Victorian Explorer's Medicine Chest

The Romance of Exploration: Tabloid Medicine Chests on Extraordinary Expeditions

We are excited to have added this Victorian Explorers “Tabloid” medical chest by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co to our antique medical collection.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a prominent British pharmaceutical company named Burroughs, Wellcome & Co engaged in a shrewd publicity campaign. They strategically provided their "Tabloid" first-aid kits to accompany various renowned expeditions of the time. This period was marked by media coverage of adventurous journeys to polar regions, British colonies, and high-seas voyages. By associating their medicine chests with these exciting endeavors, Burroughs, Wellcome & Co cleverly capitalized on the public's fascination with exploration. In their advertising, Burroughs Wellcome showcased the Tabloid kits that accompanied notable expeditions, such as:

1. Henry Morgan Stanley "Emin Pasha Relief Expedition 1887-1889"

In 1887, journalist and explorer Henry Morgan Stanley led the arduous Emin Pasha Relief Expedition into the heart of Africa. The mission aimed to rescue German explorer Emin Pasha from an isolated region in the African interior. Throughout this challenging journey, Stanley's team relied on the Tabloid medicine chest from Burroughs, Wellcome Co. to tend to injuries, combat tropical diseases, and address various health concerns. The compact and efficient nature of the medicine kit proved vital in sustaining the health and well-being of the expedition members as they traversed through dense jungles and treacherous terrains.

2. Teddy Roosevelt's 1909 African Expedition

In 1909, former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt embarked on an ambitious African safari expedition, covering an extensive region of East Africa. As an avid hunter, Roosevelt sought to document the region's wildlife while experiencing the thrill of the hunt. Accompanying him on this adventure was the trusty Tabloid medicine chest, ensuring that medical care was readily available during the expedition's challenging escapades. Whether treating injuries sustained during hunts or providing relief from tropical ailments, the medicine kit was an essential companion in safeguarding the well-being of the expedition party.

3. Shackleton's 1908-1909 British Antarctic Expedition

Sir Ernest Shackleton's iconic British Antarctic Expedition of 1908-1909 aimed to reach the South Pole. Although the mission did not achieve its ultimate goal, it remains a legendary tale of human resilience and determination. The Tabloid medicine chest accompanied Shackleton and his team as they faced extreme cold, hunger, and the rigors of Antarctic exploration. The medicines within the kit played a critical role in treating frostbite, infections, and injuries, ensuring that the explorers remained in optimal health during their incredible journey on the icy continent.

4. Captain R F Scott's 1910 Antarctic Expedition

In 1910, Captain Robert Falcon Scott led the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition, with the ambitious goal of being the first to reach the South Pole. Tragically, the expedition ended in heartbreak as Scott and his team succumbed to the harsh Antarctic conditions on their return journey. During this perilous quest, the Tabloid medicine chest provided indispensable medical care to the explorers, offering relief from frostbite, scurvy, and other ailments. The medicine kit, a symbol of hope and preparedness, accompanied the expedition members on their heroic but ultimately tragic journey.

5. Alcock and Brown's 1919 First Transatlantic Flight

In 1919, aviators Sir John Alcock and Sir Arthur Whitten Brown embarked on an audacious mission to make the first non-stop transatlantic flight. Flying from Newfoundland, Canada, to Clifden, Ireland, the daring aviators made history by completing the treacherous journey in just 16 hours. On this pioneering flight, a compact version of the Tabloid medicine chest was onboard, ensuring the aviators had essential medical supplies within reach during their daring and historic venture across the Atlantic.

6. Mount Everest Expedition 1924

In 1924, British mountaineers George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine set out on a Mount Everest Expedition with the ambitious goal of being the first to summit the world's highest peak. Although the ultimate fate of Mallory and Irvine remains a mystery, their quest for the summit was bolstered by the reliable Tabloid medicine chest. This essential medical kit provided them with the means to address altitude-related illnesses and injuries during their momentous attempt to conquer the world's highest summit.

This extensive Room Four example stands out being finished in exotic crocodile leather, suggesting that it was intended for use in a warm climates, perhaps Africa itself ? Closer to home even regular Tabloid chests for consumers' motorcars or yachts became more attractive because they were associated with these adventurous journeys.

 Dimensions: length 42cm x h24cm x w19cm

Condition: battered, used, worn , lock not operating, as found , very rare !

Colour trade advert and advert clipping for illustration purposes only (not included)

Footnote: The brand name "Tabloid" originated from the creative mind of the company's co-founder, Henry Wellcome. It was coined to describe the compressed nature of the pharmaceutical tablets produced by the company. This catchy and modern term was used to market various products, including tea, medicine, and photographic chemicals. Despite Burroughs Wellcome's legal efforts to retain the brand association, the word "Tabloid" eventually lost its exclusive ties to the company and became widely adopted to describe concentrated newspapers sold elsewhere.

 Overseas will require a CITES Certificate - please ask when enquiring about overseas shipping.