Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/490

 464 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Dr. Melville Richard Hindmarsh Jay, iVl.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. IX the Midland Counties of Elngland, where a distinct Saxon character prevails, the hereditary principle holds more firmly than in localities where a less conservative spirit is found. The same social status, often the same profession or occupation, is handed on from father to son. The Jay family, which has been so prominent in South Australian medical circles, is of Suffolk origin, and the general characteristic mentioned has in its members individual exemplification. Two sons of the late Dr. Jay, who for nearly half a century practised as a surgeon and physician in South Australia, followed in the footsteps of their father ; and of one of them. Dr. Melville Richard Hindmarsh Jay this article treats. Dr. Melville Jay was born at Willunga on February 16, 1866. After some preliminary instruction, he was sent to St. Peter's College, where he studied for a number of years. He showed great proficiency when a lad, taking every scholarship and prize available ; and for three years was senior boy at the school. Having completed his education in general subjects, he commenced the study of medicine in the Adelaide Hospital, where his brother. Dr. VV'illiam PLugene Jay, was then Senior House Surgeon. After some time spent in that institution, he went to PLngland, and entered St. Thomas's Hospital, London, an establishment at which (when it was conducted conjointly with Guy's Hospital) his father had studied before him. Five years' experience here sufficed to pass Dr. Jay through his medical course, and he then qualified as a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons and Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians, London. He had contemplated adding a University degree to these qualifications ; but his father's death about this time caused him to alter his plans. Accordingly he commenced the practice of his profession in the South- West of London, where he labored arduously for a period of 18 months. He found that the duties attached to a practice in the great metropolis demanded too much of his energy and strength, and he returned to South Australia in 1880. Immediately on arrival he joined Dr. Wylde in his practice at North Adelaide. The partnership lasted three years, when Dr. Wylde, wishing to visit England, sold out to Dr. Jay. The abilities, integrity, and courtesy of the young physician speedily gained him repute and popularity, with the result that a substantial and lucrative practice has undergone considerable expansion in his hands. Dr. Jay was for many years a member of the honorary staff of surgeons attached to the Adelaide Hospital ; but in consequence of the disputes between the Board and the Government which arose some time since, he has severed his connection with the institution. He also held the post of Honorary Surgeon to the Convalescent Hospital, at the Semaphore, and was for a considerable time a prominent member of the South Australian Branch of the British Medical Association. Dr. Jay has not sought public honors, but amid the wide circle of his acquaintance he enjoys a high re})utation as a skilful surgeon and an honorable gentlemen.