Dr Geoffrey Kaye worked as an adviser to the Director-General of Medical Services, Australian Infantry Forces during the inter-war years. During this time he developed an ether vapouriser specifically for the Army. This is the prototype designed and made by Dr Kaye during 1939.Round metal tray with round ether apparatus inside consisting of an ether sight glass indicator, oxygen bypass, control tap and trap bottle. There are three rubber hoses, two red and one black. geoffrey kaye, vapouriser, royal army medical corps, ether, endotracheal, prototype, blowover, world war ii, wwii, ww2

H. Bellamy Gardner, an anaesthetist at the Charing Cross Hospital, was the first to use open ether in England and was responsible for popularizing the technique. Bellamy Gardner's mask consists of a wire frame which was covered with layers of gauze. He recommended constructing a face-pad consisting of several layers of gauze which were rolled together and tied to make an oval. This was applied to the face and the mask rested on the top. Ether was then administered directly on to the mask.Oval chrome-plated steel wire frame designed to fit around a face. The wire-framed dome has both vertical and horizontal wire components to sit over a patient's nose and mouth. Ether was applied to a gauze pad which was held securely in place by a hinged wire lid. This is a modified version of Bellamy Gardner's original mask.Etched on clasp: BELLAMY / GARDNER'S / ETHER MASKether, gauze

Dr. Joseph Clover (1825-1882), an English physician, first described his Portable Regulating Ether Inhaler on Jan. 20, 1877. Clover was an especially sought after anesthesiologist and early pioneer in the specialty. This was the best-known of many inhalers that Clover designed. The dome-shaped reservoir was turned to points on a control dial to gradually increase or decrease the percentage of the air that passed over the ether. Several inventors based new inhalers on this, while the original continued to be manufactured as late as the beginning of WWII. (Source: Wood Library Museum)Black round topped box with brass hooks at front and brass hinges at rear. There is a black fabric handle on the top. Inside the box is black padding with the manufacturer's logo printed in gold leaf. There is a square section in the base of the box for holding the square clear glass bottle for ether. There is also a dome-shaped metal inhaler with a "whistle tip" type connection to the mask. The mask is made of tan leather. There is also a metal ether measure for pouring the ether.Printed in gold leaf inside lid of box: MAYER & MELTZER [?] PORTLAND ST. / MAKERS •Engraved on side of inhaler: Mayer & Meltzer / London •Stamped on connector of inhaler: MAYER & MELTZER RN NO 212327 •Engraved on rear of inhaler: Clover's Inhaler •Printed in white on blue sticker: O.2.5A •Measurements have been stamped on the bottom of the inhaler. •Printed in black ink on mask: MADE IN ENGLAND •Stamped on metal connector inside mask: 6 •Printed in black ink on white manufacturer's label on glass bottle: ETHER PURUS '720 / H. Francis & Co., Melbourne.clover, joseph, mollison, crawford henry, george bankin, mccaul, kevin, royal women's hospital, coroner, freemason, surgeon, gynaecologist, obstetrician, mayer & meltzer, francis & co, melbourne, ether purus

Dr. Joseph Clover (1825-1882), an English physician, first described his Portable Regulating Ether Inhaler on Jan. 20, 1877. Clover was an especially sought after anesthesiologist and early pioneer in the specialty. This was the best-known of many inhalers that Clover designed. The dome-shaped reservoir was turned to points on a control dial to gradually increase or decrease the percentage of the air that passed over the ether. Several inventors based new inhalers on this, while the original continued to be manufactured as late as the beginning of WWII. Clover, to spare the patient the unpleasantness of induction with his "closed" inhaler (1877), suggested the "mitigated-ether" technique. The inhaler was fitted with a bypass tap for the reception of N2O. The bag was filled with the gas and anaesthesia was inducted a combination of N2O and asphyxiation. Ether was then admitted gradually by rotation of the bowl of the inhaler. When the patient had been duly "weaned over" to ether, the mask was lifted, the N2O allowed to escape, the bag refilled with exhaled air, and normal anaesthesia "a la Clover's inhaler" was continued.Metal domed chamber with a bulb attachment for rebreather bag, including a tap mechanism. Remnants of the paper rebreather bag are attached to the bulb. At the other end is a yellow facemask made of plastic (probably celluloid). The manufacturer's logo has been moulded into the dome of the chamber.Manufacturer's logo: THE HOLBORN / SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CO. LTD. / LONDON •Blue sticker with white writing: O.2.4.joseph clover, mitigated-ether, nitrous oxide, n2o, closed method

