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Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
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This uterine sound is possibly made of aluminium, but this has not been confirmed.
Metal uterine sound. Instrument is a thin, tube-like piece of metal, which tapers and curves up into a blunt point at either end.
Cardboard box containing 3 ampoules of phenol and a sealed, sterile hympdermic needle. Front of box is labelled 'Sterile/Oily Phenol Injection B.P./(Phenol 5% in Almond Oil)/5ml/Code 5313B/Reg. No. HK-02821'. Box is also printed with some use and storage instructions, and the name of the manufacturer. Underside of box is printed with the text 'BATCH 9015313 MFG.AUG.89/EXP.AUG.92'. Phenol ampoules are made of glass and connected together in a strip. Text printed on each ampoule reads 'CAUTION S2/PHENOL IN/ALMOND OIL/5% 5ml/DAVID BULL/EXP. DATE AUG '92'. Hypodermic needle is sealed in a sterile packet with orange backing. Writing on packaging reads 'Sub-Q/REORDER NO. 5115/STERILE SINGLE USE/HYPODERMIC NEEDLE/26g 5/8 (15.9mm)/NON-TOXIC/NON-PYROGENIC'
Two sealed packets of packing gauze. Printed stamp on each package reads 'NUFOLD RAYTEC packing gauze/ONE ROLL/100mm x 2m'. Each package is also stamped with the number '054U'. Packing is printed with a blue and red design noting the contents as sterile and being manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.
surgery
This is one of a collection of items received from the practice of Dr Lachlan Hardy-Wilson, FRCOG, Launceston, Tasmania.
Ten small glass specimen bottles enclosed in a cardboard box. Box is green and white in colour and the front of the box is printed with the text 'GIBCO DIAGNOSTICS'. Reverse of box is printed with the details of the manufacturer. One end of box is labelled 'Batch No./14' and has a sticker attached labelled 'STUART'S TRANSPORT MEDIUM', with space on the label to enter a patient's name, the specimen and the date. Instruction printed on box below sticker reads 'Store in cool dark place'. The specimen jars are identical, each being made of glass with a metal screw top lids. Each jar has a 'STUART'S TRANSPORT MEDIUM' label attached, identical to the one attached to the end of the box. The inside of nine of the bottles is discoloured with some form of residue, possibly as a result of the evaporation of a substance inside. One bottle is full, containing an undetermined liquid.
Set of metal surgical forceps. Forceps resemble tweezers, with pointed ends. There are two ridges of metal running down the centre of each arm of the forceps for grip. One arm of forceps has a small pin, which fits into a hole on the other arm of the forceps. Engraved text on inner aspect of forceps reads 'YOUNG EDINBURGH STAINLESS STEEL'.
'YOUNG EDINBURGH STAINLESS STEEL'
surgery
Used to take a sample from the cervix as part of a cervical biopsy. 'Rostfrei' is a German word meaning 'rust free', which is an equivalent term for stainless steel.
Stainless steel cervical punch. Consists of a long, thin metal shaft, extending out in a perpendicular fashion from the handle. There is a small cutting tooth at the end of the shaft. Handle consists of an oval shaped trigger attached to a solid metal handle. A curved metal spur extends from the back of the handle to provide purchase for thumb grip. Overall shape of the instrument resembles a handgun in style. Inscription on handle of instrument reads 'ROSTFREI'.
obstetrics
This sculpture was a commissioned artwork made by Victora Chancellor (nee Simcock), a Sydney artist.
Ceramic sculpture, depicting a reclining mother holder her newborn baby. The mother is lying on her back, with knees drawn up and feel flat on the ground, protectively cradling a newborn baby on her chest. The umbilical cord between baby and mother is still attached. The mothers upper back is resting against a rock, holding her partially upright. Sculpture is mounted on a rectangular wooden base.
obstetric delivery
This is one of a collection of items received from the practice of Dr Lachlan Hardy-Wilson, FRCOG, Launceston, Tasmania.
Set of small surgical forceps. Forceps resemble tweezers, with pointed ends. There is a corrugated section of metal at the centre of the forceps for grip. One arm of forceps has a small pin, which fits into a hole on the other arm of the forceps. Engraved text on inner aspect of forceps reads 'STAINLESS STEEL'.
This item was distributed by Sklar Manufacturing, based in Long Island, New York.
This is one of a collection of items received from the practice of Dr Lachlan Hardy-Wilson, FRCOG, Launceston, Tasmania.
Metal cylindrical jube with cap, containing silver nitrate. Title of label on the front of the jar reads 'Ralks/SILVER NITRATE/APPLICATORS/(75% SILVER NITRATE)'. Label also carries a poison warning about the nitrate and what to do should in case of accidental exposure. Printed with an expiry date of May 1986.
