Medicine chest of Aberdeen White Star Line vessel SAMUEL PLIMSOLL

Maker Sparks Treharne and Sons

Date1899

Object numberV00033620

NameMedicine chest

MediumWood, metal, fabric

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis medicine chest came from the Aberdeen White Star Line vessel, the SAMUEL PLIMSOLL. The teak chest was manufactured and fitted out by Sparks Treharne and Sons, London in 1899 to replace the ship's original medicine chest which was lost in a fire. The hinged lid opens to reveal a chest of 52 bottle compartments, containing 59 pharmaceutical bottles. Underneath the bottle compartment a lower drawer contains miscellaneous items including women's tonic, bandages, a prescriptions book and other bottles, newspaper clippings and unidentified medicines. The chest contains both original and replaced medicines. Brown bottles contain poisonous substances, transparent bottles contain non-poisonous substances.