Page 6 - Pharmacy History 33 November 2007

Peter Lynch M.P.S. – (Researcher).
Prior to the year 1876 Henry James Fisher and his partner conducted the pharmacy of Martin and Fisher at 19 Hunter Street, Sydney
Interestingly enough this pharmacy was just across Hunter Street from 86 where John Tawell opened the first retail pharmacy in the colony of New South Wales in February 1820:
In October 1876, Henry Fisher opened his own pharmacy at 337 George Street, Sydney and from
this address he started packing and marketing a range of Homoeopathic remedies as well as a number of household remedies such as Fishaphos Nerve Tonic, Phospherine Drops, Beauty Liver Pills and Teething Powders.
The Pharmacy also boasted an American style soda fountain offering cold fruit juices, Malted Milk and even Ice Cream.
After twenty years of considerably hard work Fisher sold the business in 1896 to William Morton Stevenson, a master jeweler late of Stevenson Bros, Adelaide.
Stevenson , not being a pharmacist registered the name Fisher & Co, with its signature trademark.
In November 1892, Stevenson’s son Stirling joined the staff of Fisher & Co to learn all about the business and when his father died in January 1916 he was able to competently take over the management of a large enterprise for those times..
In 1842 the next generation of Stevensons, twin sons, Stirling Morton and Douglas William Stevenson
in 1942 joined the Company after their, graduation from the School of Pharmacy, Sydney University..
Mr.S,M. Stevenson was responsible for the firm’s entry into tablet production and ably assisted in the management of the business until his untimely death in November, 1962 leaving his brother to continue as the pharmacy manager.
‘The closure of the pharmacy in January, 1965 was brought about by the purchase of the premises by the Sydney County Council Electricity Supply, The manufacturing division was then transferred to 17 May Street, St. Peters: with Mr. Stirling Stevenson continuing as General Manager until his death in February, 1966 after devoting 63 years to the business.
His surviving son Douglas continued to manage the business until he retirement in March, 1974 and the brand name and some formulas such as Fishaphos Capsules and Drops were bought by Drug Houses of Australia which later became Felton Grimwade & Bickford, who continue to market the products today using a contract manufacturer.
Uncle George and Aunty Mabel, Fainted at the breakfast table.
This they took to be a warning.
Not to do it in the morning.
But “Phospherine” has set them right, Now they do it morn and night. Uncle George is hoping soon
To function in the afternoon.
(Sign in a window display for “:Fishaphos” 1956)
6 ■ Pharmacy History Australia
volume 4 ■ no 34 ■ February 2008