Historical information

The glass phial contained liquid ethyl chloride. By directing the nozzle downwards at the skin a stream of liquid squirts out, vaporising on contact.. Ether's unpleasant smell agitated patients. Ethyl chloride's pleasant odour reduced agitation. It was used for controlling pain associated with injections and in minor surgical procedures.
This item was used at Orbost Hospital.

Significance

This item reflects the changes and development in medicine over the last century.

Physical description

A blue cardboard box containing a glass phial with metal lid that forms a spray nozzle. The lid of the box has a white manufacturer's label with blue writing. The phial has a discoloured white label with red writing.

Inscriptions & markings

Ethyl chloride (pure) 100cc Woolwich
for local anaesthetic