WA Pharmacy History Extract - Perth's first chemist

Extract from ‘A History of Pharmacy in Western Australia’ by Alan McWhinney

In an age when pharmaceutical training was somewhat sketchy, it is interesting to note that the proprietor of Perth’s first pharmacy tendered documentary evidence that he had been ‘regularly articled and acquired his knowledge in the drug business in one of the first establishments in Portsea’.

George Shenton was born at Winchester, England on 2nd January 1811 - four years before the Battle of Waterloo. His period of apprenticeship to a pious Wesleyan druggist strongly influenced his character as was evident throughout his life. His decision to migrate was no doubt assisted by letters from his cousin William Shenton, who had come to the Swan River Colony in the year of it’s foundation, 1829.

In January 1833, George Shenton arrived in the Colony in the ship ”CYGNET”. He was not a robust man and sought health and fortune in the new land. It is on record that he found both, though he was fortunate to escape an early death.

To read more about George Shenton or the History of Pharmacy in Western Australia please contact general@pswa.org.au to make arrangements to view Alan McWhinney’s book.

Interestingly, the suburb of Shenton Park is named after George Shenton’s eldest son, Sir George Shenton who carried on his fathers commercial interests and was elected to the State Legislature.