Notable South Australians/Dr. Charles Gosse

2374880Notable South Australians — Dr. Charles GosseGeorge E. Loyau

Dr. Charles Gosse,

WHOSE death was the result of an accident, was a native of Adelaide. He was born here on Dec. 26, 1849, and educated at Mr. J. L. Young's school. Destined by his father for the medical profession, he was at an early age sent to England to pursue his studies at Clifton College, and after a preparatory course went to Moorfield Hospital, London, where he filled the position of Clinical Clerk and gained most of his medical experience. In 1870 he received the diploma of M.E.C.S., England, and then proceeded to Aberdeen, where, in 1872, he passed as Master of Surgery and took the degree of Bachelor of Medicine. In 1875 he took the full degree of Doctor of Medicine. During the whole of his time he paid special attention to diseases of the eye, and when he left England for his native land he bore the reputation of a skilful oculist. On arrival in the colony in January 1873, he became associated with his father in his practice, and on May 26, 1876, he was, on the resignation of Dr. W. Gosse, unanimously appointed Honorary Medical Officer of the Adelaide Hospital. In 1877 he was placed on the Board of Management, and in September 1881, it having been deemed advisable to place the ophthalmic cases under special treatment, he was appointed honorary ophthalmic surgeon for five years, which appointment he held till his death. He was also a member of the Medical Board in the latter part of 1884, but on the amended Hospitals Act being put into operation, he courteously retired in favor of Dr. Mayo. In October 1884, he opened the Gosse wing of the Home for Incurables—an institution in which he and his father both took deep interest. He was a prominent member of the Adelaide Literary Society, and did it good service by his lectures on various topics. The busy life he led, however, precluded him from taking an active part in public matters, though he had every inducement to do so. He was greatly attached to athletics, and well-known in the cricket field as a prominent player. Dr. Gosse was married to a daughter of the Hon. G. C. Hawker, M.P., and left one child, whom he was endeavoring to save when he met with the injuries which led to his death. He died July 1, 1885, aged 36, and it is inexpressibly sad that a life so full of promise, and which teemed with acts of kindness and skill, should have been thus briefly cut off. He will long live in the memory of men as one whom calumny could not touch, and who was prompted by a desire for the happiness of others.