Brief Description

Avery beam scales for use with gold or dispensing, suspended type with iron beam and indicator, two brass pans supported by three brass chains each. Supplied with set of nested weights. Packed in wooden case with blue velvet lining. Made by W. & T. Avery in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Iron, brass and wood.

References

Brief Description

Crushing mill with dual wheels, one with handle. Reservoir and hinged cup at top. Mill can be opened by loosening wing nut to reveal two closely meshed wheels with serrations. Has a collection tray which slides out at the bottom.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal and wood.

References

Brief Description

Heavy brass mortar and pestle on turned wood stand. The mortar has an urn-like shape with a slightly indented grooving. The turned wood stand is separate and finished in a light stained varnish.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Brass and wood (polished).

References

Brief Description

Burroughs crushing mill, has dual parallel wheels each with a wooden handle either side of a reservoir. The reservoir can be swung open on a hinge after loosening a wing nut. There is also a collection tray which slides out at the bottom. Made by Wellcome and Company.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal and wood

References

Brief Description

Salter spring balance comprising a metal tube containing a spring with a hook attached at the bottom; a ring link at the top; a sheet metal brass face indicating weight in grams from 0 to 1000 at intervals of 50.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Iron and brass.

References

Brief Description

Small mortar and pestle. Mortar is a thick-walled bowl with pouring lip; pestle comprises a porcelain crushing end and turned wooden handle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Porcelain and wood.

References

Brief Description

Small mortar and pestle. Mortar is a thick-walled bowl with pouring lip; pestle comprises a porcelain crushing end and turned wooden handle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Porcelain and wood.

References

Brief Description

Small iron mortar and pestle, comprised of footed bowl which flares at rim, and pestle which flares at crushing end and has three indented hoops at mid-length.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Iron.

References

Brief Description

Very small glass mortar and pestle. The mortar is slightly conical, with thick base and wall with ground glass bowl. The pestle is cylindrical with rounded and ground end.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass (ground).

References

Brief Description

Simple wooden pharmacy ruler with circular incisions on each end.

History of Object

Such rods were usually made from black ebony, but are now very scarce since they are snapped up by auctioneers.

Materials and Finishes

Wood.

References

Brief Description

Slightly conical metal inkwell with hinged lid, circular holes between rim and lid, an dincised lines hopped around body.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal.

References

Brief Description

Pill roller machine, in wood and brass, comprised of a flat rolling-pin with corrugated attachment which wheels over a sloping board with corresponding corrugated attachment.

History of Object

For 24 small-sized pills.

Materials and Finishes

Wood and brass.

References

Brief Description

Pill roller machine, in wood and brass, comprised of a flat rolling-pin with corrugated attachment which wheels over a sloping board with corresponding corrugated attachment.

History of Object

For 12 medium-sized pills.

Materials and Finishes

Wood and brass.

References

Brief Description

Small tincture press consisting of stand with screw-handle that forces a heavy disc against a perforated disc, which both rest in a perforated can inside a can with outlet tap.

History of Object

Tincture escapes through perforations and outlet tap into waitign vessel, whilst dregs are trapped inside can.

Materials and Finishes

Iron (cast and blackened), tin and metal.

References

Brief Description

Enamelled bowl attached at rim to metal pot, with pouring lip on one side, and side handles. Opposite side has filling lip with hinged lid, plus evacuation tap below.

History of Object

Used to warm liquids and oils so that they may mix.

Materials and Finishes

Metal (enamelled).

References

Brief Description

Pharmaceutical balance scales, attached to marble-top base with drawer, and wood and glass case. Brass mechanism with brass suspensions and metal "baskets" or plates.

History of Object

Case front slides up, apparently for more direct use.

Materials and Finishes

Brass, metal, wire, wood (coated), marble and glass.

References

Drawer contained registration numbers 1265 to 1269.

Brief Description

Seven brass balance weights, most from the same set, from 48 grams to 144 grams. Includes holder for weights.

History of Object

Drawer of registration number 1264 contained these and registration numbers 1266 to 1269.

Materials and Finishes

Brass and wood.

References

See registration number 1264.

Brief Description

Small bone-handled brush with bristle head and curved neck, the bristles being slightly worn to a curve, and the head twice as long as an average toothbrush.

History of Object

Drawer of registration number 1264 contained this and registration numbers 1265 to 1269.

Materials and Finishes

Bristle and bone.

References

See registration number 1264.

Brief Description

Narrow glass tube containing small quantity of mercury, and sealed at both ends.

History of Object

Drawer of registration number 1264 contained this and registration numbers 1265 to 1269.

Materials and Finishes

Glass, mercury and ?putty.

References

See registration number 1264.

