Brief Description

Medicine spoon for bitter tasting medicines. Metal spoon with hinged lid over cup and mounted on a rectangular wooden base with glue and rivet. Probably a modern reproduction of an eighteenth or nineteenth century European spoon.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal and wood.

References

Brief Description

"Ingrams perfex" enemator with black rubber tube and bulbous section in middle which acts as a pump from enema to patient. Has a black oval covering plate and two additional nozzles, one much longer and made of flexible rubber with holes on the side near the top. Stored in original cardboard box.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Rubber and metal.

References

Brief Description

Bandage winder, metal, can be clamped onto a table, two discs are mounted vertically in the device which can be adjusted sideways.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Iron and brass.

References

Brief Description

Clarke's fairy night light consisting of a cream and gilt saucer, candle dish and candy coloured glass shade.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (glazed), glass, tallow and fibre

References

Supplementary file.

Brief Description

One Maw's double-valved earthenware inhaler, with curved-over neck for inhaling, and internal cylinder with strainer for receiving liquid. White ground with blue transfer.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (transfer and glazed).

References

Brief Description

One Dr Nelson's improved inhaler, consisting of pear-shaped pot with flattened spout, and mouth-piece of glass tube through cork stopper. Black transfer print on milk-white ground.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (transfer and glazed), glass and cork.

References

Brief Description

"Vaporole" brand Ammonium Chloride inhaler, consisting of storage box, glass syringe-like inhaler with test-tube reaction plunger and rubber stopper, plus unopened tins of Alkali and Acid.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Cardboard, paper (printed), metal (printed), glass and rubber.

References

Brief Description

Hand-pumped spray can for Insect Killing Powder by Bourne and Taylor. Consists of squat, domed tin with plunger stemming through top hole and long, thin spout from tin base.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal and paper (printed).

References

Brief Description

Earthenware medicine spoon in milk-white with blue transfer print for graduated spoonsful. Spoon ha sbumps for balance on base, and short handle. Table, dessert and tea spoon measures.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (transfer printed).

References

Book: Bennion, Elizabeth, 1979. Antique Medical Instruments: p. 252.

Brief Description

Earthenware medicine spoon in milk-white with blue transfer print for graduated spoonsful. Spoon has graduated bumps for balance on base, and short handle. Table, dessert and tea spoon measures.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (transfer printed).

References

Book: Bennion, Elizabeth, 1979. Antique Medical Instruments: p. 252.

Brief Description

Eye bath in waterwhite glass, has medium stem and wide foot.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass.

References

Brief Description

Eye bath in waterwhite glass, has fine long, stem and wide foot.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass.

References

Brief Description

Pocket-size spittoon by "Dr Dettweiler". Blue glass container on narrow base which slowly flares to screw neck, with screw-on spring-loaded metal lid.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass and metal.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p.1383, no. 6135.

Brief Description

Brown-glazed table spittoon. Circular, with self-funnelling top, and evacuation hole on side.

History of Object

Of interest because, when a person spat into this vessel, infections could become air-borne and infect others. Found by Dr. Dax in his garden.

Materials and Finishes

Pottery (glazed).

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd, 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1383; this one is unusual for being in pottery rather than glass or metal.

Brief Description

"Slipper" ceramic bed pan in wedge shape. Off-white glaze, ear-shaped handle, and brief trasnfer-print directions.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (glazed).

References

Brief Description

"Perfection" bed and douche pan in white-glazed ceramic with green transfer-print label. Ovate, with wide seat rim.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (glazed).

References

Brief Description

Automatic fly trap machine by Owari Tokei Kaushiki Kwaisha. Consists of cranked cogs which turn wooden blocks. Flies are attracted through blocks by syrup and enter wire cage at top. Discarding panel at back to empty out dead flies.

History of Object

Probably used in hospital wards, etc.
College of Pharmacy collection.

Materials and Finishes

Wood (varnished), brass, metal and wire.

References

Brief Description

Automatic fly trap machine by Owari Tokei Kaushiki Kwaisha. Consists of cranked cogs which turn wooden blocks. Flies are attracted through blocks by syrup and enter wire cage at top. Discarding panel at back to empty out dead flies.