Used to collect medical samples, including blood.
Three plastic medical collection tubes, with caps. Labels attached to each of the tubes reads 'P2/Name/Date/Time/Test/5 ML PLAIN TUBE/For Blood, Stand To/Allow Clotting/ R.M. Johns, Mt. Eliza, Vic.'
pathology
Four small glass pathology collection jars, with metal screw on lids. Three jars are plain and unlabelled. The fourth jar has a label on it which reads 'MELBOURNE PATHOLOGY CLINIC/33 COLLINS ST, MELBOURNE'. The back of the fourth jar is also painted with the letters 'E.D.T.A' in yellow paint.
pathology
A haemacytometer is an instrument used to count blood cells. It is commonly applied to a combination of counting chambers with cover glasses and has pipettes for red and white blood cells. This haemacytometer was manufactured by Ernst Leitz's factory in Metzlar, Germany. This company grew to be come what is now Leica.
Haemacytometer in brown leatherette case. Consists of two glass pipettes with attached red rubber tubing, a glass microscope slide, and three small plastic square slide accessories. The base of the case is cut out and lined with felt to accommodate the parts of the object. Top of the case is inlaid with gold coloured text which reads 'Haemacytometer/Breuer/E.Leitz/Wetzlar'. Glass slide is engraved with the text 'E.Leitz/Wetzlar' and scale measurements. Glass pipettes are printed with the text 'E. LEITZ, WETZLAR'.
pathology
Dr Tony Krins found this vial in a desk drawer when purchasing the Surrey Hills practice of Dr Bill Vorath in 1980. Horsehair was, and still is, a popular material for sutures.
Horse hair suture contained in a glass vial. Label inside vial reads "Merson's Sterilised Surgical Suture (Horsehair) T.S.(M) 4. Batch EB 2978'.
surgery
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie (1910-1991) was in active practice between 1936 and 1970. She was a Fellow of the College, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to medicine in 1975.
Citation. Single page document sent from Government House, Melbourne, notifying Dr Margaret Alison Mackie of her appointment to the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. Citation reads 'HONOURS AND AWARDS/1ST JANUARY 1975/APPOINTED ACOMPANION OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF/SAINT MICHAEL AND SAINT GEORGE/DOCTOR MARGARET ALISON MACKIE, M.B.,B.S.,D.G.O.,F.R.C.O.G./CITATION/In recognition of her long and distinguished services/as Chairman of the Board of St. Andrew's Presbyterian/Hospital and to the medical profession.'
Requesting reprints of articles published overseas is a common medical practice, as can be seen by the templates used in this collection. See 2024.40.6 for a copy of the article that is being requested on these notices.
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie (1910-1991) was in active practice between 1936 and 1970. She was a Fellow of the College, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to medicine in 1975.
Collection of ten notices (a-j) received by Dr Margaret Alison Mackie via mail from the United States, Germany, Hungary, and Israel requesting a copy of her published article 'Treatment of Toxaemia of Pregnancy.' Notes are either printed on cardboard or on paper. Requests are from the following: a. Paul Rabinowitz, MD, Jewish Hospital of Brooklyn, NY, United States, June 1961 b. Dr. Joachim Reich, Kinderklick der Karl Marx Universitat, Leipzig, Germany, August 1 1961 c. Dr. Judith Erneszt, Budapest, Hungary d. Dr. Reinhold Schwarz, Universitats Frauenklinik, Rostock, Germany e. Dr W. Selby, Beershiba, Israel f. Dr. Albert Altchek, Mount Sinai Hospital, NY, United States, May 29 1961 g. Dr. Horst Echtermeyer, Frauenklinik der. Med. Academie, Magdeburg, Germany, July 25 1961 h. Dr. H. Spitzbart, Universitats Frauenklinik, Leipzig, Germany, July 26 1961 i. Dr. G. Fekete, Scientific Department, Chemical Works of Gedeon Richter, Budapest, Hungary, July 29 1961 j. Dr. Max v. Clarmann, Munich, Germany, 20 June 1961
obstetrics
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie wrote this article in 1961 for The Medical Journal of Australia. It was a highly regarded article, for which Dr Mackie received a number of worldwide requests for copies of the article. See 2024.40.7.
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie (1910-1991) was in active practice between 1936 and 1970. She was a Fellow of the College, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to medicine in 1975.
Reprint of an article written by Dr Margaret Alison Mackie for the Medical Journal of Australia, 1961. The article is entitled 'Treatment of Toxaemia of Pregnancy' and is printed double sided on a single piece of paper. Header of the page reads 'Reprinted from The Medical Journal of Australia, April 15, 1961.'
obstetrics
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie travelled overseas in 1959, for both work-related and recreational purposes. The diary details her impressions of hospitals she visited (sometimes with sketches), her thoughts on the RCOG Congress, and general accounts of her travels. Both Dr Mackie and her sister, Isobel, were keen diarists.