The Bruck Inhaler is a modification of the Clover Inhaler, designed by Lambert Bruck. Bruck added a glass dome which enabled the level of ether to be monitored during administration. This was a revolutionary change as it removed guess work from the process.The inhaler is oval shaped with two halves. One half should be made of glass [missing] to allow observation of the ether level. A vertical cross tube, 22mm in diameter passes between the face-piece and the bag [broken]. There is a stopcock for admission of oxygen or nitrous oxide opposite the bag attachment. There is a central tube, 28mm in diameter, with controllable ports on either side.The Bruck Inhaler is a modification of the Clover Inhaler, designed by Ludwig Bruck. Bruck added a glass dome which enabled the level of ether to be monitored during administration. This was a revolutionary change as it removed guess work from the process.joseph clover, lambert bruck, inhaler, rebreather, nitrous oxide, oxygen, probyn williams, hewitt

Ether in oil was used for rectal anaesthesia. Rectal anaesthesia offered a way to administer anaesthesia when using a mask was impractical, such as oral or respiratory tract surgery. Undiluted ether was irritating to the bowel and even proved to be fatal. Ether in oil, developed in 1913, minimized irritation with no reported deaths.Empty clear glass bottle with cork stopper which has become dislodged and is now inside the bottle. The bottle has a white label with handwriting on the front. The bottle has been decanted.Handwritten in ink: Ether in Oil / = parts Stamped in red ink on top left corner of label: CAU... [faded and almost indecipherable]ether, ether in oil, rectal administration, anaesthesia

This is a simple metal mask with an ether chamber surmounting it. The patient breathes air down through the variable orifice over the surface of ether and in through the variable orifice over the surface of ether and in through the inspiratory valve. Exhalation was by means of the expiratory valve placed in the centre of the mask. All channels are extremely small and would offer considerable resistance to respiration.Metal inhaler with shaped rim edgeEngraved by hand into side of mask: DEWEE'S ETHER / INHALER.. 1901. Stamped into side of mask: J.E. LEECO / PATD. NOV. 12-1901 / 400ether, inhaler, ramsay, dewee, leeco

The inner dome of the Ferguson's mask was covered in an ordinary vaporising surface of gauze, while the outer tower (circular ring) was enveloped in a domette bag closing at the top to exclude the air so that the ether vapor could be concentrated.Wire mask for ether inhalation. The handle for the mask is made from the same wire as the mesh and there is a circular wire ring above the mask.mask, ether, robert ferguson, inhalation, ramsay surgical limited

The Bellamy Gardner mask was in use by 1905 and was the first British mask for the open administration of ether. This mask combines the features of the Bellamy Gardner mask with a tower frame designed by Ogston. The Museum's "Penn catalogue", circa 1970, describes this mask: "this followed closely upon Ferguson's lead, but has an enormous amount of "dead-space" contained within the apparatus."Open wire ether mask with inner dome (Bellamy Gardner mask) and outer wire frame tower (Ogston frame).Moulded into connector clip: BRITISH MAKEbellamy gardner, ogston, open ether administration, henry peter penn

This is a large metal framework covered in gauze, the whole mask completely enclosing the patient's face excluding any possibility of carbon dioxide being excreted. This object was found in the possession of the Italian Army in Libya in 1940, and donated to the museum by Dr Geoffrey Kaye. Gustave Julliard, of Geneva, after a death from chloroform had occurred in his practice, abandoned the use of that anaesthetic and adopted ether. He administered it from a large, wire frame, the outside of which was covered with waxed cloth to make it impermeable to air, the inside with surgical gauze on to which the ether was poured. Large metal wire frame mask, covered in waxed paper, with gauze wrapped around the rim to prevent ether leaking out, effectively forming a rebreathing apparatus.ether, carbon dioxide, italian army, libya, 1940

Hurley, Sir Thomas Ernest Victor (1888-1958) was gifted this Probyn Williams inhaler in 1914. After studying at Melbourne University, Victorian-born Hurley was a Medical Officer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital until he commenced private practice in Collins Street. He was appointed Captain Australian Army Medical Corps, AIF and served in Gallipoli with the 2nd Field Ambulance. He served in Enypt, London, and the Western Front during World War 1. He gained a Companion of the Order of St George and St Michael in 1917. Upon return to Melbourne he held positions such as surgeon to Victoria Police (1928-1956), elected to Council of the Victorian branch of the British Medical Association, member of the Charities Board of Victoria and foundation member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and chaired the Flying Personnel Research Committee m a consulting surgeon at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. This apparatus is transitional between Clover's and Hewitt's having Clover's narrow "ways" and compact size, but using Hewitt's ether-control lever.Black round topped box with brass hooks [missing] at front and brass hinges at rear. The initials T.E.V.H. are printed in gold leaf on the front. There is a black fabric handle on the top. Inside the box is black padding with the manufacturer's logo printed in gold leaf. There is a square section in the base of the box for holding the square clear glass bottle for ether. The pear-shaped mask is made of metal. There is also a metal ether measure for pouring the ether. The metal inhaler is ovoid shaped. The rotating gauge has a series of numbers engraved onto the inhaler for measurement. There is an elbow joint attaching a re-breather bag, with a small amount of waxy paper remaining attached with a thin ribbon. There is a small glass bulb encased in a metal housing. Printed in gold leaf on front of box: T.E.V.H. •Printed in gold leaf on inside lid of box: MAYER & MELTZER / LONDON / MELBOURNE & CAPE TOWN •Engraved on side of inhaler: PRESENTED / TO / T.E.V. Hurley Esq.,M.D.M.S. / by / THE M.S.S. / 15.6.14. •Engraved on reverse side of inhaler: PROBYN WILLIAMS / ETHER INHALER •Moulded into connector on elbow joint: MAYER & MELTZER •Stamped into base of metal pourer: MAYER & MELTZER / LONDON •Blue sticker with white printed text on front of inhaler: O.2.21.hurley, thomas ernest victor, probyn williams, university of melbourne, world war 1, wwi, gallipoli, australian army medical corps, medical student society, mayer & meltzer, clover, joseph, hewitt, fredrick william

This is a modified version of the original Clover inhaler. Joseph Thomas Clover preferred this modified version over his later, portable regulating ether inhaler.This modified Clover's ether and chloroform inhaler is composed of metal and is cylindrical in shape. There is a gas distribution control key on the top and a metal hook enables the operator to hang the vaporiser from a strap around his/her neck. Stamped on top tap: COEXETER LONDONjoseph thomas clover, inhaler, ether, anaesthetic, portable, nitrous oxide, modified, gas, coexeter london, chloroform, rebreather bag, face mask

This item was designed by surgeon Paul Herman Martin Sudeck to administer ether and then chloroform anaesthesia. Paul Hermann Martin Sudeck was a German surgeon (28 December 1866 - 28 September 1945). He first described his inhaler in a 1903 article, "Eine neue Aethermaske" (A New Ether Mask).The metal cone shaped mask has moulded features on the proximal end to fit over the patient's mouth. The distal end is rounded and has an area for the absorbent material (in this item, a sponge) through which the anaestheric ether or chloroform was dripped. The side 'arms' would have been used to attach a strap.inhaler, mask, cone, paul herman martin sudeck, germany, ether, chloroform, sponge, 1900

Dr Thomas Small designed this ether anaesthesia and analgesia machine while he was an Honorary Medical Officer at the Royal Women's Hospital in Sydney during the 1930s. The inhaler is compact and portable. Initially, Small experimented with other agents for the relief of labour pain but was not happy with any of them. He also tried various agents on himself, including nitrous oxide/oxygen, chloroform and ethyl chloride. Finally he settled on ether via a Clover inhaler as the best analgesic. This inhaler is only described in use in Australia and New Zealand, although it was used for almost 40 years. Black leather box with leather handle, lockable latches on either side and drop down front case panel containing a metal ether inhaler and length of black corrugated rubber hose with one end attached to the inhaler and the other end open for attaching a mask. The metal inhaler drum is circular and attached to the floor of the case with a small tap/lever to one side and a mixing valve on the top near the hose connection. The lever has incised gradings of quarter increments from 0 to 1. The box is designed for the ether inhaler to be portable.ether, small, thomas, analgesia, obstetrics, anaesthesia, anaesthetic, royal women's, sydney, queen victoria, melbourne

