Gifts to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from Roy Dobbin and Edward Protheroe-Smith

Scope and Content

A collection of historical letters and papers (some reproductions) relating to people and institutions of importance to the history of obstetrics and gynaecology, including Sir Eliab Harvey, Edward Jenner, Joseph Lister, Dr Matthews Duncan, Florence Nightingale, and the British Gynaecological Society.

Administrative / Biographical History

Professor Roy Dobbin established a library of books and manuscripts relating to midwifery while in Cairo and while the majority of this collection ultimately went to the Royal College of Physicians, a proportion was beqeathed to the College following his death, together with ad hoc donations made during the latter part of his career.

Edward Protheroe-Smith was a descendant of Dr Protheroe Smith, the founder of the Hospital for Women in Soho Square (1842)

Access Information

Open to researchers by appointment, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. mailto: archives@rcog.org.uk

Acquisition Information

Donated by Professor Roy Dobbin and Mr Protheroe Smith between 1931 and 1946.

Archivist's Note

Catalogued by Penny Hutchins, Archivist

Conditions Governing Use

Out of copyright.

Reproductions are available at the discretion of the College Archivist.

Custodial History

Edward Protheroe-Smith presented a letter from Florence Nightingale to Dr Heyward Smith to the College in 1933; he also donated a number of books to the Library

Related Material

Related papers held at the RCOG may be found at the following references:

S3 Papers of Professor Roy Dobbin

RCOG/B6/3 Gifts to the College Library, 1937-1944

RCOG/B6/32 Handlist of books of the property of Roy Dobbin