Francis John Drake

Francis John Drake, MA MB BS (Melb) (12 December 1860 - 17 December 1929) was resident medical superintendent, Launceston Hospital. In 1860, Drake was born at St. Kilda, Melbourne. On 28 April 1879, he began work as a messenger at the Melbourne Public Library with an annual salary of £50. He attended Scotch College from 1875 to 1880. In 1886, he graduated with a BA degree, and in 1887 received the MA degree from Melbourne. In 1888, Drake completed the MB from the University of Melbourne Medical School.[1]

In 1896, the Statistics of the State of Tasmania listed Drake as holding 2 appointments. He was surgeon superintendent at Launceston General Hospital with an annual salary of £400 that included quarters, rations, and fuel. The appointment began on 1 January 1890. Concurrently, Drake held the position as medical officer at the Contagious Diseases Hospital at Launceston.[2]

In 1896, Drake and Dr. John Ramsay participated in the first demonstration of X-rays by Frank Styant Browne at Launceston Hospital.[3][4]

The February 1898 issue of the Australasian Medical Gazette listed the resignation of Drake from the Launceston Hospital as surgeon-superintendent.[5]

The burial of Drake, who died on 17 December 1929, took place at Box Hill Cemetery. Drake was a specialist in the treatment of tuberculosis. He was surgical superintendent at Launceston General Hospital since 1921. His son was Dr. F.L. Drake of Tasmania.[1]