Brief Description

Box file number four, includes a collection of old catalogues and instruction sheets for dental equipment and materials. Dating from the early 1900s.

631 File No.4 List

631/4/1- 631/4/15
1. Instruction sheet for Dentsply Neobase. Denture base material.
2. Post card for 'Steele's Technique Outfit'. (Of interest because of the address, De Trey and Co. Melbourne Dental Hospital Building, 189-197 Spring Street.)
3. Twenty Century Solia Teeth list. Dental Supply Co.
4. The Clay. The Emerald, and the Indian Pot. History of De Trey's synthetic porcelain.
5. The Rational Technique for Edentulous Cases. A D Co. London.
6. Selection and Articulation of Artificial Teeth. Claude W. Adams. 20 degree New Hue Trubyte.
7. The Art of Metal Work in Prosthetic Dentistry. Steele's by De Trey 192?
8. The Gysi Trubyte Articulator. 1926. N.Y. 13p.
9. The Freeplane Articulator. American Dental Products. 12p
10. Dental Ceramics A.D. Co. Pt. 1. The Robertson Dental Ceramic Unit x 2.
11. Dental Ceramics A.D. Co. Pt. 3. Porcelain Jacket Crowns.
12. Dental Ceramics A.D. Co. Pt. 4. Prisma High Fusing Porcelain
13. Dental Ceramics A.D. Co. Pt. 5. How to produce aesthetic effects in Restorative Dentistry. Steele's x 2.
14. Ash's Tube teeth and Dowel Crowns. A. D. Co. x 2 32p. Complete catalogue.
15. Sterling Dental Unit. Instruction handbook with floor plan, c1933.

History of Object

Material collected by W. J. Tuckfield and Professor Henry Atkinson from the Australian College of Dentistry.

Materials and Finishes

References

Books / Historical

Brief Description

Stainless steel mortar and pestle with ball end of pestle fitted with a spring loaded mechanism so that the force between pestle and mortar can be kept constant during trituration or mixing. With rubber (soft), shock absorbing rings, adjustable knob and pressure or force scale. Mortar and pestle were made by Crescent Dental Manufacturing Company, 1837 to 1845 South Crawford Avenue, Chicago, III, USA in Chicago, USA.

History of Object

Originally used by the Australian Bureau of Dental Standards in experiments on amalgam to maintain standard mixing conditions. When the laboratory moved to Canberra the mortar and pestle was rescued by Professor Henry Atkinson from a load of junk on its way to the tip.

Materials and Finishes

Stainless steel.

References

See various papers in the Australian Dental Journal, Journal of Dental Researchetc.
See journals under Docking, A.
Research / Materials / Conservative Dentistry

Brief Description

A very well made angle measuring appliance, used by Dr. W. Adams in an investigation of the dentition of the Tasmanian Aborigine. The mandible is a copy of a Galton Laboratory instrument, it is hinged with projectors and has a sliding fence.

History of Object

Mandible was given to the Dental Museum by Dr. William Adams in 1980 together with notes, negatives, photographs and a copy of Dr. Adam's thesis.

Materials and Finishes

Wood.

References

Research / Orthodontic / Anthropology

Brief Description

Clear acrylic life size model of the lower end of the humerus.

History of Object

In 1955 Professor H. F. Atkinson developed a method of processing acrylic resins (polymethylmethacrylate) in flexible moulds under air pressure above atmosphere. Some earlier expermiments at Manchester University with Mr John Chatnley indicated that if it were possible to produce small stress free bone prostheses in acrylic, they would have a place in orthopaediatrics. This specimen is an example of the technique which was used successfully in the treatment of selected patients in Melbourne.

Materials and Finishes

References

See The Australian Journal of Dentistry, June 1954.

Research / The Department of Dental Prosthetics, The University of Melbourne

Brief Description

Circular discs of stainless steel approximately 0.04mm thick with impression of edentulous maxilla in the centric.

History of Object

During the early 1960s there was a revival of interest in the swaging of metal palates for full dentures. A technique using hydraulic pressure was developed in the UK while in Australia I.C.I. Industries were interested in the forming of complex shapes by explosive techniques. In 1964 Dr. Alan Grant took part in some research with the company in applying the method to denture fabrication. The technique could not compare with the more common methods of denture casting.

