Historical information

Ergot aseptic was used to stimulate uterine contractions after labour to expel the placenta. Pitocin was also used for this but could also be used during labour to quicken and stimulate the labour process.

Significance

Dr Mitchell Henry O'Sullivan worked in the Victorian country town of Casterton as a general practitioner from 1919 until his death in 1977. He also practiced obstetrics. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated the obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.

Physical description

Box, with lid, labelled "CLASEPTIC AMPOULES/ERGOT ASEPTIC", Parke, Davis & Co, Sydney, manufactured February 1952. Within the box are three smaller boxes containing glass ampoules of "Ergot Aseptic" and two boxes containing ampoules of Pitocin.