logologo-optometry

(Biographical notes on) Bertram Nathan. 2004.

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Catalogue Number: 982
(Biographical notes on) Bertram Nathan. 2004.
Category: Papers
Sub-Category: Biographical notes, obituary
: NATHAN John
Year Of Publication/Manufacture: 2004
Time Period: 1940 to 1999
Place Of Publication/Manufacture: Melbourne
Description Of Item: Two A4 pages of typewritten notes being biographical notes for Bertram Nathan written by his son John Nathan and initialled by him on the second page. Attached is a covering letter A5 size dated 22/6/04 and signed 'John'. Also attached is: (1) an original letter on Australian College of Optometry letterhead dated 30 July 1949 signed by 8 Councillors of the College expressing appreciation of Bertram Nathan for his services as Councillor. (2) a letter on Australian College of Optometry letterhead dated 6 May 1958 signed by the Secretary of the College Meriel Wilmot expressing appreciation of Bertram Nathan for his 2nd term as a Councillor. (3) a copy of the obituary for Bertram Nathan published in Melbourne Legacy Bulletin 17/1/1978.
Historical Significance: Bertram Nathan was the first Chairman of the Optometrists Registration Board 1935. He played a very important role in establishing a four-year university level optometry course in 1940 and in the foundation of the Australian College of Optometry. He was a key figure in steering the new College through internal disputes that threatened its survival in its first years. See his profile in 'People who made history' on this web site. He was Treasurer of the Australian College of Optometry 1955-1956 and was instrumental in obtaining a grant from the Government of Victoria to enable the College to buy property in Cardigan Street Carlton on which it would build its own building. He was also the first person to persuade the Government of Victoria to make regular recurrent grants to the College that enabled it to appoint its first full time lecturer and later to make a building grant to the College in 1957. He studied optometry in London gaining the FIOO and the FSMC diplomas and returned to Australia on the end of World War 1. See also Cat Nos 10, 142, 143, 144, 387, 799, 890. 896. 914 - 916, 967, 1242. He was made an honorary life member fo the College in 1960. See Cat No 1647. Note there are other related papers in addition to those described above.
Date Acquired: 2004
Condition: Good
Location: Archive office. Pamphlet and ephemera filing cabinet. Drawer 2

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