Richard Thomas Tracy (1826-1874)
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Dr. Richard Thomas Tracy
(1826-1874) Richard Thomas Tracy M.D. physician, was born on
19 September 1826 at Limerick to a Protestant professional family, son of
Thomas Tracy, gentleman, and his wife Elizabeth,
née Coglan. At sixteen he determined to be a doctor and not enter the Church
as his mother had hoped. In preparation, he worked for a time as a wardsman
and dresser in the County Limerick Infirmary. He began his medical studies in
1845 in the Dublin School of Medicine and in 1848 graduated licentiate of the
Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland. In December he was appointed to the
Cholera Hospital, Glasgow, and in May 1849 took by examination the M.D.,
Glasgow, with honours. In 1849 he received a cheque for £10 from F. Kashings(?) Toone of Ballincor for his services to the Poor of Lorha, Tipperary. The
cheque was sent to Ballyduff (Dingle, Kerry?). He practised briefly in King's
County, Ireland, and at Reading, Berkshire, England, but becoming uncertain
of his future, he decided to migrate and South Australia was chosen on the
toss of a coin. On 29 April 1851 he married his cousin Fanny Louisa Sibthorpe
(Marriage Registration: Richard Thomas Tracy, Limerick, 1851 Vol.6 p.610) and on 16 May they left
England in the Ballangeich, to which he was surgeon. They reached
Melbourne on 20 August 1851 and soon sailed for Adelaide. Tracy began practice in North
Adelaide and befriended a schoolteacher James Bonwick. On news of the discovery of gold in Victoria,
they formed a small party and left for Melbourne in February 1852. They first
went to Forest Creek (Castlemaine) and then to Bendigo and had some success.
Quickly tiring of the life, Tracy went back to
Adelaide in June but soon returned to Melbourne with his wife and infant
daughter; until 1864 he practised in Fitzroy, becoming its first health officer,
a magistrate, and a trustee of St Mark's Church of England. Moving to Collins
Street East, he became assistant surgeon to the East Melbourne Corps of
Artillery, Victorian Volunteer Force, with the relative rank of lieutenant,
captain in 1867. An original and active member of the Victorian
Medical Association, Tracy later joined the rival
Medico Chirurgical Society of Victoria, and helped to unite these two bodies
as the Medical Society of Victoria, of which he was president in 1860. He was
one of the original committee that first published in 1856 the Australian
Medical Journal. He was rapidly successful in his practice and with John Maund was medical co-founder in 1856 of the Melbourne
Lying-in Hospital and Infirmary for Diseases of Women and Children (later the
Royal Women's Hospital), to which he was appointed honorary physician for
life. His work was more and more directed to obstetrics and gynaecology, and
he became one of the outstanding figures in these specialities in Australia
in the nineteenth century. He was admitted to the University of Melbourne
(M.D. ad eund., 1857) and in 1864 was appointed first lecturer in
obstetric medicine and diseases of women and children at the university, at a
salary of £100 with fees. He performed the first successful ovariotomy in
Victoria in 1864 and quickly established an international reputation as a
pioneer gynaecological surgeon. In 1871 he was elected an honorary fellow of
the Obstetrical Society of London, a very great distinction, and two years
later became a fellow of the Medico-Chirurgical Society of London. He visited
Britain in 1873 and spent much time in London with the eminent surgeon Thomas
Spencer Wells, whom he greatly admired. Tracy's health, however, was
deteriorating and returning to Melbourne in April 1874 he died on 7 November
from an abdominal malignancy. He was survived by his wife and six of his
seven daughters. He left an estate valued for probate at £24,000, including a
valuable collection of books on medical and general subjects which was
auctioned soon after his death. A marble bust of Tracy
by Charles Summers is at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. Ref: Forster
FM (1965) A case of ovariotomy
instruments sent by Thomas Spencer Wells to Richard Thomas Tracy. J Obstet Gynaecol Br
Commonw. 1965 Oct;72(5):810-5. Forster FMC (1964) ‘Richard Thomas Tracy and his part in the history of ovariotomy’, Australian
and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 4 (1964), no 3. Forster,
Frank MC. Dr. Richard Thomas Tracy.