Materials and Finishes

Stainless steel.

References

Research / The Department of Dental Prosthetics, The University of Melbourne

Brief Description

Small punched out soft metal 'tin' patterns for producing 'suction' or 'air' chambers in the palatal region of a full upper denture. Several specimens in a card box. Made by Glover and Good.

History of Object

Obtained from the Australian College of Dentistry, 1963.

Materials and Finishes

Soft metal and card box.

References

Laboratory / Dental Prosthetic / Historical

Brief Description

Open brass mould with cavity 50 x 10 m.m Upper and lower sections missing. Used in Melbourne from 1955 to 1970

History of Object

Obtained from the Australian College of Dentistry, 1990. Made by Professor Henry Atkinson for producing tensile test specimens to compare with the Australian Standards for acrylic denture resins. In 1953 and onwards it was not thought possible that materials (Dental) could be tested except at and by the Bureau. This and subsequent moulds were made for use in the Department of Dental Prosthetics, The University of Melbourne, in teaching.

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

See the Bureau of Dental Standards
Research / Testing

Brief Description

Oblong of cast technique metal with sprue attached.

History of Object

Mr. Peter S. Price, a senior part-time member of staff, on returning from a trip to India, demonstrated a curio; a 4 x 4 mm block of printers metal on which was engraved the 'Lord's Prayer'. The text was only visible with a x25 microscope. To test departmental and casing techniques, attempts were made to reproduce the engraved end. The present specimen can be 'read' under a binocular microscope and shows fourteen lines of print amongst which several letters that can be identified together with points, several in the title in a slightly larger 'type' are quite clear. This technique was adapted by industry for the production of precision items such as turbine fan blades.

Made by Dr. John Harcourt, at that time a lecturer in the Department of Dental Prosthetics, The University of Melbourne.

Materials and Finishes

Made of technique metal.

References

See, Book of Common Prayer, King James Version."
Laboratory / Research

Brief Description

Brass mould of three parts with the middle section containing a 'pocket watch' cavity (50.0 mm in diameter and 6.0 mm in depth). Made in Australia by Professor Henry Atkinson. Specimen was used with others to check porosity, water absorption, leaching etc. as per standard

History of Object

Obtained from the Australian College of Dentistry, 1990. Made by Professor Henry Atkinson for producing tensile test specimens to compare with the Australian Standards for acrylic denture resins. In 1953 and onwards it was not thought possible that materials (Dental) could be tested except at and by the Bureau. This and subsequent moulds were made for use in the Department of Dental Prosthetics, The University of Melbourne, in teaching.

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

Research / Standards / Testing

Brief Description

Box file number three, collection of technical papers, instruction leaflets etc. Some dating from W. J. Tuckfield's time at the College.

