Historical information

This journal has been used by the Warrnambool doctor, Irving Buzzard to record his surgical operations and procedures from 1931 to 1944. Dr Irving Buzzard (1897-1981) was one of Warrnambool's best-known doctors, especially in the field of gynaecology and obstetrics. He came to Warrnambool in 1929 with his practice at Cambourne in Raglan Parade. He left Warrnambool in 1964. Whilst in Warrnambool he was active in medical associations and local community affairs. The Irving Buzzard Midwifery prize is awarded annually by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian branch).

Significance

This journal is of considerable significance as it gives an insight into the work of a general medical practitioner in Warrnambool in the first half of the 20th century (For instance, the journal records that in 1931 Dr Buzzard carried out 38 major operations and 132 minor procedures.)

Physical description

This is a ledger of 193 pages with a hardboard black cover and the remains of brown leather binding on the spine and cover corners. The cover is partly detached from the pages. The pages contain printed red lines and handwritten entries in black ink. Pages 1 to 72 are missing and there are many blank pages.