The Untold Legacy of Edward and Donald Both: Australian Innovators

In the annals of Australian innovation, the contributions of Edward and Donald Both remain largely unrecognized, despite their pivotal roles in the development of numerous technologies that have saved lives and transformed industries. Hailing from Caltowie in South Australia, the brothers made significant strides in medical technology, electric vehicles, and wartime machinery, yet their names are seldom mentioned in the broader narrative of Australian invention.

The Both brothers, born in the early 20th century, were driven by necessity and a spirit of innovation. During World War II, Edward 'Ted' Both developed technologies that improved military communication and medical treatments, including devices that transmitted diagrams over phone lines and created portable blood transfusion units. According to Dr. Kellie Branson, a curator at the SA Health Museum, "Their genius came from their ability to work in tandem," highlighting how their complementary skill sets allowed them to excel in various fields (Branson, SA Health Museum, 2025).

Among their many accomplishments, the brothers created an electric bread delivery van and electric scooters during the post-war period when petrol was scarce. A patent for Edward’s electric van design was filed in the late 1940s, showcasing their commitment to innovation in transportation during a time of rationing (IP Australia, 1947).

Healthcare was perhaps their most impactful area of innovation. In response to the polio epidemic of the 1930s, Edward developed a wooden iron lung, a cost-effective alternative to existing models that saved countless lives. As Dr. Branson notes, "The wooden lung was a twentieth of the cost of commercial iron lungs and helped many during the polio crisis" (Branson, SA Health Museum, 2025). This invention, along with others such as their portable electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, showcased their ability to merge functionality with design. Their ECG machines were aesthetically pleasing, which Dr. John Weste, a librarian at the South Australia Parliament, points out as being instrumental in patient comfort during medical procedures (Weste, SA Parliament Library, 2025).

Despite these significant contributions, the Both brothers faded into obscurity after selling their company to Drug Houses of Australia in the 1960s. They continued to innovate in retirement, but their names have not remained in the public consciousness. According to Kaylene Kranz, a relative of the brothers, "No one’s heard of them, and that’s the great tragedy of it" (Kranz, 2025).

The brothers' legacy raises important questions about how society remembers its innovators. In South Australia, where they made their mark, there is a growing call for greater recognition of local inventors. Kranz advocates for incorporating their story into school curriculums to inspire future generations (Kranz, 2025).

In summary, Edward and Donald Both's contributions to technology and healthcare are a testament to the spirit of innovation. As Australia continues to celebrate its inventors, it is crucial to remember those like the Both brothers whose inventions have significantly impacted society but have been overlooked in historical narratives. Their story is not just one of invention; it is a reminder of the importance of recognizing contributions that have shaped our world, even when they come from unexpected places.