Historical information

Sigma Co. Ltd. (now known as Sigma Healthcare) was founded in 1912 by Melbourne Pharmacists Edwin Church and Ernest Leete and has since grown to become one of Australia's leading pharmaceutical retailers. Initially driven by the high prices of wholesale drugs and medicines, Church and Leete established Sigma as a manufacturer of medicinal products which could be sold only to paying subscribers. In 1913, it was decided that Sigma would open its markets to non-member pharmacies and retailers, although WWI caused production to falter. Over the following decade, the company grew, resulting in a restructuring in 1927 and the acquisition of small chemist manufacturing firm, Tromax Co. Ltd., who were struggling financially.

For centuries, camphor has been used a folk medicine, likely used as a decongestant as well as a treatment for sprains and inflammation. In the 1900s, camphor was used as an analeptic by injection and was also used to induce seizures in schizophrenic patients in an attempt to cure psychosis. Camphorated oil, as was once present in this bottle, was composed of 20% camphor in cottonseed oil. It was rubbed into the skin as a topical medicine to treat itching from minor skin irritation. In 1947, a competitor's 1 oz. bottle of Camphorated oil was sold at a maximum of 8 dimes.

The makers mark indicates that this bottle was manufactured in 1935 by Australian Glass Manufacturers (AGM).

Significance

This item is an excellent example of a popular household medication used for common ailments such as itching and skin irritation. It was sold for use over a wide area of Melbourne and beyond, aiding inhabitants of the local area.

Physical description

This item is a truncated triangular glass bottle with a rusted metal lid attached. A primarily yellow label with red and blue details wraps around the front three faces of the bottle, displaying use instructions and warnings. On the rear of the bottle are two grids containing thirty crosses each and embossed text. There is also embossed text on the base. Inside the bottle, some liquid and solid residue remains.

Inscriptions & markings

Label, printed: "TROMAX / CAMPHORATED / OIL / Adult: Rub briskly on part affected. Infant: Use gentle massage. / 1 oz. NETT / SIGMA CO LTD. / MELBOURNE"
Logo printed on front label: "TROMAX"
Embossed underneath label on front face: "5"
Left face of label, printed: "CAUTION: Use strictly in accordance with the directions."
Right face of label, printed: "For External Use Only."
Rear, embossed in glass: "NOT TO BE TAKEN"
Base, embossed in glass: "[GM?] / F1092 / 5 M"