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.

Hypodermic glass syringe (.1) with three hypodermic needles (.2 - .4) and metal storage case (.5 - .6). Barrel of syringe is marked from with measurements from 0-20. .2 is a needle head with a rounded flange tapering towards the needle shaft. .3 and .4 are needle heads with flattened oval bulbs, attached to a round bead which holds the needle shaft. The case is oval in shape with the word 'Crystal' engraved diagonally into the top of the lid. There are two fixings attached inside the bottom of the case which form a cradle for the storage of the syringe.

'Crystal'

Needles in this collection include: -2 x abdominal triangular cutting edge suture needles, used for skin suture. Size 2/0 -Morrison's half circle round bodied suture needle, size 3 and size 2 -Bonney's regular curved cutting edge suture needle, size 7 or 8 -Regular curved triangular pointed suture needle, size 2 and size 6 -Ferguson's round point half circle suture needle, size 15 -Hagerdorn's reversed 1/20 suture needle, size 7 -Bonney's curved suture needle, size 7 and size 9 -Regular curved triangular cutting point suture needle, size 15 -Boston/intestinal fine round bodied half circle suture needle

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.

Collection of suture needles in wooden case. Consists of four, loose, crescent shaped needles, and an additional nine needles stuck into a piece of cork. Case is cylindrical, has a lid and is possibly made from pine wood.

surgery

This pessary was manufactured by Allen and Hanburys in three sizes - large, medium, and small. The pessary was originally regarded as an instrument and made from cork, ivory, hard rubber or gum-elastic. In later times, they were made from black vulcanite, flexible tin, soft copper wire covered with Indian rubber, and celluloid. The form of the pessary was and still is variable -either round, oval, or moulded in some cases combining three or four curves depending on the size of the pessary. In ancient times, medicated pessaries were made from emollient. astringent and aperient. Several of these are still used, but in more modem times are called vaginal suppositories. Anal suppositories are still used to suppress the pain of haemorrhoids.

Thomas style supportive antiflexion pessary. Pessary is made of black vulcanite and is inscribed with number "65". Pessary is thickened at distal end and tapered at proximal end.

intrauterine device, pessary

This type of pessary was used in the treatment of retroflexion of the uterus. Thomas’ Retroflexion Pessary is narrower in proportion to its length, while the greater bow is enlarged to a bulb-like form. It enjoyed great popularity and as such was manufactured in a great variety of sizes. Comprised of hard rubber because of its lightness and the high polish that may be given it. The shape can be adjusted by covering the device in petrolatum and heating it with a spirit lamp or immersing it in boiling water. Manufactured in three sizes, and could be combined with a cup and stem external support. See Allen & Hanburys Gynaecological instruments catalogue, page 707.

Vulcanite pessary. Pessary is loosely horseshoe shaped, tapering to a point at the proximal end. The curve of the pessary at the distal end thickens and is rounded. Majority of the pessary is concave.

intrauterine device, pessary

This pessary was often used for a condition called retroflexion of the uterus. Similar in style to Chamber's stem pessary.

Wishbone style pessary, consisting of two white metal arms attached to a ring. The arms are slightly curved, like tweezers, and end in small, spoon-like prongs.

intrauterine device, pessary

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

Made of a heavy white metal. Metal cap covers the actual spray applicator. There are two curved metal tubes leading to the outlet spray. In addition to the metal object there is a small metal connection with a small metal insertion. The metal connection is attached to a piece of old red rubber tubing.

midwifery

[8] l., 405 p., with woodcuts and illustrations. Vellum covering.

non-fiction

human dissection, early works to 1800

These breast pumps were also known as breast relievers or breast exhausters. They were a refinement of the much earlier 'sucking glass'. The breast pump was refined during the Victorian age. Glass breast pumps were used to manually express milk for the infant. These pumps were in use from the early 1920s to the late 1960s. They can also be used to stimulate lactation. These pumps were widely used in the 1950s by mothers of premature babies. The milk was expressed by hand in the home, then transported to the hospital to feed the premature infant.

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

Glass breast pump. Pump is loosely bell shaped with a glass bowl attached to the side of the bell.

infant feeding, midwifery

This type of connection could be attached to a hypodermic syringe for blood or fluid collection. This connection could also be used as an attachment to 'cupping' instruments to induce artificial hyperaemia to assist in the draining of abcesses and carbuncles.

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

Glass connection, 2cm in length, with central flange. Proximal (near) end has a rounded ridge for attaching to a syringe. Distal (far) end in plain, for attaching to rubber tubing.

midwifery

A rubber teat would be attached to the top of this nipple shield for breast feeding. From 1801 onwards, nipple shields were available in a variety of materials, such as pewter, horn, bone, ivory, wood, glass and silver. They varied in shape from a bell to a flatter, cap shaped appliance. With the application of the nipple shield, the baby was able to take milk from the breast without giving added trauma to the nipples. In the ante partum period the nipple shield could be worn to assist in drawing out flat nipples; or, as it was known during this period, in the formation of "new nipples". (Fildes, Valerie. 'Breasts, Bottles & Babies - A History of Infant Feeding', 1986)

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920. She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

Glass nipple shield. Shape resembles that of a bell.

midwifery, infant feeding

Both uterine and anal pessaries were in use from the early part of the 1900s. This particular type of pessary was in general use from the 1960s to the mid 1970s.