Old Limerick Journal, No. 23 Spring 1988 – Australian edition [online] McCalman,
Janet, Sex and Suffering: Women's Health and a Women's Hospital. The Royal
Women's Hospital, Melbourne 1856-1996, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne,
1998. McCalman,
Janet (1999) Sex and Suffering:
Women's Health and a Women's Hospital. Johns Hopkins University Press.Pearn JH. Dr Richard Thomas
Tracy MD, LRCS 1826 Sayers CE (1956) The Women's Melbourne Tracy RT (1865) Inaugural Lecture of
the Course on Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children. Melbourne: [Publisher
unknown], 1865. http://www.thewomenshistory.org.au/history/guides/general/TRACY.htm http://www.thewomenshistory.org.au/history/guides/general/hdms.htm0242.htm http://www.thewomenshistory.org.au/history/guides/general/0242.htm |
Image source: Sex and Suffering:
Women's Health and a Women's Hospital p 5 Richard
Thomas Tracy; M.D. Member 1857, PIV, Brunswick Street, Collingwood, Vic,
Australia
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Thomas Tracy (b.c. 1786-1848) m.
Elizabeth Coghlan (b.c. 1799 – 1866) 14 September 1813 Saint Michael Limerick
(LDS)
1. Thomas Tracy, (bootmaker, 13 Patrick-street) and Eliza
Coghlan/Coglan
1.1 John Coghlan
Tracy, born 1822, TCD M 1846. B.A. Vern. 1849.
26 January 1852 Cork Examiner
... John C. Tracy, Esq., of Limerick, to Lucile
Marie Josephine Catharina, eldest daughter of Albert Courtois of St. Quentin,
Aisne, France.
17 May 1858 The Argus (Melbourne, Vic)
DEATHS. On the 16th February, at his residence
in London, the Rev. John Coghlan Tracy, B.A., Trinity College, Dublin,
Assistant Minister of Stockwell, Surrey, and only brother of Richard T. Tracy,
M.D., of this city.
Obituary:
John C., Tracy, Rev, London 17/02/1858 Ass. Minister of Stockwell Episcopal
Chapel, Surrey; son of late Thomas Tracy of Limerick City
1.2 Dr. Richard Thomas Tracy (b. 19 September 1826 d. 7 November 1874 Melbourne, Australia) m. Fanny Louisa Sibthorpe 29
April 1845
Richard Thomas Tracy (s. of
Thomas Tracy) m. Frances Louise Sibthorpe (d. of William Going Sibthorpe) 29
Apr 1851 St Michaels, Lim, Ire
1.2.1 Eva Tracy (d. 1903)
m. Henry St. Quintin (1846-1916)
Eva Helen Adelaide Tracy of Adelaide m. Henry
William St Quintin of Cambridge 1870
1.2.2 Blanche Mary Tracy
(1859-1943) m. Charles D'Ebro (1850-1920)
1.2.3 – 1.2.7
http://www.geni.com/family-tree/index/6000000008008137489
Thomasina
Felicia Tracy, Patrick Street 08/01/1842 aged 5, of scarletina, dau of Thomas
Tracy
Frances Maria Tracy m. Leslie Acheson
20 January 1846 Limerick Saint Michael (LDS) [see above]
Frances
Maria Tracy, of full age, spinster, lives Patrick Street, (s. of Thomas Tracy, boot maker) married Leslie
Acheson, of full age, widower, woolen draper, lives Georges Street, (s. of
Robert Acheson, Presbyterian clergyman) 20 January 1846 St. Michael Church of
Ireland Wit: W. Cochane & James Newson [Limerick Limerick PLU]
Richard
Thomas Tracy (s. of Thomas Tracy) m. Frances Louise Sibthorpe (d. of William Going
Sibthorpe) 29 Apr 1851 St Michaels, Lim, Ire [see above]
Richard
Thomas Tracy, of full age, bachelor, Doctor of Medicine, lives Georges Street, (s.
of Thomas Tracy, boot maker) married
Frances Louise Sibthorpe, of full age, spinster, lives Bank place, (d. of
William Going Sibthorpe, gentleman) 29 April 1851 St. Michael Church of Ireland
Wit: W. G. Sibthorpe & John Sibthorpe [Limerick Limerick PLU]
6 Aug 1836 Death
Frances Coghlan - Patrick
St...died at the house of her son-in-law, Thomas Tracy, widow of the late John Coghlan, dau of Thomas Lloyd of
Clover Hill, Limerick
1848 Thomas Tracy of 13 Patrick St Limerick, 24 February 1848, Prerogative Court will.
Char1/13/p153.
Obituary: Thomas Tracy,
Patrick Street 05/01/1848 aged 62
May 11, 1849
(BL) University of Glasgow
...took their degree of doctor of medicine with
honours...Richard T. Tracy...
