Description: Mouth gag.

Caption: When soap is rubbed onto the copper and it is heated in a fire the soap begins to dry out and then burn. When it is quite black the copper is dipped into water (quenched). This returns the metal to a pliable state. This has been done so often to this instrument that it has destroyed its original nickel plating.

Introduction: This instrument is a smaller form of GLAHM 113254 but has copper tips with bulbous ends. Copper is malleable so that it is easily shaped but it work hardens (becomes stiff when bent) and so requires to be heated until it is hot. Metal workers use soap to test when the right temperature has been achieved.

Background: The most common operations in children which required this mouth gag are ones that are familiar to us today, a tonsillectomy ( removal of infected lymph glands at the back of the throat) or an adenoidectomy (the removal of an enlarged lymph gland at the back of the nose).

Historical Context: Donation by the Department of Clinical Pysics & Bioengineering, University of Glasgow - Where: University Avenue, Glasgow, Scotland

Historical Context: Donation to the Hunterian Museum - Who: Davison, Malcolm, Dr The Department of Clinical Physics & Bio-Engineering

Historical Context: Donation to the Hunterian Museum by the Department of Clinical Physics & Bio-Engineering - When: March 29, 1993

Historical Context: Manufacture - When: circa 1900 - Where: 65 Renfield Street, Glasgow, Scotland - Who: W. B. Hilliard & Sons

Historical Context: Owned by Rankin - When: 1921-1929 - Where: Glasgow, Scotland

Historical Context: Owner - Who: Mr William Rankin (Surgeon)

Historical Context: Owner and user at Glasgow's Western Infirmary, Sick Children's Hospital and the Dispensary - Who: Mr James, H. Nicoll (1863-1921) Surgeon to Glasgow's Sick Children's Hospital and and Dispensary Surgeon

Historical Context: Used by Nicoll - Where: Scotland, Glasgow's Western Infirmary, Sick Children's Hospital and the Dispensary

Historical Context: Used by Nicoll at Glasgow's Western Infirmary, Sick Children's Hospital and the Dispensary - When: 1894-1921