biographies

Morrison, Reginald Herbert ( - 1941)

M.D. (Edin.)

Died
1941
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.


REGINALD HERBERT MORRISON
(1899 - 1925)

Reginald Herbert Morrison was a son of Dr. George Morrison, who founded Geelong College as a private school in 1861. It was there that "Reggie" Morrison, as he was universally known, was educated. Like many of his contemporaries, he studied medicine at Edinburgh University, graduating M.B. Ch.M. in 1888.

Returning to Melbourne about 1890, "Reggie" Morrison built up a large and successful general practice at Toorak. An interest in obstetrics and gynaecology soon became evident, and he joined the honorary staff of the Women’s Hospital in 1899. Over a long span of years he actively served this hospital, first as an obstetrician and later as a gynaecologist. In 1925, he was appointed an Honorary Gynaecological Surgeon.

In 1910 he relinquished general practice and, practising in Collins Street, confined himself solely to obstetrics and gynaecology. As senior surgeon to the Women’s Hospital, he succeeded Dr. Felix Meyer as lecturer in obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Melbourne, retiring from this appointment in 1926. He was recognised as a good lecturer.

Morrison was associated with the formation of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, of which he was a foundation Fellow, and was on the Victorian State Council of that College for several years.

Reginald Morrison was a member of a very distinguished family. His uncle was the famous Dr. Alexander Morrison, of Scotch College, Melbourne, and his brother, Dr. George Ernest, was "Chinese" or "Peking" Morrison, adviser to the Chinese Government at the time of the Boxer Rebellion, and an outstanding authority on that Country.

As a young man, "Reggie" Morrison was a magnificent athlete, excelling at cricket, football, swimming and as a middle-distance runner. He played senior football for the Geelong Club for two years and, whilst at Edinburgh, played international rugby for Scotland during three seasons.

He was an active member of the Melbourne Club, of which at one time he had the distinction of being president, and was also a member of the Rotary Club for a number of years. He was widely recognised as a very skilled exponent of the game of bridge.

Reginald Morrison had three sons of whom he was very proud. Though to be rather severe at times, beneath this exterior was a very kindly nature. He died in 1941

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: 27 November 2006