History of Object

Probably used in hospital wards, etc. Sold in Victorian country towns in the early 1900s.

Materials and Finishes

Wood (painted), brass, metal, wire and glass (painted).

References

File: Supplementary File for explanation of method.

Brief Description

Clarke's "Pyramid" night light and food warmer, circe 1890; No. 3 pint size jug with reduced-spill pouring lip, candle on dish in holder with glass shade, all in metal stand.

History of Object

Probably sold by C.K. Henshall, Chemist and Druggust, Wangaratta; sticker adhered to jug base.
College of Pharmacy Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (transfer printed and glazed), glass, metal, tallow, fibre and paper (printed).

References

Brief Description

Porcelain food warmer and night light of continental origin. Consists of a pear-shaped tea-pot vessel which rests on hollow separate base, the bottom of which houses warming pan.

History of Object

This item was used to keep drinks warm for invalids. Particularly used for candles and possets, such were known by their French name, "Veilleuse".

Materials and Finishes

Porcelain (glazed).

References

Brief Description

Invalid or child's feeding cup in pottery. Cup-shaped with side drinking spout and reduced-spill rim.

History of Object

Used to give pap (bread and milk of thin consistency) or fluids to invalids or children. Possibly used in the exhibition, "Infant Feeding."
University of Melbourne Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (glazed).

References

File: Association File: "Exhibitions, Infant Feeding."

Brief Description

Invalid or child's feeding cup in pottery. Cup-shaped with side drinking spout and reduced-spill rim.

History of Object

Used to give pap (bread and milk of thin consistency) or fluids to invalids or children. Possibly used in the exhibition, "Infant Feeding."
University of Melbourne Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (glazed).

References

File: Associaiton File: "Exhibitions, Infant Feeding."

Brief Description

Invalid or child's feeding cup in boat shape with long drinking spout and 2-finger handle. Pale grey.

History of Object

Used to give pap (bread and milk of thin consistency) or fluids to invalids or children. Possibly used in the exhibition, "Infant Feeding."
University of Melbourne Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (glazed).

References

File: Association File: "Exhibitions, Infant Feeding."

Brief Description

Female urinal in earthenware with blue transfer print of oriental landscape. Boat-shaped with ear-shaped handle at end. Bourdeloue.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (transfer printed and glazed).

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1386, no. 6154.

Brief Description

French seltzer jug in plain milk-white glaze. Conical with inner dividing wall, two necks, dual spout and ear-shaped long handle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (glazed).

References

Brief Description

Mosquito-catching tube or trap used in Murray Valley E. Consists of cotton bag with net base, held open by wire frame, with glass tube and rubber hose.

History of Object

Used in the Murray Valley Exhibition.

Materials and Finishes

Cotton, wire, glass and rubber.

References

Brief Description

Kidney-shaped dressing tray in milk-white enamel with dark-blue rim.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (enamelled).

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1938. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1624, no. 1624/6 illustration.

Brief Description

Red rubber Higginson's enema with plastic rectal pipe.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Rubber and plastic.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1938. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1159.

Brief Description

Crachoir de poche or pocket sputum bottle. Purple-blue glass with raised lettering, metal lid and wedge-tapering body.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass and metal.

References

Brief Description

Guy's pattern ward lamp (Bruce's safety lamp) with side-directing light shade. Provision for wall-hanging from handle, has spill base, and long, narrow chimney flue.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (coated) and glass.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1371, no. 6066.

Brief Description

Modification of Nelson's Inhaler, all in brass. Consists of cylinder housing burner at base, bottle in top and side tray (for missing cup. Pipe also missing).

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Brass and cotton.

References

Catalogue: "Very Best English Goods, 1907" (Facsimile), 1969: p.546.

Brief Description

Bandage roller for bandages up to five inches wide.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1288-89.

Brief Description

Hogan's "desideration" or knife and fork combined, for the right hand, by Arnold and Sons. Scissor action with loop handles.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (plated).

References

Catalogue: Arnold and Sons, 1906: p. 642.

Brief Description

Dark green glass eye bath with wide foot. Has pontil mark on base.

