The Medical Journal of Australia — prospere, procede et regna

On July 4, exactly 90 years ago, The Medical Journal of Australia began its life “as the official organ of the British Medical Association in Australia”. Its purpose was clear — “to record the progress of scientific medicine, and to assist in rendering the practice of medicine in all its branches of the greatest benefit to the people of Australia”.1 In that first issue, the president of the Victorian branch of the British Medical Association warmly welcomed the Journal, noting that it symbolised “the intimate union of all the branches of the British Medical Association in Australia”, and that it would “continue every week to indicate and advocate the common aims, interests, and ideals of the profession”. He closed by wishing that the Journal prospere, procede et regna2 — “proceed prosperously and reign”!