Hodges-style intrauterine pessary with three cross bars.

intrauterine device

Uterine and anal pessaries were in use from the early 1900s onwards. The size and shape of the pessary varied greatly, and the variation of the original Hodges pessary is evident in many catalogues over a period of sixty years. Celluloid appliances were made in many different colours (ie. blue, pink, white, yellow). The use of celluloid gradually decreased during the late 1960s.

Hodges -style intrauterine pessary, made of black vulcanite.

intrauterine device

Thomas’ Retroflexion Pessary is narrower in proportion to its length, while the greater bow is enlarged to a bulb-like form. It enjoyed great popularity and as such was manufactured in a great variety of sizes. Comprised of hard rubber because of its lightness and the high polish that may be given it. The shape can be adjusted by covering the device in petrolatum and heating it with a spirit lamp or immersing it in boiling water. Manufactured in three sizes, and could be combined with a cup and stem external support. See Allen & Hanburys Gynaecological instruments catalogue, page 707.

Two moulded black pessaries, Thomas retroflexion type. Made of black vulcanite. Narrower at one end.

pessary, intrauterine device

Feeding bottles of this shape were on sale from 1900 for about 40 years. The Allenbury feeder devised by Allen & Hanburys, U.K. was the first of this type. They were easier to clean and the mild flow was easier to regulate. Mellin's was a company which produced patent milk solids and cereal preparations from c1860s. ("The Antiques and History of Childhood" Sally Kevill-Davies.)

Glass feeding bottle. Bottle is loosely boat shaped with flat base, and neck and openings at either end. There is a small flattened area on the base to allow the bottle to balance. Graduated markings for months of age and tablespoons. Visible join seams on bottle.

infant feeding, infant care

Perforators were used to pierce and empty the skull in craniotomy. This instrument was included with other obstetric instruments, mostly destructive instruments, given to RANZCOG from Box Hill Hospital labour ward in February- March 1998. The maternity service at Box Hill Hospital combined with St George's Hospital in Kew to be known as Birralee Maternity Service. These instruments were collected by Julie Collette, Unit Manager, St George's Kew and given to RANZCOG Museum Curator, Susan Barnett.

Simpson's perforator. Stainless steel perforator with fluted handles. Various inscriptions: "ALLEN & HANBURYS LTD/ENGLAND S.S.ut" on shaft, "12" on inner surface of hinged brace, "B.H.H.L. Ward" on inner shaft of blade.

"B.H.H.L. Ward"

destructive instruments, box hill hospital

The '24' inscribed on the handle is a theatre number for instrument identification.

Set of metal forceps, consisting of two nickel plated blades with bakelite handles. Inscribed 'EVANS & CO./LONDON'.

Theatre mark "24" inscribed on handle of both blades.

obstetric delivery

The vaginal syringe, also known as a female syringe, was introduced in the early 1900s and was in use until the late 1940s when it was replaced by the glass douche nozzle. (Thackray, 'Midwifery & Gynaecological Instruments, (M)463, p. 264.)

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920. She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

Vaginal syringe with glass barrel and plunger and a cork bung. Fluid capacity of syringe 60-90 mls. Cotton thread is woven tightly around the end of the plunger. There are five holes in the end of the glass barrel.

midwifery

The item is possibly part of an irrigation set. Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

White metal bridge attachment, possibly part of an irrigation set.

midwifery

These are parts of a vaginal douch apparatus set. The apparatus appears to be a T More-Madden model, as used at the Rotunda Hospital, Ireland.

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

Black vulcanite bridge attachment (.1) and irrigator (.2). The bridge would attach to the rubber tubing of the set and a lead sinker, The bridge would attach to a stopcock at the proximal end of the set.

midwifery

Tooth elevators and extractors were first used in Greece in the 11th and 12th centuries. Many of these instruments were named after birds (eg. the Pelican) or objects which they resembled (eg. screws, keys, toothkey hooks). In France, the instrument is also referred to as a "clef anglais". (Bennion, Elizabeth. 'Antique Medical Instruments', 1979, p. 204-205.)

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

Dental instrument consisting of a metal shaft with small hook attachment and bone or ivory handle.

midwifery, dentistry

Part of a collection of unknown provenance donated by Frank Forster

Surgeon's operating apron [oiled silk]

This nozzle could be attached to a Higginson's syringe for either rectal administration of fluid or to irrigate the vagina. The nozzle could also possibly be inserted into a trocar or canula.

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

Irrigator nozzle for vaginal or rectal use. Nozzle has a small flange at the distal end with four small bevel lines.

midwifery

The object has been identified as a vaginal (douche) irrigator. The glass tube is similar in appearance, however, to one of the four types of Brewer's glass cannula used in direct blood transfusion. (Reference Down Bros, page 958A)

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

Glass tube, which functions as a vaginal irrigator. There is a curve in the tube, and it gets wider at proximal (far) end. The distal (near) end is round and blunt for attachment to rubber tubing.

irrigation, midwifery

Used to either irrigate the eye, instill medicated drops or tasks such as wound irrigation or the evacuation of fluid under the skin. Cannulas (or eye droppers as they are commonly called) were used both in homes and hospitals during the late 1880s and the early 1900s and were commonly available at chemists. The long tapered end gave the operator control over the rate of flow of the fluid in the bulb.

Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.

Canula (or eye dropper) made of glass. Finely tapered at one end, with an open ended bulb at the other end.

This valve connection may have attached to a syringe or cannula. Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster and he donated to the museum collection in 1993.

Small glass connection valve used for single flow. Body of valve consists of a hollow glass pipe with a lip at one end of the pipe and a central flange.

intravenous device, midwifery