Sir James William Barrett, (27 February 1862
– 6 April 1945) was an Australian
ophthalmologist
Ophthalmology ( ) is a surgery, surgical subspecialty within medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
An ophthalmologist is a physician who undergoes subspecialty training in medical and surgical eye care. Followin ...
and academic administrator.
Born in
South Melbourne, Victoria
South Melbourne is an inner suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3 km south of Melbourne's Central Business District, located within the City of Port Phillip local government area. South Melbourne recorded a population of 11,548 at t ...
, Australia,
he was educated at the
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1853, it is Australia's second oldest university and the oldest in Victoria. Its main campus is located in Parkville, an inner suburb nor ...
and
King's College London
King's College London (informally King's or KCL) is a public research university located in London, England. King's was established by royal charter in 1829 under the patronage of King George IV and the Duke of Wellington. In 1836, King's ...
. He served as Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1853, it is Australia's second oldest university and the oldest in Victoria. Its main campus is located in Parkville, an inner suburb nor ...
from 1931 to 1934, and then as Chancellor from 1935 to 1939. He was President of the
British Medical Association
The British Medical Association (BMA) is a registered trade union for doctors in the United Kingdom. The association does not regulate or certify doctors, a responsibility which lies with the General Medical Council. The association's headquar ...
from 1935 to 1936, and the inaugural president of the Victorian Town Planning and Parks Association, now the
Town and Country Planning Association. He was a notable supporter of Jewish refugee migration to Australia by persons fleeing Nazism.
[ Rubinstein, Hilary L., 'Sir James Barrett (1862–1945): Australian philosemite', ''Australian Jewish Historical Society Journal'', 12:1, Nov 1993, pp.91–100.]
Bibliography
* ''The Australian medical corps in Egypt'' (1918)
* ''The twin ideals: An educated Commonwealth'' (1918)
* ''The war work of the Y.M.C.A. In Egypt'' (1919)
* ''A vision of the possible'' (1919)
* ''The diary of an Australian soldier'' (1921)
* ''Save Australia'' (1925)
References
1862 births
1945 deaths
University of Melbourne alumni
Alumni of King's College London
Australian Army officers
Australian military personnel of World War I
Vice-Chancellors of the University of Melbourne
Australian Knights Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Australian Companions of the Order of the Bath
Australian Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George
Presidents of the British Medical Association
People from South Melbourne
Medical doctors from Melbourne
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