Set of thin circular spring pessaries covered with rubber, 19 sizes, personal collection of F.T. Burkith, English, 1925-1960

A pessary can be a device to support the vagina or rectum, a form of contraception, or a medical treatment. However, these examples probably measured women for diaphragms. The box contains 19 sizes to fit the patient. Each is individually marked. A diaphragm is a dome-shaped disc that covers the cervix. Sperm is prevented from entering the uterus, preventing pregnancy. This set came from the personal collection of F T Burkitt (1881-1961). He was a British surgeon and radiologist during the 1920s.