The Gwen Wilson Archives, located at the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) headquarters in Naremburn, is dedicated to preserving the historical legacy left by Dr Gwenifer Catherine May Wilson (1916–1998), a distinguished anaesthetist and medical historian.
Dr Wilson’s passion for preserving medical history culminated in the publication of One Grand Chain: The History of Anaesthesia in Australia 1846–1962. Volume 1. Alongside this monumental work, Dr Wilson also prepared a history of the ASA, published in 1987 as Fifty Years: The Australian Society of Anaesthetists 1934–1984.
Recognised for her contributions, Dr Wilson was appointed honorary historian of the Faculty of Anaesthetists (1966–1992) and received financial assistance from the faculty after retiring from clinical work in 1981. This support enabled her to travel the world, lecturing and conducting research. Her achievements were further acknowledged through various awards and accolades, including life membership of the ASA (1976), the ASA’s Gilbert Brown award (1987), the medal of the Faculty of Anaesthetists (1988), and the Robert Orton medal (1990).
In 1994, Dr Wilson delivered the Herbert Moran memorial lecture in medical history for the RACS, and in the same year, the ASA named our archives in her honour. She submitted her bibliography and Fifty Years to the University of Sydney for the degree of Doctor of Medicine, which was awarded in 1995. Additionally, in 1995, the Wood Library–Museum of Anesthesiology of the American Society of Anesthesiologists named her its inaugural Laureate of the History of Anesthesia.
The archive includes newsletters, meeting minutes and membership details. It is open to researchers and other interested parties by supervised appointment. Note there are copyright restrictions on the reproduction of certain items contained in the archive. To make an appointment or learn more contact our curator.