Brief Description

Copper, water-jacketed incubator or "sterilizer"; consists of square chamber with slide-in tray and pan, two chimneys, temperature gauge, and vent on door - on 4-legged stand.

History of Object

This object is of the type that Thomas Cherry would have used.

Materials and Finishes

Copper, metal, glass and ?earthenware (?glazed).

References

Label: Display label enclosed with object.

Brief Description

Electrical, metal-encased instrument sterilizer by Arnold and Sons. Consists of electrically-heated base, which heats water through perforated tray. Also electric cord and two wire instruments.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal, rubber, plastic, tape (electrical), wire (electrical) and wood.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 2056, detail at right of illustration; pp. 2153-66.

Brief Description

Large instrument tin with four rack-fitted trays and one sterilizer tray. Each tray has instrument shapes engraved for positioning - no instruments are present.

History of Object

Trays would normally contain numerous forceps, scissors, pliers, saws, catheters, needles, canulae, scalpels, retractors, scrapers, syringes, etc.

Materials and Finishes

Metal and paper (printed).

References

Brief Description

Portable sterilizer in copper with brass tap, and handle on top, hook on end, with hinged lid, and wire box insert.

History of Object

Probably hung to drain.

Materials and Finishes

Copper, brass and metal.

References

Brief Description

Operating gown from around 1910 by Down Bros. Full-length wrap-style gown in "stout waterproof", with cuffed long sleeves, attached belt and buttoned yoke, large pockets.

History of Object

University of Melbourne Collection.

Materials and Finishes

?Calico (waterproofed), cotton and metal.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", pp. 2193-95.

Brief Description

One-piece construction operating apron from circa 1910. Full-length, dark brown with neck and waist chain fastenings; fabric seems rubber-coated.

History of Object

University of Melbourne Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Fabric (rubber-coated), cotton and metal.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", pp. 2193-95.

Brief Description

"B-P" sterilizer for small number of instruments. Pyrex base with perforated metal tray and metal hinged lid, with removable lid handle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass (Pyrex) and stainless steel.

References

Brief Description

Lidded metal box or tray for sterile dressings or instruments, with large, old-fashioned knob handle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal.

References

Brief Description

Portable instrument sterilizer, consisting of brass-lidded box and copper 2-jet spirit burner. Missing sterilizer rack and stilt base.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (plated), copper and brass.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 2155-65.

Brief Description

Portable steriliser for instruments and dressings. Metal rectangular container with hinged lid and removable instrument tray with perforations for sterilisation and handles. Lid of steriliser has a steam release hole.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal.

References

Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", pp. 2158-61, nos. 8346-51.

Brief Description

Instrument sterilization kit with spirit burner. Includes burner, tray, perforated tray, cruciform stand and two other stands.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (nickel-plated).

References

Brief Description

Autoclave comprising a sterilising chamber for instruments by steam under pressure up to 120°C. Copper cylinder with screw-down lid. Circular pressure gauge and two rubber tube connections attached to lid. Rubber tubes have disintegrated. Gas regulating gauge indicates temperature in centigrade and the pressure in pounds per square inch. Autoclave has a regluator in the gauge to maintain preessure and temperature when reached. Internal metal tray for placing instruments. Autoclave cylinder is set off the ground by three feet bolted onto small metalblocks. Gas ring beneath autoclave is missing.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Copper, metal and rubber.

References

Book: Altmann, Paul, 1902. "Fabrik und Lager aller Apparate für Bacteriologie, Mikroskopie und Hygiene." Berlin. pp.16-21.

Brief Description

Portable instrument sterilizer for instruments and dressings, comprising metal box with handles on lid, two-jet spirit burner, perforated tray, metal stand, two sets of double metal hooks with loop handles, fabric pull-string bag.

History of Object

This item belonged to Dr. Patrick Cody, who was a radiologist with a practice in Spring Street. Dr. Patrick Cody's sons Stephen and Damian Cody donated their father's medical instruments to the Medical History Museum on 10 October 1996.

Materials and Finishes

Metal and fabric.

References