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie (1910-1991) was in active practice between 1936 and 1970. She was a Fellow of the College, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to medicine in 1975.
Blue leatherbound travel diary. Printed text on the front cover of the diary reads 'Travel Diary/WITH COMPLIMENTS/EDWARDS DUNLOP/AND COMPANY LIMITED'. Diary is filled with handwriting detailing the activities of the diarist during 1959.
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie undertook her medical training at the University of Melbourne, successfully graduating with a medical degree in 1935.
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie (1910-1991) was in active practice between 1936 and 1970. She was a Fellow of the College, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to medicine in 1975.
Black leatherbound volume containing certification documents to indicate completion of studies for a medical degree. Cover is inlaid with printed gold coloured text which reads 'UNIVERSITY of MELBOURNE/CERTIFICATES FOR THE DEGREES OF/M.B. & B.S.' Inside of volume contains templates of certificates which have been signed and completed by supervisors when various required elements of training have been completed.
medicine
The book is annotated throughout with Dr Margaret Alison Mackie's notes. It was used as a reference guide during her medical studies.
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie (1910-1991) was in active practice between 1936 and 1970. She was a Fellow of the College, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to medicine in 1975.
Small, leatherbound pocket reference book. The title page is inscribed with handwriting which reads 'M.A. Mackie/1933'. Title page also indicated this is the 'Twelfth Edition', and that the book was published in London by Bailliere, Tindall & Cox in 1932. The book is annotated throughout with handwritten notes.
medicine
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie (1910-1991) was in active practice between 1936 and 1970. She was a Fellow of the College, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to medicine in 1975.
Paper certificate registering Dr Margaret Alison Mackie as a doctor. Issued by the Medical Board of Victoria, the certificate lists Dr Mackie's certificate number, residential address, and qualification, and is affixed with a red wax seal at bottom left. The certificate is dated January 8th, 1936.
ephemera, medicine
This pass was issued to Dr Margaret Alison Mackie during her time as Medical Superintendent of the Royal Women's Hospital during the Second World War.
Dr Margaret Alison Mackie (1910-1991) was in active practice between 1936 and 1970. She was a Fellow of the College, and was appointed a Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to medicine in 1975.
Small cardboard identification pass. Cover of the pass is green. Front of pass is printed with the text 'GOVERNMENT/OF/VICTORIA'. Inside of pass has identification details for Dr Margaret Mackie, along with a passport photo of Dr Mackie. and attests to her employment at the Women's Hospital. The back cover of the pass is printed with the text 'No. 722/Date of Issue 10 APR 1942'.
world war ii, ephemera
Reginald George Worcester (1903-1972) was a highly regarded obstetrics and gynaecology specialist. Between 1930 and 1933, Worcester was the Medical Superintendent at the Royal Women's Hospital. He obtained his MRCOG in England in 1935, and on his return to Australia was appointed as a university tutor in obstetrics and gynaecology. In 1939, he was appointed as the honorary gynaecologist to outpatients at the Royal Women's Hospital. Worcester served with the AIF during World War II as C.O. of the 17th Field Ambulance in Darwin and as A.D.M.S., Northern Territory Force, and the 2nd/9th Australian Army Corps from 1942 to 1943. His major war service, however, was undertaken in Borneo and Moratai, commanding the 2nd/1st Australian C.C.S. and the 2nd/9th Australian General Hospital. Worcester acquitted himself admirably during the war, with company commander Hubert Smith praising his contribution in no uncertain terms: " His [Worcester's] success as C.O. of a Field Ambulance resulted from a complete understanding of what the unit should be able to do in the transportation of casualties in the field, as well as of the usual medial functions. He organized both with efficiency and at all times difficult decisions were made with humility and good humour. The personal qualities which made him such a calm and considerate consultant never left him, even in the most dangerous and trying circumstances of war." Worcester's time in the army greatly affected his health, but despite this he was able to build a strong and reputable practice upon his return to Australia. As outlined by Arthur Hill, Worcester " was appointed in turn to the following important posts: Honorary Outpatient Obstetrician and Inpatient Gynaecologist to the Women’s Hospital (1946-1948); Honorary Gynaecologist to Prince Henry’s Hospital (1946-1963); Guest Examiner in London for the R.C.O.G. (1953); Examiner in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (1957-1964); Visiting Gynaecologist to the Repatriation General Hospital, Heidelberg 1963- 1967); and first Victorian Members’ representative (1947-1950) and later Fellows’ Representative (1953-1960) on the Australian (Regional) Council of the R.C.O.G. To these posts he brought the benefits of clear thinking and critical awareness. In 1949 he was elected F.R.C.O.G." In early 1967, Worcester suffered a hemiplegia which left him with an impaired gait and paralysed his right hand. Although unable to do major surgery, he returned to part-time practice by September 1967. His ill-health persisted though, and he was retired from practice in 1970. (Source: (1973), REGINALD GEORGE WORCESTER. Medical Journal of Australia, 1: 770-771.)
