In a quiet corner of the old Royal Adelaide Hospital, formally located on North Terrace on the western side of the driveway by the East Wing, there was a small garden with the most beautiful roses. For nearly 30 years this garden was developed and cared for by Dr Allan Campbell. Established in 1976, the […]
In the decades following World War II, tuberculosis remained one of Australia’s leading causes of death. Often dubbed the ‘silent killer’, tuberculosis could remain undetected for months or even years, spreading quietly through the population. In response, public health authorities launched an Australia-wide initiative that ran from 1948 until 1976. In this post, we take […]
Within the CALHN Health Museum is a fascinating collection of pharmaceuticals manufactured by AM Bickford & Sons. Long before Bickford’s became a household name for cordials and soft drinks, it was a trusted name in medicine. As one of Adelaide’s earliest apothecaries, Bickford’s produced tinctures, tonics and remedies for the growing colony. William Bickford William […]
Within medical history, art and science often intersect in interesting ways. One such example is the remarkable collection of dental illustrations by Gwen Dolores Walsh, held in the CALHN Health Museum. The collection: The collection comprises of 72 hand-drawn illustrations, depicting various aspects of dental anatomy including: These illustrations are believed to have been used […]
At their core, souvenirs are more than just objects – they are reminders and memories of past activities. Hospitals too, have a history of selling and exchanging souvenirs and gifts. Whether it’s a commemorative keyring or a wine glass celebrating decades of nurse training, these items hold stories of the past. Below are a small […]
Traditionally, Christmas festivities in our Central Adelaide Local Health Hospitals have been a time of celebration. From carol singing and festive decorations to special meals, these traditions have brought joy to patients, staff, and visitors alike. Carol singing, in particular, has played a special role in spreading holiday cheer, distracting patients from their surrounds and […]
Today, the Royal Adelaide Hospital is an adult-only hospital, but that wasn’t always the case. For much of its history, children were admitted to the hospital for treatment, alongside adults. Early Days: The Adelaide Hospital Prior to the opening of the first purpose-built Adelaide Hospital in 1842, sick patients were treated at home. As the […]
In the mid-19th century, electrotherapy was all the rage in medical treatments, especially for nerve-related ailments. One of the most intriguing devices from this era is the Improved Magneto-Electric Machine, a piece of medical equipment that combines early electrical science with the belief in its healing powers. Manufactured by William Skidmore, a surgical instrument maker […]
One unique aspect of nursing training at Adelaide Hospital was the focus on cooking for invalid patients. This essential part of the curriculum was designed to equip probationer nurses with the knowledge and techniques needed to prepare nourishing meals for those recovering from illness or injury. Classes were held at the South Australian School of […]
In 1886, Levi Yaggy published a ground breaking work called Yaggy’s Anatomical Study. This work featured full-sized diagrams of human organs, muscles, skeleton, arteries and veins. The album contains nine large colour illustrations, including diagrams showing the effects of alcohol on the kidneys, liver, and brain. Printed on cloth-coated paper, the illustrations include fold-our flaps, […]
Joe Tilcer was a paraplegic artist who spent most of his adult life at the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre. In 1972, he provided an autobiography to the Australian Handicapped and Disabled Artists Journal. The CALHN Health Museum has several of Joe’s paintings in its collection, including the recently donated painting ‘Dandelions’ by the Barbour and Trenaman […]
Group of South African Boer War medals and ribbons belonging to Archibald Watson – brilliant, eccentric anatomist and surgeon. 2. Ribbon band for Queen’s South Africa Medal and Kings. The ribbon has stripes of green, white, orange and red, blue and yellow,; 3. Miniature King’s South Africa Medal 1901-1902. The ribbon has stripes of green, […]
Who would have thought there would be so many uses for the humble spoon! Within the CALHN Health Museum’s collection, there are spoons for heating amalgam, scooping mustard and stirring a simple cup of tea. There are metal spoons, ceramic, wooden and even glass spoons. Below is a small selection of some of the different […]
This fire mimic panel call board, dating from 1938, was in use at the Royal Adelaide Hospital until 1987. The panel is divided into sections, each representing a ward or area. As the names of wards and buildings changed, new labels were stuck over the original ones. In the case of a fire alarm, a […]
‘Shining a Light’ on Operating Theatre Lights – Exploring the Royal Adelaide Hospital Operating Theatre Lights held in the museum collection. Several bulky wrapped ‘lumps’ of different sizes lie in our storage room. On closer inspection, the ‘lumps’ reveal themselves to be large, circular surgical lights. These lights have been rescued from operating theatres that have long been demolished, […]