Collection

Since its inception in 1967, the Medical History Museum has developed a diverse and varied collection of over 13,000 items encompassing documents, photographs, artefacts, artworks, ceremonial objects, medical and scientific equipment and associated research material. The collection has grown through gifts from medical graduates, families and institutions. The core of the collection began with material related to the history of the Melbourne Medical School but has expanded over the years through major gifts to encompass the history of medicine in Victoria, Australia and internationally.

Medicine chest, Australia, c. 1890; wood, metal, glass, pottery, chamois, paper and pharmaceuticals, 25.2 x 46.0 x 28.0 cm. Gift of Dr S Peters, 1977, Medical History Museum, MHM04341

Explore the collection

Browse and search our online database to find out about the Medical History Museum, Henry Forman Atkinson Museum and Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology collections

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Explore the Australian Medical Association Archive Index

Browse the AMA Archive index to find a range of material from photographs, manuscripts, articles, newspaper cuttings and other material tracing the contributions of doctors based in Victoria.

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Medical registration certificate for Harry Brookes Allen (1854-1926), 1890, paper, ink, wax, 18.3 x 26.6 cm. Medical History Museum, MHM00895
Installation view: Savory and Moore Pharmacy, Medical History Museum, The University of Melbourne

Discover the Savory and Moore Pharmacy

The Medical History Museum houses the former 19th century English pharmacy’s fixtures and fittings

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Research the collection

The Medical History Museum offers opportunities for students, staff and researchers to gain access to and learn more about the collection.

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William Stone, Henry J Grayson with his micro-ruling engine, c. 1912; photograph from negative plate; glass, paper and card, 12.6 x 17.3 cm. Gift of the estate of Mrs M Murray, Medical History Museum, MHM00139
Penny & Son, 'Dr Beaney' (James George Beaney (1828-1891)), c. 1870; gypsum, paint; 25.0 x 12.1 x 11.8 cm. Gift of the estate of Dr RL Fulton, 1966, Medical History Museum, MHM00057

Support the collection

We are always interested in new items and information to enhance the collection, and welcome all kinds of support to continue collection development

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Covid-19 Collecting

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences museum want to collect material that will record the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in our community of students, staff, researcher, and colleagues in the health sector, to tell the stories of this moment in the time for future generations. How has this pandemic transformed our lives?

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Ambulance drivers posed in front of ambulance, Ballarat Influenza epidemic, c.1919, 8.5 x 14.0 cm. Medical History Museum, MHMA2025.4