Medical kit used by Ernest Shackleton

Medical kit used by Ernest Shackleton

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Field medical kit in leather wallet, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co., England, used by Sir Ernest Shackleton, 1907

This kit was used by Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922), a British explorer, during his 1907-1909 expedition to the Antarctic, which was his first attempt to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Inside the leather wallet are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product. It is shown here with a 'Tabloid' medicine chest used on the 1910 British Antarctic Expedition (A700020).

Details

Category:
Emergency Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A700031
Materials:
case, leather
Measurements:
overall: 190 mm x 110 mm x 86 mm,
type:
medical emergency kit
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust

Parts

Glass thermometer from Shackleton's medical kit

Glass thermometer from Shackleton's medical kit

Glass thermometer in metal case, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co. England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

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This thermometer was part of the kit used by Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922), a British explorer, during his 1907-1909 expedition to the Antarctic, which was his first attempt to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively.

Also inside the kit bandages, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
case, metal, nickel plated , thermometer, glass and mercury
Object Number:
A700031 Pt1
type:
thermometer
Hazeline cream from Shackleton's medical kit

Hazeline cream from Shackleton's medical kit

Tube of 'Hazeline' cream, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

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'Hazeline' cream was one of Burroughs Wellcome and Co's earliest products. its key ingredient was from the bark of the Hamamelis Virginica, a scrub also known as Virigian witch hazel. Originally used for burns, brusies, scratches and bleeding, Hazeline was later re-branded as a cosmetic.

During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
tube, metal
Object Number:
A700031 Pt2
type:
tubes
Plaster from Shackleton's medical kit

Plaster from Shackleton's medical kit

Paper envelope containing adhesive plaster, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
envelope, paper
Object Number:
A700031 Pt3
type:
envelopes
Plaster from Shackleton's medical kit

Plaster from Shackleton's medical kit

Paper envelope containing court plaster, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

A court plaster is a plaster made from materials like silk with additional substances such as isinglass, a type of collagen.

During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
envelope, paper
Object Number:
A700031 Pt4
type:
envelopes and court plaster
Safety pins from Shackleton's medical kit

Safety pins from Shackleton's medical kit

Paper envelope containing safety pins, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Still sealed in their envleope, it is likely these safety pins were not needed to secure bandages or for first aid. During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
envelope, paper
Object Number:
A700031 Pt5
type:
envelope and safety pins
Bandage from Shackleton's medical kit

Bandage from Shackleton's medical kit

Lint bandage, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Lint bandages are often used to apply to wounds and are absorbent for any bleeding. During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
cotton
Object Number:
A700031 Pt6
type:
bandages
Sulphonal tablets container from Shackleton's medical kit

Sulphonal tablets container from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube for sulphonal tablets, empty, by Burroughs Wellcome, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Sulphonal was a hypnotic medicine, used to induce sleep but could take unexpectedly long to take effect. Prolonged use ot the drug could cause side effects to the stomach and kidneys and could be addictive.

During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
tube, plastic
Object Number:
A700031 Pt7
type:
tubes
Bakelite tube of Paregoric tablets

Bakelite tube of Paregoric tablets

Bakelite tube for Tabloid brand Paregoric tablets with traces remaining. 90 mmx 19 mm diameter, 20g. Printed label reads, 'Burroughs Wellcome & Co./ TABLOID brand/ Paregoric/ one represents/ min. 15.../ of Compound Tincture of Camphor, B.P./...As this preparation contains Opium in/small medicinal doeses, it is labelled POISON...'. By Burroughs Wellcome, English, 1907.

Measurements:
overall: 90 mm 19 mm, 20g
Materials:
trace , bakelite and opium
Object Number:
A700031 Pt8
type:
tube and opium
Iron and arsenic compound tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Iron and arsenic compound tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of iron and arsenic compound tablets, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medicine kit, 1907

Materials:
tube, plastic and contents, tablets, brown
Object Number:
A700031 Pt9
type:
tubes
Quinine tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Quinine tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of quinine bisulphate tablets by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Quinine is more commonly associated as a treatment for malaria but was also used for fevers more generally. However, continued research has shown that quinine kills the parasite responsible for malaria, tackling the cause of the illness rather than the symptons, which include high temperatures and fevers.

During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
tube, plastic and contents, tablets, white
Object Number:
A700031 Pt10
type:
tubes
Soda mint tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Soda mint tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of soda mint tablets by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Soda mint was uses as an antacid and to treat flatuence. It is also known as sodium bicarbonate. During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
A700031 Pt11
type:
tubes
Bakelite tube of Aromatic Powder with Opium

Bakelite tube of Aromatic Powder with Opium

Bakelite tube for Tabloid brand aromatic chalk powder with opium tablets with traces remaining. 90 mmx 20 mm diameter, 20g. Printed label reads, 'Burroughs Wellcome & Co./ TABLOID brand/ Aromatic Chalk with Opium/ (Pulv. Cretae Aromatic cum Opio, P.B.)/ COMPRESSED/ gr. 5...' By Burroughs Wellcome, English, 1907.

