First aid kit, Paris, France, 1901-1910

This first aid kit contains a number of ampoules filled with liquid. Each coloured glass corresponds to a different liquid so they were easy to identify in an emergency. The blue glass contains caffeine, which was believed to relieve pain. The white glass contains ether, a popular anaesthetic. ‘Ergotine’ in the yellow ampoule was used to control heavy bleeding. The camphorated oil was used to help soothe bruises, aches and pains. All the liquids were to be given by injection. Unfortunately the syringe is missing, along with the purple ampoule of cocaine used as a local anaesthetic. maker: Unknown maker Place made: Paris, Ville de Paris, Île-de-France, France