Historical information

As steam sterilisation became standard practice various types of sterilisers evolved. Water in the steriliser was heated to boiling point either by gas or by methylated spirit burners. Item may have been used by nursing staff at the Alfred Hospital on wards or school of nursing.

Significance

The more instruments that could be sterilised the better the patient outcomes. These portable sterilisers greatly improved access to sterile equipment. Item may have been used by nursing staff at the Alfred Hospital on wards or school of nursing.

Physical description

Monemetal sterilizer containing a perforated tray on which instruments were placed. Item has two handles and four legs attached with rivets. Item is in 3 parts and can be taken apart.

Inscriptions & markings

Each part has "176.07" in texta marking