Measurements:
overall: 90 mm 20 mm, 20g
Materials:
bakelite , opium and trace
Object Number:
A700031 Pt12
type:
tube and opium
Phenacetin tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Phenacetin tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of phenacetin compound tablets, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

First introduced in 1887, phenacetin was a painkiller and fever reducing medicine. It was one of the first synthetic medicines, being produced purely in a laboratory rather than drawing on the natural world. Painkillers tended to be opium based, with addictive qualities. Phenacetin remained in use for nearly 100 years, when it was withdrawn due to unacceptable side effects.

During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
as part 10
Object Number:
A700031 Pt13
type:
tubes
Potassium chlorate tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Potassium chlorate tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of potassium chlorate tablets, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

Materials:
as part 10
Object Number:
A700031 Pt14
type:
tubes
Sodium salicylate tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Sodium salicylate tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of sodium salicylate tablets by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Sodium salicylate is used as a pain and fever medicine. It can have side effects of nausea, stomach cramps and swelling. Made as a salt of salicylic acid, it is similar in chemical structure to aspirin.

During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
plastic (unidentified
Object Number:
A700031 Pt15
type:
tubes
Ammonium bromide tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Ammonium bromide tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of ammonium bromide tablets, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Ammonium bromide was used as a general sedative, inducing sleep and slowing the activity of the central nervous system.

During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and cascara sagrada tablets (laxatives). Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
A700031 Pt16
type:
tubes
Cascara sagrada tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Cascara sagrada tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of cascara sagrada tablets, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Cascara sagrada is a laxative, derived from the bark of a North American shrub. During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and ginger essense. Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
tube, plastic and contents, tablets, black
Object Number:
A700031 Pt17
type:
tubes
Bismuth and soda tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Bismuth and soda tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of bismuth and soda tablets by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Bismuth and soda were used for the treatmet of hearburn and indigestion. During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and ginger essense. Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
A700031 Pt18
type:
tubes
Ginger essence tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Ginger essence tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of ginger essence tablets, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Ginger essense was used for indgiestion and relieving flatuence. During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and ginger essense. Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
A700031 Pt19
type:
tubes
Bakelite tube for chlorodyne

Bakelite tube for chlorodyne

Cylindrical bakelite tube for Compound Tincture of Chloroform and Morphine (chlorodyne) with traces remaining. 90 mm x 19 mm, 19g. Printed label reads, 'Burroughs Wellcome & Co./ SHAKE THE BOTTLE/ COMPOUND TINCTURE/ of/ CHLOROFORM and MORPHINE/ (chlorodyne)/ POISON/Direction.- For an adult, from five to/ ten minims may be taken in a wineglassful of/water...' By Burroughs Wellcome, English, 1907.

Measurements:
overall: 90 mm 19 mm, 19g
Materials:
bakelite , morphine hydrochloride , chloroform and trace
Object Number:
A700031 Pt20
type:
tube , morphine and chloroform
Boric acid tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Boric acid tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of boric acid tablets, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, from Sir Ernest Shackleton's medical kit, 1907

More

Boric acid was used as a mild antiseptic for burns and wounds. Tablets could be made into a solution and used to clean wounds. During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and ginger essense. Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
A700031 Pt21
type:
tubes
Zinc sulphate tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Zinc sulphate tablets from Shackleton's medical kit

Plastic tube of zinc sulphate tablets, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, used by Sir Ernest Shackelton, 1907

More

Zinc sulphate was used as an astringent to relieve irritation, particularly caused by diarrhoea or dysentry or by gonorrhoea. With tablets dissolved in water, it caused vomiting, when stomach contents needed to be empty quickly.

During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Also included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and ginger essense. Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
A700031 Pt22
type:
tubes
Leather wallet for field medical kit

Leather wallet for field medical kit

Leather wallet for field medical kit, by Burroughs Wellcome and Co, England, used by Sir Ernest Shackelton, 1907

More

During 1907-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and his team, attempted to locate the South Pole. Although he was unsuccessful, he did map some of the area extensively. Included in the kit are bandages, a thermometer, plasters, safety pins and medical treatments of the day, including soda mint and ginger essense. Also paregoric tablets, a pain reliever made from an alcoholic preparation of opium.

Medical equipment, first aid kits and medicine chests like this one were made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co and given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product.

Materials:
leather
Object Number:
A700031 Pt23
type:
wallet