Here at the CALHN Health Museum we always look forward to receiving new donations from members of the community. But it is even more special when the donated item is part of global medical history.
The museum catalogue has a range of paraphernalia relating to the creation, development and use of penicillin. This new acquisition further strengthens and broadens the collection, allowing us to more effectively tell the story of penicillin and its impact on modern medicine.
The Donation
Donated by the patient’s son, this item is one of the very first clinically administrated ampoules of penicillin in South Australia.
The box originally contained six ampoules of penicillin “Commonwealth”, with each ampoule containing 100,000 Oxford Units of dried calcium salt of penicillin. The ampoule was part of batch no. C167 and was to be used by 31 August 1946.
It was 14th September 1945, I didn’t want to go to school – Father said “go” so I went. I became increasingly unwell. The teacher thought I was mocking. I collapsed and at lunchtime and went home.
Produced by Commonwealth Serum Laboratories (CSL), which was located in Royal Park, Victoria. CSL was established in 1916 by the Australian government ensure the nation could produce its own medicines rather than rely on overseas suppliers. During the First World War, Australia became increasingly isolated as shipping routes were reduced, redirected, or restricted. This highlighted the need for Australia to be self-reliant in the production of essential supplies, including medicines.
Mother sent me to the doctor. I was wracked by spasms as well as jaws locking – the doctor sent me home to have an antiphlogistine poultice placed on the back of my neck. Father, who was a big man, brought the doctor to our house and very soon I was on my way to the RAH.
The box of ampoules was administered by hospital staff at the Royal Adelaide Hospitals for patient Eugene Philip McInerney. Eugene was 16 years old at the time and had been bitten by his pet rabbit. Eugene did not tell anyone about his bite and did not see a doctor directly afterward which lead to contracting tetanus. While in hospital, Eugene had 3,000,000 units of penicillin injected into his arms and legs in amounts of 20,000 units over a three-week period. He also received 600,000 units of anti-tetanus serum, 200,000 of which was administered upon his arrive on 14 September 1945.
The doctor decided to inject penicillin because I was gone for all money. It hadn’t been tried before but was a success.
What makes this donation particularly special is that it was produced and administered during the early and experimental days of penicillin use. Eugene was one of the first few to receive the lifesaving injection in the state. He was able to keep the box and the ampoule as a memento of his place in medical history. Eugene credited penicillin with saving his life and remained deeply grateful to the staff of the Royal Adelaide Hospital for the rest of his life.
I am extremely grateful to the doctor who made the decision. I had been extremely lucky.
To further explore the museum’s collection and other items relating to the discovery and use of penicillin, click HERE
If you would like to donate any paraphernalia relating to CALHNs network, we would love to hear from you on health.rahheritageoffice@sa.gov.au or 8222 1444
Written by Anna Grigoriev, CALHN Health Museum
