Page 3 - Pharmacy History 31 Mar 2007

Victorian College of Pharmacy – 125 years of history
By Janette Bomford Reviewed by Geoff Miller
Written in a clear and precise style this new book is a valuable record of the growth of pharmacy education in Victoria.
For those who attended the Victorian College of Pharmacy, it will bring back plenty of memories, whether they were from the days when students were apprenticed and learnt the art and mystery at the master’s knee or those who studied for a higher postgraduate degree in an allied branch of pharmacy.
To a non-graduate of the College, the story running through this history is of great interest because the progress of pharmacy education in Australia has very much followed
the Victorian model. Many of the innovations introduced
in Victoria such as close ties with a University, involvement of senior staff in community pharmacy, research links to international institutions and so on, were tried and tested at the Victorian College of Pharmacy.
One of the highlights of the story to this reviewer was
the development of the Victorian College of Pharmacy partnership with Monash University.
The story reads like a board room drama from the world of commerce as the nuptials with the University of Melbourne had all but been consummated, when along came another player who was able to forge an agreement which had so many mutual benefits for both parties.
This is a book of record, which of necessity is not always scintillating reading when trying to keep track of all the buildings and properties that were in a constant state of flux coping with the education demands of the Victorian College of Pharmacy.
It is a worthy companion to the other histories that
have been written about pharmacy in the States and the Commonwealth of Australia, as it focuses on the education and training of those who chose pharmacy as their career. It brings to life the foundry and is a tribute to those who laboured within its walls to keep the illustrious furnace burning brightly.
The book is structured to follow the story of the College against the backdrop of national and world events, but it also underscores the quality of the staff and the students who passed through its doors. The reputation of an institution like the Victorian College of Pharmacy is measured by the graduates it produces and the research it sponsors. There are also the intangibles such as the morale and sense of place which touches the whole of the College community and contributes to its success.
It is this reputation that has attracted many students over
the years who have come from overseas and interstate to enrol in the courses the College offers.
Is it any wonder that the level of support given by past students to the further development of their old school when the call went out for financial assistance at critical times in the life of the College.
Industry too was never far away at these times as it was recognised that their viability also needed pharmacy schools that are clearly at the cutting edge of academic teaching research and leadership.
Not only does this book encapsulate the story of the Victorian College of Pharmacy, it also records for posterity such valuable reference material as the lists of senior and teaching staff, the gold medallists, the awards available to students, an honour roll from two world wars, an inventory of the art collection as well as colour plates of the Sissons Mural which dominates the Cossar assembly hall at the College.
The book is also well indexed and includes a comprehensive bibliography.
volume 3 ■ no 31 ■ MARCH 2007
Pharmacy History Australia ■ 3