History of Object

Item arrived in a very rusty metal hat-box, found in an attic, with various popular lotions and potions for home use. See also registration numbers 2666 and 2667.

Materials and Finishes

Glass.

References

See also registration numbers 2666 and 2667.

Brief Description

Purple-blue eye bath without stem or foot, called the "Optex".

History of Object

Item arrived in a very rusty metal hat-box, found in an attic, with various popular lotions and potions for home use. See also registration numbers 2665 and 2667.

Materials and Finishes

Glass.

References

Seel also registration numbers 2665 and 2667.

Brief Description

Tin for "Maw's Fumigating Ribbon" (or "Ruban de Bruges"). Lemon ground with green printing, and repeated on underside of lid.

History of Object

This tin was apparently used at Palmer's Pharmacy for the storage of advertising printing blocks (see registration number 2688). According to tin, fumigating ribbon was used for perfuming apartments and the sick room, being hygienic, antiseptic and gratefully fragrant.

Materials and Finishes

Tin (painted).

References

See also registration number 2688.

Brief Description

Bathroom scale comprising two footplates on either side of a central pillar. Spring mechanism inside pillar moves needle around circular dial at top. Whole supported by cruciform base. Painted cream colour, dial silver with black numerals and divisions, and the words "Try Your Weight" are picked out on the top in black.

History of Object

Previously part of the Grimwade Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Cast iron, paint, imitation leather.

References

Transfer documentation from University of Melbourne Art Collection, 22/11/88.

Brief Description

Bulbous wire mesh fly trap, with mesh bulb and bottom funnel with hole for flies to climb in; also aluminium base and attached trays. Trap held together by wire weaved from top of bulb to base of trap.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Aluminium and wire.

References

Brief Description

Seven rubber catheters, with tip and four eyelets in perspex cylinder. Catheters different lengths, colours and various manufacturers.

History of Object

This set of catheters 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 museum collection of documents and artefacts to the University of Melbourne in 1994.

Materials and Finishes

Rubber and perspex.

References

Brief Description

Incomplete enema set with vulcanite stopcock, vaginal tube and rectum tube remaining.

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

Vulcanite.

References

Catalogue: Arnold and Sons, Ltd. 1895. "Instrument Catalogue". London. pp.612-622.

Brief Description

Red rubber ball pump with enema syringe attachments in kit, entitled, "'Travelette' Whirling Spray... Combined Whirling Spray and Enema Syringe". Moulded rubber pump. Vulcanite nozzle and long tube with rounded tip and perforations. Kit held in cardboard product box.

History of Object

This enema kit was donated by Dr. James Milne on 5 May 1996.

Materials and Finishes

Rubber, vulcanite and cardboard.

References

Brief Description

Weighing machine, painted cream, "travelling" or "bathroom model" with platform and hinged mirror flap to reflect dial. Measures up to 20 stone by 1 lb. Dial inscribed "Personal Weighing Machine". Zero adjusting screen at back.

History of Object

Donated by the family of Dr. A.W. Bowman.

Materials and Finishes

Metal and paint.

References

Brief Description

White porcelain slipper bed pain. Manufacturer not identified.

History of Object

Donated by Lynne O'Neill.

Materials and Finishes

Porcelain.

References

Brief Description

Pewter urinal of Chinese origin. Handle has raised flower and leaf design and spout has fitted lid, fastened by chain to handle.

History of Object

Purchased from Archaeos (oriental antiques) - no longer in business.

Materials and Finishes

Pewter.

References

Brief Description

Ceramic urinal with blue outline decoration of oriental origin, probably Chinese.

History of Object

Purchased from Archaeos (oriental antiques) - no longer in business.

Materials and Finishes

China.

References

Brief Description

Small brass feeding cup with spout extending out from the open bowl. Has a well-defined foot and a flat decorative handle in the shape of a crown at opposite end to spout.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

Brief Description

Small, grey-white ceramic feeding cup, glazed, with spout and side handle. Upper surface cut away, forming three curves. Has a long enclosed spout extending from the base of the cup and a flattened oval opening. No foot at base. Has gold linear decoration around top circumference of cup, cut away section of cup opening, underside of handle and either side of spout.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Ceramic (glazed) and paint (gold).

