William Chamberlin
(1900- )
While the University of Melbourne is celebrating its sesquicentenary,
it is pleasing to be able to celebrate the life and professional career
of an alumnus who has lived through two-thirds of its history.
William Chamberlin came comparatively late to the profession which he
was to practise with distinction until the age of 80, and his progress
towards it was not easy. After leaving school in 1917 and working for
several years in accountancy, he began Veterinary Science studies at
Melbourne University in 1924, succeeding despite not having taken the
appropriate science subjects at school. His final year was marked by
the closure of the Melbourne Veterinary School and Chamberlin was obliged
to transfer to Sydney University for tuition before sitting his final
examinations in Melbourne.
Chamberlin was awarded the Caroline Kay Scholarship in Veterinary Anatomy
and researched the haematology of sheep and cattle. He worked in three
States, moving in 1931 to Glenfield, NSW, after gaining his MVSc. In
1933 he began working as a veterinary pathologist and with CSIR (the
forerunner of the CSIRO) in Launceston where he established laboratory
test facilities for brucellosis. His accreditation and eradication campaign
was so successful that within three years, 85 local herds had been declared
free of the disease.
Chamberlin was also instrumental in combating hydatids in Tasmania,
using the press and radio to raise awareness of the parasite and the
need to avoid infection in farm dogs. He was an active member of the
Australian Veterinary Association, serving as Treasurer of the Victorian
Branch and Secretary in Tasmania and re-establishing the Veterinary
Association of Tasmania which had become defunct.
A celebratory luncheon in University House was held in November 2000
to mark Dr Chamberlin's 100th birthday.
