Confirmation of the composition in complex mixed pharmaceuticals by micro-synchrotron infrared spectroscopy during the investigation of a medical sea chest, c1850

Abstract

A large medical sea chest was investigated to identify the composition of the various medicines contained within. During the investigation, the complex history of the chest was also revealed, from its likely use on migrant ships travelling from England to Australia to its later use on various rural properties in Victoria and New South Wales. Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF) were used in combination to investigate 21 medicines in the chest, to confirm labelled contents and to identify unknown substances and the composition of mixed medicines. Synchrotron micro-infrared analysis was used as well to identify individual particles in two complex mixtures (Dragons Blood and Dover’s Powder), revealing the medicines’ original formulas and the use of adulterants to extend expensive substances. Both toxic and controlled substances were identified within the sea chest, enabling the museum to develop detailed storage and handling plans to reduce the risks to collection users and to conform with legislative requirements.