Historical information

Prior to the first antivenom development in Australia, many of the snake men had a vast array of snakebite remedies they either used for themselves in the case of bites or pedaled to the public. Treatments such as ammonia, strychnine, chlorinated lime, potassium permanganate, suction caps, alcohol, gunpowder, petrol, toad urine, iodide swabs and pig face plant juice were some that were used and sold. The first antivenom produced in Australia was in 1930 for tiger snake bites. Subsequently, in response to public pressure, other antivenoms were produced. Taipan, 1955; Brown snake, 1956; Death Adder, 1958; Papuan black snake, 1959; Sea snake, 1961;
and the polyvalent, 1962.

Physical description

Black box with hinged opening and gold leaf printed text on the top. Inside the box is lined with blue satin and velvet, and contains one (1) syringe with glass chamber and metal plunger and black rubber stopper, one (1) glass bottle with a label stating it contains chloride of lime, one (1) glass bottle with a label stating it contains pure alcohol and two (2) needles with metal connectors, one of which is broken. There is also a small wooden block with a groove in the top of it.

Inscriptions & markings

Gold lettering on top of box: CHLORIDE OF LIME ANTIDOTE / FOR / SNAKE BITE / FELTON GRIMWADE & CO. / MELBOURNE.