Brief Description

Two thick wire ornamental attachments with L-shaped bends, finished by arrows on one end, self-nut on the other end.

History of Object

Possibly part of scales.
Drawer of registration number 1264 contained this and registration numbers 1265 to 1269.

Materials and Finishes

Metal (painted).

References

See registration number 1264.

Brief Description

Two-way ?stone mortar, having a curved body with shallow wide bowl in one end and deeper bowl in the other end.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

?Stone.

References

Brief Description

Large cast-iron mortar and pestle.The mortar is deep with a flared lip and stepped foot, whilst the pestle is long and flares to a knobbed crushing end and has three grooves.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Iron (cast and blackened).

References

Brief Description

High wooden stool with four turned legs, in dark brown with foot bars.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood (coated).

References

Brief Description

Large balance scales in cast iron by Avery & Wedgwood, featuring a mock-marble removable tray, and wrought iron decoration.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Iron (cast, wrought and blackened), ?porcelain and metal.

References

Brief Description

Gas jet for sealing wax, which screws onto bench and is supplied with gas from underneath. Consists of disc mount which supports supply stem, plus regulating lever, and outlet with conical shield.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Copper, brass and metal.

References

Brief Description

Medium cast-iron mortar and pestle. Mortar is slightly conical with stepped foot and stepped rim. Pestle is slightly flared with knob at one end, and thickened crushing end.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Iron (cast).

References

Brief Description

Medium pestle with curved wooden handle and cylindrical porcelain crushing end.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood and porcelain.

References

Brief Description

Medium glass mixing bowl with pouring lip and solid foot.

History of Object

Probably used as a mortar, judging by the wearing in the bowl.

Materials and Finishes

Glass.

References

Brief Description

Wooden self-closing check till for shop-transaction recording. Varnished rectangular box featuring hinged lid with opening for docket roll, and front drawer with decoratively moulded metal handle. Drawer has five coin partitions, and there is a removable note box.

History of Object

Very similar to till in the Supplementary File, except item is taller and bears no patent marks. Both made by O'Brien.

Materials and Finishes

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

References

Brief Description

Large portable writing desk, with sloping and hinged lid, and level bench with inkwell at rear. Lockable inside has a lid support lever, two shallow drawers, five pigeon holes and free space. Base is raised on extended sides and carved out front. Underside of lid has various labels stuck to it.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood (varnished) and brass.

References

Brief Description

Small pharmacy label board for pharmacist's use, with alphabetical arrangement of preparation labels, from Savory and Moore.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood and paper (printed).

References

Brief Description

Metal taper stand for the melting of sealing wax. Consists of a stand with finger grip, and a scissor-action, separating dish which holds the taper, receives and drips wax.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal and wax.

References

Brief Description

China medicine measuring cup in milk-white glaze, with blue printing. Has lid cover with spoon hole.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

China (glazed).

References

Brief Description

Three ¼ ounce measuring cup. Milk-white earthenware with conical walls, black lettering and double rim.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (glazed).

References

Brief Description

1 ounce measuring cup. Milk-white earthenware with conical wall, black lettering and double rim.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (glazed).

References

Brief Description

Two-way cup measure in turned walnut. Spherical cups joined by fashioned stem. Approximately 1/3 and ¼ cup measures.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Walnut.

References

Brief Description

Two-way cup measure in turned walnut. Spherical cups joined by fashioned stem. Small cup measures of perhaps 1 and 3 drams.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Walnut.

References

Brief Description

Cylindrical black box with cap, for a medicine glass. Covered in black leatherette, there is a gilt stamped label on the top.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Cardboard and leatherette (gilt).

References

Brief Description

Brass measure for folding the papers to hold powders.

History of Object

According to first reference, the format of this measurer/folder is unusual. Those usually observed in Britan are shaped as an "X".

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

Pers. Comm.: Reid, Colin (Mr), 1987/08.

Brief Description

Small brass mortar and pestle. Mortar has square side handles and moulded floral decoration on walls, plus lettering beneath rim.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

Brief Description

Violet-blue medicine bottle with screw thread neck, being a curved rectangle, curving into a short neck.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass.

References

Brief Description

Small glass pestle with ground end, and cylindrical shape. For very small quantities of grinding and crushing.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass.

References

Similar to the pestle of registration number 1230, but not identical.

Brief Description

Small glass pestle in drop shape with bulbous handle and ground glass grinding end.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass (ground).

References

Brief Description

Small glass pestle in drop shape with bulbous handle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass.

References

Brief Description

Small glass pestle being a cylinder with bulbous and ground grinding end.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass (ground).

References

Brief Description

Medium pestle with porcelain crushing end and wooden, tapering handle. "Wedgwood" maker's stamp near join.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood and porcelain.

