BONE SAWS, SET
c. 1924 - 1956A set of five silver chromium-plated bone or amputation saws which form part of a collection of medical instruments and items owned by Herbert John Gray, Honorary Aural Surgeon at Perth Hospital from 1924 to 1941, and Honorary Consultant from 1941 to 1956.
The set includes:
a) Larry's 'Keyhole' Finger Saw - a solid forged metal saw with serrated blade and fixed handle
b) Wood's Jaw Saw - a stainless steel serrated blade with hinged back and handle with opening for fingers.
c) Metacarpal Saw or Finger Saw - a narrow, solid forged saw with serrated blade and horizontal grooves along the length of the handle
d) Hey's Skull Saw - a double-sided saw with two curved, serrated blades rivetted to a stem with diagonal grooves across the handle
e) Capital Saw or Amputation Saw - a stainless steel serrated blade with fixed back, metal handle and two openings for fingers and thumb.
Details
Details
In 1924 Dr Herbert John Gray (b1885 – d1956) was appointed surgeon to the ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Department at the Perth Public Hospital, a position that he held until he retired in 1941.
With the help of another consultant of RPH and a Member of Parliament he was responsible for the passage of the Anatomy Act which was the first practical step taken towards founding a Medical School. This also made it possible to establish a dental facility and later a course in physiotherapy.
The first Anatomy School opened in 1933 in the basement of the old Casualty Block of RPH.
This item is of historic and scientific significance. It forms part of an extensive collection of medical instruments used by Dr Gray at Perth Pubic Hospital from the 1920s to early 1940s. It provides insight into developments in medicine and technology.
