Johann August (John) Kruse was instrumental in the development of the pharmaceutical industry and pharmacy training in Victoria. He was a driving force behind the creation of the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria and was appointed a founding member of the Society's inaugural council in 1857. He manufactured many pharmaceuticals and health products such as mineral waters and 'Kruse's Fluid Magnesia' (1863) which is still in use today. He later went on to produce insecticides and dynamite, then established his own analytical chemistry service. In 1878 Kruse established Victoria's first pharmacy training facility - the Melbourne School of Pharmacy. There pharmacy apprentices were taught chemistry, botany, materia medica and Latin, while country students could study by correspondence. The School was endorsed and monitored by the Pharmacy Board of Victoria to which Kruse was appointed in 1880. Kruse's pharmacy school was the forerunner of the Victorian College of Pharmacy, Monash University, which remains Victoria's only pharmacy training institute. In 1853, shortly after qualifying as pharmacist at the University of Göttingen, Johann August (John) Kruse, moved to London. The medical practitioner Dr S. Weil sent Kruse to Victoria, Australia to manage a new pharmacy and tobacconist's shop which he was having built at 136 Bridge Rd in Richmond. In 1856 Kruse opened a second pharmacy 'John Kruse and Company Chemists and Druggists' at 207 Bourke Street. 1857 the Richmond shop was destroyed by fire, so all pharmaceutical production was moved to the Bourke St premises and later to his new location at 184 Bourke St.. Kruse was forced to sell his business in 1868 to Felton Grimwade and Company and work for them as manager of their chemical works. By the early 1870s he had regained financial independence so left the company to establish his own businesses again. He opened up a pharmacy at 31 Swanston St and in c1874 leased Victoria's premier natural springs, Clifton Springs, on the northern side of the Bellarine Peninsula, where he established a bottling plant. Suspensions of magnesium hydroxide in water, often called Milk of Magnesia, are used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid, and as a laxative. Milk of magnesia is sold for medical use as chewable tablets, capsules, and as liquids having various added flavours Kruses Fluid Magnesia 300ml Extralife Kruse’s Fluid Magnesia, Magnesium supplement. Rapidly absorbed, easily digested. Improves general well being, corrects magnesium deficiency. Helps relieve indigestion, when due to acidity. In 1878 Kruse established Victoria's first pharmacy training facility - the Melbourne School of Pharmacy, the forerunner of the Victorian College of Pharmacy, Monash University, which remains Victoria's only pharmacy training institute. A glass bottle containing ‘Kruse’s’ Magnesia’ medicineKRUSE’S / PRIZE MEDAL / MAGNESIA/ K / FELTON-GRIMWADE & CO. MELBOURNE Directions for use ......glass works, pharmaceutical glass, pharmacy, kruse johann august (john), dr weil s, ., victorian college of pharmacy, monash university, university of göttingen, felton grimwade and company, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide