Medical devices before plastic

Today, plastic has evolved to become one of the most important materials in the healthcare sector. However, a rare display of medical devices looks back at life in medicine before plastic was commercialised for widespread healthcare use.

The museum, which has opened at Manchester Central Library in the UK is home to a range of exhbitis, including hearing and visual aids, glass devices, silver and ceramics and a special display of packaging.

The items on display have been collected by the University of Manchester over the last 150 years, and have rarely been seen by the public. Some of the highlights include a Second World War Penicillin syringe made from the oil can of a Bren gun, a delftware ceramic jar used for storing drugs dating from the 1700s, hearing aids spanning several decades including bejewelled ones made to look like hair clips and illustrations by the renowned medical artist Dorothy Davison. 

The exhibition’s curator Dr Jenna Ashton said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to see some really fascinating medical equipment. We’re also really pleased to have the images on display from our project.”

Jenna added: “It’s been an interesting experience putting the collection together for display in the newly refurbished library with its circular space.”

“Artefacts and Experiences, Reframing Narratives Across Medicine and Health” runs until November 7 and is part of the Manchester Science Festival, proudly supported by MOSI.