The Collectors
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Episode 42, Friday 28 November 2008
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This passionate collector really goes for the doctor, with a 2000-strong collection of medical objects from the 1800s to the present day.
Starting with an existing collection from a retiring doctor friend, General Practitioner Dr John Fluit has amassed this immense and diverse collection which represents the inventiveness and courage of doctors who have battled disease and injury for centuries. Some of it is frightening, all of it is inspiring. The star is the pearl-handled chain-saw - for bones.
His favourite object is a little spitoon which was popular in the awful days of TB. Well-to-do folk would discretely use the spitoon to dispose of coughed-up spittle.
The collection is held at the Newcastle Medical Museum and is open to the public, with donations going to the Christian Mission International. John has raised a significant amount of money for this charity.
Address: 92 Elder St, Lambton, NSW 2299 (the Museum is in a room above John’s surgery.)
