This type of pessary was often used for uterine malpositions and displacements and usually made from vulcanite. This particular object is known as Hodges moulded pessary. [Source: George Tiemann & Co Surgical Instruments catalogue.1989. page 486.] 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.Moulded black vulcanite pessary. Pessary is irregular in shape, and large size.pessary, intrauterine device

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.Moulded black vulcanite pessary. Pessary is irregular in shape. Size small.pessary, intrauterine device

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

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 "65". Pessary is thickened at distal end and tapered at proximal end.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.Moulded black vulcanite pessary. Pessary is irregular in shape, and in the "eyeglass" stem style.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. Vulcanite pessary. The pessary is loosely 'v' shaped, with a thicker section at top and two 'wings'.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

This type of pessary was often used for uterine malpositions and displacements and usually made from vulcanite. This particular object is known as Hodges moulded pessary. [Source: George Tiemann & Co Surgical Instruments catalogue.1989. page 486.] 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. Moulded black vulcanite pessary. Pessary is irregular in shape, and medium size. "I.T.A.Y." inscribed on upper curve.pessary, intrauterine device

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 type of pessary was used in the treatment of retroflexion of the uterus. Thomas’ Retroflexion Pessary is narrower in proportion to its length, while the greater bow is enlarged to a bulb-like form. It enjoyed great popularity and as such was manufactured in a great variety of sizes. Comprised of hard rubber because of its lightness and the high polish that may be given it. The shape can be adjusted by covering the device in petrolatum and heating it with a spirit lamp or immersing it in boiling water. Manufactured in three sizes, and could be combined with a cup and stem external support. See Allen & Hanburys Gynaecological instruments catalogue, page 707.Vulcanite pessary. Pessary is loosely horseshoe shaped, tapering to a point at the proximal end. The curve of the pessary at the distal end thickens and is rounded. Majority of the pessary is concave.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

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

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

“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

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

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 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

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 pessary came from Professor Geoff Bishop's rooms, Mollison House, 386 Albert Street, East Melbourne. As well as the UK, Portex had divisions in the USA and Canada. 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. Portex brand ring pessary in original packaging. Consists of circular ring of cream vinyl, in sterile sealed pouch with transparent plastic at back. Stamped on pouch "PORTEX ENGLAND", and the text "USE BY FEB 77" and "CONTROL No F/1 505". The ring is size 700/300/056 - 56mm. A sticker on the back of pouch gives instruction for cleaning the pessary.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 came from Professor Geoff Bishop's rooms, Mollison House, 386 Albert Street, East Melbourne. As well as the UK, Portex had divisions in the USA and Canada. 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 time, 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.Portex brand ring pessary in original packaging. Consists of circular ring of cream vinyl, in sterile sealed pouch with transparent plastic at back. Stamped on pouch "PORTEX/MADE IN ENGLAND", and the text "USE BY JAN 77" and "CONTROL No 06 88". The ring is size 700/300/065 - 65mm. A sticker on the back of pouch gives instruction for cleaning the pessary. A red dot is also stuck to the back of the pouch.pessary, intrauterine device

Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster. The philosophy of this object was to keep the uterus dilated. It was commonly believed at this time that the cervix was the cause of dysmenorrhoea. The stem pessary was an object used to rectify uterine displacements - either anteversion or retroversion. The device consisted of a stem which is introduced into the uterus, the stem was then attached to an ovoid flange or ball, on which the cervix uteri then rested. Connected to this flange was an external part or wire frame, which in turn was attached at one extremity to a flat tubular portion, passing into the vagina. This was then fixed to the intrauterine portion. The wire frame was then made to press on to the pubis, so that the pessary could be kept in position in utero.Pessary, Duke's stem design. Metal pessary with hollow stem, and a rounded flange at one end. The flange has eight small holes surrounding the central hole. The stem is flexible and is made from coiled metal which has then been attached (perhaps by soldering) to the flange.pessary, intrauterine device

Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster. The philosophy of this object was to keep the uterus dilated. It was commonly believed at this time that the cervix was the cause of dysmenorrhoea. The stem pessary was an object used to rectify uterine displacements - either anteversion or retroversion. The device consisted of a stem which is introduced into the uterus, the stem was then attached to an ovoid flange or ball, on which the cervix uteri then rested. Connected to this flange was an external part or wire frame, which in turn was attached at one extremity to a flat tubular portion, passing into the vagina. This was then fixed to the intrauterine portion. The wire frame was then made to press on to the pubis, so that the pessary could be kept in position in utero.Pessary, Duke's stem design. Metal pessary with hollow stem, and a rounded flange at one end. The flange has six small holes surrounding the central hole. The stem is flexible and is made from coiled metal which has then been attached (perhaps by soldering) to the flange.pessary, intrauterine device

This pessary belonged to Dr Olga Bolitho who inherited it from Dame Ella MacKnight. Used by Olga Bolitho once or twice, according to correspondence dated 14/5/00 from Olga Bolitho [held with the donation form] Dame Ella Macknight was an obstetrician and gynaecologist who worked at the Queen Victoria Hospital, Melbourne. She was appointed as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire on 1 January 1969 for services to medicine. She gained her MB BS in 1928 from the University of Melbourne. After qualifying as an obstetrician and gynaecologist, (MD, Melb.1931, DGO Melb 1936), she was associated with the Queen Victoria Hospital from 1935-1977. Her appointments included honorary obstetrician and gynaecologist from 1935-1964; vice-president of the Committee of Management for 1963-1971 and president from 1971-1977. She was president of the Council of the Royal College of Gynaecologists from 1970-1972.After her death in 1996, her family set up a post graduate scholarship in her honour with the Royal College of Gynaecologists & Obstetricians.Clear plastic pessary. Pessary is circular, with a wide flange and a short stem. The stem is attached to the flange, rather than the pessary being moulded as one piece. There are two small holes in the flange, either side of the stem.intrauterine device, pessary

Stem pessaries were made from a variety of materials including silver, copper, gold, ivory, horn, hard rubber, and ebony from the late 1880s. The wishbone pessary had flexible wings that were covered in wax and compressed to facilitate insertion into the cervical canal. Once inserted, the wax would melt and the wings would broaden out slightly. Initially, the effectiveness of these devices as a contraceptive was not widely broadcast. Rather, their efficacy in supporting the uterus and during dysmenorrhea were claimed.Stem pessary, wishbone design. Intrauterine device, made of 9ct gold. It has a round head and two flexible wings."9C"pessary, intrauterine device, contraception

This type of pessary was often used for uterine malpositions and displacements and usually made from vulcanite. This particular object is known as Hodges moulded pessary. [Source: George Tiemann & Co Surgical Instruments catalogue.1989. page 486.] 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.Moulded black vulcanite pessary. Pessary is irregular in shape.intrauterine device

Thomas’ Retroflexion Pessary is narrower in proportion to its length, while the greater bow is enlarged to a bulb-like form. It enjoyed great popularity and as such was manufactured in a great variety of sizes. Comprised of hard rubber because of its lightness and the high polish that may be given it. The shape can be adjusted by covering the device in petrolatum and heating it with a spirit lamp or immersing it in boiling water. Manufactured in three sizes, and could be combined with a cup and stem external support. See Allen & Hanburys Gynaecological instruments catalogue, page 707.Two moulded black pessaries, Thomas retroflexion type. Made of black vulcanite. Narrower at one end.pessary, intrauterine device

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