27 January
1866 (NG) Death
January 23rd, at Dublin, in her 67th year, Elizabeth, relict
of the late Thomas Tracy, Esq, Limerick
Obituary: Elizabeth Tracy, Upper
Rutland Street, Dublin 25/01/1866 aged 66, widow of late Thomas Tracy,
Limerick, granddau of late Thomas Lloyd of Cloverville and Mt. Catherine,
Limerick; d. at res of dau, Mrs. Acheson
November 3, 1846 (FJ) Court of Chancery
...The following gentlemen
were admitted by the Benchers as students...John Coghlan Tracy, eldest son of Thomas Tracy, of the city of
Limerick, bootmaker.
Alumni Dublinenses: Trinity Dublin
John Coghlan Tracy, Pen. (P.T.), Oct 14, 1842, aged
20; s. of Thomas, Calceolarius; b. Limerick. B.A. Vern. 1849.
Kings Inns Admission Papers 1607-1867
John Coghlan Tracy, 1st s. of Thomas,
Limerick, bootmaker, and Eliza Coghlan; ed. TCD M 1846.
April 13, 1847 (FJ) Dublin Police
The
row at the Music Hall - Mr. Henry Watson, of 6 Lower Pembroke street,
attorney's apprentice; Mr. Henry Rice, of 7 Peter street, Medical Student; and
Mr. John Tracy, Student, 31 College; were charged with violent and disorderly
conduct at the Music Hall, on the night of last Saturday...A young gentleman
named Richardson...stating that he should have been taken into custody instead
of Mr. Tracy. He was quarrelling, and Tracy was endeavoring to get him away
when he was arrested...discharged Mr. Tracy.
September 27, 1852 (BL)
The
Bishop of Lincoln held an ordination in the Cathedral of his diocese, on Sunday
last, when the following were admitted into holy orders: - Deacon - John C. de
Tracy, B.A., T.C., Dublin...
17
May 1858 The Argus (Melbourne, Vic)
DEATHS. On the 16th February, at his residence
in London, the Rev. John Coghlan Tracy, B.A., Trinity College, Dublin,
Assistant Minister of Stockwell, Surrey, and only brother of Richard T. Tracy,
M.D., of this city.
May 11, 1849 (BL) University of Glasgow
Degrees...Doctors of
medicines...Richard T. Tracy...degree of medicine, with honours...Richard T.
Tracy...
1849 & 1850 Directory of Ireland
Thomas Tracy, Limerick, Licentiates (College of
Surgeons)
1851 Census England
John Coghlan Tracy,
Head, Unmarried, Male, 27, b. 1824 Ireland, B A Trin Coll Dublin Student Of Law
Lincolm Inn London And King's Irons Dublin Private Tutor, 109 Green End Little
Munden Ware Hertfordshire England
Richard T. Tracy, visitor,
Unmarried, 24 years, b. 1827 Ireland, Member of Royal College, Ireland, M.D.
Glasgow, No. 3 Old Buildings, London (Middlesex)
May 2, 1851 (FJ) Marriage
April 29, in Limerick,
Richard T. Tracy, Esq, M.D. to Fanny, eldest daughter of W.G. Sibthorpe, Esq,
of that city.
July 23, 1852 (FJ) Births
January 18, at Adelaide,
South Australia, the lady of Richard T. Tracy, Esq, M.D., late of Limerick, of
a daughter.
October 15, 1852 (FJ)
Dr. Tracey, late of this
city, is realizing a large fortune by his profession, in which he is
distinguished, at the headquarters of the diggings in Australia. - Limerick
Chronicle
July 16, 1855 (FJ) Births
At Melbourne, Australia, the
lady of Dr. Tracy, formerly of Limerick, of a daughter.
14 April 1857 The Argus
(Melbourne, Vic)
On the 3rd inst., at 139 Brunswick-street, the wife of Richard Thomas
Tracy, Esq., M.D., of a daughter.
13 February 1861 The Argus
(Melbourne, Vic.)
Richard Tracy, Esq., M.D., to be assistant-surgeon, with rank of
lieutenant, to the Collingwood Company.
