"Dr" Robert Palk (1813 - 1890), a self proclaimed doctor, set up his practice in Coventry Street, Emerald Hill (South Melbourne). He was also a mineral surveyor and a municipal councillor for Emerald Hill. His Grandson Mr Charles Bland donated the cabinet to CMHS.This portable cabinet with writing board was used by "Dr" Palk, one of the first "Doctors" to practice medicine in Melbourne c1850 .A Japanese Meiji Parquetry Scholars box. Late 19th Century wooden portable cabinet with 3 sections that belonged to "Dr" Palk c1850. Two side cabinets that lock together by grooves on inner sides, and a flat writing board that sits on a shelf at the top of the inner sides. One of the cabinets has 4 drawers, one of which has a lock. The other cabinet has 1 drawer and a cupboard with a door lock No Keys are available, The cabinet is decorated on the outer surfaces by inlaid bamboo squares with metal decorative hinges and handles and at the corners on the door. bland c. melbourne, medical practitioners, palk dr, emerald hill, moorabbin, brighton, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, dairymen, farmers