The Bayer company was founded by Friedrich Bayer and Johann Weskott in 1863. The initial business of the company was the production and sale of synthetic dye stuffs. Between 1881 and 1913 Bayer developed into a chemical company with international operations, this period also saw the establishment of a scientific laboratory and the launch of Aspirin in 1899. The company suffered setbacks through loss of export markets during both the First and Second World Wars, but through mergers and cooperation with other German manufacturers, the name and the business of Bayer continued to exist and eventually grow.

This little booklet provides some insight into medical practice in the 1940s. Produced in 1943 in Australia by Bayer Pharma Pty Ltd, it is both a pocket diary and an index of a number of drugs available to doctors in Australia. Like many gifts from pharmaceutical companies to doctors, it promotes the company's products while serving a useful purpose. The introduction of the diary mentions how the company thought twice about production due to the paper shortage bought on by the war, that is, the Second World War (1939-1945). Part of the booklet is a 'Doctor's Yearbook 1944 July to December' and this has been inscribed by an unknown doctor with lists patients seen for each day.

According to information printed in the booklet itself, it was produced by Bayer Pharma Pty Ltd in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia in 1943.

The doctor who used this diary is unknown.

Diary, 'Medical diary and therapeutic index 1944', paper / leather, made by Bayer Pharma Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1943

Small pocket diary with a soft cover made from black leather. The front half of the diary contains information on medications, blood groupings, treatment of various ailments and an obstetric table. The back half is a slip-in soft cover booklet 'Doctor's Yearbook 1944 July to December'. This has been inscribed in black ink with lists of patients seen each day by an unknown doctor.

Made: Bayer Products Ltd; Sydney; 1943

Makers logo stamped on front cover.

2005/41/1

1943

150 mm

92 mm

12 mm