9 - Objects

The grey cardboard box houses a glass bottle of Streptotriad. The label on the box, white in colour, details the ingredients of the medicine and the manufacturing chemical company "May&Baker LTD Dagenham" in turquoise ink. Written in red ink are the phrases “Free Medical Sample” and “Poison”, along with the registration number. It also references the “Sale of Drugs Act Thailand” and the “Poisons List of Great Britain P1 S1 S4”. The bottle inside, with a metal lid, provides information on the use and dosage of the medicine. Streptotriad was commonly used to treat bacillary dysentery, a disease of the large intestine caused by bacteria.

This is a towel forceps, a small, ratcheted, finger-ring instrument, which has two inwardly-curved pointed jaws, and a grip-lock mechanism. It is engraved with "Stainless" and the letter E. This forceps is a perforating clamp used for grasping tissue, securing towels or drapes, and holding or reducing small bone fractures.

This long-handled tonsil guillotine, Mathieu's type. It is composed of four detachable framed parts, secured together by two screws. It features three finger rings, two of which can be gripped from the side to push the spear forward to cut away tonsils . The Mathieu's guillotines had four (1= smallest, 4= biggest) different sizes, and this appears to be size three as marked. This type of guillotine usually feature a spear, which is missing. The number "96" is engraved on the shafts. Much caution was required to prevent haemorrhaging in the patient. Tonsil Guillotines are surgical instruments used during a tonsillectomy, a procedure where the palatine tonsils are removed. No manufacturer's mark present.

The transparent bottle, sealed with a twist-off metal cap, housed the “Roccal Antiseptic Tincture,” as denoted on the white paper label. The interior of the bottle bears stains from the dried residue of the antiseptic. A handwritten note on the label reads ‘16/8 Winchester.’ The label provides details about the contents, the manufacturer “Bayer”, and its usage. Roccal Antiseptic Tincture was commonly employed for skin sterilisation before surgery.

This is a bottle of Benedict’s solution. It appears as a clear glass bottle with a cork stopper, containing residue of its original contents, visible as a light blue solid powder. The bottle features a green label, with handwritten text in pen stating "Benedict’s Solution (Qualitative)". Additionally, the label includes the typed word "Container", along with a handwritten number "3" inside a circle, and on the opposite side"Weight: 4 gr". It also bears the name "Hayes, Conyngham & Robinson Ltd., Wholesale and Manufacturing Chemists Dublin and Branches" The bottom of the bottle is embossed with "157 LY 11". Benedict’s solution was historically used as a chemical reagent for detecting reducing sugars, particularly in urinalysis for diabetes screening. Developed by Stanley R. Benedict in the early 20th century, it became a standard test in medical and laboratory settings. The solution, containing copper(II) sulfate, sodium carbonate, and sodium citrate, would change colour when heated with reducing sugars, transitioning from blue to green, yellow, orange, or red, depending on the sugar concentration. This qualitative test was widely used before the development of modern glucose monitoring methods, playing a crucial role in early diabetes diagnosis and metabolic disorder studies.

This is an urine testing kit, designed for urinalysis. The set includes a wooden testing stand, six glass testing tubes, a glass stirring rod, a glass balancing rod, two cork-stoppered smaller tubes, a larger glass tube with a green "Pyrex Made in England" stamp, a black India rubber pipette, and an urinometer with solid mercury at its tip. The urinometer features a paper label with a scale from 60 to 1000, marked in black ink with "Urinometer Temp 60°F Made in England". The mercury is now solidified at the tip. The glass balancing rod, which appears as a double-pointed cylindrical rod, is used to ensure an even liquid level when testing urine samples. The glass stirring rod is included to help mix the sample for accurate readings. The wooden stand is designed with three shelves to securely accommodate the testing set. The bottom shelf features slots to hold the six glass testing tubes on one side, while the opposite side has slots to accommodate six wooden sticks. The middle shelf contains six fenestrations for the test tubes and smaller slots to hold the tips of the tubes from the level above, ensuring stability. The top shelf serves as the storage area for the stoppered tubes, urinometer, pipette, and the Pyrex test tube, keeping all components organised and easily accessible. This urine testing kit was designed for precise urinalysis, offering a structured and systematic approach to measuring urine density, chemical properties, and other diagnostic factors. The presence of Pyrex glass components suggests heat resistance and durability, allowing for chemical heating or boiling in certain tests.

Ceramic dinner plate. Cream with red and gold rim. The words "CHERRY ORCHARD HOSPITAL" on the front and the base is stamped, in green, with the maker's name "Arklow/made in/Republic of Ireland/VITR[EOU]S IRONSTONE".

Eye bath made of clear glass, oval-shaped with flat sides for ease of handling. Used for washing the eye ball by holding a fluid up to the open eye.

Four "Sister's Duties" hospital badges from Cork Street Fever Hospital. Silver; hallmarked 1938. Made by Weir & Sons of Dublin.

