Sims speculum used by Dr Geoffrey Davis
Object No. 2000/121/5
The Sims vaginal speculum, along with other gynaecological instruments, was used in the 1960s by Dr Geoffrey Davis, who specialised in abortion. Until abortion became lawful in New South Wales in 1971, the procedure was usually discreetly carried out by medical specialists in consulting rooms or clinics in the city. Dr Davis had clinics in two Sydney suburbs, Potts Point and Arncliffe Originally trained as an anaesthetist, Dr Davis is well known, in Sydney and internationally, for his involvement with the termination of pregnancy. As well as opening the clinics in Sydney in the 1960s Dr Davis worked with Population Services International, the International Fertility Research Program, and the International Planned Parenthood Federation in developing countries such as Bangladesh and India. Abortion has been used by most cultures throughout history as a way of controlling fertility. In the late 20th/ early 21st century it is the most frequently performed surgical operation in the world. The Sims speculum from a prominent advocate and practitioner of pregnancy termination, along with the other instruments from his clinics, form a significant component of the Powerhouse Museum's collection of birth control material.
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Summary
Object Statement
Speculum, gynaecological surgical instrument, 'Sims', metal, Eschmann, England, date unknown, used Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1960-1980
Physical Description
Gynaecological surgical instrument, Sims speculum, metal, made by Eschmann, England, United Kingdom, date unknown, used Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1960-1980. Sims speculum, a curved, 'u' shaped surgical instrument. This speculum was donated by Dr Geoffrey Davis from amongst the instruments that he used for termination of pregnancy (abortion) at his clinics.
DIMENSIONS
Width
35 mm
Depth
85 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
This speculum is inscribed 'Eschmann England' suggesting that it was made by the company known as Eschmann Equipment. The Sims speculum was presumably used by Dr Geoffrey Davis in his clinic in the 1960s and 1970s.
HISTORY
Notes
Originally trained as an anaesthetist, Dr Geoffrey Davis is well known for his involvement with the termination of pregnancy. As well as opening clinics in the 1960s in the Sydney suburbs of Potts Point and Arncliffe, Dr Davis has worked with Population Services International, the International Fertility Research Program, and the International Planned Parenthood Federation in developing countries such as Bangladesh and India. When he was close to retirement in 1995 Dr Davis lent items of his own equipment to the Powerhouse Museum for the 'Taking precautions' exhibition, and subsequently donated them to the museum's collection. The donation included this Sims speculum. The Sims speculum was presumably used by Dr Geoffrey Davis in his clinic in the 1960s and 1970s.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Dr Geoffrey Davis
Acquisition Date
23 November 2000
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