A Fatal Error

How a terrible mistake cost a life and changed the law. OFFICIAL NOTIFICATIONS. [From today’s Government Gazette.] MEDICAL BOARD. – Henry Duckers and Robert James Hance, of Brisbane; and James Wilkinson, of Townsville, have been admitted as chemists and druggists. The Brisbane Courier, July 8, 1882. Sophia Jacobi’s baby James Francis Jacobi turned seven monthsContinue reading “A Fatal Error”

The Health of the Colony – the Convict Era

The Convict Hospital When the Moreton Bay penal colony closed for business in 1842 and became a town, the official records dispersed, mainly to Sydney. Many were lost, some fetched up in unusual places, but a remarkable number of documents survived the ensuing 200 years. The records of the Moreton Bay Hospital have largely survivedContinue reading “The Health of the Colony – the Convict Era”

DIRECTIONS FOR RESTORING THE APPARENTLY DEAD.

In the course of researching coup de soleil, or sunstroke, in early Queensland, I came across this article in the Maryborough Chronicle. Not only does it have the most wonderful title, it gives a picture of first aid used in the 19th century. A good deal of what Dr Silvester directed is still part ofContinue reading “DIRECTIONS FOR RESTORING THE APPARENTLY DEAD.”

Hot Enough For You?

english settlers go out in the midday sun “Hot enough for you?” It’s one phrase guaranteed to further raise the temperature of anyone who ventures outdoors in Queensland between November and March. The temptation is to inform the questioner of your unvarnished opinion of their mental state, IQ, standard of personal hygiene, and the questionableContinue reading “Hot Enough For You?”