Brief Description

Electrocardiograph, portable type, component numbers are No. 12968 and C129753. With a cover and case containing accessories. Made by the Cambridge Instrument Co. Ltd.

History of Object

This is an example of the first transportable electrocardiograph made about 1929. The falling plate of the older models was replaced by a sheet of film wrapped around a drum.

Materials and Finishes

Metal (painted) & synthetic.

References

Display card.
Supplementary file.

Brief Description

Electrocardiograph set on table with rollers has a removable falling plate camera, the case of which is made of wood, also a variety of accessories. Made by the Cambridge Instrument Company.

History of Object

This is one of the earliest models of electrocardiographs to come to Australia and dates from about 1920. It is the first table model made by the Cambridge Instrument Company. The rolling plate recording camera is fitted to the left. Item is related to registration numbers 221, 222.4 and 277.2.

Materials and Finishes

Metal, brass, wood (varnished), glass and synthetic.

References

Display card.
See correspondence file: Keane, Dr. W.M.C.; See also registration numbers 221, 222.4 and 277.2

Brief Description

Large ceramic electrode jar, white and glazed with prominent lip around the circumference. Another unglazed jar is set inside along with two sheets of metal wound into cylindrical shapes with a bronze bolt set in a protruding section of the metal.

History of Object

Was presented by either St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne of the Physiology Department Melbourne University.

Materials and Finishes

Clay (Ceramic?) (glazed), metal and bronze.

References

See also registration numbers 209.16, 221 and 277.2 for related items

Brief Description

Gaiffe bisulphate of mercury induced current battery, used for faradisation. Made in France by A. Gaiffe, Paris about 1885 to 1910. Serial number 193383

History of Object

This example was used in the dispensary of the Royal Park Receiving House.

Materials and Finishes

Wood, brass, metal and cloth.

References

Supplementary file.
Arnold and Sons catalogue 1885, p552.
Allen and Hanburys catalogue 1905 (Item N.8837)
Down Brothers catalogue 1908 (Item 4532)

Brief Description

Magneto electric machine. The machine is cranked manually which generates an electromagnet. The machine is housed in a wooden case and includes other components including two bronze tubes and a key for the case. Made by Joseph Gray and Son.

History of Object

Electric machine for treating patients with nervous diseases, circa 1885.

Materials and Finishes

Brass, metal, wood (varnished), paint, cotton, paper (printed).

References

Display card.

Brief Description

Electrode jar consisting of a large oblong clay jar. Resting on this is an oblong sheet of metal which has a plate of metal protruding from it at right angles, a brass bolt is attached to the end of this.

History of Object

Object was presented by either St. Vincent's hospital, Melbourne of the Department of Physiology Melbourne University. Item is related to registration numbers 209.16, 221, 222.4.

Materials and Finishes

Clay, metal and brass.

References

Brief Description

Electrolysis kit by Coxeter, consisting of needle holders, fittings and electrolysis needles; in black leatherette case.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood, leatherette, velvet, brass, copper, metal, bone and ebony.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1031.
Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1938. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1280.

Brief Description

Electrocardiogram lead equipment. Consists of main lead which branches into 5 plugs; 4 platse with jacks, which serve as buckles for the 4 rubber belts for limbs; plus long head with crocodile-clamp.

History of Object

Gel would be applied to the concave surface of the plate, which would be kept in place on an arm or leg by the rubber belt. The appopriate plug from the main lead would be inserted in the plate jack.

Materials and Finishes

References

Interview: Attwood, H.D., 1986 11 28.

Brief Description

Two rubber bulbs, possibly for Austral Engine and possibly related to an electrocardiogram.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Rubber.

References

Brief Description

Electrical machine fixed in wooden case. Consists of two cogs which are crank-turned in order to rotate velvet-covered rollers. Item not located.

History of Object

University of Melbourne Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Wood (varnished), brass, metal, velvet and bone.

References

Brief Description

Amplifier type 140A Series 525 by Offner Electronics Inc. Labelled for input, equaliser, gain, audio, oscillator, low and high.

History of Object

Amplifier was bought with the Rockefeller Grant to Physiology.

Materials and Finishes

Metal (coated and enamelled).

References

Brief Description

Hand-made electronic recording apparatus for physiological experiments, cube-shaped with valves jutting out on top; has front panel with dials and hand-made gauges (grid modulation, amplitude, x.shift, trigger).