Sir Frederic W. Hewitt (1857-1916), an accomplished and well respected English anesthesiologist, was an expert in the function and use of the Clover Ether Inhaler. In 1901, Hewitt described his modification of the Clover Inhaler. Often referred to as the Hewitt Wide-Bore Inhaler, Dr. Hewitt introduced changes in order to make it easier to breathe through the device and improve the ventilation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. In 1901, Hewitt was recruited to anesthetize King Edward VII for emergency abdominal surgery. This was just a day or so before the new King was to be coronated. He recovered well, and Hewitt became the first anesthesiologist ever to be knighted. (Source: Wood Library Museum)Tall black round topped box with brass hooks at the sides and brass hinges at rear. There is a brown fabric handle on the top. The box has red padding inside the lid and red lining inside the base and sides. There is a round section in the base of the box for holding the round clear glass bottle for ether. There is also a ellipse-shaped metal inhaler on small metal base with a thin metal handle and pipe with bakelite plug attached via a small metal chain. A brown mask is made of brown leather and celluloid which is connected to the inhaler. There is a metal ether measure for pouring the ether.On notecard in box: (B) HEWITT'S INHALER 1895, MADE BY GEO. BARTH & CO LTD., ADVERTISED AS THE SOLE MAKERS OF THE INHALER AND RECOGNISED BY HEWITT IN HIS TEXT BOOK - ANAESTHETICS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION - AS THE MAKER OF HIS INHALER. / GIVEN BY DR. E.S. HOLLOWAY IN 1951, WHO ACQUIRED MUCH OF HOWARD JONES' EQUIPMENT AFTER THE LATTER'S DEATH. Stamped on underside of glass bottle in a circle: WUBW [illegible] Blue sticker on inhaler: O.2.13. Printed on inhaler under handle: Geo Barth [illegible] / SOL [illegible] Printed on body of inhaler: Full Printed on body of inhaler: 1/2 Printed on inside of leather mask: F35hewitt, sir frederic, jones, howard, inhaler, geo. barth & co. ltd., ether

The Epstein, Macintosh, Oxford vaporizer (EMO) was designed in 1952 by Dr H. G. Epstein and Sir Robert Macintosh of the Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics at the University of Oxford, with the aid of their technician, Mr Richard Salt. It was essentially a refinement of their earlier Oxford vaporizer and designed specifically to deliver ether in known concentrations, irrespective of the temperature of the ether. Robert Macintosh was born at Timaru New Zealand in 1897. In December 1915 he travelled to Britain and was commissioned in the Royal Scots Fusiliers, soon transferring to the Royal Flying Corps. He was shot down behind enemy lines on 26 May 1917 and taken prisoner, escaping several times. When the war ended he returned to medical school and qualified in 1924 as MRCS LRCP. Macintosh's initial intention was to be a surgeon, but soon after qualifying he developed an interest in the field of anaesthesia. Macintosh became the first professor of anaesthetics at Oxford although the university was at first against the appointment. He recruited the scientists Dr Kurt Mendelssohn and Dr H G Epstein and together they designed and built the Oxford vaporiser, a simple, portable, and accurate means of delivering varying concentrations of ether which was to see service in the second world war. He was knighted in 1955 and died at Oxford in 1989.The apparatus is a round, barrel style object with three small rubber feet and a moulded handle over the top. It consists of a vaporising chamber, wick, ether level indicator, temperature compensating value, air bypass chamber and mixing chamber. Manufacturer's label on reverse: EMO, Longworth Scientific Inst. Co. Ltd. England. Serial No. 5878macintosh, epstein, oxford, vaporiser, nuffield, ether

