Historical information
Most nurses had their own syringe and needle kits before the advent of disposable syringes. They were used by Alfred Hospital visiting trained nurses to administer medication in the patient's home.
The analgesic tablets in the glass vials were dissolved in sterile water prior to administration.
Significance
This item belonged to Louisa Mann, 6th Matron of the Alfred 1912-1928.
Physical description
Silver coloured metal flip up case containing:
1. a glass and metal syringe with metal cap
2. a small glass vial containing 6 hypodermic needles
3. 6 vials with cork stoppers containing analgesic tablets
4. 2 perished rubber washers used in the syringe
5. 1 wire stylet to clean needles
6. Screw on needle hub
Inscriptions & markings
On the base of the kit engraved - Parke, Davis & Co. Detroit & New-York
Markings on the vials:
No 2 Apomorphine Hydrochlorate 1-10 gr - Parke, Davis & Co. Detroit & New York
No 3 Atropine Sulphate 1-50 gr - Parke, Davis & Co. Detroit & New York
No 5 Cocaine Hydrochlorate 1-4 gr - Parke, Davis & Co. Detroit & New York
No 13 Morphine sulphate 1-4 gr - Parke, Davis & Co. Detroit & New York
No 16 Morphine sulphate 1-4 gr & Atropine sulphate 1-150 gr - Parke, Davis & Co. Detroit & New York
No 72 Strychnine Nitrate 1-40 gr - Parke, Davis & Co. Detroit & New York
Glass vial with needles (Patient July 7, '96):
1st line - Aseptic Hypodermic Needles 1/2 Doz.
2nd line - Schimmel's Patent Best Seamless Steel Tubing
3rd line - CAUTION - Do not return a needle once used to the vial.
4th line - Remove needles by a slight tap on vial with a pencil.
5th line - PARKE, DAVIS & CO. GENERAL AGENTS
6th line - DETROIT MICH U.S.A.
Syringe inscription - on barrel, Parke Davis &Co PAT. AUG 25 1885:
on plunger, measurement markings