17 July 1862 The Argus (Melbourne,
Vic)
Tracy -On the 10th Init., at 189 Brunswlck-street, Fitzroy, the wife of
Richard Thomas Tracy, Esq, M.D., of a daughter;
17 April 1863 The Argus
(Melbourne, Vic)
TRACY.-On the 15th inst., at 139 Brunswick-street, Fitzroy, after a few
hours' illness, Ada Maud, fifth daughter of Richard Thomas Tracy, M.D., aged
four
years and nine months.
25
April 1863 The Argus (Melbourne, Vic)
TRACY.-On the l0th inst,, at 130
Brunswick-street, -Fitzroy, after a few hour's Illness, Ada Maud, fifth
daughter of Richard Thomas Tracy, M D.
2 January 1871 The Argus
(Melbourne, Vic)
ST. QUINTÍN-TRACY -On the 16th ult., at St Petor'a Church, by the Rev.
H. H. P. Bondfield, assisted by the Bev. R. B Barlow, Henry William, third son
of Thomas St. Quintín, Esq., of Hatloy Park, Cambridgeshire, to Eva Helen
Adelaide, oldest daughter of Richard T. Tracy, Esq., M.D.
ST QUINTIN / WILSON
Henry William ST QUINTIN (b1846 d1916) born in Cambridgeshire UK came to
Melbourne, Australia approx 1868, and married Eva Helen Adelaide TRACY (twin
daughter of Dr. Richard Thomas TRACY) in Melbourne in 1870. They had four
children : Adelaide, Erroll, Charles and Edith, all born in Warrnambool. I seek
information on Charles Tracy ST QUINTIN (b.1873-d.1935), who married Mary
Millicent WILSON in Melbourne in 1900. I believe the ST QUINTIN family returned
to England, residing at different times in South Africa and Rhodesia as well as
England. Charles died in 1935 in South Africa, but at that time I believe he
was separated from Mary, and I also believe she did not reside in South Africa.
Mary died in Ballarat in 1949 aged 76. I seek descendants of Charles and Mary,
the only trace I have of Mary is a letter written by her solicitor in Ballarat
in 1935. Any information on Henry William's brother, John Edward ST QUINTIN
(b.1851-d.1907), who came to Australia at roughly the same time would be also
appreciated.
Contact: Mooneen Clarke - EMAIL: mclarke@inghams.com.au
Hello
everyone,
My gggrandfather
was Richard Thomas Tracy. He sailed to Australia as Surgeon in the
"Ballangeich" and arrived in Melbourne on 20th Aug 1851. He was born
in Limerick Ireland in 1826. He began his medical studies in 1845 in the Dublin
School of Medicine. He appears to have finished and graduated in Glasgow.
Also
I was looking for any other people with an interest in the Tracy name.
I think his parents were Thomas Tracy and Elizabeth Coghlan.
Rick
Whistler mail to :- rwhist...@enter.net.au Oct 7 1997
17 March 1871 Cork Examiner
... Richard T. Tracey, Esq.,
M.D.
November 1873-5 Army List
Artillery - East Melbourne
A. Surg. R.T. Tracy 24 Nov 63
1873
Dr. Tracy Of Melbourne
The
Australian Melbourne Journal contains an interesting account of a meeting of the
profession in Victoria to take farewell of Dr. Tracy of Melbourne, on the
occasion of a “twelve months” visit to the home country." Prior to
leaving, Dr. Tracy seems to have been loaded with marks of esteem and regard.
Besides receiving complimentary ad dresses, dinners, resolutions from various
quarters, he was presented with £6oo to be expended in plate, and with other
substantial testimonials. At the farewell dinner of the Medical Society, it was
mentioned that Dr. Tracy was the first to perform ovariotomy in Melbourne, and
has now performed the operation in twenty-two cases with only four deaths. Dr.
Tracy will be among the visitors at the forthcoming meeting of the Association
in London.
The British
Medical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 656 (Jul. 26, 1873), p. 89
1874 The Medical Register
Richard Thomas Tracy [Limerick]
190 Collins Street East, Melbourne, Australia
Lic. R. Coll. Surg. Irel. 1848
M.D. Univ. Glasg. 1849.
10 November 1874 The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide,
SA)
TRACY.—On the 7th November, at his residence, 190, Collin’s street,
Melbourne, R. T. Tracy, Esq., M.D., aged 48 years.
9 November 1874 The Argus
(Melbourne, Vic)
DEATH OF DR. TRACY.