Lambert Ormsby was a New Zealand surgeon who migrated to Ireland. He described his inhaler in a letter to the Lancet in 1877.Ormsby listed the advantages of his inhaler as simple, inexpensive, small quantity required to produce sleep, prevents evaporation of ether, portable and small (can be carried in pocket), short time to complete anaesthesia (two minutes) and safe. Disadvantages of this apparatus were that it had to be removed in order to recharge the sponge with ether or when anaesthesia becomes too deep. Considerable carbon dioxide accumulation developed and there would also be some oxygen lack. In thirty years of use, Ormsby's Inhaler underwent certain modifications, an exhalation valve was fitted to the mask and device for recharging the sponge with ether was later added. The Ormsby inhaler was modified by Carter Braine in 1898 with the aim of making it easier to clean. Essentially it is very similar except there is no net around the bag.The inhaler consists of an india-rubber flexible bag enclosed within a net bag to limit expansion. There is a soft metallic mouthpiece with india-rubber tubing around the edge. The tubing had to be purchased separately from the manufacturer. The body contains a wire cage with a similarly shaped hollow sponge into which ether was poured.Maker's details inscribed into metal ring around the bore: Barth Co. London.ormsby, new zealand, carbon dioxide, carbon accumulation, carter braine, portable

The bottle was probably used for holding ether as part of a doctors medical kit. The bottle has visible side mould seams on the shoulder which discontinues or fades at the lip, a tooled finish and the glass has bubbles. There is no pontil-scar or mark on the base of the bottle, but there is a circular mould seam on the base.Small square based glass bottle with round neck, possibly used to hold ether. Found inside carry box with other unrelated objects including brown stopper which does not fit in bottle. Appropriate stopper for glass bottle is not present.Small amount of brown residue inside bottle. Bubbles in side of glass. Brown marks on outer bottle. Scratches inside bottle neck. Glass stopper missing.dr [e.s.] holloway, bottle, glass

Metal container for ether part of Col021equipment, 1914, general

John Snow was England's first full-time anaesthetist. He noted that the common mode of administration of ether was liable to lead to anoxia, and invented this inhaler to overcome this. Later, he turned to chloroform anaesthetics without a death. He administered chloroform to Queen Victoria for the birth of Prince Leopold, this largely being responsibe for overcoming objections to the use of analgesia in childbirth. This replica was made in 1950 and gifted to the museum by A Charles King Esquire.The complete object is in six parts and made up of a brass metal box with swing latches in the middle section for secure closing. The lid is in two parts with one half that comes off entirely. Inside the box is the circular inhaler, detachable tube and dark yellow/green fabric covered tube. The mask made of brass and chamois leather with an exporatory valve does not fit into the box. A brown fabric case has been made to store the inhaler in.Etched onto the detachable lid, This replica of the Snow's Ether Inhaler of 1847 was made by John Henry Hawkes of A. Charles King Ltd. August 1950.john snow, chloroform, ether, queen victoria, prince leopold, john henry hawkes, a. charles king

The Bruck Inhaler is a modification of the Clover Inhaler, designed by Lambert Bruck. Bruck added a glass dome which enabled the level of ether to be monitored during administration. This was a revolutionary change as it removed guess work from the process.The Bruck Inhaler is a historically, aesthetically and scientifically significant piece. The basic design is based on the Clover Inhaler, but with a rounded bottom. The idea of a glass viewing window was possibly inspired by Wilson-Smith Inhaler. The Bruck Inhaler is historically significant as it is the first inhaler to be made with a completely clear lower glass section. This improved the usability for the ether administrator, and eliminated much of the guesswork associated with dosage and ether levels, which in turn improved the patient experience. This piece provides a strong local link to both anaesthetic and general medical practice at the turn of the century. The design is credited to Ludwig Bruck of Sydney, and was presumably manufactured in the same area. Bruck, as the attributed designer, holds much relevance to the significance of the object, as connected with him is much historical information about the social context of medical practice. Ludwig Bruck was a prominent figure in the medical industry. He started his medical career in Sydney as a Medical Transfer Agent, and later owned a shop at 16 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. This business is listed in the 1903 Register of Firms as a Medical Agent and Importer of Medical Instruments and Books. Bruck was vocal as a journalist and published analyses of medical statistics, as well as the well known Australasian Medical Dictionary and Handbook, which included the “List of Unregistered Medical Practitioners”. Ludwig Bruck was an immigrant. He was of German descent, which placed him in a precarious position within Sydney society during the turn of century. Bruck conducted several public conversations with prominent members of the Australian Natives Association through the Sunday News in regards to his disagreement of the employment of medical practitioners by the ANA specifically to corroborate their health insurance policies. He was also a stalwart supporter of the Australian arm of the British Medical Association, being the publisher of the first and subsequent editions of The Australian Medical Gazette. Bruck chose to end his life with a combination of poison and chloroform on 14 August 1915, after being accused of trading with the enemy during World War One. His suicide note stated his horror at leaving his business partner to deal with the tarring of his reputation as the reason for his decision. The Bruck Inhaler has aesthetic significance as it is a beautiful example of turn of the century surgical design and craftsmanship. Aseptic methods of surgery were well known by 1909, and the aesthetic design of the Bruck Inhaler conformed to these principles. The ability for the surgeon to unscrew, clean and sterilize each part of the Inhaler contributes to the streamlined design of the piece. The Buck Inhaler holds scientific significance. There is the capacity for further research to be undertaken on the object. Geoffrey Kaye often collected multiple examples of equipment, usually one for reverse engineering and another for teaching. There are currently two examples of the Bruck Inhaler in the collection, presenting an opportunity for further technical research on the object. The inhaler is oval shaped with one half made of glass to allow observation of the ether level. A vertical cross tube, 22mm in diameter passes between the face-piece and the bag [missing]. There is a stopcock for admission of oxygen or nitrous oxide opposite the bag attachment. There is a central tube, 28mm in diameter, with controllable ports on either side. There is also a tear-drop shaped fask mask.Hand engraved on side of base: L. Bruck / Sydneyclover, joseph, bruck, lambert, inhaler, rebreather, nitrous oxide, oxygen, williams, probyn

