McCallum, Norman Elliott White (1915 - 1976)

Summary

Norman McCallum was an expert on blood alcohol determinations. His studies were responsible for the introduction of the Breathalyzer into Australia.

Details

Born Corora, New South Wales, 1915. Died 19 November 1976. Educated University of Melbourne (BSc 1946, MSc in pharmacology 1949, Ph D 1955). Patrol car driver, Victoria Police 1937-46, chemist, Scientific Section and adviser to the Department on scientific matters 1947-49, studied forensic science, laboratory of New Scotland Yard 1950, seconded to the Department of Crown Law, Victoria as toxicologist 1951-52, lecturer in chemical pathology, University of Melbourne 1952-66, studied modern forensic science methods, Harvard School of Legal Medicine 1956, established a laboratory at the University of Melbourne devoted to forensic science, laboratory combined with the Scientific Section at Police Headquarters under the directorship of McCallum 1958-65, laboratories transferred to premises at Spring Street and named after him in recognition of his invaluable service to the Police Department 1965, resigned as Director 1966, reader in chemical pathology, University of Melbourne 1967-76. Widmark Award presented posthumously by the International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety 1977.

Published resources

Book Sections

• Brown, Gavin, 'McCallum, Norman Elliott White (1915-1976), Forensic Scientist' in Australian dictionary of biography, volume 15: 1940 - 1980 Kem-Pie, John Ritchie, ed. (Melbourne: Melbourne University Press, 2000), p. 163. http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A150200b.htm. Details

Journal Articles

• 'Obituary: Norman Elliott White McCallum', Pathology, 9 (3) (1977), 271-272. Details

Resources

• Wikidata, http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q24227284. Details
• 'McCallum, Norman Elliott White (1915-1976)', Trove, National Library of Australia, 2009, https://nla.gov.au/nla.party-1470954. Details