References

Brief Description

Medium-sized white ceramic feeding cup, glazed, with spout and side handle. Cup has a decorative moulding based on foliage and scolloping, vertical indentations from the shoulder to the base of the cup capped with decorated moulding. Has a convex top surface with scollop moulding around shoulder and cup opening. Elongated spout with oval-shaped opening and four draining holes where spout meets cup. Decorative gold paint handle.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Ceramic (glazed) and gold paint.

References

Brief Description

Large-sized, fine white china (porcelain?) feeding cu with tall spout curving up from base, and side handle. The half-covered upper surface is deocrated with hand-painted floral and wheat design in seven colours. The sides of the cup are decorated at three points with a hand-paitned floral design and gold linear markings on handle and underside of spout. Stands on a well-defined foot.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

China (porcelain?) and paint.

References

Brief Description

Medium-sized, grey-white porcelain feeding cup, glazed, with painted blue decoration floral deisgn and spout and two handles, one on each side of ucp. pper surface of cup is cut away, forming a curve. Cup has a long enclosed spout extending from the base of the cup and an oval-shaped opening. No foot at base. Linear gold decoration around spout and upper surface. Spout, cup and upper surface has moulded fluted patterning.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Porcelain (glazed) and paint.

References

Brief Description

"Ideal" glass invalid's drinking cup with tapering bottle and oval-shaped opening at an angle to the bottle, wide neck and calibrated in tablespoons and teaspoon measures. Cup is stored in original brown card box with printed paper label affixed to top.

History of Object

For giving liquid food or medicine to a patient in a recumbent position.

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Glass, paper (printed) and card.

References

Brief Description

"Ideal" glass invalid's drinking cup with tapering bottle, wide neck and oval-shaped opening at an angle to the bottle. Calibrated in teaspoon and tablespoon measures.

History of Object

For giving liquid food or medicine to a patient in a recumbent position.

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Glass.

References

Brief Description

Higginson's enema, in light red rubber with black Bakerlite nozzle attachment at one end of hose; other end has small metal valve. Middle of hose features a soft rubber bulb for hand-pumping. Entitled, "Seamless Siphon".

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Rubber, metal and Bakerlite.

References

Catalogue. Down Bros. (1906), p. 923, no. 4005.

Brief Description

Upright bandage roller with three bars, sliding crank and thick base with curved edges.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Wood and metal.

References

Brief Description

Conversation tube - an early form of hearing aid, consisting of a long, flexible metal tube with a bell at one end.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Metal.

References

Brief Description

White enammelled tin mug with black rimand handle; also hinged lid with thumb-rest. Two adhesive labels - one gold-on-blue with image of a kookaburra and outline of Australia; other label is white-on-red with text only.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Tin, enamel and paper.

References

Brief Description

White enamelled wedge-shaped tin bedpan with curved handle. Upper surface slopes for easy insertion under prone patient.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Tin (enamelled).

References

Brief Description

Small, hand-held douche in orange-red rubber, consisting of bulb for hand-pumping and narrow siphon.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Rubber.

References

Brief Description

Ingram's "Perfex" Enema in dark blue cardboard box (.1) with glued paper label. Enema (.2) is a black rubber hose with bulb for hand-pumping, Bakerlite nozzle and metal valve. Directions for use on inside of lid.

Directions read: "DIRECTIONS FOR USING THE ENEMA/Before injecting, place the end/valve in the Fluid and compress/the Bulb a few times until the air/is expelled and the Fluid flows freely." Also, "TO CLEAN THE ENEMA. -Place the end valve in water, compressing the bulb,/several times. If the Enema is then held perpendicularly, allowing the pipe to hang/downwards, the contents will run out. None Genuine unless stamped with the Name."

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Cardboard, rubber, Bakerlite and metal.

References

Brief Description

Grey-cream earthenware female urinal with a flat base (no foot), a long neck extending horizontally from base, a wide oval-shaped concave spout and a handle. Spout flares out at end.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson collection.

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware.

References

Brief Description

Cream earthenware male urinal with a flat base (no foot), a long funnel-like neck extending out from the base and tilting slightly upwards. Has a round spout and attached handle.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson loan collection.

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware.

References