Mask used for administering ether anaesthesia. This mask also has a carbon dioxide inlet tube. Carbon dioxide was found to promote deeper breather which assisted in attaining faster anaesthesia. The mask was designed by an American anaesthetist James Tayloe Gwathmey, (1863-1944). Gwathmey invented a range of anesthesia equipment. In 1904, he introduced this mask as one part of a resuscitation apparatus. Gwathmey modified an existing mask to more closely fit the contours of the face. The holes in the rim allow for oxygen to be delivered for resuscitation or for the delivery of a combination of oxygen and anaesthetic. Wire framed mask in tear shape. There is a hinged top bracket which allows for a piece of flannel or domette to secured to the mask, onto which the ether would be administered. There is an inlet tube near the hinged bracket to allow for the administration of CO2 or oxygen and the rim is pierced with holes.james tayloe gwathmey, ether, anaesthesia, anesthesiologist, carbon dioxide, oxygen

Irregular cylindrical grey inhaler that has been sectioned for teaching purposes. The centre dial is labelled "E.M.O. ETHER INHALER", and controls for the percentage volume of ether released, from "close for transport" to 20%. The sectioned areas of the apparatus have been painted yellow and expose the vaporising chamber, wick, ether level indicator, temperature compensating valve, air bypass chamber and mixing chamber. anaesthesia, vaporizer, vaporiser, sectioned, inhaler

Dr. Joseph Clover (1825-1882), an English physician, first described his Portable Regulating Ether Inhaler on Jan. 20, 1877. Clover was an especially sought after anesthesiologist and early pioneer in the specialty. This was the best-known of many inhalers that Clover designed. The dome-shaped reservoir was turned to points on a control dial to gradually increase or decrease the percentage of the air that passed over the ether. Several inventors based new inhalers on this, while the original continued to be manufactured as late as the beginning of WWII.Metal dome chamber with flat base and two circular pains of glass on each side of the dome as viewing holes. There is a long connector tube with an elbow joint attached to a bulb for a rebreather bag. A previous exhibition label, typed in black ink on buff coloured card, has been tied to the connector.Moulded into the connector for the rebreather bag: MAYER & MELTZER No 212827 •Printed in white on blue sticker: O.2.9. •Stamped into dome: MAYER & MELTZER / LONDON •Typed onto exhibition label: MODIFIED CLOVER'S INHALER. / c.1906. / Name unknown. the modification consists / in windows to shew the ether-level in the / bowl. The inhaler has otherwise the same / restricted channels as the model of 1877 / and shares its faults. / (Gift of Dr. A.E. Rowden White, 1939).joseph clover, wilson smith

In 1896 Robert James Probyn-Williams was appointed first honorary anaesthetist to the London Hospital and joined a select band of fulltime anaesthetists (26) in Great Britain. The Probyn Williams inhaler was a further modification of the Clover inhaler with narrow airways and rebreathing.Ovoid shaped metal ether inhaler device with a dark brown leather fask mask attached.Moulded into inhaler: MAYER & MELTZER / LONDONanaesthetic, anaesthesiology, medical history, ether, inhaler, probyn williams

