American Cystoscope Makers, Inc.; 1908-; Health care manufacturer]]> Charles F. Thackray Ltd.; 1902-1990; Surgical instrument manufacturer]]>
On the lid of the box, there is a small plaque with the embossment ‘Mr. Illingworth.’ in red lettering. Sir Charles Frederick William Illingworth (1899-1990) was Regius Professor of Surgery at the University of Glasgow from 1939. He held this position until he became Emeritus Professor in 1964.

Illingworth was given the title CBE in 1946 and was knighted in 1961. He served as Honorary Surgeon to the Queen in Scotland from 1961-1965 and was made Extra Surgeon to Her Majesty in 1965. He was president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow from 1962-1964.
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Pictured here is an example of a Newman Cystoscope, manufactured by Trotter of Glasgow. A cystoscope is a specialised type of endoscope that is passed through the urethral canal to view the contents of the bladder. ]]> John Trotter Ltd.; 1867-2014; Optician and instrument maker]]>
Gastroscopy today involves examining components of the gastrointestinal system by inserting a wire-like endoscope down the patient’s throat. The endoscope contains a camera and light, and is controlled by the physician performing the examination. The images from the camera are then fed to a monitor screen for visualization.
Rudolf Schindler was the brains behind the first ever semi-flexible gastroscope, created in 1931. He constructed the gastroscope in such a manner that the distal end could be rotated, while the proximal end remained stationary. This allowed easier access to all areas of the stomach.]]> ]]>