The History of Medicine Library holds a beautiful homeopathic chest that formally belonged to the influential colonial activist Mary Windeyer. Donated by Edward Ford, the chest is a beautifully crafted wooden case holding 46 corked bottles, some labelled with names of their contents.

Homeopathy was a system of alternative medicine that was developed in the late 18th century by German physician Samuel Hahnemann. While considered to be an unscientific method, homeopathy was popular in the upper and middle classes in Australia during the nineteenth century partly due to the fact there were very few doctors with formal medical qualifications practising in Australia at that time.

Mary Windeyer grew up in an era of significant societal change and would go on to be a central figure in the push for gender equality in colonial Australia. Married to barrister and judge, William Charles Windeyer, Mary used her social standing and connections to advance the rights and welfare of women and children. She recognised early on that systematic change required both advocacy and strategic action. Mary was a key figure in the formation of the Womanhood Suffrage League of New South Wales in 1891, one of the earliest organisations in Australia devoted to securing the vote for women, serving as its first president. She lead the charge with intellect and an unwavering commitment to equality, understanding the importance of building alliances across class and political divides to unite women to a common cause: the right to vote and the right to be heard.

Mary's activism extended far beyond the political. She was passionate about women's health, education and welfare and was a driving force behind the establishment of several important institutions. Mary helped to found the Crown St. Women's Hospital in 1893, which provided healthcare for women and children, particularly those from poor communities.

[Mary] "is almost as prominent in Sydney as Sir William himself. She fills a conspicuous place in all congresses and conferences which meet for the purpose of promoting the mental, social, and, above all, the political 'elevation' of women"

Mary Windeyer passed away in 1912, just a few years after women in Australia had gained the right to vote (federally in 1902, however the Commonwealth Franchise Act removed the right to vote in Federal elections from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). Though she did not live to see women achieve full political equality, her contributions laid the foundation for future generations of Australian women. Her daughter, Margaret Windeyer, carried on her legacy, becoming a suffrage advocate in her own right.

Mary Windeyer's homeopathic chest is currently on loan to Sydney University as part of its "Sydney in sickness and in health" exhibition. Curated by the Chair of the RACP's Library Collections and Cultural Heritage Committee, Honorary Associate Professor Cate Storey, this public exhibition is located on the second floor of the Fisher Library building at Sydney University and runs until June 2026.