biographies

Downie, Thomas Taylor (1861 - 1939)

M.B., Ch.M. (Glas.)

Born
6 June 1861
Glasgow, Scotland
Died
24 September 1939
Occupation
Gynaecologist, Medical Practitioner and Obstetrician

Details

Transcription of item written by Dr Colin Macdonald and published in "The Book of Remembrance", The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, 1956.


DR. THOMAS TAYLOR DOWNIE
(1896 - 1910)

Dr. Downie was a Scot, born in Glasgow on June 6th, 1861. On completing his schooling, he joined his father’s dyeing business in Glasgow before commencing a medical course at Glasgow University, from which he graduated M.B., Ch.M., in 1887.

In the following year he came our to Australia on a visit to a brother, and deciding to settle here, he set up practice in Queen’s Parade, Clifton Hill, in 1888.

In 1894 he married Miss Katie Smith, of Murphy Street, South Yarra, and there were two children, Janet Katherine Maude and Ewen Thomas Taylor.

He joined the Honorary Staff of the Women’s Hospital in 1896 and continued his work there until 1910. He earned a reputation as a conscientious and enthusiastic worker, always helpful and readily available for consultation.

He was appointed Honorary Consulting Physician after 15 years as Honorary Midwifery Surgeon.

Noteworthy was his design of a modification of the obstetric forceps (The Medical Annual 1908. P. 641), the characteristic of which was a handle placed at right angles to the shanks to provide easier traction.

In 1918 he retired from active practice and resided at 26 Queens Road, Melbourne.

Dr. Downie had an interest in military affairs; in 1900 he was appointed Lieutenant, Medical Staff, Victorian Scottish Regiment, 3rd Military District, and was promoted Captain in 1903, Hon. Major in 1910, and Substantive Major in 1912. He was transferred to the 54th Battalion in 1912, and appointed Area Medical Officer. On March 30th, 1921, he retired to unattached list with the rank of Hon. Lieutenant Colonel, V.D.

Scottish societies naturally had a strong appeal to Downie and he was one of the original eight founders of the Melbourne Scots in 1919. At the first meeting in 1920 he was elected one of the first three Vice Presidents, and held this office until 1925; elected President for the year 1925-26, and remained on the council until 1935. He was then again elected Vice President and retained this office until his death. He became a member of the Council of the Caledonian Society of Melbourne in 1903, was Vice President from 1909 until 1911 and President from 1911 to 1913.

Dr. Downie died on September 24th, 1939. His only son is Dr. Ewen Downie, M.D., F.R.C.P., Physician to the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne.

Archival/Heritage Resources

Royal Women's Hospital Archives

  • Book of Remembrance, 1956 - 1975; Royal Women's Hospital Archives [ Details... ].

Prepared by: Robyn Waymouth

Created: 1 August 2006, Last modified: 26 November 2006