630 File No.3 List

630/3/1. Plastico, Moulage, Face Masks. Papers from Dr. Tuckfield.
630/3/2. LKB UM IV Ultratome.
630/3/3. Facial Masks. Dr. Tuckfield’s Notes.
630/3/4. A New Polishing Agent. The Pepsodent Co.
630/3/5. Sterilizing Technique. Castle 4th Edn.
630/3/6. Plastico Moulage Materials. Warren-Knight Co.
630/3/7. Anataform Dentron Teeth. Dentists Supply Co. New York.
630/3/8. Dr. French’s Modified Posteriors.
630/3/9. Centric Relation Established and Verified. F. M. Hight, DDS. Houston Texas
Hanau Engineering Co., Inc. Buffalo, N.Y.
630/3/10. Mould Chart for Anataform Diatorics and Revelation Diatorics. A D Co. Ltd.
630/3/11. Full Denture Prosthesis, Stansbery’s Tripod and Check-Bite Technique. Sydney S. Jaffe, DDS. Washington D.C. Dental Digest, Jan. 1933.
630/3/12. The Sterling Dental Ceramic Unit.
630/3/13. The S. S. White Bite Gauge.
630/3/14. Kallodent Denture Base Materials. Two different copies.
630/3/15. Rubber Its Dental Technology.1925. With illustrations of early dental equipment and testing apparatus.
630/3/16. Dental Rubber, cultivation, collection and preparation.1924.
630/3/17. Directions for using Kerr Centrifico Casting Machine. Kerr, Michigan, USA.
630/3/18. Neo-Hecolite Acrylic resin compound. Technique on Oil Processing. By E. J. Wirth Dental Technician.Dec.1934 (Written in ink on cover).
630/3/19. The Rational Method of Bite Registration and The Rational Technique plus ..Supplement to The Rational Technique for the Edentulous Case.
630/3/20. The Hydro-Cast Program. The Functional Program for Denture Construction, Dynamic impressions Precision Processing.
630/3/21. Leitz Micro-projector, Model Xic for lecture halls.
630/3/22. Autogram 1000 direct Reading Rapid Magnetic Damping. OHAUS.
630/3/23. Wisil Laboratories of Victoria. Precision casting. Krupp Licensees.
630/3/24. Williams Gold Refining Co. Inc. A New Note in Finer Dentistry.
630/3/25. Negocoll, Hominit and Celerit. The elastic hydrocolloidal modelling Composition. APOTELA LTD. System Dr. A. Poller Vienna and Switzerland.
630/3/26. General Suggestion for setting of New Trubyte 20 degree Posteriors. The Dentists Supply Company New York.
630/3/27. The key to denture stability. Anatform Posteriors and in second document anteriors with a mould chart.
630/3/28. Ash Diatoric Teeth Mould Chart. Anatomical lower anteriors and Free-Plane Posteriors.
630/3/29. Ntec Diatorics for Balanced Occlusion, Muscle-Balance impression trays ...specially manufactured by the D.M.Co. to the design of Dr. E. Wilfred Fish.
630/3/30. Athom News. Instrument catalogue Dec. 1960.
630/3/31. Sound level meter. Radiometer Copenhagen NV Denmark.
630/3/32. Snap-Lock and various other catalogues from Cendres 7 Metaux. Suisse.
630/3/33. Matthey Garrett Pty. Ltd. Dental Products Catalogue.
630/3/34. Large card showing all the so-called classifications of partial dentures.
630/3/35. Ney Catalogue and correspondence relating to their new articulator.
630/3/36. Dentatus articulator catalogue. Dentatus Sweden.
630/3/37. New True Dentalloy for improved amalgam restorations. The S. S. White Co. of Great Britian. Catalogue.

History of Object

Material collected by W. J. Tuckfield and Professor Henry Atkinson from the Australian College of Dentistry.

Materials and Finishes

References

Books / Historical

Brief Description

An instrument for determining human biting force. Has a Bourdon type pressure gauge fitted with a small hydraulic cylinder, with soft pads on which the subject bites. Two examples, one to 50, one to 250 pounds each with 3/8 inch cylinder. Gauges are individually calibrated. Size 5.5 x 19 cm. Testing and calibrating stand in brass 21 x 3.5 x 5.0 cm and pot of grease for lubricating ram.

History of Object

Gnathodynamies were designed by Dr. Howard Worner (later Professor Worner), head of Dental Materials Research Laboratory, Australian College of Dentistry Melbourne and made by Mr. Wilcox, Technical Officer. They were contained in a 'Kraft' processed cheese box which was in the junk being thrown out by the Australian Bureau of Standards Laboratory when it was moving to Canberra. The word 'Gnathodynamies' was coined by Dr. Worner as the heading for a paper. A reprint of the paper is held on file in the Dental Museum. The item was rescued by Professor Henry Atkinson.

Materials and Finishes

References

Key Associations: History of the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne and the Australian Dental Standards Laboratory.(is this a book?)
See Worner, Howard K.,"Gnathodynamie, The Measurement of Biting Force", The Australian Journal of Dentistry, Vol.43, No.11, November 1939.

