Burnett descendent, Janet Hyde, the grand-daughter of Florence Burnett has kindly donated a much used medical guide presented on the fly cover to one H.C. Burnett, Buderim Mountain 1874.It’s fragile state means that we must guard this treasure carefully and keep it safe for the future.
Keeping loved ones alive was often the responsibility of wives and mothers using books such as these at a time when Doctors were rare in the early days of outback Australia. The much thumbed book reflects the trials and tribulations of yesteryear and lists various lotions and potions available at the time.
It covers treatment and care of diseases such as scurvy, typhus, diphtheria, hooping cough, croop and some rather horrendous skin diseases that plagued our first settlers.
Most conditions of the time were blamed partly on the condition of the bowels. Cold water baths were not recommended, a rather severe bunion treatment gives instructions as to how to sever the big toe, and I was personally disturbed to discover that treatment back then for an easy managed condition involved a daily dose of arsenic!
Six drops a day taken with a wine glass of water. Gulp!
Correct head wear was suggested, thick hair (buns) on the nape of the neck and exposed foreheads was a female fashion not approved of and a slip of cotton around the neck which cooled the skin was recommended despite it’s supposed unfashionable appearance.
Head lice were just as prevalent as today. A home-made ointment of sulphur and hogs lard was smeared on the hair and washed off the next morning and the eggs or nits could be killed off with a splosh of brandy.
Drunken lice, it was promised, were then easy to remove.
There were pages of information about colds and flue with warnings that fragile delicate types must not go from cold to warm circumstances or stay in wet clothes or boots. The book further advises weak types to avoid early evening walks at sunset because of the tropical dew although sea bathing was considered a treatment and walking suggested.
Readers were reminded that a regular bath, so often overlooked, was good for one’s comfort and wellbeing.
Sleep taken before midnight was already known.
Constipation was soon fixed with a healthy dose of Epsom Salts, and Gout gets a whole page of instructions.
Dyspeptics (stomach sufferers) were warned to avoid fruit after the evening meal and that marmalade and jellies were most objectionable and would cause flatulence. Tea gets a big tick of approval for its beneficial influence on the muscular and nervous system and its suitability for all classes of society.
Coffee however would impede digestion, heat the body, and should be avoided as a modern fashion. Furthermore, the book states, Port is preferable to ale, moselle is best for daily use but sherry could cause feverishness.
The prominent symptoms of fever often caught when bound for Australia by sailing ship were giddiness or slight headache, with quick but not full pulse, nausea, loss of appetite and depression of spirits during the day. Followed by chilliness in the evening, then heat and restlessness, terminating in perspiration towards morning. An emetic was recommended followed by 10 grains of nitre in hot toast water then cold toast water and a dose of quinine twice daily. The descriptions alone give cause for concern.
The depression of the spirits?
Epsom salts seemed to fix most things and a daily does of Castor Oil was mandatory
Opium was a medical option as was arsenic (see above). Chalk was used for dysentery and if a mother could not suckle her babe, mares milk was recommended.
The chapters on birth and poisons were detailed and suitably eyebrow raising. .
The first settlers on Buderim mountain had much to contend with . . . including staying alive and surviving the various medical potions and lotions. We have to salute them – their hardiness and ability to look after their own is admirable.
Anne Burnett who lived with her husband J.K Burnett in Pioneer Cottage from 1880, successfully reared eight children was just one of those practical women who offered both comfort and support to one and all.
Her midwifery skills were often utilised in the small mountain community.
She probably relied on a medical guide such as this to keep the villagers well.
Story supplied by Olivia Nelson
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