The Science and Art of Medicine

This is a vaginal douche and it is made out of rubber and vulcanite. This type of apparatus is used to force water or another solution into the vaginal cavity to flush away vaginal discharge or other contents. Douching is neither a contraceptive, nor

• Vaginal douche, the 'Omega Spray', 1900-1940.

3 glass bottles of Depo-Provera and a plastic syringe. Depo-Provera is a slow release contraceptive containing a hormone that is similar to the body� s natural progesterone. It is given by injection by a doctor every three months. These examples were

• 3 bottles of Depo-Provera slow-release contraceptive and a plastic syringe, 1979-1981.

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.

Respirometer, manufactured by Walker Lecuyer, Paris. This is of a similar design to Hutchinson�s. The subject breathed into the inner gasholder via a tube connected to the inlet pipe at the base. The gasholder is balanced over water by the counter we

• Spirometer, 1876-1900.

This item is illustrated in the centre of the middle row and is an original carton containing 12 pessaries. They are of the �Prorace� brand and were supplied by John Bell and Croyden Ltd., London. The other objects in this image are as follows. Botto

• Spermicidal pessaries, ointment and jelly, early 20th century.

This item is illustrated on the far left and is a marine sponge, for use as vaginal pessary, and was used by a Dr. Henson, English. When this was acquired it was noted that Dr Henson �thinks it the best method�. The other objects in the image are, le

• Marine contraceptive sponge and tampon, 1920-1960.

A copper Yantra meditation plaque decorated with a geometric pattern. Meditation has strong links with Ayurveda and is often recommended as part of an ‘Ayurvedic lifestyle’. Techniques vary – Yantra meditation uses patterns of symbols and shapes to h

• Yantra meditation plaque, India, 1800-1899

A box containing sachets of Joshina, a Unani Tibb herbal medicine used to treat coughs and colds. Unani Tibb medicines have been produced commercially for about 70 years in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

• Box containing sachets of Joshina, herbal medicine, Pakistan, 2004-2005

A box containing a bottle of Masturin, a Unani Tibb herbal medicine used to treat menstrual problems. Unani Tibb medicines have been produced commercially for about 70 years in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

• Box containing bottle of Masturin, herbal medicine, Pakistan, 2004-2005