Historical information

This instrument is an ear syringe that would have belonged either to a doctor or to a medical clinic or hospital. When it was first donated to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society in 1972 it was described as a throat syringe but this does not appear to be correct.

Significance

This ear syringe, in our collection for 45 years, is a fine example of a medical instrument in use 100 years ago or more. It will be retained for display purposes and also for its aesthetic appeal.

Physical description

This is a brass ear syringe. It has a barrel with a plunger that is ridged at both ends and a handle with three rings for the user to enclose three fingers and a syringe tip tapering to a point. There is an oval brass plaque attached to the barrel and this contains information on the maker of the instrument and the maker’s crest.

Inscriptions & markings

‘Mayer & Meltzer, Makers, London’
‘ To the University College Hospital’
‘To the Hospital for Deseases (sic) of the Throat’
‘To the Hospital for Women’
‘To the Middlesex Hospital’