Includes bibliographical references. / 2 v. ; / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Primarily a study of the reasons for the rise, after 1840, of the medical profession in South Australia. The principal argument is that the basic power and influence of the medical practitioner derived from statute. Of almost equal importance was the organised profession's adoption of, and association with, science and technology. / Thesis (M.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Public Health, 1998