Medicine chest used on Scott’s Antarctic Expedition of 1910, England, 1900-1910
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This kit was used on Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic Expedition of 1910. Better known as Scott of the Antarctic, it was his second attempt to locate the South Pole. Scott and his small team successfully reached the pole, but only after a rival expedition had got there first. Scott and his men died on their way back. The kit contains treatments and medicines used at the time, such as Aspirin and opium tablets (for pain relief), caffeine, which was used as a stimulant, and bandages, plasters and eye patches. ‘Tabloid’ medicine chests made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co were given to influential people and explorers in an attempt to advertise the product. It is shown here with a first aid kit used by Ernest Shackleton (A700031).
Object number:
A700020
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: medicine chest
Small chests fitted for bottles and intended to hold medical supplies; of a type made in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Glossary: exploration
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