Brief Description

Tooth wear testing machine consisting of a one quarter horse power motor driving an oscillating platform over a 5mm square of movement and carrying four adjustable tooth holding fittings on which the weight may be varied. Machine is fitted with an occillating counter and pencil to record the number of strokes and the basic pattern of movement. Five photographs copied from the thesis are included in the 'catalogue worksheet' book 1503 to 1666. They include the following:
1657 A Complete machine.
1657 B Working part without top plate.
1657 C Top plate.
1657 D Section showing tooth and spindle.
1657 E Foam box with cups and lead shot.

History of Object

The tooth wear machine was made by an engineering friend of Dr. A. R. Greenwood who submitted his thesis 'The wear resistance of synthetic teeth' for the Doctor of Dental Science Degree, University of Melbourne, 1952. The machine creator is most probably mentioned in the acknowledgements and would have had a say in the design of the experiments. In the 1950s there were no research facilities at the Australian College of Dentistry and thus this work was carried out at the Australian Bureau of Dental Standards, 'the Bureau'. As a result the machine was left there by Dr. Greenwood, where it remained until rescued by Professor H. F. Atkinson when the Bureau, now the Australian Dental Standards Laboratory, moved to Canberra.

Materials and Finishes

Electric motor, steel plate, ball bearings.

References

Research / Alan Greenwood, Dental Prosthetics Thesis Doctor of Dental Science, 1952.

Brief Description

Clamps specimen holding.
A. Two dumbell clamps for holding dumbell shaped specimens of gypsum and similar products for tensile testing. A pair 15.0 x 10.5 cm with ball suspension.

B. & B1. 1. Pair of self gripping clamps, circular, with two wedges each. Specimen size 15.0 x 5.0 cm. Circular 5.5 x 2.0 cm. Three two part dumbell moulds nos. 62/62, 23/23, 56/56 in bronze. Attachment rods (2) 10.5 x 2.0 cm) and one loading stool.

History of Object

Made by Mr. Wilcox, Technical Officer, University of Melbourne and used in the Australian College of Dentistry and Dental Standards Laboratory, Melbourne. See Dental Museum Collection item number 1671, in particular 1924 instruction book for further details.

Materials and Finishes

References

See Bureau of Dental Standards, Minutes of the Australian College of Dentistry.
Researching / Teaching / History

Brief Description

Heavy square shaped object made of four cylindrical pieces and used for accommodating the Radon tubes. Container is made of moulded red rubber and may contain lead sheet. Made by Dr. William. J. Tuckfield and staff for Mr. W. G. Cuscaden.

History of Object

Obtained from the Australian College of Dentistry and used in the treatment of carcinoma of the cervix uteri in the late 1930s.

Materials and Finishes

Made of red vulcanite and produced using standard dental technology.

References

Oral Surgery / Dental Mechanics

Brief Description

Typical apothecary scales for weighing large amounts of drugs with two removable circular pans, (95mm in diameter). Scales have a box base with marble top (back piece missing), locking knob and draws for weights (empty), and leveling screws.

History of Object

Scales came from Professor F. C. Wilkinson's Research Laboratory at the Australian College of Dentistry, 1924-34, then to Professor A. B. P. Amies' Pathology Laboratory until the 1960s. This instrument probably appears in some early illustrations of the Australian College of Dentistry laboratories in the Australian Dental Journal.

Materials and Finishes

References

See Australian Dental Journal.
Research

Brief Description

Hand ruled graticule in one millimeter squares on clear acrylic sheet (Perspex). Made by Dr. R. W. Sheperd for work on mandibular movement. Graticule fits spectacle frame, Dental Museum Collection item 872.

History of Object

Graticule came from the Department of Dental Prosthetics, The University of Melbourne. Graticule was used in a series of experiments extending over twenty-five years.

Materials and Finishes

Perspex.

References

Laboratory / Research / The Department of Dental Prosthetics, The University of Melbourne

Brief Description

Measuring cylinder in a circular card (imitation leather) box. Typical conical measuring glass graduated in, for teaspoon, tablespoon, ounce and drachma measures. Measures marked on inside of glass. Stored in a case with Dental Museum Collection item 1058.

History of Object

Obtained from the Australian College of Dentistry, 1963. Originally came from private practice.

Materials and Finishes

Glass and card.

