Brief Description

Barometer in small, brown, circular leather case with brass ring on top and hook fastener. Face is calibrated and displays the words "Damp Detector".

History of Object

Included in contents of Dr. James Jamieson's medical bag (registration number 74), who practiced in Warnambool and Melbourne, later lecturing in Obstetrics at Melbourne University. He died in 1916.

Materials and Finishes

Brass, glass, paper (printed), leather and felt.

References

Association file; AMA Museum catalogue.

Brief Description

Spectroscope consisting of tripod style base, two complex lens systems, rotating platform and diffraction grating.

History of Object

See registration number 139, glass negative.

Materials and Finishes

Brass (varnished) and metal (painted).

References

Brief Description

Galvanometer component consisting of glass fibre string in a glass tube which has corks in each end which are sealed in wax. The trademark is stamped on each end. Made by the Cambridge Instrument Company.

History of Object

The component glass fibre string is in its original packing.

Materials and Finishes

Glass, wood, cork, metal, paper (printed) and wax

References

Display card. See also registration numbers 209.16, 222.4 and 277.2

Brief Description

Bertrand refractometer by Ivan Werlein, consisting of eyepiece fitted to measurement chamber, plus accessory bottle, all in small fitted case with leatherette cover.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal, glass, wood, leatherette, velvet, contents and paper.

References

Brief Description

Hanging psychrometer or wet-and-dry-bulb thermometer, in Fahrenheit measurements. Consists of 2 thermometers and an empty tube mounted on white glass with gradations which slips into metal sleeve. One bulb kept moist by water-absorbing sleeve.

History of Object

A psychrometer is a type of hygrometer, having two thermometers, one having a dry bulb, the other kept moist and ventilated. The difference between readings gives atmospheric humidity.

Materials and Finishes

Metal (coated), glass, brass, fabric and mercury.

References

Book: Collins English Dictionary, 1982, p.1179.
Catalogue: Mayer & Meltzer, 1900: p.444, no. 7781, being "Six's maximum and minimum regulated thermometer."

Brief Description

Timing unit by Palmer, for amplified current 200 or 250 volt 50n. With electrical plug.

History of Object

This timing unit is said to have been used Osborne. Certainly was used in Psychology Dept., University of Melbourne. He worked at the university from 1910 to 1938.

Materials and Finishes

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

References

Brief Description

D'Arsonval electrical chronometer by G. Boulitte, mounted in case, with drawer beneath holding electrical instrument attachments.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood (varnished), brass, metal, ebony, cord and glass.

References

Brief Description

First mechanical Physiology Rotating Drum used by the Physiology Department, University of Melbourne, for recording physiological impulses on experimental animals. Circular brass drum on central spindle set on square clock-work motor with side-winding key.

History of Object

This Physiology Rotating Drum was held within the Physiology Department until the apparatus was donated to the Medical History Museum in 1994. The donation was organised by Dr. Christopher Bell.

Drum was used to record the nerve, muscle, blood-pressure impulses of an experimental animal. Carbon blackened paper was attached to the outside of the drum. Pens on a stand attached to the animal's electrodes etched its physiological impulses in the carbon paper as the drum rotated.

Materials and Finishes

Brass and metal.

References

Brief Description

Hydrometer with thin stem for pressure gauge, wider cylindrical chamber and bulbous tip for mercury. Metal cylinder with flange and press-down lid.

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

Glass, metal, mercury and ink.

References

Brief Description

A "K.B.B. Uviometer", (incomplete) used to measure the strength of ultra-violet radiation. The instrument comprises a wooden box with a lift-up lid under which are clamps to hold a tube (missing) and a lower section with a sliding wooden panel covering four glass phials containing pink fluid, graded from pale to deep in colour. Phials are backed by white plate which forms part of back of box. Broken "glow tube" included but does not belong.

History of Object

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

Materials and Finishes

Wood, glass and liquid.

References

Book: Russell, E.H. and Russell, W.H., 1933. "Ultra Violet Radiation and Actinotherapy". 3rd ed. Edinbrugh. Relevant illustration p.219.

Device for testing intensity of radiation below 2650Å: Carbon tetrachloride in tube is irradiated, liberating free chlorine during irradiaiton. The additiono f potassium iodide solution replaces the chlorine in solution with iodine; this colours the carbon tetrachloride a reddish violet, and the amount of radiation can be estimated from depth of colouration.