Historical information

Dr. Law's patent medicines were sold in Warrnambool by Richard Kennedy (1826-1903). He was, a wholesale, retail and manufacturing chemist in Timor Street, Warrnambool in 1880 and he had what was described in the "Cyclopedia of Victoria" as "the largest and best appointed pharmacy in Victoria.". Kennedy was the Vice President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria, on the Pharmacy Board and prominent in community affairs in Warrnambool. He was for some time the President of the Mechanics Institute and the Warrnambool Hospital and a foundation member of the Warrnambool Bowls Club. He also made perfumes with many varieties named after people or events of the time -- Federation, Nellie Melba etc. His pharmacy building in Timor Street and his house in Canterbury Road ("Ivanhoe") still stand (2019).
R.F. Kennedy's pharmacy had the sole rights to Dr. Law's products.

Significance

These labels are of importance as R.F. Kennedy was a well acknowledged pharmacist and a prominent business man and citizen of Warrnambool. Dr. Law's products were popular patent medicines in the early 20th century.

Physical description

.1 Rectangular brightly coloured paper label with text and decorations including pillars,flowers, ferns, fruit, a gargoyle and two figures. One edge has been cut.
.2 White rectangular label with blue text adhered to a piece of pink card.
.3 Mid green rectangular label with black text and a yellow circle with text. All edges have been cut.

Inscriptions & markings

.1 Mr LAW'S HEALTH RESTORING LIFE PRESERVER EFFERVESCING Life SALT.
.2 DR.LAW'S NERVE MIXTURE A PERFECT CURE FOR "NEURALGIA." Further text in fine print
.3 DR. LAW'S EFFERVESCING LIFE SALT restores and preserves the health, allays fever, is cooling & refreshing purifies the blood & acts as an exhilarating & invigorating tonic. Manufactured by the Effervescing life Salt Comp.y.(sic) Price 1/6