(Material researched & presented by Barbara Armstrong)
(See also the article by Barbara Armstrong, “The Introduction of Homœopathy to Adelaide”, Similia, December 2006, Vol 18:2, the Journal of the Australian Homœopathic Association. Also “The Adelaide Homœopathic Dispensary”, Similia, June 2007, Vol 19:1)
E.S. Wigg's Domestic Homœopathy |
Reproduction courtesy of Barbara Armstrong |
Edgar Smith Wigg (1818–1899) arrived in South Australia in 1854 and was associated with the book and stationery business in Australia. It is reported that in 1858 he became involved in the sale of homœopathic medicines within his bookshop. The first edition of the Adelaide Almanack, Town and Country Directory to mention Wigg’s homœopathic activities was in 1864.
This side of Wigg’s business grew to the point where a separate shop was necessary. Wigg eventually established a dedicated homœopathic pharmacy and medical bookshop in Adelaide’s King William Street, and he also established a homœopathic pharmacy in Murray Street Perth.
Wigg imported and sold homœopathic texts, and printed small domestic first aid guides to accompany his sales of homœopathic pilules and tinctures. He also sold domestic medicine chests “fitted to any work that may be desired”. Veterinary medicine chests were also available.
Wigg was a “Member of the Homœopathic Pharmaceutic Association of Great Britain”.
In 1882-3 the pharmacy was renamed Wigg & Poole.
By 1892 Wigg & Co had opened a branch in Perth (see below).
Advertisement, Friday 5 June 1863 Süd Australische Zeitung |
Wigg eventually retired in 1892 and sold his homœopathic businesses to Charles Radcliffe, who had a shop next to Wigg’s in Rundle Street. Radcliffe subsequently joined up with Arthur Lindsay Tilly to form Radcliffe and Tilly. (Arthur Lindsey Tilly was born in England in 1869 and died in Perth in 1947.)
By 1895 Radcliffe & Tilly were advertising in the post office directory of Western Australia.
Radcliffe's Homœopathic Medicines |
Reproduction courtesy of Barbara Armstrong |
The pharmacy was the training ground for several other chemists, although at this time it is unknown to what extent they continued providing homœopathic medicines within their own establishments: (See also the Cyclopedia of South Australia.)