Dr. Tracy died on Saturday night, at his
residence, 190 Collins-street east, exactly seven months after his return from
Europe. Though his decrease has been known to be imminent ever since he
arrived, and' although the period of its occurrence has been pro- longed far
beyond the time that his exceedingly weak state then seemed to indicate, his
death will occasion a universal feeling of regret throughout the whole of the
Austral-asian colonies. We are sure, therefore, that the subjoined biographical
notice of him will be generally acceptable.
Richard Thomas Tracy was born on the 19th
September, 1826, in the city of Limerick Ireland, and, with an only brother,
received an education for entrance to the University of Dublin. As several
members of his mother's family were clergymen of the Church of England, it was
desired that her sons should qualify themselves for this sacred calling, but at
I6 years of age, the subject of this notice had made up his mind to adopt the
medical profession, and his love for it never after abated,
After a year's preliminary education of a very
practical kind at the County Limerick Infirmary (a beginning which was of much
benefit to him in his after career), he went in 1845 to reside with his
brother, in Trinity College, Dublin, and then entered upon a full course of
medical and surgical lectures, hospital attendance, &c.. During each of the
three succeeding Summer seasons or vacations, he volunteered for active work
under the board of health, attending the famine fever which was then desolating
Ireland, and at Celbridge, in the county of Dublin, almost succumbed to an
attack of that disease caught from a patient.
In 1848 be passed his examination, and received
the diploma of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, and immediately
afterwards visited Paris, where he saw a great deal of surgical work during
that eventful year. In December of the same year, he went to Glasgow, with the
intention of taking out a medical degree. There he became acquainted with the
now venerable Dr.. Andrew Buchanan, profea8or of tho Institutes of Medicine in
the Glasgow University, and through his influence obtained the responsible
appointment of resident Surgeon to the Cholera Hospital of that city,
containing 700 beds. For four months ho never quitted this hospital, and at the
close of the epidemic, he received the thanks of the authorities, as well as a
substantial pecuniary bonus.
In May, 1849, he took his degree of Doctor of
Medicine in the Glasgow University, and returned to Ireland, and after a short
rest, took charge of a dispensary in King's County, but unable to content
himself with that limited sphere of action, ho followed his brother, who was
then residing as law student in Lincoln. Inn, London. His next movement was the
taking charge of the practice of Mr. Hooper, of Reading, Berkshire, of the old
firm of Harris, Morris, and Hooper, of. that town, Mr. Hooper having been
ordered to give up practice for a year. At the termination of this engagement,
he received a nomination for an assistant-surgeoncy in the army, but, after due
consideration, he decided to give it up, and have it transferred to a friend,
his principal reason for this decision being the reatrictions against marriage
for some years, of the existence of which ho was not previously aware. (He was
at this time engaged to be married). Negotiations for a share of a practice in
London were nearly completed, when, through the kindness of an old
city-solicitor (a friend of Dr. Tracy's brother), it was discovered that the
affair was a swindle, and he was a little perplexed as to his future course of
action. Letters had been received from some relatives of his intended wife, at
Adelaide, stating that there was an excellent opening for practice there, and
communications had also been received from relatives of his own in Canada, so
that his attention was necessarily drawn to the subject of emigration. His
ultimate decision was very quickly made one evening early in April, 1851. A
number of his brother's friends were present, and it was humorously suggested
that by the primitive method of tossing a coin, they should decide whether bo
was lo go to Australia or to Canada. Australia won, and Dr. Tracy never had
reason to regret the result. That same night he wrote to his intended wife,
asking if she had the courage to face the antipodes with him. The answer, as
may be supposed, was in the affirmative, and ho at once proceeded to Ireland,
and was married in Limerick on the 29th April, 1851, to Miss Sibthorpe, eldest
daughter of W. G. Sibthorpe, Esq., still of that city. The newly-married pair
proceeded immediately to London, and daily visited that first and greatest of
all national exhibitions, which was then open in Hyde-park.
On the same evening when, as before related,
Dr. Tracy had decided to go to Australia, he was offered by Mr. Fry, of Fry and
Davidson, Fenchurch-street, who was at the time in Dr. Tracy's brother's rooms,
in Lincoln's Inn, the appointment of surgeon to a new ship called the
Ballangeich, then on the berth for Melbourne and Adelaide. In this ship Dr. and
Mrs. Tracy sailed on the l6th May, 1851, and arrived in Hobson. Bay early in August,
All the passengers, except one family and Dr. Tracy's wife and himself,
remained at Melbourne, where he was entertained by the passengers at a dinner
at the Royal, now the Criterion Hotel. At this time the news of the discovery
of gold at Turon, in New South Wales, had arrived in Melbourne, and everything
was in a very dull state, in consequence of the exodus, which had already
begun. After a few days they continued their voyage to Adelaide, meeting with
moat disastrous weather, and they were 26 days before reaching that port. On
arrival Dr. Tracy settled in North Adelaide, and met many kind friends, among
others, one whom he had known well previously in Dublin, the late Dr. Eades.
