Item HT 34609 Urethral Sounds - Medical Supply Association, Boxed Set, London, England, early 20th century

Summary

Alternative Name(s): Filoform Bougies, Dilating Sounds

Set of 11 urethral sounds (originally 12 - the smallest is missing) in hinged wooden box. Only one is stamped with the name of the box manufacturer, Medical Supply Association, London.

Urethral sounds are cylindrical instruments for introduction into the urethra or other tubular organ, usually for calibrating or dilating constricted areas. Larger and larger sounds are used to enlarge the area. They also measure the position of urethral blockages. The term 'sound' refers to the sound made when an obstruction is struck. Their uses included the treatment of sexually-transmitted diseases, which can cause constriction to the urethra. Similar boxed sets of urethral sounds are depicted in S. Maw & Sons' Catalogue of Surgical Instruments & Appliances, Aseptic Hospital Furniture and Surgical Dressings, etc, London, 1913 (p.236).

The Medical Supply Association was most active in the 1890s to 1920s, but continued into later decades. Based in London, it had branches in Edirburgh, Glasgow, Sheffield and elsewhere in the United Kingdom. The Medical Supply Association (International) Limited was incorporated in 1953.

The sounds were formally part of the collection of Kryall Castle museum. Their provenance is otherwise unknown.

Physical Description

Set of 11 urethral sounds (originally 12 - the smallest is missing) in hinged wooden box. Each sound is a cylindrical metal rod, curved at one end and terminating in a slight bulb, and a disc at the other end imprinted with its size, and some with the manufacturer's name. The sounds are from a range of manufacturers - only one is labelled with the name on the box, Medical Supply Association, London. The sounds are housed in wooden slots, in two groups, with an empty glass vial with glass stopper at centre, which may have originally housed a material to aid the introduction of the sound into the urethra. The box lid is secured with two brass hinges, and a brass hook at each end. The manufacturer's name is stamped at the front of the open box. A broad arrow symbol is stamped at top centre of lid. Spotted discoloration over much of box surface. Some surface rust on sounds.