A Special Remedy. A statement by Dr. Cumpston : Influenza epidemic

Author Dr John Howard Lidgett Cumpston (Australian, 1880 - 1954)

Date1916-1919

Object number00033644

NameNewspaper clipping

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 122 x 72 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

For sickness and health - medicine in the collection

Terms

Australia

DescriptionThis newspaper clipping came from the medicine chest of the Aberdeen White Star Line vessel, the SAMUEL PLIMSOLL. The clipping outlines a potential influenza remedy from Dr Cumpston, Director of Quarantine. John Howard Lidgett Cumpston (1880-1954) wrote extensively on influenza and maritime quarantine issues in Australia. This article relates to the trials of calcium lactate and flu vaccine treatment at the quarantine station at North Head, Sydney. The paper points out that Dr Cumpston is "not officially claiming any special value for this line of treatment but was carefully investigating the merits of this method."HistoryWhile the global outbreaks of pneumonic influenza were known in Australia by September 1918, Australians had yet to be fearful. As soldiers returned from Europe however the possibility of the flu's arrival seemed imminent. In October 1918, it had arrived in New Zealand and on the 25 October 1918 a ship arrived in Sydney from New Zealand with infected passengers on board. Prepared, all passengers were confined at the North Head quarantine station in Sydney. But by January 1919 at least 326 cases and 49 deaths, had been reported at the station. The influenza inevitably spread and in January 1919, as cases were identified outside the quarantine station, the NSW Government took its first steps in attempting to contain the disease by closing of all “libraries, schools, churches, theatres, public halls, and places of indoor resort for public entertainment”. Further restrictions on business, gatherings and transport swiftly followed including mandatory mask wearing. By the end 1919 over 12,000 Australians had died of pneumonia influenza. SignificanceMedicine chests associated with immigrant ships to Australia, like this one, are exceedingly rare. Medicine chests of this period highlight the state of medical knowledge and Government regulations at the time. They were comprehensive and properly packed for the voyage by the Apothecaries Company, ensuring they had the best quality products.