The University of Melbourne’s Rare East Asian collection holds an assortment of books that offer insights into the development of Chinese medical practices in Victoria. In 1994 the University received a gift from the family of Thomas Yip Ping Choy Chong (1877–1950), an Australian-born Chinese medical practitioner, comprising medical books, manuscripts, and prescriptions along with herb order receipts - together around 300 items. After studying in China, Chong returned to Australia and opened a clinic in Melbourne. His collection demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of two outwardly different knowledge systems, and how they can complement each other in active practice.
This display showcases just a few highlights from the Thomas Chong Collection, supplemented by instruments and records from the University of Melbourne’s Medical History Museum. Cross-cultural learning has the capacity to transcend national borders, and Dr Chong’s practice is a concrete demonstration of a beneficial dialogue not just between Eastern and Western medical practices, but also between tradition and innovation, science and art.
Curator: Dr Shiqiu Liu