Brief Description

Wood and brass handle with retaining screw (which would retain missing instrument head). Slightly tapers from end to joint.

History of Object

Presumably has an attachment to an older sound.

Materials and Finishes

Wood (polished) and brass.

References

Brief Description

Thomas Alva Edison Mimeograph multiple-copy printer, No. 12. Components left are the ink roller and a fabric screen with slate back plate. In box with labelling on lid and front.

History of Object

A Mimeograph is: "Trademark. An office machine for printing multiple copies of text or line drawings from an inked drum to which a cut stencil is fixed." (see reference)

Materials and Finishes

Wood (varnished), cloth, slate, metal and rubber.

References

Dictionary: Collins English Dictionary, 1982: p.937.

Brief Description

? In fitted case, by Mayer and Meltzer. Consists of two ball pumps with connecting tube, oil and burner bottles and three connecting implements.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood (coated), velvet, satin, cord, glass, bone, ebony and metal (plated).

References

Brief Description

[Item] by Scientific Supply Co., consisting of a large and a small chamber with outlets and tubing; mounted on wooden backing with mesh protective front.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass, metal, wood (painted), rubber and ivory.

References

Brief Description

Wooden barrel tap no.2 by Gage of Melbourne; consists of tapering inlet and open-close outlet.

History of Object

Description from first reference: "Large wooden barrel tap in working order, one side stamped, 'H. Gage, Maker, Melbourne'. Excellent condition. Est[imated auction price] $25-35, NR [No Reserve]."

Materials and Finishes

Wood (varnished).

References

Catalogue: Westacott, David, 19: "Australiana and Collectables Auction... 19 July 1987", item no. 270.

Brief Description

Three wire rods with loop handle and threaded point.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal.

References

Brief Description

Small box for six "Euodon" swabbing broach by A.P. Fox Specialty Co. Consists of small textured handle with 4-sided wire head. Size 6. Only four broaches in box.

History of Object

Came in plain metal tin with label, "A.P. Needles".

Materials and Finishes

Metal, cardboard and paper (printed).

References

Brief Description

Small box for six "Asko" swabbing broach by A.S. Koch and Sons. Size 6. Only four in box.

History of Object

Came in plain metal tin with label, "A.P.Needles".

Materials and Finishes

Metal and cardboard.

References

Brief Description

Foot-operated bellows with pipe underneath for expelled air (instead of the usual end nozzle), and stands on four feet. (Possibly associated with early anaesthetics equipment, or dental drill)

History of Object

Belonged to G. Luly.

Materials and Finishes

Wood, leather, metal, wire, plastic, brass and rubber.

References

Brief Description

Brush. Previously identified as being for applying acid, comprised of a bunch of wire threads set in handle, with cap protection.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal and wire.

References

Possible identifications:
Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1906. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1351, no. 5997.
Catalogue: Down Bros. Ltd., 1938. "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Appliances", p. 1617, no. 1617/11.

Brief Description

Replica of a dish with Latin inscriptions. Shallow-bowled with four protrusions from rim, one hollowed for instrument to rest on.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Ceramic (glazed).

References

Brief Description

Advertising trinket tray for Ramsay Surgical Limited. Rectangular in grey smoke glass with white graphics, illustration of office building block.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Glass.

References

Brief Description

Bottle fashioned from cucumber-shaped gourd shell, featuring brown-on-tan burned geometric panels.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Fibre and wood.

References

Brief Description

Plain cylindrical wooden containers.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood.

References

Brief Description

Dried husk of a fruit or seed, with the seeds/pips loose inside, producing a percussion when shook.

History of Object

Item may represent a primitive piece of equipment for primitive medicine?

Materials and Finishes

Fibre.

References

Brief Description

?Aboriginal pointing bone, fashioned from a long bone with ball-and-socket joint.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Bone.

References

Brief Description

Unidentified item fashioned from very dark tortoiseshell, waisted with one curved end and one pointed end and basic incised design.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Tortoiseshell.

References

Brief Description

Unidentified item fashioned from ebony, waisted with curved point, and with white-painted totem-like handle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Ebony (painted).

References

Brief Description

Unidentified item fashioned in a dark wood, waisted with curved point, has carved and shaped handle.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood (?painted).

References

Brief Description

Unidentified item fashioned in ebony, has widened flat point and long, carved handpiece.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Ebony (painted).

References

Brief Description

Unidentified item in dark wood with red and white paint. Slowly tapers to point, has geometric carving and shaped end.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Wood (painted).

References

Brief Description

Earlobe-piercing needle, consisting of a spring-loaded needle mounted on positioning piece with cork cushioning.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (plated) and cork.

