Preview
Contributor
Tate Archives & Special Collections
Contributor Institution
Illinois Wesleyan University
Creation Date
5-1930
Document Type
Image
Description
This box contains three sets of historical medical items, each with a unique story. The first set is a gift presented to Mary Brave, a graduating nurse from the class of 1929. It consists of an organized collection of surgical instruments housed in a neatly arranged leather holder. The second set belonged to Velma Arnold, a nurse from the 1930s. Unlike the first collection, this set includes a variety of medical tools, some of which are specifically designed for dental procedures. Lastly, the box holds two engraved pins once owned by Mary Brave, class of 1929. Though broken, these pins are engraved with her name and the emblem of the Brokaw School of Nursing.
Primary Source Analysis
The black leather medical kit provides a glimpse into historical surgical practices and the portability of medical tools. The case is stamped with the name Mary Brave and the inscription "Compliments of Drs. Chapin, Hart & Hawks." This suggests it may have been a personalized gift or a professional toolset provided by these doctors. Inside, the kit contains precision surgical instruments, including scissors, forceps, a scalpel, and a syringe-like instrument, all neatly organized in elastic loops.
Portable medical kits like this one were essential for field doctors and home visits, particularly before the widespread use of hospitals for minor procedures. The sleek black leather case and polished metal tools reflect the professional standards of the time, emphasizing cleanliness, organization, and efficiency. This medical kit illustrates how early healthcare professionals worked in both formal and informal settings, carrying essential tools to provide treatment outside hospital walls. While modern medical kits now use disposable instruments and plastic cases, the core purpose remains unchanged. Making life-saving tools highly accessible wherever they are needed. This artifact serves as a tangible reminder of past medical practices, the evolution of surgical equipment, and the dedication of healthcare professionals who relied on these tools.
Rights
For rights information, contact Tate Archive and Special Collections at archives@iwu.edu
Source
18: 7/3/2 School of Nursing - Memorabilia school of nursing Mary Brave Class of 1929, Velma Arnold Class of 1930
Keywords
Nursing, Tools, School of Nursing