C.J. Cahill's bottle of Friar's Balsam
Datec 1926
Object number00005903
NameBottle
MediumGlass, paper
DimensionsOverall: 93 x 33 x 30 mm, 0.1 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionBottle of Friar's Balsam perpared by C.J. Cahill of Tamworth. Glass bottle and stopper, label reads 'Friar's Balsam highest chemical quality C.J. Cahill, M.P.S. Ph. C. By exam. Syd. Univ. 1st place NSW. Final exam. Prescription specialist tel. Tam. 5 Tamworth, NSW'. Found in medicine chest used by the chief engineer on the BURRUMBEET.HistoryFriar's Balsam (Compound Benzoin Tincture) contains, in addition, Cape aloes or Barbados aloes and storax resin. It was invented by Joshua Ward around 1760 and is still in production today for use on skin fissures, canker sores and blisters as a styptic and antiseptic.
SignificanceThe bottle is part of a chest that reflects the changing role of officers who served in the Merchant Marine during the mid to late 19th century. There was no requirement for a surgeon to be onboard, so commissioned officers were responsible for performing minor medical tasks. In the case of the BURRUMBEET, the pharmaceuticals were weighed and administered by the Chief Engineer, the original owner of the chest. 
