Historical information

This item belonged to Dr Horace Holmes. It is a floating thermometer used to determine when bath water was suitable for use. The reference to Dr Forbes is to John Forbes, a Scottish physician who recommended therapeutic bathing at a time when taking a bath at home or in a hospital was not a common practice (19th century). Dr Horace Iles Holmes (1877-1959) was born and educated in Tasmania and completed a medical degree at Melbourne University. He commenced a practice in Warrnambool in 1906 and was the Honorary Medical Officer at the Warrnambool Hospital and Warrnambool’s Health Officer. His practice was at ‘Ierne’, at the corner of Spence and Kepler Streets. He was an early member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and was prominent in community affairs (foundation president of Warrnambool Rotary Club, a member of the local Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, Warrnambool Hospital Committee member, long-term Trustee of the Warrnambool Methodist Church and President of the Lyndoch Hostel for the Aged Committee) Dr Holmes also had agricultural interests and enjoyed fishing, golf and bowls.

Significance

This is an important medical item from the collection of Horace Iles Holmes, a doctor who was prominently associated with the professional and community life of Warrnambool for well over 50 years.

Physical description

This is a thermometer with a glass tube containing mercury with funnel endings. A piece of paper with gradations and printed matter is rolled up inside the tube. The thermometer is encased in an unpainted wooden container which has a handle and a hollow middle for taking the thermometer readings.

Inscriptions & markings

‘Dr Forbes Specifications’
‘Hot, Warm, Tepid, Temp, Cool, Cold Bath, Freezing’