Medical journals in Australia between 1856 and 1884 were wont to publish many references to forms of local anaesthesia, probably because this form of pain relief was of assistance to lone practitioners in isolated country towns. Some of these methods are described, as is the first use of cocaine by A. S. Gray and J. T. Rudall on January 19, 1885. As in journals elsewhere there followed a spate of articles reporting various aspects of cocaine and its usage, including an abortive attempt to find an alternative agent.
JordanT.F.The simple operation for uncomplicated congenital phymosis. Abstract, Med Times Gaz, Feb 2, 1856, Aust Med J 1856; 236.
2.
SimpsonJ.A few observations on carbonic acid gas as a local anaesthetic in uterine diseases. Extracts from Med and Scientific Lit. Aust Med J1857; 68.
3.
Blakiston (Eng). Treatment of sciatica with endermic application of morphia. Abstract, Med Times Gaz Jan, 1855, Aust Med J 1857; 71.
4.
Rodolfi (Brescia). Electrical anaesthesia. Abstract, Med Times Gaz1864, Med Surg Rev Australas 1865; 2: 82.
5.
Lassing.Electro magnetism for surgical operations. Abstract, Am Med Times, 1862. Med Surg Rev Australas 1865; 2: 83.
6.
ChisholmE.Local anaesthesia. Correspondence, Aust Med J1866; 222.
7.
Rudall JamesT.Obstruction of the oesophagus — gastrotomy, Aust Med J1867; 161.
8.
MilfordF.Case of popliteal aneurysm — ligature of the femoral artery — secondary haemorrhage — ligature of the external iliac artery — mortification of leg — amputation of lower third of thigh. NSW Med Gaz1871; 1: 116.
9.
MacGregorD.Recently vaunted remedies tested in hospital practice. Abstract, Edin Med J1869, Aust Med Gaz 1870; 65.
10.
Vidal (Paris). A method of hastening the anaesthetic action of the ether spray. Abstract, Rev Med1884, Australas Med Gaz 1884; 214.
11.
Editorial.On Coca. Melb Med Rec1876; 126.
12.
Haig. Presidential Address, Annual Meeting of Medical Society of Victoria Jan 14, 1885. Aust Med J1885; 14.
13.
GrayA.S.The use of muriate of cocaine. Correspondence, Aust Med J (NS)1885; 91.
14.
GrayA.S.Cocaine. Correspondence, Aust Med J (NS)1885; 142.
15.
HopeJ.W.Cocaine. Correspondence, Australas Med Gaz1885; 285.
16.
HoffA.Meeting of NSW Branch of BMA Aug 7, 1885, Paper and Discussion. Cocaine in surgery of the larynx, Australas Med Gaz1885; 296: 306.
17.
CollingwoodD.(Leading Article), On cocaine, the alkaloid of erythroxylon coca, Australas Med Gaz1885; 149.
18.
WoodW.E.R.An overdose of cocaine. Australas Med Gaz1886; 276.
19.
FinlayW.A case of cocaine poisoning. Australas Med Gaz1888; 249.
20.
RudallJ.T. Presidential Address, Meeting of Victorian Branch of BMA July 22, 1885. Review of Changes and Developments in Medicine 1884-85. Aust Med J (NS)1885; 354.
21.
Willmott (Victoria). Cocaine in a case of vaginismus. Aust Med J (NS)1885; 440.
22.
CorningJ.L.Local anaesthetisation by cocaine. Abstract, NY Med J Jan 2, 1886. Aust Med J (NS)1886; 181.
23.
ReidJ.A new Australian local anaesthetic, Australas Med Gaz1886; 1.
24.
AstlesH.E.Coca and cocaine in the treatment of neuralgia. Aust Med J1886; 494.
25.
BlochO.Special Meeting of NSW Branch of BMA, Sydney Hospital May 10, 1895. Demonstration of local anaesthesia by infiltration. Australas Med Gaz1895; 245.