Towards the end of the year the news of the discovery of gold in Victoria
emptied Adelaide of nearly all its male inhabitants, and in the middle of
February, 1852, a few weeks after his eldest daughter was born, Dr. Tracy
started, in company with Mr. James Bonwick, the well known Australian author,
and two other gentlemen, to try his fortune on the gold- fields. Proceeding to
the Loddon diggings, and afterwards to Bendigo, Dr. Tracy first engaged in
gold-digging, and with very fair results ; but as soon as he could procure from
town the necessary appliances, he commenced practice, and continued in active
professional work until the end of June, when his health giving way, he left
the gold-fields and returned to Adelaide, whence, after a short rest, and after
selling off everything, ho carne again with his wife and child to Melbourne. It
was at that time a most difficult matter to procure any accommodation, except
in tents ; but, after much trouble, ho finally settled down to practice in
Brunswick-street, Fitzroy, commencing there on the lat of September, 1852.
In 1854, he built the well-known house in
Brunswick street, in which he resided until the end of 1864, when ho removed
into Collins-street to the house (No, 190) which he had just built.
During his residence in Fitzroy, Dr. Tracy took
a prominent part in all social movements, notwithstanding his active
professional duties. In the building of St. Mark’s Church, of which ho was
trustee for many subsequent years, he largely interested himself. He was also
the first health-officer of that district, and on two occasions ho received
handsome testimonials from the borough council in recognition of his services.
He also gave much of his time as a magistrate on the local bench, but he never
at any time meddled with politics or municipal affairs, his profession on
groB8ing his chief attention. He was early identified with the volunteer
movement, and received the commission of assistant Burgeon to the East
Melbourne Artillery corps on its formation. He was still surgeon of this corps
up to the time of his death.
In 1855, after many conversations with the late
Dr John Maund, he determined, in association with that gentleman, to start a
lying in hospital and infirmary for diseases peculiar to woman and children.
They were heartily supported in this movement by a number of ladies; and, as a
beginning, they rented the house, 41 Albert street, and earned on work there
until the present hospital was built in 1856. The establishment of this
hospital was in a great measure due to the exertions of many of Dr Tracy’s
personal friends, Mr. Richard Grice being one of the foremost in procuring
funds, sufficient to entitle the institution to Government support and to a
grant of land Of the great advantages derived by Dr Tracy from his connexion
with this hospital, there is no question He himself always gratefully
acknowledged them The opportunities it gave him for practice m a particular
branch of medicine, determined the special direction m which his abilities from
that time more distinctly showed themselves His natural energy, his clear
headedness, and his wonderful common sense, would always have given him a
leading place in the profession, but the circumstances which inclined him to
the subject of obstetrics as a specialty aided him also in reaching a position
of eminence not inferior to that of the most celebrated obstetric physicians m
the old country But if he derived great advantages from his association with
the Lying m Hospital, ho abundantly repaid the obligation in the diligent
attention ho gave to his duties He made for it its remark able success and
prestige, and he deserved all the renown it brought for him in return When,
therefore, the hospital was some years ago incorporated, the contributors only
paid him |his admitted duo by electing him physician for life.
Dr Tracy was also closely identified with the
establishment of the Medical Society and the Medical Journal. Of the former of
these he was president in 1860, and in his retiring address, read at the annual
meeting m January, 1861, ho said -
" Shortly after my coming to reside here
in l852 I was informed that a medical society was about being commenced One had
existed previously the principal object of which had been the circulation of
medical periodicals among its members The new Society was designated the Victorian
Medical Association, and soon numbered in its ranks a large proportion of the
medical men practising in Melbourne and its vicinity The affairs of this body
prospered for some time, and the nucleus of a library was formed. A few of the
members of the former society and others united, after the lapse of about three
years, and originated another society, which was formed the Medico- Chirurgical
Society of Victoria I bad been a member of the Medical Association from the
first, and, after watching the progress of the two societies for some time I in
conjunction with a few others, joined the Medico Chirurgical as well, and at
once we used our best efforts to bring about a union of the two This was after
a little time, accomplished and the pre sent Medical Society of Victoria was
the result."
