To the Editor: I read with great interest Ellard’s article “The adventures of an alienist” in the Journal’s recent Christmas issue.1

Few have equalled or surpassed Ellard’s contribution to Australian psychiatry. However, as the only member of the College Committee still living, I must take issue with his statement, “In the 1960s, David Maddison created the College virtually single-handedly”. He was, of course, referring to the Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (the “Royal” prefix not granted until 1978).

In May 1962, Dr J D Russell, President of the Australian Association of Psychiatrists, moved at the Council meeting that “Council resolve to take the necessary action forthwith to convert the Association into a College”.

The Council appointed a College Committee, consisting of Dr Russell, as Chairman, with Professor David Maddison, Dr Ian Simpson and myself to plan the “necessary action”. At the Council’s annual general meeting in September 1962, members approved the formation of a College and its memorandum and articles of association, and, after legal approval, the College was officially incorporated on 28 October 1963.

David Maddison was able to attend only some of the many meetings of the College Committee, but he did make a major contribution to our deliberations. Nevertheless, it could hardly be said that he “created the College virtually single-handedly”.

In reply: I have no difficulty in accepting Peterson’s comment. My view of what happened at the genesis of the College arose from the fact that, at the time, Professor Maddison and I were close friends and had many conversations about academia and its institutions. This led me to greater awareness of his contribution and less of the contribution of others. I should have been more careful in reaching my opinion.