Historical information

Pituitrin was used for the induction of labour prior to birth and for the treatment of post-partum haemorrhage (from vasopressin's vasoconstrictive properties).
Morphine is used for the short term management of severe pain.
Hyosine Hydrobromide, also known as scopolamine, is used to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

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 his 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

Selection of four medical vials in a small cardboard box. Vials contain Pituitrin [206.5, 206.6] , Morphine Suphate [206.2] and Hyosine Hydrobromide [206.3, 206.4]. Box is labelled ""HERMETTE"/PITUITARY EXTRACT"