Medicine bottle from the BURRUMBEET
Date1870 - 1900
Object number00005898
NameBottle
MediumGlass
DimensionsOverall: 104 mm, 0.15 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionAn empty glass bottle from the medicine chest ( 00005897) used by the chief engineer on the BURRUMBEET.
One of six empty glass bottles in the chest.HistoryThe chest was believed to have been used by the original owner, the Chief Engineer on board the SS BURRUMBEET, an Australian coastal steamer, and also during service in Jamaica (although details about the Jamaican route are unknown).
The BURRUMBEET ,a Huddart-Parker steamer, served on the east coast of Australia between 1884-1915 .The BURRUMBEET worked the NSW coal run until 1889 when it inaugurated the Melbourne/Launceston sheep trade with its sister ship the ELINGAMITE .
SignificanceThe chest represents 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 on board, 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. 
1880-1900
