Historical information

A mouth gag was used when required to assist in the administration of anaesthesia to a patient. It is used to keep the patient's mouth open, and could also be used for oral surgery or airway management.

This particular mouth gag is known as a Doyen's type.

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 gladstone bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.

Physical description

Stainless steel mouth gag. Design of item resembles a pair of scissors, but with a foot at the end of each blade and a ratchet attached to keep the device open.