Page 9 - Pharmacy History 32 July 2007

Pharmacy in Victoria - Who really was the first?
Hidden among the pages of the Australasian Journal of Pharmacy is another story of an early Melbourne pharmacist, Edward Wollaston. The article was written in 1933 as one of a series by William H Elsum, who was the first secretary of the Proprietary Articles Trade Association (PATA) in Victoria.1
EOdward Wollaston
n one of the old maps of the late ‘thirties, prepared by Robert Hoddle and
Robert Russell prior to and following after the first historic land sales, an allotment fronting Collins Street shows the word ‘chemist.’ This is the earliest record of the profession in Victoria, which at that time was, of course, an appendage of New South Wales.
Apart from this vague suggestion, it might be termed authentic records indubitably point to Edward Wollaston as Melbourne’s pioneer pharmacist.
He was born in Switzerland in the year 1836, and commenced the study of chemistry at the Chemical Museum, London. His training must necessarily have commenced at an early age, as it appears that he sailed from England
in the barque Brothers in 1849. He was placed in the care of Dr Hedley during the long voyage to Australia, and reached Port Phillip after an uneventful journey during 1850. After continuing his studies in the infant settlement of Melbourne,
he acted for a number of years as assistant to Mr George Lewis, at what was known as Medical Hall, Collins Street east. Later he became dispenser at the Colonial Hospital, which had been formed from John Batman’s residence which stood on the site which is now occupied by Spencer street railway station.
He was also dispenser to the Police Infirmary during the period when 50 constables arrived from England to form the beginnings of Victoria’s police force.
Edward Wollaston
Another interesting chapter in Edward Wollaston’s history was when he acted as dispenser on the original staff of what, in 1933, was the Women’s Hospital.
During the years 1855-7 he conducted his own business in Melbourne, and at a later period in Ballarat.
It is interesting to note that he was the originator of chemical lighting effects in the early Melbourne theatres, and was also responsible
for the illuminated fountain in the Fountain Court of the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, during the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh during January, 1868.
It is interesting at this date to recall his advertisement circular, which appeared on January 7, 1854.
It is claimed, however, that actually the first chemist to practise in his own business in Melbourne was John (sic) Cade, in Collins street, the premises afterwards being occupied by G Wragge, and then by Henry Francis and Co., at No. 107.
(In the story of Henry Francis in Australia, Wragge purchased the pharmacy off Frederick Cade) 2
Russell Street Dispensary
Edward Wollaston, dispensing chemist, druggist, etc., 130 Russell street, Melbourne.
Four years with G. Lewis, Medical Hall, Melbourne Pure and genuine drugs.
All preparations of London Pharmacopoeia com-pounded, strictly in accordance.
Sole agent for Parr’s, Holloway’s, the Grafenberg and other patent medicines,
a11 of which are warranted genuine.
Rowland’s and GosneIl’s preparations.”
“Good-hugh and Trembath, printers, Flinders lane east, and 174 Elizabeth street, Melbourne.”
(Cont. page 10)
volume 3 ■ no 32 ■ JULY 2007
Pharmacy History Australia ■ 9