From Snake Oil to Science: the development and labelling of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pain

A Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History Online Exhibition

About the Museum

The Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History is located at the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) in Melbourne, Australia.

Founded in 1935 by Dr Geoffrey Kaye (1903 – 1986), the museum chronicles the history of anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive anaesthetic history collections.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest news and events, and subscribe to our blog – Pins & Needles – for more in-depth features. You can also access the museum’s online exhibitions and collection.

Images

Unless otherwise specified, images used throughout the Snake Oil online exhibition are from the collection of the Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History. Contact the Museum if you wish to use the images in any way.

The following images from the Wellcome Images collection are used in design elements of the site under a CC by 4.0 licence.

L0057102 Mahogany medicine chest, England, 1801-1900 Credit: Science Museum, London. Wellcome Images.

L0058868 Materia medica chest, Netherlands, 1750-1850. Credit: Science Museum, London. Wellcome Images.

L0048302 Apothecary shop. Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images.

L0029860 Pharmacological laboratory, WPRL. Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images.

About ANZCA

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) is the professional organisation for around 5000 specialist anaesthetists (Fellows) and 2000 anaesthetists in training (trainees).

One of Australasia’s largest specialist medical colleges, ANZCA, along with its Faculty of Pain Medicine, is responsible for the training, examination and specialist accreditation of anaesthetists and pain medicine specialists and for the standards of clinical practice in Australia and New Zealand. The College also plays a significant role in the advancement of anaesthesia in south-east Asia and South Pacific island countries.

ANZCA is governed by the ANZCA Council and employs specialist staff to help achieve its goals.

The College has a proud history in Australia and New Zealand. Learn about ANZCA’s history and hear the stories of some of the people who have contributed to our College and our specialty.

Contact ANZCA