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal, glass, filament, wire (electrical), plastic, rubber, ?Bakelite, cardboard, paper and tape (adhesive).

References

Brief Description

Desk-top electrocardiograph by Cambridge, wooden casing, with 12 volt motor. Has box drawers on top and at side through which film or photo-sensitive paper rolls and collects.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood (stained), brass and metal (coated).

References

Dictionary: Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary (26th Ed.), p. 425.
Interview: Cahill, Denis; 1987 05 08.

Brief Description

Consist of a waxed cylinder mounted on a wooden plinth.

History of Object

Used by William Stone.

Materials and Finishes

Wood (coated), brass, metal, plastic and wax.

References

Brief Description

Gaiffe's induced current battery with improved bichromate cell; primary, secondary (and combined?) currents. Plus Rheophores (brush, carbon disc, eyelid, rectangular).

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood (varnished and Japanned), metal, brass, cotton, flannelette, wire (electrical) and fibre.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", pp. 1034 to 1039, but mainly p.1035, no. 4534.

Brief Description

Single-magnet, multiplying-wheel improved Magneto Electro Machine, by Evans and Stevens. Has hand crank at front of box which turns cogs to pass current of electricity through to two brass handles.

History of Object

Written in pencil on label under lid, "2/12/6". The maker Evans and Stevens had also been situated at St. Pauls, E.C.

Materials and Finishes

Wood (varnished), paper (printed), brass and metal.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1039, no. 4547 (identical, except for handles).

Brief Description

Battery with glass bottle jacket and ceramic insert.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass (painted), ceramic, metal, copper and ?synthetic.

References

Brief Description

220 Volt high frequency generator by Sterling. Includes glass receptacle, scalpel and metal pipe.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Plastic, metal (plated), fabric, wire (electrical), glass, cloth (coated), wood, paper and leather.

References

Brief Description

"Solace" dry diathermy, short-wave, by Waite and Bartlett. Sloping control panel in large wooden casing with circular ventilation grills.

History of Object

Bowker's (case-maker) business was at [address], Melbourne.
Waite's business was at [address], New York.

Materials and Finishes

Wood, metal (coated), plastic, glass and wire (electrical).

References

Brief Description

Two electrocardiograms from John J. Curtin in 1939, two years before he became Prime Minister of Australia.

History of Object

Curtin was Prime Minister of Australia, 1941-45.
University of Melbourne Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Celluloid.

References

Brief Description

Dr. H. Sanche and Co. Oxydonor apparatus for treating diseases through "diaduction". The apparatus comprises two tube shaped metal cylinders for placing in water, attached to leads which have metal electrodes at the ends and elasticised band for strapping to patient's body.

History of Object

This item was originally donated to the Medical Society of Victoria (which later became part of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Medical Association). The A.M.A. donated its historical collection of documents and artifacts to the University of Melbourne's Medical History Museum in 1994.

Materials and Finishes

Metal, wire, cotton, fabric and cardboard.

References

Brief Description

"Magneto-Electric Machine" consisting of wooden box with brass and painted metal components with rollers and fan-belt, external wood and brass winding handle, two metal knobs for inserting pins with attached wires, and brass cylinders for conducting electricity. Magneto-Electric Machine for treating rheumatism and nervous complaints.

History of Object

This item was originally donated to the Medical Society of Victoria (which later became part of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Medical Association). The A.M.A. donated its historical collection of documents and artifacts to the University of Melbourne's Medical History Museum in 1994.

Materials and Finishes

Brass, metal, wood, fabric, paper and ink.

References

Book: Holbrook, Stewart, 1959. "The Golden Age of Quackery". New York, pp.18-19.

Brief Description

"Cardiotrace 3000" electrocardiograph by Watson Victor Limited. Portable Electrocardiograph unit, with graph monitor in metal case with side wooden panels and vinyl case. Set includes suction bulb, electric current leads and attachments, 4 rubber attachment bands and 4 electrodes.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal, wire, rubber and lead.

References

Brief Description

Electric Impulse Counter manufactured by E. Zimmermann, Berlin. Impulses generated by an attached device, possibly a stimulator. This apparatus could have been used when stimulating the heart with electrical pulses, to count the number of impulses. Apparatus has a weight-driven, wind-up clockwork system, with 2 dials, bob weights and pull cords, tripped by an electrical solenoid. Item also has a step-down transformer, to activate the solenoid which trips the clockwork device. The apparatus and weights sit on a black slate top, and black-painted cast iron legs. The two dials are coupled with a ratio of 100 to 1, for counting up to 10,000 electrical impulses. The bob weight consists of turned wood and lead. The pull cords both set and trigger the clockwork counting device.

