Summary
Tonsil guillotine manufactured by Heath's and used in the removal of tonsils (tonsillectomy) of patients at the Mont Park Mental Hospital, Bundoora, Victoria, circa 1912-1950.
Physical Description
Heath's guillotine, used to remove tonsils (tonsillectomy) consists of 2 parallel shafts attached at one end by a screw through the top of a tubular handle at right angle below them. The fixed bottom shaft ends in a flattened straight-sided spoon shape with a 20mm size hole at the end to "lasoo" the tonsil. It has an overlapping rim which forms a track for the sliding shell- shaped blade on the end of the upper shaft. Both shafts are flat, the upper one thinner and tapering to the blade with an oblong hole near the far end that allows the screw into the handle to hold it in place while permitting it to slide back and forth. Curved, ridged handgrip on end. Lower shaft soldered to the handle top. Convex sides. Handle has vertical ridges and half-ball shape bottom.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mont Park Mental Hospital (Asylum), Office of Psychiatric Services, May 1985
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Place & Date Used
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Inventor
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Inscriptions
Engraved: '3'.
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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overall dimensions
18 cm (Length), 3.5 cm (Width), 13 cm (Height)
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Exhibition Collection Management
130 mm (Length), 205 mm (Width), 25 mm (Height)
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Dimensions
205 mm (Length), 130 mm (Width), 37 mm (Height)
Measurement From Conservation. Measuring Method: Max. dimensions with blade fully extended.
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References
Felton,Grimwade & Duerdins Pty Ltd. 1948 Catalogue of Surgical Instruments. Melbourne, 1948.
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Keywords
Hospitals, Mental Health, Mental Health Institutions, Psychiatric Services
