Original 'proof' postcard design for Bonnington's Irish Moss - circa 1929

In about 1891, Bonnington & Co introduced their Irish Moss preparation to the Australian market, opening a factory in Harris Street, Sydney. It was advertised as containing nothing injurious and ‘there is not the least danger in giving it to children‘..Bonnington guaranteed that one dose was an effective cure for any cough. It’s sweet odour and taste was responsible for making it one of the most popular medicines of its day. However, the taste had probably more to do with the secret ingredients – opium and morphine – which provided a pleasant after taste and effect!.Bonnington’s Irish Moss or “Pectoral oxymel of Carrageen” made George Bonnington an extremely wealthy man. An entrepreneur from a young age, he was still living with his family in Richmond near Nelson, New Zealand when he concocted the clear, dark brown syrupy cough mixture of vinegar and an extract of seaweed, – carrageen – sweetened with honey..Full history of Bonnington's here: lostchristchurch.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/bonningtons-che... ( https://lostchristchurch.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/bonningtons-chemist/ )