310 C L I N I C A L R A D I O L O G Y

OBITUARY

EDGAR JOHN ROUSE, C.B.E.

When the history of British and Commonwealth Radiology comes to be written a place of honour will be found for those outside the science whose vision and generosity contributed so much to its development. No one is more deserving of such recognition than Edgar Rouse whose death, in Melbourne at the age of 80 on 24 December 1974, is art occasion of sadness, particularly to the Royal Australasian College of Radiologists and to this Royal College.

Returning to his native Australia from World War I, he joined his father in Kodak (Australia) of which he became Chairman in 1938. He retired after 40 years' service in 1961.

His professional contacts with many radiologists bred a number of enduring friendships. His affec- tions, however, were not confined to the personal and before long, from his position as Melbourne Manager of Kodak, he was instrumental in direct- ing benefactions into radiology mainly to enable younger men to enter the discipline and to travel overseas in the furtherance of their experience and in search of higher qualifications. In 1948 the Thomas Baker (Kodak), Alice Baker and Eleanor Shaw Benefaction, which we know as the Baker Travelling Scholarship, was granted at his inspira-

fion as trustee to the College of Radiologists of Australasia. From the start it was art outstandingly generous benefaction the fruits of which were not restricted to the annual recipient. Many friendships were forged by this means and a particularly happy liaison was established between British radiologists and their confr6res in Australia and New Zealand. These bonds were further strengthened when he made it financially possible for the College to invite outstanding international radiologists as Baker Professors and to contribute to the financing of the F.F.R. examinations in the Antipodes. His generosity was also extended to the radiographers in the foundation and development of their Institute in Australia.

Edgar Rouse gave outstanding service to the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, mainly as Chairman of that hospital's Baker Medical Research Institute and was held in great respect by the whole medical profession who honoured him through Compli- mentary Membership of the (former) British Medical Association, Australasian Branch.

The Chair of Radiology in the University of Melbourne was partly the result of his inspiration, drive and generosity supplemented by other public subventions and it is appropriately named after him.

T.L.