Brown leather medical case. The case has a solid frame and is rectangular, with a leather handle at top. There are two locks on the top of the case, and a metal clasp on either side to fasten the bag closed. The case is embossed with the letters 'R.G. WORCESTER' on top, in a position between the two locks and below the handle at bottom centre. The inside of the case is lined with a canvas bag that is buttoned to the case with press studs. The inside of the case also contains a loose canvas bag on which is handwritten 'BAG No/THREE/ R.G. WORCESTER'. The loose canvas bag has a metal zipper at opening.
'R.G.WORCESTER'
obstetrics, surgery
Metal intravenous needle. Needle has a gold coloured dial and fittings at one end, and a straight hollow shaft ending in a sharp point. The word 'CONTRACIO' is engraved on the needle fittings.
'CONTRACIO'
surgery
Metal intravenous needle. Needle has a dial and fittings at one end, and a straight hollow shaft ending in a sharp point. The number '10' is engraved on the fitting of the needle.
'10'
surgery
Jetter and Scheerer were a surgical instrument maker founded in Germany in 1867. Their company symbol is that of a serpent curled around a rod, surmounted by a coronet/crown. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments used by Dr Michael Kloss in his medical practice. Dr Kloss subsequently donated this collection to the College.
Metal surgical scissors. Consists of two arms with handle grips, a narrow shaft, and small cutting blades at the end of each arm. The inner aspect of the scissors is engraved with the number '47'. The shaft is engraved with a derivation of the Rod of Asclepius, featuring a serpent wrapped around a rod, with the entire design topped by a crown.
'47'
obstetrics
The '3' on this instrument indicated it was size 3. Jetter and Scheerer were a surgical instrument maker founded in Germany in 1867. Their company symbol is that of a serpent curled around a rod, surmounted by a coronet/crown. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments used by Dr Michael Kloss in his medical practice. Dr Kloss subsequently donated this collection to the College.
Metal scraper. Instrument consists of a large, six sided handle section, a short, thin shaft and a small, round scoop at the end of the shaft. The handle at the proximal end is in the shape of an elongated teardrop, hollowed out at centre. The number '3' is engraved on the shaft of the instrument. The shaft is also engraved with a derivation of the Rod of Asclepius, featuring a serpent wrapped around a rod, with the entire design topped by a crown.
'3'
obstetrics
The '3' on this instrument indicated it was size 3. Jetter and Scheerer were a surgical instrument maker founded in Germany in 1867. Their company symbol is that of a serpent curled around a rod, surmounted by a coronet/crown. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments used by Dr Michael Kloss in his medical practice. Dr Kloss subsequently donated this collection to the College.
Metal scraper. Instrument consists of a large, six sided handle section, a short, thin shaft and a small, oval shaped scoop at the end of the shaft. The handle at the proximal end is in the shape of an elongated teardrop, hollowed out at centre. The number '3' is engraved on the shaft of the instrument. The shaft is also engraved with a derivation of the Rod of Asclepius, featuring a serpent wrapped around a rod, with the entire design topped by a crown.
'3'
obstetrics
This instrument was part of a collection of instruments used by Dr Michael Kloss in his medical practice. Dr Kloss subsequently donated this collection to the College.
Metal curette. Instrument consists of a metal shaft with a slightly curved, teardrop shaped scraping loop at the distal end. The handle at the proximal end is in the shape of an elongated teardrop, hollowed out at centre. The word 'Kloss' and the number '3' are engraved on the instrument.
'Kloss' '3'
obstetrics
This instrument was part of a collection of instruments used by Dr Michael Kloss in his medical practice. Dr Kloss subsequently donated this collection to the College.
Metal sponge holder. Instrument resembles a long pair of scissors, with thin arms and a ratchet adjacent to the handles to lock instrument into place. Each arm ends in a hollow, circular loop.
obstetrics
This instrument was part of a collection of instruments used by Dr Michael Kloss in his medical practice. Dr Kloss subsequently donated this collection to the College.
Metal sponge holder. Instrument resembles a long pair of scissors, with thin arms and a ratchet adjacent to the handles to lock instrument into place. Each arm ends in a hollow, circular loop.
obstetrics
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