Four of the same badge from Cherry Orchard Hospital. Red and white coat of arms in the centre surrounded by four green trumpet/leaf-like shapes, each containing a letter: C, O, F and H. The motto "SEMPER FIDELES SEMPER PARATAE" around the edge. Each badge is in a small red box with the following written on lid in gold: "Jewellers & Silversmiths/John Morton Ltd/48 & 49/Nassau St/Dublin/Box Made in England".

Five of the same hospital badge from Cork Street Fever Hospital, two of which are in a small, red box with the following written on lid in gold: "Jewellers & Silversmiths/John Morton Ltd/48 & 49/Nassau St/Dublin/Box Made in England".

This is the empty cardboard box of the trademark brand V-Cil-K Penicillin V Potassium 125 mg Tablets, produced by Eli Lilly & Co. Ltd. It consists of a yellow and white cardboard box, with black ink lettering detailing the components of the tablets, the manufacturer details, and the expiration date (November 1959). On one narrower side, it indicates that it is “to be supplied only on the prescription of a physician.” The top opening features an additional stamp stating “Professional Sample.” Penicillin V Potassium is an antibiotic used to treat various mild to moderate bacterial infections including scarlet fever, pneumonia, skin infections and infections affecting the nose, mouth, or throat. It is also used to prevent the symptoms of rheumatic fever.

This is a metal monocular microscope, black coloured. It features a U-shaped heavy base for stability, connected to a tube (called the arm) in which the microscope's components are securely screwed in. The illuminator, a circular mirror that rotates, is attached to the base. On top of it, there is a square metal piece with a round hole in the middle (called the stage), and a rotating plate beneath it, which features holes of different sizes to allow a regulated amount of reflected light to come in (called the aperture). On the top side of the stage, two adjustable flaps (called stage clips) can be loosened by twisting the screws; this would have allowed positioning of the microscopic glass. The stage is engraved with a millimetre scale and a sliding mechanism which operates thanks to the screw on the side, to better observe the microscope glass slide that would sit on the stage and be placed on top of the stage fenestration. The final mounted piece is the eyepiece holder. The eyepiece is removable and adjustable by twisting its position in the holder, and consists of a long tube featuring lenses on both ends. Additionally, there is a rotating component at the end of the arm featuring two of the three zoom/focuses, one engraved with "Hi 90" and the other "Hi 40". The microscope is engraved with "Carl Zeiss Jena Nr 251312". This type of microscope was used for various purposes, such as studying cells, tissues, and microorganisms; examining blood samples, tissues, and other biological specimen

This is a Miniature Pneumothorax Apparatus. It appears as a mahogany case with a hinged lid and handle, secured on the sides with a locking mechanism, and a key locking mechanism on the front, opening like a door. Once opened, each component is secured within the case. The lid bears an internal white label with red ink writing that reads: "GU. MFG.CO.,LTD. To avoid undue strain on the gauge, please have tap in 'OFF' position before raising piston of pump cylinder." A white plastic insertion on the top side of the door says "Genito-Urinary Mfg Co Ltd," "28a Devonshire Street, London W1," and "English Lever" is stamped on the metal locking mechanism. This instrument was designed by Dr. James Maxwell in 1934, who describes it as follows: "This instrument has been constructed for me by the Genito-Urinary Manufacturing Company, and has been in routine use for the past six months, during which time it has given satisfactory results. The apparatus consists of four essential parts—the pump, the regulating valve, the aneroid manometer, and the filter. These parts are contained in a cabinet 7” by 4” by 8”, and the total weight is 6 lb. The pump has a capacity of 200 c.cm., and is made entirely of metal. The combined weight of the piston, piston-rod, and two-way cock is calculated to produce a gas pressure equal to a column of water of 35 cm. The piston-rod is hollow, and is fitted with a two-way cock of convenient shape to act as a handle by which the piston is pulled up. One end of this cock terminates in a screw cap for the purpose of holding a cotton-wool filter for the aspirated atmospheric air. The opposite end is bent downward and is joined to the regulating valve by rubber tubing. By means of this valve, the rate of flow of the air to the pleura can be controlled with great ease and accuracy within wide limits, or it can be cut off entirely. From the outlet port of the regulating valve, the tube divides into two branches. One leads via the filter to the patient and the other to an aneroid manometer. The quantity of air which has passed to the chest is indicated on the outside of the piston-rod by a double scale graduated by 20 c.cm. from 0 to 200 c.cm. The filter is a little more elaborate in design than is usual with existing apparatus, but the frequent and convenient change of the cotton-wool packing, which is possible, justifies the elaboration. It resembles the Record syringe and consists of a glass tube with a metal cone at one end and a screw cap at the other. The ground metal cone fits into a counterpart, which is part of the 'T' junction connecting the manometer and filter to the regulating valve. When the wool is to be changed, the filter is removed from the clip which holds it to the wall of the cabinet, and is then disconnected from the 'T' piece. The cap is then unscrewed and the wool changed. The whole process is carried out without disturbing the rubber tubing. The manometer is specially constructed and has been subjected to severe tests extending over two years in order to ascertain its constant accuracy. The scale is well spaced, and the pressures can be read easily; the instrument appears to be more sensitive than the water manometer. A suitable winder for the rubber tubing and a detachable rack for the needles are fixed inside the door of the cabinet. The most suitable lubricant for the piston has been found to be ordinary medicinal castor oil. The advantages claimed for this instrument are that it is readily portable, there is little likelihood of accidental damage, it is always ready for use, and the difficulties inseparable from the use of liquid in the manometer are obviated. When used for a refill, the instrument is placed upright, the cylinder is filled with atmospheric air, and the flow to the chest is regulated by the special valve, so that any desired pressure can be maintained; the pressure is constantly indicated by the manometer, and the flow of air can be instantly stopped by closing the valve. For the induction of a pneumothorax, in which case it is necessary that the first part of the air should be drawn into the chest by the suction of the collapsing lung, the instrument is placed on its back so that the cylinder is horizontal. It has been found that a negative pressure of only 3 or 4 cm. of water is sufficient to move the piston, and so draw air into the chest. For the withdrawal of air from the chest, the reverse process must be carried out, the air being drawn from the chest to the cylinder by suction. The filter must, of course, always be changed before the instrument is again employed for refills." The key, made of metal, appears corroded, but the stamps "Ceney England" on one side, and "No 14" on the other can still be read. Inside the perforation of the key, a hemp thread is tied, which allows the key to be attached to the handle of the pneumothorax apparatus. Along with it, a label with handwritten "A/845A" on one side, and 952 in blue pen is attached with a small hemp thread. Pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung, is a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall. this can occus spontaneously or as a result of trauma or medical procedures. The concept of introducing pneumothorax was first introduced in 1882 as a treatment for tuberculosis by Italian physician Carlo Forlanini, aiming to collapse the affected lung and allow it to rest and heal. Over time, the technique evolved, and various instruments, like the one designed by Dr. James Maxwell, were developed to control and monitor the process more effectively.