References

Clinical / Oral Surgery

Brief Description

The testing machine was made in the work shop of the Metallurgy Department of the University of Melbourne to test the physical properties of dental materials, particularly amalgam fillings, gold alloys and gypsum products. It is operated by means of a hydraulic ram and is fitted with two pressure gauges to read high and low rates of loading.

History of Object

The machine was bought by Professor H. Atkinson with the Department funds in 1965 after it was declared surplus to requirements by the Australian Dental Standards Laboratory. It was used in research and teaching programs until modern equipment became available.

Materials and Finishes

Steel.

References

Laboratory / Research

Brief Description

Mini Brinell tester most probably locally made. Includes a large elliptical bronze weight. Mass is applied by a screw mechanism.

History of Object

Rescued by Professor Henry F. Atkinson from a truck that was leaving the Dental Standards Laboratory at Abbotsford, for the tip. Laboratory at the time was moving to Canberra.

Materials and Finishes

References

See Journal of Dental Research late 1940s or early 1950s

Brief Description

Six to twenty-four V DC regulated voltage supply. Voltage supply was made in the Department of Prosthetics by Ron Beech, electrical technician, for research on muscle potentials and piezo- electrical effect in bone. An example of what could and had to be done in the 1950s and 1960s.

History of Object

Ron Beech was a very knowledgeable and obliging man first employed under an ARC research grant in Prosthetics. He left to be Laboratory Manager at Monash University.

Materials and Finishes

References

Research / Dental Prosthetics

Brief Description

Measuring instrument made for measuring changes in the upper alveolar ridge of the palate following extractions and wearing immediate/full dentures. Made in Melbourne, Australia.

History of Object

Made in Melbourne by Professor Henry F. Atkinson. The technique of measuring changes depended on the observation that the centre portion of the palate did not change in shape after extraction of the teeth. A 'frog' that fitted the hard palate was positioned on the machine via an adjustable table and sensitive spirit levels. Hence from a fixed and constant point on the frog, repeatable measurements could be made and changes plotted. Dr. K. Johnson made several thousand such records.

Materials and Finishes

References

See papers by K Johnson, A Grant, Professor Henry F. Atkinson in the Australian Dental Journal

Brief Description

Glass thermometer with mercury for use with vulcaniser and temperature range from 100 - 200 degrees Celsius and 200 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Vulcanisation point marked at 165 - 170 degrees Celsius. Housed in a strong cylindrical card case. Supplied by A. D Co, England.

History of Object

Donated by Professor A. Grant. In the early days of vulcanising the thermometer was more reliable and cheaper than a pressure gauge. There was a well on the lid of the vulcaniser for the thermometer and for accurate results it was recommended that sufficient mercury be added to cover bulb. Much was spilt.

Materials and Finishes

Glass and mercury.

References

Dental Prosthetics / Mechanical Dentistry

Brief Description

Cylindrical chamber machined from solid bar 4 x 2 inches (approx). Has a screw on cap and gauge to 2000 pounds per square inch. Made by Professor Henry Atkinson in Manchester, England, c1950.

History of Object

Made to accommodate a mass of acrylic more than that required for a denture and contained in an open mould. Experiments commenced at Manchester, continued until completion in Melbourne.

Materials and Finishes

Steel.

References

For full details of the air pressure technique see Australian Journal of Dentistry, April 1954, p. 74, and subsequent papers with others, Dennis, Grant etc.

Research / Teaching

Brief Description

Glass measuring cylinder in a circular card (immitation leather) box. Cylindrical shape with wider lip, graduated by etching in drops from 5 to 60 in increments of 5. Stored in case with Dental Museum Collection item 1057.

History of Object

Originally came from Private Practice.

Materials and Finishes

Glass and card.

References

Clinical / Oral Surgery

Brief Description

A miniature Philips X-ray machine with main power switch, switch for pilot light, high tension switch, KV adjustment control, course MA adjustment, fine MA adjustment, pilot light indicating unit is on, MA and KV meters, high tension indicator lamp, X-ray tube housing and camera.

