I don't have any specific references - at least none that I can put my hand on - but Prof Tess Crammond (nee Brophy), an anesthetist I believe and now retired, referred to some interesting reports from a late 18th century woman's diary. I think from memory it was set in SA.

Sorry for the lack of clarity, but it might be worth looking for. Although I believe that most of Prof Crammond/Brophy's work would be in hard copy. If I find the reference I will post it.

When I spoke to Prof Brophy a few years ago, after contacting her via someone else, she was most helpful and informative.

Dear Lorraine,

this is exciting news. I am looking forward to your email with further details of Prof. Brophy.

Cheers,

Hans

If you saw the state of my desk, you might be in for a wait. She sent me a letter with it in, but that was a few years ago. I recall she was writing on mouth-to-mouth resuscitation being used by Aboriginal people - and she got this out of a woman's diary. We had a phone conversation and discussed similar topics but the stuff you are looking for was not in her paper. Perhaps you can search for some of Tess Brophy (or Crammond her married name) in libraries or older medical journals. She was very highly regarded in her day and was Australia's top anesthetist, I believe, so she would have some literature around. Her reference lists might be worth reading.

Oh the joys of Research.

It might also be worthwhile contacting IADA as someone in their organisation may be able to help.

Hi Hans

Your post reminded me of my great-grandmother who carried out or assisted with dozens of baby deliveries on missions in NSW. I have the copies of the early records that reference my great-grandmother extensively having primarily delivered or assisted the male doctor. She delivered my eldest Aunt who is now 78. Prof Marie Bashir, the current Governor General of NSW and Chancellor of University of Sydney, acknowledges Granny Lizzie was an inspiration to her entering medicine. No doubt many Aboriginal people would have midwifery in their family history. You may have some success finding records in this field.

I have two specific references to surgical procedures, both by Miklucho-Maclay:

- Bericht über Operationen australischer Eingeborener, Zeitschrift für Ethnologie Bd 14. 1882 (About ovariectomy)

- Über die Mika-Operation in Central-Australien, Zeitschrift für Ethnologie Bd 12. 1880.

The magazine can be found online.