No more than any other couch that you have accepted over the years. I
wouldn't worry about it.
Alan Hawk
Historical Collections
National Museum of Health and Medicine, AFIP
Bldg 54, Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Washington, DC 20306-6000
phone: 202.782.2205 fax: 202.782.3573
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-----Original Message-----
From: Robyn Waymouth [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2002 7:53 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: 19th cent doctor's couch
Hello,
The Archives and Museum here has just been offered a late 19th century
obstetrician's examination couch. It's of timber construction with a
padded leather top. I'm wondering if there are any health implications
that I should be concerned about. Do any of the nasties that may have
found their way into the leather or timber pose any risks to anyone
handling it now? I'll get a conservator to advise me on general cleaning,
maintenance, etc, but I don't want to revitalise any long dormant microbes.
If any one has any thoughts on this, please contact me.
Thank you,
Robyn Waymouth
Archivist
Royal Women's Hospital
132 Grattan Street
Carlton 3053
Victoria Australia
Phone: 03 9344 2032
Facimile: 03 9348 1840
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