1872
Roald Amundsen born July 16
Medicine chest
The medicine chest from 1914 is still full.
It was made for Roald Amundsen’s planned expedition across the Arctic Ocean in 1914, but was not taken when the Maud left after several postponements four years later.
Included among the chest’s contents are remedies for use against seasickness, gonorrhea, frostbite, sleep problems and coughing. The drugs were manufactured and prepared by pharmacist Wilhelm Wang, doctor Alexander Severin Arnfinsen and ophthalmologist Birger Lykke.
The chest comprises three lockable compartments. The lid contains ointments for frostbite, haemorrhoids and other wounds. In the main compartment are 83 sealed tins with different contents. The drawer contains bandages, instruments and other equipment to be used in case of illness and injury. Although many polar expeditions had experienced diseases and accidents, Amundsen never had his own doctor on his expeditions; instead he prepared some of the crew by having them learn skills like tooth extraction, treatment of fractures and care of wounds.
In the drawer is Wang’s pocket pharmacy. Photo: Follo Museum, MiA
The contents are still intact. Photo: Follo Museum, MiA
Descriptions of treatment of various ailments. Photo: Follo Museum, MiA
Descriptions of treatment of various ailments and contents list. Photo: Follo Museum, MiA
The medicine chest in Augmented reality (AR)
Scan the QR code with a mobile device.
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