Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/534

 5o8 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY nr. a. s. Paterson the fourth High School dux to achieve this distinction in so niany consecutive years. The following year he entered on the study of medicine. In his twenty-third year he was made a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, and in his twenty-fourth year took the M.D. degree Equipped with these qualifications, the youthful medico found no difficulty in securing a position as surgeon under the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, serving in that capacity on various steamers to the east of Suez for a period of about five years. Probably this apprenticeship in roving created a taste for adventure in the young .surgeons mind, for in 1863 he was attracted to X'ictoria, where, after spending some months on the Ovens Goldfiekls, he accepted an appointment as Resident Medical Officer at the Varra Bend Hospital for the Insane, which was then under the superintendency of Dr. Paley, a nephew of the celebrated Archdeacon. During his four years' occupancy of this position. Dr. Paterson established an Australian reputation ; and in 1867 was offered, and he accepted, a similar post in connection with the Adelaide institution. After a short time, the appointment was supplemented by the Colonial Surgeonship, a post which implies the medical charge of the Adelaide Gaol and superintendence of country hospitals. These positions Dr. Pater-son filled with credit for nearly 30 years, and it was only in consequence of failing- health that he resigned them in 1895, after spending six; months on leave in England, a holiday due to him in accordance with the precedent established in the .South Australian Government service. Dr. Paterson's time has been entirely devoted to his multifarious duties, and to the study and practice of his .special branch of medical science, so that in general public affairs his voice has not been heard. He has, however, exhibited considerable interest in matters connected with the University and the Medical Board, having occupied the position of President of the latter body for a number of years. He was awarded the ad eundcm degree in connection with the medical schools of the Melbourne and Adelaide Universities, and was a member of the Council of the latter for several years. Dr. Paterson has also been a member of the Central Board of Health for nearly 20 years. His views on the important branch of medical .science which has formed his special study, have never appeared in print ; but as a practitioner, his experience and skill command respect and admiration throughout Australia. Since his return from England, Dr. Paterson has resumed private practice. Mr. John Felix Martin MR. JOHN EELIX MARTIN was born in Cornwall in 1846, and came to South Australia 39 years ago with his father, Mr. Felix Martin. Almost immediately he engaged with his uncle, the late Hon. J. Martin, in his foundry at Gawler, subsequendy becoming manager of the business. Since his hand has been at the helm, he has influenced the business largely. Its interests have been his interests, and he has given to it the whole of his time and thought. He has, therefore, not found time to take part in public movements, but a few years ago he was gazetted a Justice of the Peace. With the control of an immense concern, Mr. Martin must be considered as one of the leading and most able of the business men of South Australia,