Scrub brush in chrome box

From the middle of the 19^th century, hand antisepsis by the surgeon along with disinfection of the surgical site were considered to be vital in reducing surgical site infection rates.  By the 1930s a 7-minute handwash with soap, water and a brush followed by the application of 70% ethanol and drying with a towel was the recommended pre-surgery protocol. The lidded chrome box for this scrub brush allowed for sterilisation of the brush in between procedures and portability for use in a variety of settings. Disposable brushes or brush-sponges took over from such re-usable brushes from the 1960s onwards. The chrome box is stamped ‘Hatrick London’ - possibly the name of the suppliers.