References

Brief Description

Large pestle with porcelain crushing end and wooden, tapering handle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood and porcelain.

References

Brief Description

Large pestle with porcelain crushing end and wooden, tapering handle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood and porcelain.

References

Brief Description

Medium brass mortar and pestle. Mortar flares at base and rim, with beast-like handles, and horizontal bands of wording, coat-of-arms with ?dragons. Bone-shaped pestle.

History of Object

Reproduction.

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

Brief Description

Medium brass mortar and pestle. Mortar flares at rim and slightly at base, with lion's head handles, and horizontal bands of wording, fluer-de-lis and acanthus leaf. Bone-shaped pestle.

History of Object

Reproduction.

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

Brief Description

Medium brass mortar and pestle. Mortar is conical and flares at rim, with fish handles, wording around rim, and coats-of-arms with dragons on both sides. Bone-shaped pestle.

History of Object

Reproduction.

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

Brief Description

Medium brass mortar and pestle. Conical mortar with indented bands, flared lip and angular side handles. Cylindrical pestle with flattened-knob ends.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

Brief Description

Cast iron bowl-shaped mortar with pouring lip and foot.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Cast iron.

References

Brief Description

Small cast iron mortar, conical with flared rim and foot.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Cast iron.

References

Brief Description

Chinese pharmacy scales (dotchin). Notched beam of ivory with one brass pan, and brass weight; in wooden case which is violin-shaped with longer stem, and splays on pivot at head.

History of Object

Using for weighing precious metals, jewels and medicines.

University of Melbourne collection.

Materials and Finishes

Wood, brass and bone.

References

Book: Turner, Gerard L'E, 19. "Antique Scientific Instruments", pp. 141-2.

Brief Description

Pharmacy balance scales in brass, which screws into box base with self-storage drawer. Six fine brass weights and 6 metal weights. Maker of drawer box was Brims and Sons Pty Ltd.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Brass, wood, glass and metal.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1405, nos. 6242 and 6243.

Brief Description

Cachet mould hit by Christy, for the production of 12 cachets in each of 3 sizes at the one time. Three plate types, with glass roller, 3 cups, 3 thimbles, 3 funnels, measuring treen - all in box with printed instructions under lid. Also includes stack of gummed paper labels with golden borders.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (plated), wood (turned) and glass.

References

File: Association File: Cachet Machine. See file for instruction sheet for use of cachet machines.

Brief Description

Morstadt cachet mould kit and equipment by Christy. Consists of machine for 12 cachets each in 2 sizes; 2 machines for 12 cachets; 2 small machines for 6 cachets; 3 funnels; 4 thimbles; wooden box container; and remnant cachet cases.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

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

References

Brief Description

P&B cachet mould kit for 1 small cachets, consisting of base plate with spring-loaded lid plate and 2 insert plates, thimble, funnel and three hinged wooden tools, in black box.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood (painted), metal, ?rubber and foodstuff.

References

Brief Description

Hook-end beam scales by Avery, with 2 brass pans, brass weights in troy ounces (3), drachms (6), and grains (9) weights. In wooden box.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood, brass, metal, leather, tape (cotton), velvet, cardboard and paper (printed).

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1666, no. 1666/1.

Brief Description

? Grain 6-hole ?suppository mould, consisting of 2 half-moulds which are screwed together. By Maw, Son and Thompson, in slide-top box.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Brass and wood (varnished).

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 913, no. 3970.

Brief Description

60-grain 6-hole suppository mould, Mather "Improved", consisting of circular mould plate which screws on to base of disc mould.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Brass.

References

Brief Description

15 grain 12-hole suppository mould, consisting of 3-piece mould plate.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Brass and metal.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 913, no. 3970.

Brief Description

15 grain 6-hole suppository mould by Maw, consisting of 2 half-mould plates adjusted by knob.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 913, no. 3970.

Brief Description

15 grain 6-hole suppository mould by Maw, consisting of 2 half-mould plates adjusted by knob, in slide-lid box.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal and wood.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 913, no. 3970.

Brief Description

Rectangular tablet tin, with special hinged lid which holds in place a small pan (for ?mixing an unknown substance?).

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal, rubber and contents.

References

Brief Description

Pill counter, which consists of a box with perforated top, and a sliding perforated tray under top, plus narrow outlet.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood and metal.

References

Brief Description

Dispensing pharmaceutical scales with hook-end beam, silk cords and glass pans, with drachm, gram and penny weights. In small wooden box.

History of Object

Very like Allen & Hanburys, 1905 (Prof. Russell).

Materials and Finishes

Metal, glass, silk, brass and plastic.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1405, no. 6240.

Brief Description

Bench-top grinding mill in brass and cast iron with slide-out drawer in base. Cubic with brass bowl and S-curved handle bar.