Apparatus is missing both the winding key and protective glass lid.

History of Object

Possibly belonged to the Physiology Department, University of Melbourne.

Materials and Finishes

Brass, metal, state, cast iron, wood and lead.

References

Several staff members consulted: D. Cahill, Dr. S. Skinner, I. McKenzie, B. Kemm and L. Dalley.

Brief Description

Polished wooden box with dark blue satin lining inside lid and dark blue velvet-lined compartments for two ebonite holders, one single needle electrode, two blade electrodes, five-disc electrode and three ball electrodes used for diathermic coagulation. Box also contains hypodermic needle (20) which does not fit holders. Operated from medical diathermic machine.

History of Object

Donated by School of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University. Originally part of collection given to the Lincoln Institute School of Physiotherapy by Harrow Morgan (physiotherapist). May have belonged to Dr. L.T. Wedlick.

Materials and Finishes

Wood, metal, satin, velvet and ebonite.

References

Book: Cumberbatch, E.P., 1941. "Essentials of Medical Electricity". 8th ed. Henry Kimpton, London. p.358.

Brief Description

Brown leatherette-covered case, lined with purple velvet, and fitted with generator, and twelve glass electrodes for various use on different areas of the body. Generator has lead from AC mains supply, and lead with bakelite electrode holder; at least three additional electrodes are missing. Case has two clips and leather carrying loop. Also green-covered booklet: "Der Hachfrequenz-Strahlapparat". See Supplementary File.

History of Object

Donated by Mrs. Inge Brunswick; used by her father and brought to Australia from Germany.

Materials and Finishes

Leatherette, velvet, metal, bakelite, glass and wood composite (?).

References

Allen & Hanbury, 1930, "Surgical Instruments...". pp.1182-86.
See also p.6 of advertisements at back of green booklet.
See Supplementary File.

Brief Description

Black velvet wallet containing set of electrodes with screw ends to fit handle. Set contains four ball electrodes, one flat-blade electrode, one straight needle electrode, one curvedneedle electrode, and one loop or snare electrode. Electrodes are held in place by stitched black elastic band on black velvet, backed by black leatherette covering stiff card. Used for diathermic coagulation.

History of Object

Donated by School of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University. Originally from collection of Harrow Morgan (physiotherapist).

Materials and Finishes

Velvet, leatherette, metal and cardboard.

References

Catalogue: Charles F. Thackaray Ltd. "A Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Surgical Sundries". p.819. [not dated]

Brief Description

Portable faradic battery for patient treatment, comprising polished wooden box, primary and secondary cells with interrupting device, two dry cell batteries (Siemens), patient leads and a range of electrodes.

History of Object

The £10 awarded with the Cecil Medal was used to purchase this machine, which was used in the massage hut. Warrant Officer Leeming was an English-trained physiotherapist with the Australian Army Medical Corps, stationed at Weymouth Dorset. Donated by his daughter, Maisie G. Leeming and his niece, Ms. J. Bassett.

Materials and Finishes

Wood, metal, leather (?) and chemicals (in battery).

References

See Association File.
See also Supplementary File for further details and depictions of pieces.

Brief Description

One pair of ultra-violet protective goggles in original box. Eye-piece joined with stud to allow "folding".

History of Object

Belonged to Mr. Wilfrid Leeming, an English-trained masseur (physiotherapist) who came to Australia circa 1910. He possibly used the goggles in his private practice, in both Melbourne (Glen Iris) and London (Hampstead and Harley Street). Donated by his daughter, Maisie G. Leeming.

Materials and Finishes

Celluloid (tinted), elastic, metal, paper and cardboard (printed).

References

Brief Description

One pair of ultra-violet protective goggles. Eye-piece joined with stud to allow "folding".

History of Object

Belonged to Mr. Wilfrid Leeming, an English-trained masseur (physiotherapist) who came to Australia circa 1910. He possibly used the goggles in his private practice, in both Melbourne (Glen Iris) and London (Hampstead and Harley Street). Donated by his daughter, Maisie G. Leeming.

Materials and Finishes

Celluloid (tinted), elastic and metal.

References