Historical information
This is Albert Smith's modification of a Hodges pessary. Uterine and anal pessaries were in use from the early 1900s onwards. The shape and style of pessaries varied with the introduction of new O & G techniques, and the materials they were made from varied with the maker. The Hodges-Smith pessary was usually hand made and was in demand as an intra-uterine device in the 1960s. For the prevention of uterine or abdominal infection, this type of pessary was changed frequently.
Physical description
Small, irregular vulcanite/wire pessary, covered with red rubber. Inscribed "PATENT".
Subjects
References
- Allen & Hanburys' Ltd Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and appliances, ward requisites, aseptic hospital furniture, 5th ed., p. 340
- Thackray p. 313
