Historical information
Henry Francis was previously in business at the goldfields at Ballarat, before coming to Melbourne in 1856.
TROVE : Advocate (Melbourne, Vic. : 1868 - 1954), Saturday 19 July 1879, page 11.
H. F R A N C I S & CO (Late FRANCIS & SWIFT) DISPENSING AND FAMILY CHEMISTS, M , 31 BOURKE ST. EAST, Melbourne. IMPORTERS OF Drugs, Chemicals, Patent Medicines, Surgical Instruments, And Surgical and Medical Appliances generally, H, FRANCIS & Co. solicit attention to their large and complete stock of WATER AND AIR-PROOF GOODS, Beds, Cushions, Mattresses. Pillows, Hot Water Bottles, Bed Sheeting, Portable Baths, Elastic Stockings, Ladies' Abdominal Belts, Shoulder Braces, Trusses, &c., Which, owing to their buying Direct from the Manufacturer, through their London agents, they are now able to supply at much' more reasonable rates than have hitherto obtained. THE GERMAN & FRENCH MINERAL WATERS Hunyadi Janos, Friedrichshall, Carlebad, Vichy, Pullna, Vale, &c., &c., Continually in stock, and supplied in quantities to suit purchasers. DISPENSARY AND RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT: 31 Bourke Street East; Melbourne. Wholesale Laboratory—Dawson Place, Swanston St, MEDICINE CHESTS SUPPLIED & REFITTED.
TROVE : Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Thursday 17 January 1957, page 9
'ANTINOIS EAR PLUGS
Ensure mental rest; soothe the nerves in factories, plane, or train travel 3 pairs, 2/6, post free H. Francis & Co., Box 5Ó2H, Melb.'
Physical description
Aqua tinted clear glass rectangular with angled corners in section bottle for stopper seal, with graduations on two sides for dosage quantities. Embossed text on front , angled sides and base.
Inscriptions & markings
Embossed on base 'K' over '4616'. On one angled side graduation marks for one tablespoon doses, on other side graduation marks for two tablespoon doses, on front 'H. FRANCIS & Co'.
References
- Title Museum Victoria Collection, Item HT 25020 The Henry Francis Chemist business has a long, well respected history in Melbourne, and it made a range of products through its history, including cough lozenges and vitamins. The business began in 1860 when Henry Francis bought a pharmacy in Bourke Street, Melbourne. This pharmacy passed to Henry's son George. In 1919 David Cossar bought the business from George Francis. Subsequently the Henry Francis Chemists business was passed down through the Cossar family until around the end of the twentieth century. By 1972 there were 25 Henry Francis branded pharmacies across five Australian states, with 15 of these attached to Myer department stores. In 1982 Henry Francis Chemists became a franchise and the pharmacies were operated outside the Cossar family.Title
