In the century before last, home and camping first-aid kits in the form of lockers with various powders and tinctures in jars were popular in Europe. This first aid kit was made and assembled in London in 1836 by Thomas Keating & Co and Chemists & Druggists, and was later transported to Australia. Inside, all the contents were preserved: containers with medicines and medical instruments.
Treatment methods in those days were different from modern ones. Some of these powders were only taken to induce vomiting or diarrhea. Medicines were used for even the most minor complaints such as indigestion or coughing. This portable first aid kit was ideal for long journeys and contained everything you need to provide first aid on the road.
The rise in popularity of these lockers reflects changes in healthcare throughout the 19th century. The middle class gained access to numerous tinctures and powders. Although traditional remedies, passed down from generation to generation in families, remained in use, preference was given to new medicines. Despite the abundance of vials, many of these drugs only improved health before the arrival of the doctor, and did not solve the problem. Here are ether, camphor, laudanum (opium tincture in alcohol) and much more.
The first aid kit is made of cedar, equipped with two doors and several drawers. All space is used to the maximum: jars are in drawers, on shelves inside the cabinet and on the doors. Behind is another compartment with five vials. Among the tools are a mortar, pestle, scales and weights. The containers are labeled with the name of the contents. When the medicine ran out, the bottle was not thrown away, but taken to the pharmacy to replenish the supply.
