia 28.1.1916, discharge from the AIF on 26.7.1916.Single medal, unmounted. 1914 - 15 Star.On rear of the medal, "1581 Pte J.J. Warwick 20/BN AIF"award, medal, star

Kenneth Wilfred Macwalkaton (born Scotland, enlisted Melbourne) No 2130 enlisted in the 3rd reinforcements 38th Batt AIF on 7.2.1916 age 22 years 5 months. Embarked for England 25.9.1916, embark for France 4.2.1917, hospital 13.2.1917(unclear) returned to England. From here was in hospital with the following, Scabies, Debility, Abcess right buttock, Influenza, NYD. On 12.5.1918 returned to Australia with Epilepsy for discharge on 23.7.1918. Medals, court mounted, set of 2, re K W MACWALKATON 1. War Medal 1914-18 2. Victory Medal 1914 - 1919“2130 PTE K W MACWALKATON 38 BN AIF”medals, military, history, passchendaele barracks trust

In 1940 doctors started experimenting with curare for use with electric shock therapy. Electric shock therapy regularly caused broken bones, including vertebrae, and all sorts of dislocations. The intensity of convulsions was high and couldn’t be controlled. During the 19th Century curare was unsuccessfully used to treat rabies, tetanus and epilepsy. By 1935, Harold King had isolated tubocurarine, curare’s active ingredient. In 1942, Harold Griffith successfully used standardised curare (Intocostrin) with cyclopropane. Within five years synthesised muscle relaxants were available. Intocostrin, combined with an anaesthetic agent, was a break-through for this treatment.Solid wooden box with three separate sections inside box. First section contains electrical lead for attaching unit to mains power. Second section contains ECT unit and controls. Third sections contains electrical lead ending in plugs for holding in hands. Sections cannot be separated out, they form one unit.Etched on to the face of the internal unit: PROPERTY OF / THE ROYAL WOMEN'S HOSPITAL Label tape affixed to top of the lid: E.C.T. UNIT OP. THEATRES R.W.H.anaesthesia, muscle relaxants, electroconvulsive shock therapy, women

The Alfred Hospital was established aA chaityto erect and support a hospital in the city of Melboune. 'The Constitution and Rules of the Alfred Hospital' were adopted at a meeting of contributors held on October 14, 1870. The 'contributors' had donated at least 20 pounds sterling or more, in one sum, or one dollar or more as an annual subscrption "as long as they shall continue to pay it" A 25 member committee of management included the President of the Legeslative Assembly (Victoria), The Speaker of the Legaslitive Assembly, the Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, the Mayors of Melbourne, Prahan, St Kilda, Emerald Hill & Sandridge, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Melbourne and the President of the Royal Society, Melbourne. The remaining 15 members were to e elected. There were to be four sub committees :- finance, building admission and weekly. Details of appointment of medical staff are included, but no mention is made of nursing staff. Apart from accidents and emergengies, patients had to present for admission on Fridays between 1100 and 1200. "No lunatic, person having the small pox, or suffering from chronic epilepsy or from ulcerated lgs of longstanding or pregnant female for the purpose of confinement, or any case which might be equally relieved as an outpatient, shall be deemed a proper case for admission". People wanting to become outpatients had to have a recommendation from "a magistrate, minister of religion, medical practioner, business firm or some other respectable party" that will satisfy the Admissions Committee that the applicant requires the assistance of the charityImpotant document in the History of the Alfred HospitalUnbound booklet.Black print on cream paper, Front page has details of title, printer and year (MDCCCLXX) within a double line borderprevious catalogue number handwritten [black ink] at top right of front cover. Residue from wear tape has been,Annotations on page 3, 'FIRST' and "14-10-1870' [pencilalfred hospital, hospitals - victoria - history, hospital constitution and rules