Sir Frederick William Hewitt was a great advocate of nitrous oxide anaesthesia, mainly for short procedures. In 1885, he reviewed the methods of administration and concluded that accurately fitting valves were essential at the commencement of the inhalation, in order to ensure the rapid washout of air from the lungs; and there was a distinct advantage in allowing some rebreathing of nitrous oxide towards the end of inhalation. He thus devised the stopcock. The stopcock consists of a cylinder with two rotating sleeves and two rubber flap valves. The arrangement allows air to be breathed either through the valves or rebreathed to and from the bag; nitrous oxide to be breathed either through the valves from the bag and out to the atmosphere or rebreathed to and from the bag. Soon after the introduction of this stopcock, there was an increased interest in administering oxygen in combination with nitrous oxide.Amber coloured ether inhaler, with leather mask, celluloid shield and inflatable cushion with attached Hewitt's stopcock.hewitt, stopcock, celluloid, ether, inhaler, mask, rebreathing

This Anaesthetic Mask 'Schimmelbusch' mask was used to deliver chloroform or ether as an anaesthetic. When this mask was in use most doctors would have delivered the anaesthetic themselves. During the 1940s and 1950s, some nurses may have played an active role in the delivery of anaesthetics, particularly in remote areas and during wartime or doctor shortages. This medical / hospital equipment was the latest available in the 1950s when the Tawonga District General Hospital was built specifically for the increase in population due to the Kiewa Hydro Scheme.Historical: Shows the development of scientific hospital equipment. Provenance: Used in the Tawonga District General Hospital which was remote and therefore required good equipment. Good condition and good interpretation capacity.Metal egg shaped frame with metal pieces crossing longitudinally and across with attached moveable metal piece that holds cloth in when closed and fits into open hollow egg shaped frame. At one end is a flat metal piece that would rest on the forehead. Usually used for children. To add cloth (gauze or muslin) with anaesthetic (chloroform or ether) open the mask and place the cloth onto the frame. It clipped on and the fluid then dripped onto the cloth. CHIRON GERMANY between handle and oval.hospital; tawonga; mt beauty; medical; nurse; medical instrument; face; anaesthetic.

In 1913, Mark Cowley Lidwill designed a machine for the purpose of mechanical or insufflation anaesthesia. The Lidwill machine was a portable machine weighing 7kg that could easily be packed into two small bags. The machine involved compressed air being delivered to an ether vaporiser. An ether/air control device allowed varying concentrations of ether to be delivered. The ether vaporiser could be immersed in hot water to prevent cooling and the ether temperature was measured. From the vaporiser, the ether/air mixture went through a trap bottle, then to a crude mercury blow-off valve and subsequently to the patient.Large leather suitcase style bag divided into two levels containing and insufflation anaesthesia machine.insufflation, mark cowley lidwill, thoracic surgery, positive pressure

Large brown glass bottle in original packaging once contained 1lb of ether. The bottle is wrapped in brown paper wrapping with black and red print on a white label. It reads [in red ink] POISON /NOT TO BE TAKEN / WOOLWICH ELLIOTT [logo] / [black ink] 263 61 / Anaesthetic Ether / B. P. / NET 1 LB. / This ether contains 0.002% w/v of Hydroquinone as a / preservative, in accordance with the B.P. / [red ink] CAUTION: Keep well corked in a cool, dark place / [black ink] WOOLWICH-ELLIOTT / CHEMICAL COMPANY PTY. LTD. / SYDNEY / USE BEFORE JAN 1964 / [in red ink] HIGHTLY INFLAMMABLE / [black ink] MADE IN AUSTRALIAether, anaesthetic, poison, glass, bottle, woolwich-eliott chemical co, sydney, anaesthetic ether, hydroquinine, inflammable

1 Glass bottle marked to 300 CC. 1 Regulator fitting with accessory adaptors."ETHER", "300 C.C". Hand written, "ETHRANE" "THE BRITISH OXYGEN Co LTD" "LONDON ENGLAND" "PATENT NO 536536" ether, surgical equipment, surgery, anaesthetic, british oxygen company