The Science and Art of Medicine

This particular contraceptive sponge (illustrated on the far right) is made out rubber and has a central cavity for a suppository and a handle for removal. �Occlusator� is its brand name. It is illustrated with a number of other sponges

• Contraceptive sponges, early 20th century.

These are short obstetrical forceps following the design of Sir James Young Simpson, 1811-1870. They were used to deliver babies from low down in the birth canal. The forceps are made out of steel and ebony and manufactured by Philip Harris & Co of B

• Simpson type obstetrical forceps, c.1871-1900.

Two artificial noses, one of carved ivory (A641030), possibly 18th century, the other of plated metal (A641037), 17-18th century. These noses would have been made to replace an original, which may have been congenitally absent or deformed, lost thro

• Two artificial noses, 17th-18th century.

Salvarsan kit, c.1912, by W.Martindale and Lucius and Bruning

• German salvarsan kit, c 1912.

Mahogany medicine chest, C19

• Mahogany medicine chest, 19th century.

Pale green glass alembic with cucurbit, probably English, 19th century

• Combined alembic and cucurbit, probably 19th century.

A herbal medicine called a ma'jun, meaning sweet medicine, used by practitioners of Unani Tibb. Herbs are mixed with honey to make them sweet and preserve their freshness. Honey is considered to have important healing powers.

• Container of Ma'jun herbal medicine, England, 2004-2005

Haldane's oxygen apparatus for four people

• J. S. Haldane's oxygen tent for four people, early 20th century.

Mechanical leech patented by Baron Heurteloup

• Baron Heurteloup's artificial leech, c. 1850.

Mechanical leech, in case

• Mechanical leech in a case, c. 1850.