References

Brief Description

Red vinyl fitted box with flip front.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (plated), brass, glass, vinyl, velvet and wood.

References

Brief Description

Secretary's badge for the B.M.A. in Melbourne in 1935. Golden and green bar and ribbon with suspended geometric-shape badge with enamelling.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (enamelled) and satin.

References

Brief Description

Lapel pin bearing photograph image of unidentified oriental gentleman.

History of Object

Materials and Finishes

Metal (painted) and cardboard (printed).

References

Brief Description

Black-painted metal vasculum; upright rectangular chamber with curved sides, back-hinged door with slide lock, side leather strap and top handle for carrying. Vascula were used to collect botanical specimens.

History of Object

This vasculum belonged to Dr. Sophie Ducker who worked at the University of Melbourne in the Department of Botany. She donated the vasculum to the Medical History Museum in August 1996.

Materials and Finishes

Metal and leather.

References

Brief Description

Five graticules manufactured by both the British Optical Company Pty. Ltd., Sydney, and the Australian Optical Company Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, during the Second World War. These glass lenses with minute scales were made for instruments including telescopes, binoculars and microscope. The five graticules which are held in their original packets comprise: 6. Gunsight; 7. Periscope Sight; 10. USA Binocular; 18. Collinator; 20. Jungle Sight. Lens no. 10, USA Binocular, is identified on its pocket as having been produced by the British Optical Company Pty. Ltd.. The lenses, 18 and 6 are identified on their packets as products from the Australian Optical Company Pty. Ltd. Lens 7 has a packet stamped "John Langley", but like 20 has no definite manufacturer identified. The lenses came from the Munitions Supply Laboratories where they were probably tested.

History of Object

The graticules were originally given to Bert Bolton, Department of Physics, Monash University, by John Turner, who was connected with the production of graticules. These examples were specifically to be preserved by the University of Melbourne Medical History Museum, and were deposited on 25 July 1988 by Bert Bolton.

Materials and Finishes

Glass, paper and ink.

References

Brief Description

Caul of John Decimus Blandy, born 4 December 1802. Caul is preserved, stretched on paper. Also included is receipt from St. Kilda General Cemetery, dated 1886, and handwritten notes on caul's history. Copies of typed pages of the family's history also included.

History of Object

A caul is an unruptured piece of amniotic membrance which occasionally covers a baby's face at birth. It was believed that preserving one's caul would serve to protect from death by drowning.

Materials and Finishes

Membrane and paper.

References

Brief Description

Metal can entitled, "A.M.F. Operation Ration O2 DTD" holding three meals wrapped in waterproof cartons for the men and women serving in the Australian Military Forces, during and after World War Two. Green can with black lettering and diagram. Turn-key attached to tin for opening top.

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

Tin, paint and food.

References

Brief Description

"Kunda" or Aboriginal circumcision knife made from a rock flint, given to Dr. Maurice Malcolm McKeown c.1935. The rock comes from Western Australia, possibly Leonora. NB: identification of item uncertain.

History of Object

This circumcision knife was given to Dr. Maurice Malcolm McKeown in c.1935. His son, Dr. Malcolm McKeown, donated the knife to the University of Melbourne Medical History Museum on 26 June 1996.

Materials and Finishes

Rock.

References

Brief Description

Brush (possibly camel hair) fitted to glass stopper of glass bottle which contains it. Bottle is cased in black leatherette-covered cardbaord container with purple paper lining. Section of case top fitting inside base of container is green.

History of Object

From Harold Attwood's collection.

Materials and Finishes

Cardboard, leatherette, paper, glass, metal and camel hair (?).

References

Brief Description

Infra-red lamp with solid ring-core element in reflector holder, with adjustable screw mount for fine adjustment and adjustable arm to vary height and angle of reflection. Supporting rod has U-shaped base for stability.

History of Object

Donated by Mrs Wendy Alexander, daughter of Nancy Lloyd-Green. This lamp would probably have been used by Nancy in her private practice.

Materials and Finishes

Metal, rubber and bakerlite.

References

Brief Description

Item pending identification with dark wooden handle, ratchet, padded ball and pear-shaped flat piece near handle. Possible tourniquet function?

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson Collection.

Materials and Finishes

Wood, metal and rubber.

References

Brief Description

Black painted metal kerosene lamp, cylindrical in shape, with large lens, reflector rotating shutter for natural light, blue light or red light, side handle and circular handle at top. Has a small metal container for spirits and an adjustable wick.

History of Object

Loan item: Barrie Thompson colleciton.

Materials and Finishes

Metal, glass, cotton, brass (?) and paint (black).

References