`Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909 (originally catalogued as 1911), made by Burroughs Wellcome and Co., 1900-1909
What is more dangerous, a lion or a mosquito? If you went big game hunting in Africa a hundred years ago you took plenty of guns and ammunition, but also a good supply of quinine. The drug had long been essential for travellers braving malaria-infested parts of the world and this medicine chest was particularly well stocked.
It was taken to Africa by former US President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt and his expedition in 1909. How do we know they encountered malaria? The chest originally contained six bottles of plain and ‘sugar coated’ quinine tablets, an anti-malarial drug used to treat established infections. Four bottles remain but only two have any contents left, suggesting the expedition got through the rest.
Another bottle of pills bears the curious name ‘Livingstone Rouser’, based on an original recipe developed by the missionary and explorer David Livingstone sixty years earlier. By combining quinine with laxatives such as rhubarb, Livingstone found that the drug helped to ‘rouse’ his body against the fever. It probably just relieved the main side effect of quinine – constipation.
With malarial mosquitoes tackled, how did the lions fare? Roosevelt and his companions were meant to be on a scientific collecting expedition for the Smithsonian Institute, but they hunted on a grand scale. He’d spared the life of a bear during a trip in 1902, sparking the soft toy trend we know as the teddy bear. But among the thousands of animals killed on this trip were several white rhinos – rare even then – one of which Roosevelt shot as it slept.
"Tabloid" opium from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt
Clear glass, square-based bottle, with glass stopper and paper labels, containing 'Tabloid' brand Opium, gr.1. Manufactured by Burroughs, Welcome and Company. The directions state; 'One to two may be swallowed with a little water'. The label warns be taken with great Caution'. The bottle is labelled a poison.
Glass bottle with round glass stopper full of `Tabloid' brand Dover powder tablets (opium and ipecac). 110 mm x 40 mm x 40 mm, 177 g. Produced by Burroughs Wellcome and Co., London, 1900-1909.
`Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
This chest was given to Teddy (Theodore) Roosevelt (1858-1919), the 26th President of the United States. When Roosevelt’s presidential term ended in 1909, he went on safari to Africa to hunt game. He also brought back specimens for the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. As malaria was common in Africa, the case is full of quinine based anti-malaria products – many of which have been used.
Burroughs, Wellcome & Co gave ‘Tabloid’ medicine chests filled with the company’s products to influential people and high profile expeditions in a shrewd attempt to advertise their product.
Medicine shaker from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Steel medicine shaker from `Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Glass bottle for medicine shaker from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Glass bottle for steel medicine shaker from `Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Iodoform gauze from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Pleated compressed Iodoform gauze from `Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Two compresses from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Two compresses from `Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid Quinine Bihydrochloride sugar-coated tablets from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Larger sized cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' Quinine Bihydrochloride sugar coated tablets from `Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid Quinine Bihydrochlor. from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Larger sized cuboid bottle that once contained 'Tabloid' Quinine Bihydrochlor. (Acid quinine hydrochloride) from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid bismuth subnitrate from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' bismuth subnitrate from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid "Empirin" (acetylsalicylic acid) compound from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' "Empirin" (Acetylsalicylic Acid) compound from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid compressed digitalin from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' compressed digitalin from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid calomel from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' calomel from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid capiscum from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' capiscum tablets. Each tablet contains the solid ingredients of capiscum tincture, USP. From 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid arsenious iodide gr 1/21 and mecuric iodide gr 1/21 from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' arsenious iodide gr 1/21 and mecuric iodide gr 1/21. From 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid compressed Thymol from chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' compressed Thymol. From 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Soloid corrosive sublimate (antiseptic) from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Soloid' corrosive sublimate (antiseptic). From 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid Quinine and Rhubarb compound, "Livingstone Rouser" from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' quinine and rhubarb compound, 'Livingstone Rouser'. From 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid bismuth subnitrate from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' bismuth subnitrate. From 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of Tabloid sodium bromide compound from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Cuboid bottle containing 'Tabloid' sodium bromide compound. From 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Two loose pills from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Two loose pills from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' aconite tincture USP from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' Aconite Tincture USP from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' potassium iodide from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' potassium iodide from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' calomel from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' calomel from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' trinitrin from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' trinitrin from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' Blaud pill compound from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' Blaud pill compound from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' Empirin (Acetylsalicylic acid) from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' Empirin (acetylsalicylic acid) from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' compressed keratin-coated ipecacuanha from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' compressed keratin-coated ipecacuanha from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Empty bottle for novaspirin capsules from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Empty bottle for novaspirin capsules from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Empty bottle for compressed sodium bicarbonate from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Empty bottle for compressed sodium bicarbonate from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Empty bottle for novaspirin capsules from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Empty bottle for novaspirin capsules from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' antifebrin capsules (acetanilide) from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' antifebrin capsules (acetanilide) from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' Blaud Pills from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' Blaud Pills from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' hexamethylenamine with sodium acid phosphate from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' hexamethylenamine with sodium acid phosphate from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Soloid' potassium permanganate from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Soloid' potassium permanganate from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' antifebrin compound (acetanilide) from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' antifebrin compound (acetanilide) from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Empty bottle for quinine bihydrochloride from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Empty bottle for quinine bihydrochloride from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' quinine bihydrochlor. (Acid qunine bihydrochloride) from medicine chest used by Teddy Roosevelt.
Bottle of 'Tabloid' quinine bihydrochlor. (Acid qunine bihydrochloride) from 'Tabloid' medicine chest in metal case, containing materia medica in glass stoppered jars (Pts 4 - 38), by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, London, England, 1900-1909. Used by Teddy Roosevelt on African Expedition, 1909.