History of Object

Original purchased by Professor Henry Atkinson with a grant from the Medical Research Council for a project on the structure of the human tooth. Work was commenced in the late 1950s at 193 Spring Street under difficult conditions. A dark room had to be built, which owing to lack of space was one square meter and cooled with blasts from a second hand cylinder type vacuum cleaner. Serious work could only be undertaken during vacation time. This piece of equipment was rescued from the waste bin in the yard at 711 Elizabeth Street in 1999 by Professor Henry F. Atkinson.

Materials and Finishes

References

For full details on the use of this machine and the results obtained see Doctorate thesis by J. K. Harcourt A Micro-Radiographic Study of the Structure of Human Enamel and Dentine.
Research / Histological / Dental Prosthetics

Brief Description

Photo Multiplier mounted in an aluminum tube with the end exposed and fitted with adjustable collimating tubes. The end of holding frame is fitted with a capsule to take radio active source. Has a switching arrangement to put source 'on' or 'off', warning lights etc. Whole piece is balanced from stand so that it can be used in the subjects mouth. Made by C. Harvey, Professor Henry Atkinson and K. Johnson.

History of Object

For measuring and comparing bone density.

K. Johnson had been working on alveolar bone and the rate of adsorption for twenty years using direct and radiographic methods. The use of isotopes made available through the Peter Macallum Physics Department, was giving promising results but an event occurred which prevented him continuing. Chris Harvey was a well qualified electronics technical officer and a most obliging member of staff.

Materials and Finishes

Brass, Aluminum Tube, DIY

References

See K Johnson's work
Research / Clinical

Brief Description

Horse shoe shaped steel bar fitted with strain gauges and attachments for support and load bearing pan. Made by C. Harvey and Professor Henry Atkinson.

History of Object

See thesis by Allin Lim, The Testing and Physical Properties of Polymethyl Methalrylate when used for Dental Purposes MDSc

Materials and Finishes

Steel and Brass, DIY Department of Prosthetics

References

See thesis by Allin Lim, The Testing and Physical Properties of Polymethyl Methalrylate when used for Dental Purposes MDSc
Research / Materials

Brief Description

Typical instrument, both heavy, small point and light large point on frame. All brass needles. used for initial and final set of gypsum products

History of Object

Obtained from the Bureau of Dental Standards by Professor Henry Atkinson when the material was being discarded.

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

See various texts and articles in early Australian Journal of Dentistry for illustrations and method of use. These articles many have been used by H. Worner and E. Marks as early as late 1930s.
Research / Teaching / Materials

Brief Description

Typical instrument, both heavy, small point and light large point on frame. Steel frame and brass needles. Used for the initial and final set of gypsum products.

History of Object

Obtained from the Bureau of Dental Standards by Professor Henry Atkinson when the material was being discarded

Materials and Finishes

Steel and brass DIY / Wilcock.

References

See various texts and articles in early Australian Journal of Dentistry for illustrations and method of use. These articles many have been used by H. Worner and E. Marks as early as late 1930s.
Research / Teaching / Materials

Brief Description

Three piece steel mould for the preparation of a transverse and a tensile specimen from the same mix of acrylic. Made by Mr. Wilcock, an instrument maker in the University of Melbourne, Metalography Laboratories in the early 1950s.

History of Object

Obtained from the Bureau of Dental Standards by Professor Henry Atkinson when the material was being discarded.

Materials and Finishes

Steel.

References

Research / Materials / Dental Prosthetics

Brief Description

Brass mould of three parts, pocket watch type. Made in Australia by Professor Henry Atkinson.

History of Object

Made for producing tensile test specimens according to the Australian Standards for acrylic denture resins.

Materials and Finishes

Nickel plated steel.

References

Research

Brief Description

Stout glass thermometer marked at 170 degrees Celsius and 330 degrees Fahrenheit and with a permanent black mark at 335 degrees Fahrenheit and 167 degrees Celsius. Used for checking pressure gauges and vulcanisation. Made by the AD Company with temperature range from 100 - 200 degrees Celsius and 200 - 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Mercury in glass.

History of Object

Obtained from The Australian Bureau of Dental Standards.

Materials and Finishes

Glass and mercury.

References

Laboratories / Dental Prosthetics