Perusing a volume from within the Richard Bailey Library one sometimes discovers more than the published text. Many of the volumes contain inscriptions or autographs and some have inserted associated letters, reviews or articles.
Our library is a specialty collection of over 3,000 publications covering the history of anaesthesia and offers a unique opportunity for research specifically related to the profession in Australia.
Our collection has a variety of books, from early textbooks to rare volumes such as an original copy of John Snow’s monograph On the Inhalation of Ether, to more recent international journals. It also holds instructional manuals and manufacturer’s brochures. To search our collection visit our eHive account.
A highlight of the library is a rare collection of 300 books on Mesmerism (hypnotism), including the first translation of Anton Mesmer’s Memoire sur la decouverte du Magnetisme Animal, 1779.
For more information please download the Museum Flyer.
The Library has been granted deductible gift recipient status by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). By receiving this endorsement from the ATO it means that any cash donations to the Library are now tax deductible.
This also means that if you are donating a book to the Library it may also qualify as a tax-deductible donation. For more information regarding donating an item or making a cash donation please contact the ASA’s Curator, Librarian and Archivist 1800 806 654.
Explore our collection online
Visit our eHive site to search and explore our collection.
Contact Us
Opening Hours: Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm by appointment
Location: Level 7, 121 Walker Street, North Sydney NSW 2060
Ph: 02 8556 9700 / 1800 806 654
Admission is free