It was with Dr Maund, too, that he was
associated m the early struggles of the Medical Journal, a publication which,
now in the nineteenth year of its existence, has always numbered him among its
steadiest friends and most valued contributors His papers on the subjects with
which his special experience furnished him, are all of the most practically
interesting kind, and they show not only how thoroughly he was master of his
ort, but how conscientiously ho kept pace with the progress of obstetric
surgery in the old country Nothing could be a more complete acknowledgement of
his eminence in this direction than the compliment paid him m 1871 by the
Obstetrical Society of London, who elected him an honorary fellow of their
body. This is a distinction but rarely conferred, the list of British honorary
fellows amounting to nine only. When the Medical School of the University was
formed Dr Tracy was appointed lecturer and examiner m obstetrics and diseases
of women and children, the duties of which office he continued to perform until
the commencement of his long illness "When the Medical Benevolent
Association was proposed to be started, nine years ago, he entered warmly into
the project, and was one of its most active supporters and advocates, some of
the pleasantest meetings of the committee being held at his house About three
years ago his health began steadily to fail. The symptoms were for a long time
exceedingly obscure. He lost flesh, he had a constant pain in the right side, his
appetite was impaired and he suffered from sleeplessness his robust typically
healthy look forsook him, and it was manifest that his disorder was a serious
one He nevertheless refused to refer these unfavourable changes to any cause
other than overwork, and there seemed no good reason to doubt that this was the
explanation He had been labouring constantly for 23 years at his profession,
taking very little rest and giving himself very short holidays The necessity of
a long period of leisure was apparent, and his many friends, therefore, urged
upon him the desirability of a visit to Europe. To this proposition, after some
hesitation, he finally consented, and he left in the mail steamer, on February
28 of last year As soon as his intention to go home was made known, a meeting
of his friends and patients was held, and the sum of £600 was subscribed, to be
expended by him during his visit, in the purchase of a suitable memorial
expressive of their regard and respect He was also entertained at a dinner
given by the Medical Society, and an address was presented to him on the
occasion. The Meridian Lodge of Freemasons too expressed their good opinion of
him at a banquet, and presented him with a valuable jewel in recognition of his
long connexion with the craft. In short his going away w as generally regarded
as a public event, and evidences of the high esteem in which he was held were
to be found on all sides. But the hopes so generally enter tamed that his visit
to Europe might result in his restoration to health were, unhappily, ill
founded. For a while the change of scene and the relinquishment of professional
anxieties seemed to revive him, but the malady from which he was suffering was
too surely fatal to be either cured or much relieved, and this view was taken
by the many eminent members of the profession whom he consulted, so that when
ho re turned to Melbourne last April, it was clear that his days were numbered.
For seven months ho has lingered, slowly but surely wasting. For some time past
lie has been kept almost constantly under the influence of morphia yet his
sufferings have frequently been of the severest kind, and he has been unable to
take nourishment save in the simplest and blandest form. His mind, however, has
been unclouded all the time Ile has shown a keen interest in all the events
that have occupied public attention, and he has taken a calm and dispassionate
view of his approaching end. He has arranged all his affairs down to the
smallest particulars and only about a week ago, he wrote with his own hand the
following directions about his funeral -
"Memo.
"Directions for my Funeral
"I wish any public notice of my funeral to
contain merely the date, hour, and destination. I desire that no refreshments
of any kind shall be provided for those who attend my funeral, nor any
distribution of scarfs, gloves, or other such emblems of mourning The hearse to
be perfectly plain, no plumes or glass sides, and drawn by two horses No
attendants with feathers or plumes As many plain mourning coaches as are necessary
to convey the pall bearers and chief mourners, as no other carnages are allowed
to accompany the hearse within the gates of the cemetery I will give the names
of the eight pall bearers. The chief mourners will be those of my sons in law
who may be in Melbourne, and their immediate relatives.”
These arrangements he had decided upon before
the present movement commenced relative to reform in funerals-another of the
many evidences which might be quoted of the habitual common sense view ho took
of whatever concerned him. On Saturday noon, after being lifted out of bed for
a little change of position, ho said, "I feel very weak," He soon
after became insensible, and died at half-past 9 in the evening.