This is a leather doctor's bag in the brief shape with a rigid metal mechanism to hold the shape of the bag when open. It has two leather handles, as well as a lock that slides to the right when unlocked to unlatch the bag. The interior of the bag has one pocket attached to the interior wall of the bag, and both the pocket and lining are also made from leather. The leather on the exterior of the bag is discolored from age, as well as flaking off along the bottom and folded aspects of the bag. The handles are in good condition, and the lock has scratching and discoloration from age but no large dents. The interior of the bag has a few pen marks across both the bottom and the pocket, as well as a streak of green at the base of the bag. There is general wear on the interior of the leather of the bag.

Cylindrical clear-glass measure of 2 ounces, with white glazed scale and numbers. The rim has a v-shaped spout. The scale is in "fl oz" (fluid ounce) from zero to sixteen and in "12 Gros". Further markings, in a different font, saying '129,' S.E,' and '39.'

This is an Alformant Lamp. It consists of a metal cylindrical body, with a cut-out section at the base that houses a spirit lamp and a refillable oil tank closed with a tin cork, and a removable hollow upper portion with fenestrations. As the lamp burned, it heated the formalin tablets placed in the upper section, causing the release of formaldehyde vapour into the air through the fenestrations. This vapour was considered antiseptic and disinfectant. The treated room would typically be left sealed for 24 hours, allowing the vapour to thoroughly permeate all areas and materials. Afterward, the space would be ventilated before reuse. This method was common in hospitals, sickrooms, and public health interventions, especially before modern chemical disinfectants.

This is a glass measuring jar, made of clear glass. It appears as a cylindrical tube with a V-shaped spout. This type of jar was used in urinalysis and other liquid analyses; however, it does not feature a scale, as it usually would.

This is a glass male urinal. It features an elongated, cylindrical body with a flattened base, ensuring stable horizontal placement. The proximal end has a wide, flared inlet to facilitate use. The surface is smooth, without any embossing, but contains small air bubbles from the glass-making process. These bubbles, known as gas inclusions, occur naturally during the melting and forming stages when air or gases from the raw materials get trapped in the molten glass. This type of urinal was commonly utilised in healthcare environments throughout the early to mid-20th century before being superseded by lightweight, disposable plastic alternatives.

This is an earthenware male urinal, also known as a bedpan. It has a bottle-like shape with a flattened base, allowing it to lay horizontally, and a handle positioned on the top for ease of handling. The smooth, curved body features a wide, rounded opening, while the spout-like extension ensures controlled pouring and emptying. The base is marked in black with the stamp "BOOTH'S" Royal Semi-Porcelain English Make, indicating its origin and craftsmanship. Signs of wear and tear visible.

This is an enamelled measuring jar with a capacity of 20 ounces or 500 grams, as stamped in blue ink on one side. It features a cylindrical shape with a spout and handle, made of metal coated in white enamel, with the rim, spout, and handle painted in blue. Inside the jar, there are two blue ink scales ranging from 2 to 20 ounces and 50 to 500 grams, with "1 Pt" (one pint) marked between the two scales. Only a few signs of wear and tear are visible, especially at the bottom where "Kockums Ker Sweden 8cm" is stamped. This type of jar was commonly used in medical settings for measuring and dispensing liquids, such as medications or solutions, due to its durability and ease of cleaning. The enamel coating helps prevent contamination and makes it suitable for repeated use in clinical environments.