Historical information
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.
Significance
This is one of a collection of items associated with Dr Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937). Meyer was a very prominent early obstetrician and doctor, playing a part in the establishment of the role of the chair of obstetrics at the University of Melbourne in 1929. He was also a foundation member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.
Physical description
Instrument with teardrop shaped handle above two curved prongs set at an angle to the handle. Top of the handle is graduated to allow the instrument to lock in different positions, and the tension is held by a spring bar in the middle of the handle. The edges of the handle are corrugated for grip. Instrument engraved with the number '67' on inner aspect near pin, and 'PAT 5.3.92'. One side of the instrument is engraved with an image of the Rod of Asclepius, featuring a serpent wrapped around a staff, topped by a crown.
Inscriptions & markings
'PAT 5.3.92'
Subjects
References
- Frank M C Forster, 'Felix Henry Meyer (1858-1937)' Australian Dictionary of Biography entry.
