A recent acquisition to the History of Medicine Library's artefact collection is the microscope of an early pioneer of colonial medicine in New South Wales.

Dr. Walter Sigismund Brown used the microscope in his studies and practice at Brislington, George St. Parramatta. His father, Walter Brown had also practised there from 1857-1888, as well as being Superintendent to the Parramatta Hospital for the Insane and the Parramatta gaol. The younger Brown took over his fathers practice on his return from graduating MRCS LSA in 1888 at Guy's Hospital in London. They were both dedicated general practitioners, earning affection and respect within their community.

The son of 'Sig' Brown, Keith Macarthur Brown, was the third generation medical practitioner of his family in Parramatta - no wonder he also had a passionate interest in the history of medicine. He lectured in medical history at Sydney University and wrote the book Medical practice in old Parramatta : an historical review of village doctoring in the colony of New South Wales detailing his family's contributions, amongst others, to the Parramatta community, which went well beyond the medical scene.

The microscope was made by Henry Crouch and is numbered 8009. Scratched into the top of case is 'W. S. Brown, Guys Hospital'.

It is believed that the microscope went to Victoria in the 1960's, via Bryan Gandevia, FRACP. Gandevia, who had just relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to Chair the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Prince Henry/Prince of Wales Hospitals, perhaps received the microscope from Keith Macarthur Brown’s estate. Knowing the collection at the AMA (Vic. Branch), curated by well-known historian Ann Tovell, would be better able to look after it, the microscope was sent south. Gandevia eventually became Chair of RACP's History of Medicine Library Committee where he championed the collection, saving it from disbandment on more than one occasion.

However, the Library and Medical Museum at the AMA (Vic. Branch) did not survive and Dr. Richard Travers, FRACP, the Honorary Librarian at the time, worked with the Branch Council to decide the fate of the collection. It seemed fitting to Dr. Travers that the 'Brown microscope' return to New South Wales and he presented it to the Dean of the College, A/Prof Kudzai Kanhutu at RACP's Melbourne office in January.