The idea of such a man as Dr. Tracy may be accounted a public loss,
for though not a public man, either in apolitical or municipal sense, he was so
well known and so thoroughly respected, both by the medical profession and the
public, that he was looked up to as a social institution. He had won his
success in the most legitimate way. He was both a scientific and a practical
physician, and perhaps no one over more completely inspired confidence in those
who consulted him. He was impulsive and quick- tempered, but full to
overflowing of kindness and genuine warm-heartedness. He was singularly prompt
in emergencies, but equally remarkable for the qualities of patience and
endurance when these were required. He was a fast and true friend, and
generous, liberal, and open-banded in the extreme. And though his long and painful
illness may have anticipated by its shadow the darkness which now rests upon
him, he will not be forgotten while rare ability, manliness, and honourable
dealing, continuo to be the attributes of those who most worthily practise the
godlike art of healing. Dr. Tracy leaves a widow and six daughters-three of
whom are married - and three grandchildren. He left special instructions that a
post mortem examination should be made, so as to make clear the disease from
which he died. This was performed yesterday afternoon by Dr. Motherwell and
Neild, Dr. Martin and Mr. James being also present. An enormous cancerous mass
was found in the abdomen, involving a considerable portion of the small
intestine. It was of necessity absolutely incurable, and no opera ion of any
kind could have been of service.
The funeral will take place at 3 o'clock
to-morrow.
19 November 1874 The Argus
(Melbourne, Vic)
THE LATE DR. TRACY.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir,-It will be remembered that in February, 1873, just prior to Dr. Tracy's
departure for Europe, a number of his friends presented him with an address and
a sum of 600 guineas, to be applied by him to the purchase of some permanent
memorial of their esteem.
Dr. Tracy selected a set of three silver epergnes, and a silver tea and
coffee service. Ho also gave Mr. Summers, the sculptor, a commission to execute
a portrait bust in
marble.
A few weeks ago Dr. Tracy expressed a wish that after his death the bust
and plate should be deposited for a few days in some place where his friends
could see them, and where those who had contributed the cost could satisfy
themselves as to the fidelity with which lie had fulfilled their intentions.
In compliance with that wish, and with the kind consent of Messrs. Walsh
Brothers, jewellers, 53 Collins street east, the bust and plate may be seen
during the next few days at their place of business-not in the window.
-I am, &c., ROBERT WALLEN.
15 March 1882 The Argus
(Melbourne, Vic)
McDonald-Tracy-On the 8th inst, at Warrnam bool, by the Ven Archdeacon
Beamish, assisted by the Rev W Swliburn, Arthur Henry, son of Alexander
McDonald, of Sydney, to Adelaide Ethel, youngest daughter of the late R T Tracy, M D , of Melbourne
7 February 1891 The Argus
(Melbourne, Vic)
D'Enno-TRACY.-On the 2Sth ult., at Holy Trinity Church, Balaclava, by
the Rev. Dr. Torrance, assistcd by the Rev. F.1. Price, Charles A. D'Ebro to
Blanche Mary, daughter, of the late Richard T. Traoy, M.D.
26 February 1907 The Sydney
Morning Herald (NSW)
TRACY.-January 22, 1907, at Laugridge-road, Earls court, London, Fanny
Louisa Tracy, relict of Dr. Tracy, late of Melbourne, Victoria, aged 78,
beloved mother of Mrs. Cecil Griffiths.
1907
Australasian medical gazette
TRACY.— January 21st, at 63 Longridge-road, Earls' Court, London, Fanny
Louisa, widow of the late Richard T. Tracy, M.D.
George Wingfield Tracy [presume this is an error to think he was the brother
of Richard Thomas Tracy. see Honor
Lilbush Wingfield Tracy]
Sketcher and gold-digger, was
born in Ireland, a son of Thomas Tracy, gentleman, and Elizabeth, née Coghlan.
He presumably came to Adelaide with his brother, Dr Richard Thomas Tracy
(1826-74), and accompanied him when Richard formed a small party (including
James Bonwick) to travel to Victoria from Adelaide on news of the discovery of
gold. Castlemaine was the first field they prospected and George Wingfield's
only known art works are four small, naive paintings of the Castlemaine
goldfields: My Tent, 1852, Diamond Gully, 1853, McIvor, 1854
and Anderson's Creek, New Caledonia 1855 (Pioneers and Old Residents
Association, Castlemaine). Although Richard Tracy soon gave up the life of a
digger, George Wingfield obviously persisted for some time.
Drawings:
My Tent, 1852
Diamond Gully, 1853
McIvor, 1854
Anderson's Creek, New
Caledonia, 1855
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