History of Object

According to references, this is a coffee mill.

Materials and Finishes

Cast iron, brass and wood.

References

Catalogue: "Miller's Antiques Price Guide 1985," Vol. VI, 1975: p.732.
Catalogue: "Very Best English Goods, 1907" (Facsimile), 1969: p.169.

Brief Description

12-hole, 15-grain suppository mould, in three pieces which screw together.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (plated).

References

Brief Description

Small but thick-walled ceramic mortar and pestle with white glaze.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Ceramic (glazed).

References

Brief Description

Pharmacy balance scales with hook ends and brass pans.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal, brass, wire and string.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1405, no. 6240.

Brief Description

Wooden condom mould for producing 14 rubber condoms (two broken teats have been lost). Mould comprises flat wooden stand with 12 upright teats set into holes at the base and two empty plug holes.

History of Object

The condom mould was produced by a rubber factory in Dover St, Richmond. In late 1984, early 1985, Andrew Reeves, a museum curator, collected several moulds from the defunct factory and gave an example to Frank Strahan at the University of Melbourne Archives, who donated it to the Medical History Museum.

Materials and Finishes

Wood.

References

Brief Description

One-gallon earthenware demijohn made for Duckworth and Co. Oatmeal and honey=coloured, high, ear-shaped handle, label incised on shoulder.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Earthenware (glazed) and cork.

References

Brief Description

Italian-style reproduction mortar and pestle. Brown-clay coloured plaster mortar with square, tapering sides and knobbed rim. Thick, unrefined pestle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Plaster (painted).

References

Brief Description

Persian-style reproduction mortar and pestle. Octagonal, in black and mould-green colour with circle motif decoration. Flared wooden pestle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Plaster (painted).

References

Brief Description

Spanish-style reproduction mortar and pestle. Straight-sided with unusual triangular protrusions around sides, plus handle-like protrusion. In black and mould-green. Thick, unrefined pestle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Plaster (painted).

References

Brief Description

French-style reproduction mortar and pestle. Beige bowl with foot and raised decorative bands. Shaped and banded pestle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Plaster (painted).

References

Brief Description

Apothecary's lever scales in brass with brass pans, mounted on wooden box with drawer.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood and brass.

References

Brief Description

Apothecary's lever scales in brass with brass pans, mounted on wooden box with drawer, ivory measure.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood, metal (brass-plated), brass and ivory.

References

Brief Description

Double-ended pottery mortar and pestle by Maw, Son & Thompson. Small finger-size shaped pestle.

History of Object

University of Melbourne Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Ceramic.

References

Brief Description

Small 25 gram drop bottle in metal jacket. Consists of 25 gram glass bottle and a brass weight, each with their own compartment in a black tin.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Tin (painted), brass and glass.

References

Catalogue: Allen & Hanbury's, 1930, p.1055.

Brief Description

Treen for use with pill roller, as pill silverer consists of outer jacket which expands a fraction when central piece screws down into it.

History of Object

Used with pill rolling machine; pill silverers are rarely seen at all.

Materials and Finishes

Wood (pine?).

References

Intervciew: Reid, Colin. 1987 08.

Brief Description

Double-ended cup measure for Soda and Acid. Wooden, barrel-shape.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood.

References

Brief Description

Two turned wooden double-ended measures.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Walnut.

References

Brief Description

Turned wooden double-ended measure.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Walnut.

References

Brief Description

Turned wooden double-ended measure, for ½ a cup and 1/3 cup measures.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood.

References

Brief Description

Small and shallow wooden dish, apparently used for the crushing of small quantities of drugs, etc. (?mortar)

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood.

References

Brief Description

Bottle stopper remover by Ogden, with fly nut to adjust inner chamber.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (plated).

References

Identified by Professor Attwood.

Brief Description

Bench-top guillotine, in blackened cast iron, used in pharmacy.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Cast iron (blackened).

References

Brief Description

Set of brass balances mounted on a wooden box. Left hand dish permanently suspended from beam by three chains. Right hand dish is glass, seated on stiff arm and attached to beam by hook and eye mechanism. Height of pillar is adjusted. Box has a drawer with one small sub-compartment. Drawer bottom is lined in dark cloth (velvet?).

History of Object

Previously part of Grimwade Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Brass, wood (varnished), glass and cloth.

References

Transfer documentation from University of Melbourne Art Collection, 22/11/88.
Catalogue: Allen and Hanbury's "Surgical Instruments"; p.1147, no. 9259.

Brief Description

Large 2-pint measuring glass, wide body with large top lip and slightly falred footat the base. Measurements scale in pints and fluid ounces, hand etc. Glass probably hand blown.

History of Object

This measuring glass 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

Glass.

References