There was a great fear of snakes in colonial society. So much so, that Lady Franklin (who had a snake phobia) paid one shilling for every snake killed. Several people claimed to have discovered an antidote for snakebites because, if proven, a lot of money could be made. Charles Underwood’s antidote could be purchased for ten shillings a bottle. It was claimed to be efficacious to treat the bites of ‘Snakes, other Venomous Reptiles and Insects’.
Underwood was a showman who set up public events to prove that his cure worked. At these events, he got his snakes to bite rabbits, dogs and cats. To some, he applied his antidote, while the others went without – some in both groups survived, some died. (This result was because snakes sometimes inject very little venom in the act of biting – even if there are fang punctures.)
He never revealed the recipe, and his directions for use were:

“Apply the liquid to the part bitten, by a quill or any other method, and one application is quite sufficient for a perfect cure.”

In 1860, Underwood met his match in the snake-charming line. Joseph Shires – a Launceston man – also claimed to have an antidote. At their meeting, Underwood denounced Shires as an impostor, produced a snake and offered £10 if Shires would let the snake bite him. Both agreed to partake in the test, and to try their own antidote on themselves. Shires - accepting the challenge - was bitten on the finger. He applied his antidote and suffered no ill effect. Underwood was less brave (or more sensible), and declined. Soon after, he left Tasmania and it is reported that he died several years later in Melbourne – from snakebite!